Visting with Cousins

OK, I am still playing blog catch-up, but one of the highlights of our summer has been getting a chance to visit with cousins from both sides of the family. I grew up getting to go on vacation with my cousins every summer and spending countless hours playing in Pearlie's and Poppy's backyard with them, so I am thrilled that Alex and Emily have had a chance to play and get to know their cousins a little better this summer.

Cousin Encounter #1

My cousin Ivey, her husband Jonathan and their 2 kids were at the beach with Jonathan's family the same week we were at the beach. They came to our beach hang out one day and Alex and Emily had the chance to dig in the sand and play with their cousins. Noah and Alex are only 1 month apart and Emily and Carter are 2 months apart in age. Noah and Alex have a blast any time they are together. Here are some pics.

Alex and Noah

Carter

Ivey, Brooke (my sister), and me

All 4 cousins....Emily wanted no part of this picture. Can you tell?


Cousin Encounter #2
Jason and Jessica came to spend a whole week with us. Alex and Emily were so excited they were coming to visit. Since Jason and Jessica live in Florida we usually see them at Christmas when we visit Ryan's parents. So the fact that they were coming to our house and spending the night at our house and their parents weren't going to be here was a HUGE deal. To be honest, I was a bit leary of being responsible for 4 kids, but I think the week turned out to be a success. I hope Jason and Jessica agree! : ) We played on the Slip-n-slide, we went to the pool, we went to the movies, and went out on the boat. I could not have asked for 4 better children. We literally did not have one fight or argument the whole time they were here! I am so glad my kids had a chance to play and visit and get to know their cousins! It was lots of fun, and we also have a deal worked out with Cara and Heath....we had all 4 kids this summer, they get all 4 next summer!
I took a ton of pictures while Jason and Jessica were with us, but here are a few of my favs!

Cousin Encounter #3

I don't have any pictures to prove that Cousin Encounter #3 happened, but I am so thankful that it happened! We got to spend about 2 hours with Ryan's Uncle Tom, Aunt Linda, cousin Megan and her husband Jamie, and their 2 kids, Evan and Carter. The fam was headed to Myrtle Beach for their annual vacation and made a pitstop in Rock Hill to see us! The Smart gang lives in Indiana so we rarely get to see them! The last time we saw them Alex was 4 months old...that's how long it has been! We hope they are willing to make more pitstops in Rock Hill on future trips to the beach! It was so good to see them and for Alex and Emily to have a chance to meet more family members and get to play!