A father finds unity in a blended family

Kile Turner rolled a bicycle out of Toys”R”Us and to his vehicle. Then he returned for another, and another, and finally another, all the same size. Three were even the same color. He laughed at the bemused expression on a bystanders’ face as he explained they were Christmas presents for four of his children — three girls and a boy.

While the four aren’t all biologically Turner’s, they are the same age. He has triplets Lexie, Grace and Kit from a previous marriage, and his stepdaughter, Abby, is a week older than them.

“I forget that having four kids in the same grade is actually unusual,” Turner said.

Turner married his wife, Sara, in 2006, and they lived with her daughter Abby until 2007 when their family expanded rapidly. Sara gave birth to their daughter, Sophie Kate, and Turner was awarded custody of his triplets. Within six weeks, the couple went from living with one child to having five.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed most is having a unique relationship with each one,” Turner said. “They each have different strengths and weaknesses.”

The four eldest children attend Our Lady of Sorrows and are each involved in separate activities. Grace does cheerleading, Lexie plays volleyball, Abby is on the dance team and Kit hopes to join the football team. Lexie and Abby attend ballet classes together, and they’re all active at Trinity United Methodist Church.

“At any moment one kid is doing great and another is not,” Turner said. “One will be misbehaving. One will be crying.”

But Turner said he wouldn’t trade what he has for anything. In fact, he’s adding to it. Sara is expecting their fifth girl in June. Their three oldest girls even worked together to throw her a surprise baby shower.

“They did it on their own,” Turner said. “They ordered the cake, set up a location and sent out invites, which shows how much love and respect they have for Sara.”

Turner and Sara are excited for the newest addition to the family and know their older children are prepared because they each babysit Sophie Kate, 6.

Turner said girls also tend to team up and pick on their brother, but it’s good because it will teach Kit to deal with women, Turner said with a laugh.

“Looking at us, you wouldn’t know we’re a blended family,” Turner said. “The kids fight and play with each other like regular siblings.”

They blend together more as a family on their frequent trips to Disney World. Occasionally, all seven can be seen wearing matching clothes, Turner said.

The family loves traveling, he said, but the planning for seven people can become overwhelming.

“It’s like a military operation,” Turner said, “but my wife is so organized that it works.”

Throughout their travels and their constant chaotic trips to Costco, Turner has learned to expect shock on stranger’s faces as he describes his unique family.

“It is awesome,” Turner said. “There is never a dull moment. It is definitely a full time job especially at this age and playing chauffeur.”

Turner said he has Sara to thank for the happiness he has with his large family.

“Taking on triplets was quite an adventure for her,” Turner said. “She makes me a better father.”