Friday, October 15th, 2027

Dia's POV

Aunt Bliss and the girls are coming over this weekend for a sleepover. Gabby and Isabella are excited. Kekoa and Angelo are going to Uncle Shane's house for a sleepover with little Shane. They couldn't wait for today.

I can't wait until tomorrow. Aunt Layla said Rocco and I could stay over until Sunday. Yes! Of course, we asked dad, and he gave us the 'responsibility' speech. But he said yes. Thank goodness.

Speaking of Aunt Bliss, I hear them downstairs, so I'm going to say hello.

"Hi, Aunt Bliss, Pilar, Raquel, and Raeni." I hugged everyone.

"Hi, Dia. How's high school treating you?"

"So far, it's okay. After what happened in September, everything has been going well."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Ana Maria, Sofia, Natasha, Isabella, and Gabby came running down the stairs.

Isabella's POV

Yay! I get to have a point-of-view in this chapter.

"Aunt Bliss!"

"Hi, Ana Maria, Sofia, Isabella, Natasha, and Gabby. How are you guys?"

"We're fine, Aunt Bliss. Mama's making popcorn so we can watch a movie tonight. Here she comes."

"Hi, Bliss. And, there are my girls. How are you Pilar, Raquel, and Raeni? Ready to have some fun?"

"Yes, Aunt Kam," Pilar said to mama.

"We have a couple more girls coming over. In the meantime, I made popcorn, and it's in the living room. Go ahead and help yourselves."

"Don't have to tell me twice." Sofia, Natasha, Gabby, Ana Maria, Pilar, and the twins followed me into the living room. Mama made a big bowl of popcorn.

We have to put our popcorn in a bowl, so I gave everyone a bowl. "You have to put your popcorn in the bowl."

Ana Maria, Gabby, and Sofia already knew what to do. She went first. Pilar went next, then Natasha, and then the twins. I went last. Popcorn is my favorite snack.

Aunt Bliss came into the room too. She grabbed a bowl and put some popcorn in it. After a few minutes, mama walked into the room with Sydney and my friend, Melanie. I went to hug them.

"These are my cousins - Sofia, Natasha, Pilar, Raquel, and Raeni. And, my Aunt Bliss. These are my friends - Sydney and Melanie." Mama explained to us why we call them our cousins. Well, Sofia is my birth cousin. We always have so much fun together.

Aunt Bliss said, "Hi, girls. It's nice to meet you, Sydney, and Melanie."

"Hi, Melanie and Sydney. I'm Pilar."

Pilar hugged Melanie and Sydney. Aunt Bliss said the twins aren't shy, but it takes them a while to get to know someone.

Rocco came into the room. "Dad said the pizza is ready. Where would you like him to take it?"

"Girls, let's watch our movie in the movie room. Grab your popcorn."

"Okay, mama."

After grabbing our popcorn, we followed my mama and Aunt Bliss downstairs. Our movie room is big. Papa says we have stadium seating with recliner chairs. We each have our own chair and extra chairs for when our family comes for a visit.

Once we took our seats, Papa and Rocco brought pizza for us.

"Bliss, both pizzas have gluten-free crusts so Pilar can enjoy them. One is just cheese, and the other one has pepperoni."

"Thank you, Cris," Aunt Bliss said to my papa.

I hugged my Papa after he placed the pizzas on the counter.

"Grazie, papà e Rocco."

"Prego, Bella."

We're watching Cinderella tonight. Mama put the disc in the machine then took her seat.

"Girls, let me know when you are ready for a pizza break. It's showtime."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday, October 15th, 2027

Kam's POV

We had fun last night. We wound up watching The Princess & The Frog too.

Bliss and I helped the girls with their morning needs. Ms. Isabella likes to take showers now. I just knew she would complain about the water getting in her eyes, but she doesn't. I'm really surprised at that because my child is a drama queen.

Dia and Rocco fixed breakfast for us. I was told to stay out of the kitchen and have a seat at the dining room table. You don't have to tell me twice. I'm going to enjoy this.

"Girls, are you ready for our picnic in the park today? Aunt Noeli and Uncle Marco are coming with us."

"Yes, Aunt Kam," mini Bliss, Pilar, said. Pilar may not be Bliss's birth daughter, be she is so much like her - friendly, sweet, and proper, meaning she always says please and thank you without anyone telling her. Pilar is like little Shane. No wonder people sometimes think they are twins.

"Kam, my phone just rang. I'll be right back." Bliss got up from the table and walked into the kitchen.

Dia and Rocco brought pancakes, eggs, and bacon in the dining room for everyone to eat.

"Thank you, Dia and Rocco, for breakfast. Now, have a seat and join us."

"You're welcome, mom," Dia says as she took her seat next to me. Bliss rushed back into the dining room.

"That was Cris. I have to go. Shane took Jordan to the hospital."

"Go ahead, sis. The girls can stay with me. They'll be fine."

"Raquel, Raeni, and Pilar behave and listen to your Aunt Kam. Understand? Your dad had to take Jordan to the hospital."

Pilar answered, "Yes, mummy."

