Chapter 133
"Never, not after being invited by my wonderful mid-wife! I wouldn't to miss this for anything," grinned Krista taking the baby from Amie the baby immediately reached for her hair. "She's friendly to let me take her out of your arms like that. I hope our children are as happy like this little girl seems to be."
"Honey, believe me they're all happy children. I don't know what I did right, but they seem to take what life deals out and keep going with a smile on their face," laughed Amie. "I have everything for the picnic ready, I just have to move it outside to the backyard. Admiral I hope you're a vegetarian like Krista and I. There'll be no meat at the picnic."
"I'm becoming used to eating vegetables, Amie, and I'm sure I'll enjoy whatever you've fixed. Please call me AJ. Admiral is much too formal for a picnic," he laughed. "Can I help you carry out the food why Krista holds the baby?"
"No, you just both go out back and I'll have some of the other children help me. After all you two are our guests and I'd never dream of putting you to work," Amie replied heading back to the kitchen as AJ, Krista and the baby girl went to the back yard. It was huge and there was a ball diamond or at least a bare spot in the yard where the children had played baseball so often they had worn the grass away.
"Albert, I forgot to ask Amie what the baby's name was. Isn't she just adorable," Krista said leaning down and kissing the little face and the baby cooed and pulled at Krista's long hair. "You're a doll and I'll have to check with mommie when she gets back and see what your name is."
Not far from the house you could hear a creek running and a volleyball net was set up. Amie came out with an armload of food and was followed by several girls. He saw that there were four more tables sitting next to it.
Smiling Amie asked the couple if they wanted, lemonade, tea or coffee. Krista chose tea, while AJ wanted coffee. Coming out a moment later with the tea, coffee and two jugs of lemonade, she placed them on the table. Looking up she shouted, "Foods, on the table, come at get it."
Children ran from all different directions to take a seat at one of the picnic tables. AJ was busy trying to count them, but it was impossible until they had all taken a seat and were grinning at their guests.
Amie so proud of her family started to introduce them AJ and Krista this is, "Gregg, Tom, Patrick, Marc, and Brian sitting directly in front of you. Starting on your left on the first table and working around are, Kelly and Katie my twins then, Shannon, Valeria, Babbette, Ressa, Helen, Jenni, Anna and Amber the other set of twins, and Peggy, Kayla and Ava is the baby you're holding Krista. Say hello children."
All seventeen said in unison, "Hello, Admiral and Mrs. Chegwidden."
AJ was sitting on the edge of the picnic table with his mouth open. He had been counting as she introduced her children. She really had EIGHTEEN CHILDREN!
To be continued…