Reunion of sisters

The biggest flaw I have personally witnessed in the foster care system from my point of view is the huge lack of stability.  This may not mean what you expect.  So many kids are tossed to multiple homes a year.  And even kids who stay in the same home many months or even a year, once they leave that homecontact is basically completely cut at that point.  As a biological child within a foster home, this aspect was very difficult.  Even as an adult I swear it still effects me.  I have zero desire to make friends or let people into my little circle.  I have no desire to let someone in and then to be disappointed or loose contact, no need to make my adult self vulnerable like I was as a minor within a foster home.
I am exceptionally thankful for relationships I have via foster care siblings, but it was not easy getting to this point.  I have found almost all my foster siblings via facebook or myspace, which is certainly nice.... but doesn't make up for lost time and obviously the closeness once had within the household isn't the same via social networking, but we are certainly still family in my heart and mind!
Two years ago I found Julie!  After a very long search for years- after I had already found most my foster siblings, I found her--- with a FULL new name... no part of her name was the same.  She had been adopted, thus the first and mid and maiden name change and she was now married thus a 2nd last name.  She wasn't easy to find, but I was ecstatic!
Little Miss Julie Ann who I remembered from 1997/98

Unfortunately she hadn't had the happiest of childhood.  She didn't remember me, but she did vaguely remember mom and dad.  I guess if you have had 40 homes in your 10 years in foster care... it isn't simple to recall everyone.
She's now 25, and had her first baby in December.  They live all the way in Texas.  She was coming "home" to Pennsylvania to see her biological family, so of course we had to arrange a meet up.  During her time in our home, Missy also lived there, so she also had to join in on our reunion.

 

We got to the mall a little before noon.  Missy, Justin, and my wonderful four nephews were already there.  We saw the Easter Bunny and rode the train while we waited on Jewel and baby Ziya to arrive.

Meeting sweet baby Ziya and her amazing, beautiful, loving mommy for the first time since 1998!

We shared a family meal at the buffet--- yes all 13 of us

 Then we headed to the hotel I had reserved and it was swim time!  This was Miss Ziya's 1st time swimming!!  She seemed super content and comfortable in the pool--- not to mention beautiful!

The hot tub was a hit for all the kids, of course--- but the jets weren't working

Meanwhile, a certain babby princess got tired of swimming a tad before the big kids... and we found this when we got back to the hotel room

 About 6:30 Missy, Justin, Tucker and Carter left for home.  Hunter and I succeeded in convincing Missy to let the big boys spend the night at the hotel!  Yesss!  That of course meant more swimming until the pool closed!

Some more cute pictures from the evening/night at the hotel.... Our evening included Little Caesar's pizza, Jewel doing our hair and everyone loving on baby Z!

Morning came far too soon!... I think I managed 4.5 hours of sleep.  Jewel and I stayed up chatting later than the others.... far later!

Jewel and I headed to breakfast just after 8 ahead of everyone else.  I got to play with Z while Jewel ate.  Missy and the little boys got back to the hotel around 9 after a snowy drive.  After everyone had breakfast the kids of course had to swim until 11:30.  That gave us just enough time to pack up and check out by noon.

Mom and dad wanted to go sight seeing of their former homes and then ate at mom's favorite restaurant.  All the rest of us hit up the mall again!  The kids enjoyed the play area, especially the ball pitt!

Most the kids rode the Easter train.  A big event of the day included baby Z getting her first Ariel outfit!  Jewel is a die-hard Little Mermaid, so of course I had to get Ziya and Ariel outfit!!

 We had lunch in the food court.  Then we checked out the movie store.

My handsome- yet crazy nephews with my niece princess Z

Sisters reunited 12years later

 Sadly at that point it was time to call our visit finished.  Missy and the boys left from the mall while we took Jewel back to her dad's house in time for one final photo of baby Z in her other shirt I got her... 100% true for sure "Aunts are Awesome"

And we then we had to say our goodbyes but certainly not for such an extended amount of time.

We won't mention the drive home.  Well other than to say, it proves why I am perfectly ok with over-using my GPS... It certainly beats out under using it!