"Keep me posted. I hope Jordan will be okay."

"Thanks."

Bliss grabbed her bag and left the house.

"I hope Jordan will be okay," Rocco mentions.

"I hope so too."

"Mom, do you need us to help with the picnic?"

"We'll be fine, Dia. You and Rocco can get ready for your party. I'll have my dad take you guys. You'll need to heat the pizzas before you go."

"Okay."

"Girls, let's finish breakfast so we can get ready to leave for our picnic."

******

My mind has been on Bliss and Jordan since we left the house. The park we are going to has private sections for guests. I rented one of the private sections.

After parking my SUV, I helped the girls out of their seats and out of the truck. Marco and Noeli got out too.

"Thanks for coming and bringing some of the girls with you."

"You're welcome, sis. And, your nephew misses his Aunt Kam. Are you okay, Kami?" Noeli asked me as I went to pick Ricario out of his car seat. He had a big smile on his face.

"Let's walk towards the pavilion. Girls, follow me. Nonno is on his way, and he has a surprise for us. Marco, can you get the games out of my trunk, please?"

"Of course, Kami."

"Thanks."

The girls followed us as we walked to our pavilion. Each private section has a playground for the kids too.

"As we were eating breakfast this morning, Bliss got a call from Cris that Shane had to take Jordan to the hospital."

"What? Oh my gosh?! What happened? I hope he will be okay. How old is Jordan?"

"Jordan will turn two in January. I hope he is okay too. Bliss and Shane have gone through so much with the kids. I know this is hurting them, but it hurts me too. I told her to keep me posted."

"What happened?" Marco asked as he joined us in the pavilion.

"Shane took Jordan to the hospital this morning. Bliss had to leave, so the girls are with us."

"Aww, man, I hope Jordan will be okay. He is one of the calmest kids I have ever seen. I'll get the grill started."

"Thanks, Marco. Jordan sure is calm. Jordan rarely cries and always has a smile on his face. If you guys see me like my mind is somewhere else, that's the reason why. This news is totally a bummer."

"Kami, it's okay. Dad just pulled up. Uncle Keoni and Uncle Koa came with him."

Bella and Gabby took off when they saw my dad. "Nonno!" They love him to pieces.

My dad picked up both girls and carried them over to the pavilion. Ricario started bouncing in my lap too.

"Hi, Kami, Noeli, and Marco." My dad kissed my cheek. "What's wrong, Kami? You seem down. Where's Bliss?"

"I am down, dad. Bliss had to leave. Cris called her and said Shane rushed Jordan to the hospital. I'm worried about him."

"Oh, wow. Has anyone heard anything yet?"

"Not yet." Isabella and Gabby wiggled out of my dad's arms. He then picked up Ricario and hugged me.

"Jordan's a fighter, Kami. He'll be fine."

Just as my dad said that my text ringtone for Bliss went off. I grabbed my phone out of the pocket of my shorts and read the text.

"Bliss said Jordan has severe Asthma. Jordan was admitted to the hospital for further observation. She'll tell me more later."

"If it's severe, he'll probably have to use a nebulizer like we did for you."

"I feel like I have a broken heart."

"Kami, I understand. You and Bliss seem like long-lost sisters. I know it's not a slight, but you seem closer to Bliss than you are with Layla."

"Am I? No, it's not a slight at all. Layla is my best friend, and I love her too."

"I know you do. But remember when I went through with the adoption?"

"Yes. That was one of the best things to happen to us as a family."

"Well, they are still my adoptive kids. One would think you and Bliss are fleshly sisters. Your that close. Listen, Kami, the best thing we can do is be a support system. And that's what you are doing now. Look over at Pilar, Raquel, and Raeni running around with the girls. They have big smiles on their faces."

I glanced over at the girls. They are the happiest kids I've ever seen. I love the Landes kids. I really do.

"Bliss and Shane got this. They will do all they can to make sure Jordan is safe. Just look at Pilar and Junior. They are thriving and succeeding despite their illnesses. I understand your concern. Your mom and I had the same feelings about you. Kami, when you were diagnosed with Asthma and Diabetes, we panicked like crazy and worried about how we would handle the situation. We had to get over panicking so we could make sure you were safe and grow up to be an amazing woman. And, you are. If Jordan needs a nebulizer, you will be able to assist Bliss and Shane. Don't worry, kiddo. Jordan will be fine."

"Dad's right, Kami. Jordan will be fine. Let's see if the girls would like to try to jump rope."

"Okay. Thanks, dad and Noeli. I love you guys. Uncle Keoni and Uncle Koa, thanks for coming."

"You're welcome, Kami. We'll let you know when the food is ready."

"I'll come over too so I can record you jump roping with the kids."

"Thanks, Marco." My dad, Noeli, Marco, and I walked over to the girls.

"Girls, let's play a game. I'm going to teach you all how to jump rope. See the rope I have in my hand?"

Bella replied, "Yes, mama."

"So, Nonno and Noeli are going to hold the ends of the rope. Then, I'll show you how to jump rope."

I gave my dad and Noeli the rope ends then stood in the middle of the rope. They began to turn the rope. I started jumping.

