Carmans Carmans and Carmans

So, my boyfriend/husband/loveofmylife Todd Benjamin Carman is one of fourteen children. His parents are in their 60s and are very soft spoken, but kind and loving and fun-loving people. Each Carman child is so different from the rest while having many things in common. I've learned that Todd is probably the craziest/goofiest of the bunch. They are all funny, smart, so welcoming, open and easy to talk to.
We're in Colorado for the week for Todd's older sister, Cristi's, wedding. It's an entire week where nearly all of the siblings have come and we've rented cabins together. Todd and I are sharing with Andy and Brittany and their three beautiful little girls, Debbi, Danielle, and Evan. The other siblings and parents are nearby. We've played games, talked, had a picnic, a hike, a bridal shower, swimming in mountain springs and creeks in the hot sun. I just have fallen more in love with the Carmans. I just adore and admire them. At the shower today I felt so at ease with all of the Carman girls and their in-laws. I don't worry about what they think of me or about what I'm going to say to make conversation. They're just wonderful people who make me feel loved and welcome.
I am so in love with my nieces and nephews. My heart melts when they call me "Auntie Hillary" (or "Auntie Hallowy"). Each and every Carman with children is such a wonderful parent; patient, interested, and loving.
The first time I met Todd's parents, in 2006 when we first began dating, I felt incredibly uncomfortable and felt they didn't like me because they didn't really talk to me. Tonight they both came and sat by me and we talked for at least an hour. I admire them for they way they have raised fourteen incredible children who love their family and care so much for one another. I feel a part of the family. I love to spend time with them and talk to them and get to know them better. I'm proud to be a Carman. I'm happy to have a giant family and feel so much love. I can't wait for my children to feel so much love from so many incredible aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents.