California - Cousins

In February we headed to the OC for a trip. Multiple purposes for the trip - Matt's post deployment getaway, chance for Matt to see his family, a belated birthday party for Marjie, and a chance to get some sun in the middle of the AK winter.

Stephen and Eleanor got a chance to get reacquainted with their cousin, Abby, and meet baby Emily. Last time the three oldest cousins were together, I think they overwhelmed Abby a little bit. Thankfully time has helped and the three of them were like peas in a pod from the get go. It was so much fun to see the three older kids interact and watch my two interact with Emily (6 months old).

Their reunion got started over a very special treat from Aunt Debby. A fairy godmother arrived before everyone was up to drop off a surprise. The kids instantly recognized the famous Mickey Mouse shape. The powdered sugared ears were the favorite!

The three of them played so well together. After dinner one night, they were playing very nice in a group. They kept getting louder and louder, and next thing we knew they were sticking out their tongues at each other.

Stephen took a liking to Emily. He was so sweet with her. I walked into the back room and saw him snuggled up with her watching Handy Manny. They were both enjoying the time together. Seeing him acting so big and gentle with Emily made my heart smile (and want another baby!)

Three imaginations are better than one or two. The kids played pretend train/bus rides by lining up chairs. They piled books on the floor and pretended to . . . who knows what! They were so cute continually coming up with new ideas.

So the kids weren't so gentle all the time with Emily. No matter how many times we talked about not touching head or face, it is a child magnet. Fortunately, Emily is a very easy going baby and she bounced back rapidly after the trauma.

Playing outside was definitely the most fun we had. The chance to be in shorts and T-shirts could not be passed up. Even 70 felt hot to us! Abby and Stephen took to the soccer ball with fervor. They chased that ball back and forth over the yard countless times.

It is so much fun to see the kids growing up together. I can't wait for this summer when Stephen and Eleanor get to meet cousin Jack and see Abby and Emily, again!