Cousins Weekend

Two weeks ago we went to Paul's Aunt Suzy and Uncle Clyde's house for cousins weekend. This has become such a fun tradition. My kiddos don't have first cousins so I'm so glad that they have the opportunity to grow up and be close to their second cousins. We always have so much fun and I couldn't have asked for better role models for my children!  The weekend is always very relaxing and we definitely eat well! (Kim and her girls couldn't come this time but we're looking forward to seeing them at Easter.)

Emma, Gin-g, Ruthie, Suzy, Ellie, Laura Ann, JP, Mary Jane, Emmie

On the way to NC (don't worry...Gin-g took the picture). My kiddos were SO tired and at one point they were all sleeping!

Saturday morning everyone came over for a big breakfast and afterwards the kids all went outside to play.

Laura Ann and Ruthie

After JP and Ruthie had their naps we headed to a local park. In addition to the playgroud the park has a carousel and train. The carousel has been there for many, many years and it is absolutely beautiful! My girls always enjoy this part of our trip.

Uncle Clyde and Ellie

Aunt Suzy and Emmie

Me and JP

Laura Ann, Mary Jane, and Emma

Getting ready to ride the train!

Papa and Ruthie

GG and Ellie

Ellie was pretty much attached to Emma the whole trip. I think she liked that Emma is quieter and is happy to sit and play quietly...just like Ellie :)

After the park we went to Emma and Mary Jane's house. Danny and Jennifer are working on starting a farm and it's always neat to see the progress they've made. They are so smart and have done a LOT of research and always have lots of interesting tidbits! Right now they have chickens and are at the point where they're starting to sell the eggs. While we were there they were working on clearing out some land to make room for goats!

Emmie was very nervous to pet the chickens but finally worked up the courage.

Gathering eggs. They sent a dozen home with us...yumm!

I LOVED watching JP's expressions while he was watching the chickens.

Petting the bunnies.

LOVE these sweet cousins!

This kid cracks me up all.the.time.

While dinner was being prepared the girls sat down and colored for a bit.

Aunt Sonja joined us for dinner and I love this picture of her and Ruthie. She was giving her some instructions about listening and kindergarten (Sonja was a teacher). Ruthie listened very intently! (Also she was boycotting wearing a shirt...we pick our battles.)

Ruthie was very interested in the piano. Practicing her skills with GG and Karla.

Practicing with Karla and GG.

Bedtime stories with Uncle Clyde.

Sunday morning the older girls slowly trickled in and everyone had a great time making things out of play doh.

JP of course got lots of cuddles throughout the weekend.

No cousin's weekend would be complete without a bedtime piano serenade from Uncle Clyde. I could seriously just sit in listen to him play all night. Ruthie got in on the singing and playing this year. Holy Holy Holy is one of her favorite songs and she just loved that Uncle Clyde was playing it with her!

After lunch on Sunday we headed back to Columbia. We had such a great time and are already looking forward to the next Cousin's Weekend!