It’s our summer tradition to have a fun day at the beach with Kacy and Caden’s birth families. We used to see their birth family more often when we lived closer, but now that we are farther away, we make it a point to go up there every summer. It’s one of our favorite traditions.
Some people wonder what it’s like to visit your child’s birth family…so I thought I’d share what it looks like for us.
This year our group consisted of the twelve of us: Kacy’s birth mom, Kacy’s birth grandma, Kacy’s birth uncle, Kacy & Caden’s birth dad (they have the same birth father), Caden’s birth mom, Caden’s three-year-old half-sister, and the six of us. In years past, we’ve had more.
When we arrive at the beach, we are greeted with hugs and everyone is amazed at how much the kids have grown. Keelie is now taller than Kacy’s birth mom! How does this happen so fast?
We bring all the food and a portable grill. As Wade and I are cooking up the burgers, brats, and hot dogs, Grandma Cindy (Kacy’s birth grandma) spoils the kids with goodie bags. The bags are filled with special snacks, treats, coloring books, pencils, and markers. The awesome part is that she does this for all the kids, not just Kacy. Everyone is inclusive like that.
After we eat, the kids scatter to either the beach, the playground, or the splash pad. The adults follow and everyone keeps their eyes (and often cameras) on the kids. The kids love having extra attention to show off their skills.
It’s just like any other family reunion that we’d attend because that’s we are…a family.
I’m so thankful to be part of such an awesome open adoption family. ❤️❤️❤️
Stories I Tell 