Have you saved anyone?

We all wrote letters to EJ this week and I loved seeing what my kids wrote.  Hallee wrote, "Dear EJ, I've always enjoyed being your cousin.  Your so nice and you make everything fun.  Have you fixed anything or saved anyone? Do you like being in the army?  Love Hallee."  I love how she asked if he's fixed anything or saved anyone.  I also love her drawings.

Wyatt has been learning about writing friendly letters in school so he gave me some tips.  His says, "Hello! It's nice to write you? Have you enjoyed the military? What's your favorite thing to do? What do you do in the military?  Hope to hear from you soon! PS it's okay if you don't have time to write me back."  I love his drawings too.

Jonah's made me get a little teary.  I'm always surprised by what Jonah is thinking and how he expresses himself.  He is getting more open, but he isn't one to get mushy or tell you how he is feeling.  His says, "Dear EJ, Hey! I'm glad I can still talk to you, and can't wait to see you come Christmas time!  You have always been a great cousin to all of us, especially me.  You would always make me feel really good about myself.  And you go out of the way, just to do that! Anyway, enough about that, how are you doing so far? My mom showed me a couple of pictures of you, and you seemed to be enjoying it! I think it's pretty cool that you are following in your dad's footsteps! I can't wait to see how strong you are! (even though you already were). What exactly will you be doing up there? It will definitely be different..."

"around here without you! I can't take on Elijah in basketball alone! Matt and Lori, and Gary and Julie, don't see us very often, but since we are used to seeing you, it will be a lot different! And people won't be in that happy of a mood.  You were always in a good mood, no matter what happens! Even when you got surgery on your shoulder. When we went to your house to give you a treat, it was like it never happened! You are very tough. I miss you, love you , and hope to see you soon!  PS Do you want me to keep you updated on the NBA?"

Caitlyn was working on her math while we were all writing EJ, poor girl Math is so overwhelming to her right now, she didn't want to miss out on writing EJ so she wrote him a quick note before bed. "Dear Earl Juice, I miss you a lot!  I had a sleepover at your house on Friday and just felt so empty without you.  Your so fun and such an example.  I still remember when we would go over to grandma's house and we would tell each other we were the others favorite! I loved that.  I'm so lucky to have you in my life and share a place with you in grandpa's den! I love you so much and wish you luck.  How is training going? Is it hard? Do you sleep good?  I hope all is well.  PS It's okay if you can't write back."

We all miss EJ!  I'm sure glad my kids recognize how lucky they are to have him as a cousin!