Fourth of July was “met-you” day for us four. The two boys know that and it means a lot to them too.

I would say that adopting is no different (from our perspective) than other families. Our two boys are teen and pre-teen age and there are good days, great days and days where they have a go at each other… just like any other family.

Having them both is brilliant as they are similar ages, and whilst there is sibling rivalry, they enjoy each other’s company (neither of us know how to play PlayStation!!) and miss each other when one is away for a slightly extended period of time. I think having two as well is great, as they have time with us and themselves.

The best thing about having them together is hearing them laugh together.

We do see their elder brothers and we make sure we include them as much as we can. Our boys enjoy catching up and it is great to hear them all chatting away.

We can’t believe how time has flown. We are 9 years and looking at the photo it feels like yesterday. It’s not easy, it’s stressful and tiring at times and you worry as you want to do the best for them – but what family doesn’t have the same family emotions in life?

Adopting siblings was the best decision we made in our marriage. I will always remember the statement made on the siblings course we attended. Your siblings are the people who know you longest in your life. It’s so very true. From that course onwards, adopting siblings was very firm in our minds.

Our boys are the two younger of four siblings. Although they may not admit it, they have a really special bond with each other. They are so competitive with each other, love to laugh together, and they moan and complain about each other. But they both miss each other when the other is away.

It has really been an honour and a pleasure to watch our two boys grow and develop over the last 9 years. It has been lovely for us to enable them to have so many experiences together. Their first flight was so memorable. Our eldest gave a running commentary of everything as it happened. Such excitement for their first stay in a hotel, summer holidays, water parks. The list is endless of memories our boys will always have of growing up together. It has been so special to be on this journey with them.