what reminds me of our kids ?

Karen asked what reminded me of our kids when I was with Laura and Matt's kids, well first it ought to be easy for Karen to answer that question from looking at this photo.   She played with one of them when she was little.  This one.  

That is just for a starter too.  Yes indeed Lydia does look just a bit like Laura.  Lydia above at 5 and one half and Laura below at close to 5 but not quite is my guess.  Julianna looks a bit like Laura in profile I think and some expressions for sure.  I know Isaac is related to Laura because she was the last one with him just as he was born, but he is a ringer for his Dad.  No mistaking that, about all Laura's contribution to Isaac as far as I can tell is keeping him warm for those nine months.  And have already mentioned Luke's similar body construction to his Uncle ( solid ) 

 Crafts are a big deal, much like they were for  their Mom and Uncle and cousins.

 and neatness does not always count.  the effort and concentration is uniform and intense much like it was in times of yore.

 Snack time is also a big hit and much appreciated.  Molasses cookies with red hots are also huge, which ought to be a sure fire memory for Laura and Stephen.

and though in general good humor and grace and good will generally prevail, an occasional space / sharing / turn issue does come up that is not resolved amicably initially which I think was also true back home in Raleigh.

another note that is similar is that the kids do seem to have a real good time and spend a lot of time laughing -- and going to bed early --There are lots more similarities and some differences too, and time place and situations are always changing - --