The Blonde Squad in Auz: FAMILY IS FOREVER

The "REASON" for the Trip - We love you Grandma Estelle
Family - Left to Right
(Brother JR, Stephanie, Gram Linda, Great-Grandma Estelle, Papa Bruce, Brother Sam, Sister Sher & Sister Suzanne)

In addition to traveling to Fiji, we (The Manning Women) had the opportunity to continue on to Utah for an extended family reunion. The Wardles were getting together to celebrate Jack & Estelle Wardle’s Life & Posterity (Grandpa Jack would be 88 and Grandma Estelle is 87).

My dad, Bruce Wardle (the oldest of Jack & Estelle), wanted all of his children and grandchildren to make it to the reunion. Tom and I were a little hesitant as to how we were going to make this happen due to the timing and the massive expense. However, with the consistent quiet petitioning and prayers of our sweet Claire, Heavenly Father made sure that most of us were there.

The reunion was a BLAST! The Wardle family sure knows how to have FUN and PARTY! I am so grateful that 30 years ago, my mom married such an amazing guy, Bruce. He has been such a steady, loving, dedicated, wonderful dad to me. My children adore him and cannot imagine their lives without Papa Bruce nor can I.

During the reunion, we went boating, played dress-ups, competed in mini Olympics, battled corn-hole (Sorry Daniel I was a terrible partner), paddled canoes, danced the night away and showed off our amazing talents. It was a reunion for the record books - Thanks Aunt Laura. My kids were so happy to be able to refill their love buckets. Here is a video link Wardle Family Reunion on Vimeo

One of the most difficult things about living abroad is being away from family. My children have very strong bonds with their extended family and it is difficult being so FAR AWAY from them. This reunion gave them the opportunity to RENEW those bonds and it was wonderful.

Tom and I were concerned that the girls would not want to come back . We were so concerned because a few of them were feeling quite low that we literally made them sign contracts that they would return before they boarded the plane headed for the US. However, I can safely say that after they had been away from Australia for a little while, they were ready to return. This trip home (USA) gave them PERSPECTIVE (Tom’s wallet is a little disappointed that perspective is soooooo costly). Life can be good and wonderful wherever you live.

I am so grateful for forever families. I am grateful to have a loving, supportive, generous, crazy, fun, faithful, and valiant extended family. They have been so supportive to us as we have moved around this great big world. They have helped us to give our children ROOTS and feelings of belonging whenever they return home. I love you all to bits!