Look who came to visit me?!?! I was so excited to find out that my brother and his family would make it up to our little part of the world this summer. Emily's family had a family reunion in Portland and that was enough to make it possible. It was really short, but we packed in the fun and it really was a blast!
The kids hit it off in a matter of about 2 seconds. Playing together in pairs like it was meant to be. Madeline and Alex did a puppet show, played for hours, did crafts, and had many conversations we weren't invited to!
Cooper and Ryder got along really well too, even though Ryder is 2 1/2 years older than Cooper. They played construction, cars, and a various assortment of adventure games with chain saws and such.
Ethan and Lucas also were like two peas in a pod. They spent one afternoon doing a series of trick shots throughout the house.
And Oliver...well, he didn't have a buddy but he didn't seem to mind. In fact, he was quite pleased to not have any siblings bugging him. :)
Sunday afternoon, we went to Sehome Hill Arboretum.
Madeline jumping in the tunnel
Monday we had Lynden Dutch Bakery for breakfast and then headed to Blaine for the morning.
After a pizza lunch, Oliver took a nap and five us went out berry picking. It was really really fun. And the raspberries are AMAZING!!
I made jam immediately upon getting home. YUM!! Then we went to a BBQ where the kids had a blast on this awesome airplane teeter-totter. The food and company was great.
Then we went out for ice cream. I'm not sure if any of us were hungry, but when you only have a couple days, you just pack it in anyway. And besides, I'm not sure I can say no to fudgy-wudgy!
Next up, we just had to wait until it got dark for Eric's amazing firework display. I'm so glad he came and did fireworks for me. Otherwise I would have missed seeing fireworks all together.
The fireworks were awesome and I had fun snuggling with Cooper and covering his ears. He just loved them. He kept doing his really loud thrilled laugh of delight.
When morning came, we were all sad that it was time to say goodbye. Two days just wasn't enough! And yet it was perfect. I'm still so happy that these kiddos got along so well. Cousins are the best.
One big group selfie and then goodbye
Eric, Emily, Lucas, Alex, Ryder...I'm so glad you came. It sure was fun!