"Who would like to try it first?"

"I want to try, Aunt Kam." Pilar came over and stood next to me.

"I'll hold your hand first. When you see me jump, I want you to jump with me."

My dad counted to three, then turned the rope. Pilar watched me like a hawk. Just as I began to jump, she jumped with me. We jumped a few times.

"Good job, Pilar! Wait until your mommy and daddy see you jumping rope. You want to try it again?"

"Yes, Aunt Kam." This time, we didn't hold hands. Pilar kept her eyes on me, and we jumped together.

Everyone gave Pilar a round of applause.

"Mama, I want to try too."

Pilar walked over to the girls, and Bella stood next to me.

"Do you want me to hold your hand?"

"Can I try it like Pilar?"

"Of course. Let's jump when Nonno says 'go'".

My dad counted to three, then said, "Go."

Isabella and I began jumping at the same time. We jumped for a while until Ricario was about to cry. Uncle Keoni came over to get him.

"Good job, Bella! High-five for mama."

One after one, each of the girls took a turn except the twins. They looked a little apprehensive.

"Raquel and Raeni, would you like to try? I'll be right by your side."

Both girls came over and took my hands. My dad and Noeli turned the rope, and surprisingly the twins jumped. They ran back quickly to stand with Pilar.

We gave the girls a round of applause. "Good job, girls. Let's go get something to eat. Then, we'll play some more games."

**********

My dad and uncles danced for us and put on a puppy show. Isabella and Gabby even danced with my dad. I'm glad the girls are having fun.

"Okay, kiddos. Stand together in a circle. Sydney, hold onto this bag. Uncle Marco is going to start some music for us. Sydney, sweetie, when you hear the music, I want you to start passing the bag around. When Uncle Marco stops the music, the kid left holding the bag will have to wear something from the bag. Uncle Keoni, Koa, and Nonno will show everyone what to do."

Marco joined my dad, and Noeli played the music. The guys began passing around the bag. Noeli stopped the music, and my dad was holding the bag. He pulled a hat out of the bag and put it on his head.

"Girls, are you ready to play?"

"Yes, Aunt Kam," Natasha said.

Noeli began to play the music. Sydney began passing the bag around. I put a bunch of cute things in the bag. Once the game is over, we're going to take a picture.

The music stopped, and Raquel was holding the bag. "Raquel, sweetie, reach inside the bag."

Raquel stuck her hand in the bag. "It's pink sunglasses with flowers on them, Aunt Kam." The girls giggled.

"The glasses are yours to keep, Raquel."

"Thank you, Aunt Kam."

"You're welcome, Raquel. Let's pass the bag again." Noeli turned on the music. Raquel passed the bag. It went around the circle for about a minute, then the music stopped. Natasha now has the bag. She already knew what to do and pulled out a feather scarf.

"This is pretty, Aunt Kam."

"I'm glad you like it. We all are going to look cute for our picture."

The bag went around the circle until each of the girls got something. They put on their scarves, hats, and glasses.

"Don't you all look cute? Uncle Marco is going to take our picture. Let's go stand near the playground."

The girls followed me then we stood near the jungle gym. I stood behind the girls. "Girls, let's do a cute pose. Put your right hand on your hip and blow a kiss with your left."

Bella showed the girls what to do. Well, after all, she is the diva out of my kids. Marco then snapped our picture.

Marco was chuckling. "I see some future model potential here."

"Marco, can you start packing everything up? I see some eyelids look like they are about to close. I'll help you. We'll play some more games at home."

"Sure, Kam."

Noeli watched the girls with Ricario while Marco and I started packing up the food and games. Raquel and Raeni came over to us. Both girls were rubbing their eyes.

"I'm sleepy, Aunt Kam."

"Kam, I'll finish up."

"Thanks, Marco. Let's take a walk over to my truck, girls."

The twins grabbed my hands, and we walked over to my truck. After unlocking my truck, I sat the twins in their seats.

"Kami, I'm going to leave now so I can take Dia and Rocco to Braelyn's party."

"Thank you so much for coming and taking the twins to the party. And, thank you for the chat."

"You're welcome, Kami. Have fun with the kids."

"I will. I'll probably feel the aches in the morning too."

My dad chuckled as he walked to his truck.

Ricario looks like he fell asleep too. Noeli and the rest of the girls started walking over. Isabella, Gabby, Pilar, and Ana Maria got in my SUV. Sydney, Melanie, and Natasha got in Marco's SUV. After Marco finished loading my trunk, we drove home.

******

Raquel and Raeni were knocked out by the time we got home. I'm glad I can unlock the house from my phone.

I helped Bella, Pilar, Gabby, and Ana Maria out first. They then ran into the house.

"Kami, I'll carry one of the twins."

"Thanks, Marco." I picked up Raquel, and Marco picked up Raeni. We then walked into the house and took them to their beds.

Shoot, I'm ready to take a nap myself. By the time I made it downstairs, Isabella started a movie for the girls to watch.

"What are you watching?"

"Happy Feet, mama."

I love Happy Feet. Movie time again. See you all tomorrow.

************