For my 18th Wedding Anniversary, my sweet sister Diane, her devoted husband Rodney and their boys (Little Rod & Joshua) took my FOUR, (yes, 4!) children into her home for nearly a month---so that my husband Chet and I could take a dream vacation to Europe and the honeymoon we never had.  Crazy, right?  A half dozen countries and 21+ days later, this photo is a tribute to their generosity and kindness.  Many people asked us how in the world we could wrap our minds around the notion of being away from our kids so long---we could easily reply, we believe in God and....have complete faith in Diane.  We were not wrong on either count.  

OK so, the truth is, I was a difficult baby...Aunt DeeDee would dance me to sleep...but it didn't always work !!  
XOXO Alexandra 

Diane was nanny extraordinaire to Alexandra while Chet and I worked in the fall of 1986-spring of 1987...... Temple Terrace, FL 
Happy times, pretty girls  <3

Aunt DeeDee having fun with our little one, Rochester, MI, 1986

Aunt DeeDee was a big presence in my daughter Alexandra's life...Enjoying the simple pleasures of learning to form a raspberry for the first time...Little lady in training!

The ladies that supported me, including my sister, Diane Smith Hawley, that lovely day in Kalamazoo, MI.  6.23.84

Karen Wyzykowski Diez
Diane
Samantha Smith Albasha
Me
Ramona Daigler 
Stacy Diedrich 
 

Diane was present at many important events in my life, including this special day.  She served as Maid of Honor at our wedding.  June 23, 1984, St. Augustine Cathedral, Kalamazoo, MI.

this was at my brothers wedding just 5 months earlier  april 1998. I will never forget what photografer said "you look really great together only one missing a ring on her finger 

this was at my brothers wedding just 5 months earlier  april 1998. I will never forget what photografer said "you look really great together only one missing a ring on her finger 

this was my 2nd happiest day just behind my salvation it is my wedding day! and also the birth of my 2 boys