Cousin Love

I have been watching my nephew a couple of times a month, since the beginning of the year. He adores my kids which makes it really fun. He loves time with Avery in the mornings, takes a nap and then has more cousins to play with in the afternoon!

 Ryan is amazing with him. He kind of takes over when he gets home from school ;)

I almost lost my job after his momma saw these stunt pics ;) 

 Fortunately, he moved super slow over the ramps. Promise!!

We go to story time most weeks, which is great for both of them and something I am less tempted to do with just Avery. She is really benefiting too!

2 years apart in age, but you'd never know it by their size. They have very different personalities and do tend to act more like siblings than friends, meaning they argue and fight over toys, etc. Plenty of good lessons to be learned for all of us.

I feel very blessed to be so involved in this little one's life. He had my heart from day 1 and I am so fortunate to be with him so much. I love that his cousins are some of his best friends, and vice versa.

We love being around to watch you grow, Tripp! Happy 3rd Birthday!

TRIPPle Trouble

Ryan + Avery + Tripp (and the other 2 boys) = lots of fun and noise and patience (theirs and mine)

 

Last week we got some extra Tripp time! My kids get so excited for his visit. Me too ;)

Love having my double stroller full (again). Ryan wishes he was ours for keeps ;)

 Even Owen got in on the action.

Fountain Fun

The Littles and I met Grandma and Tripp at a nearby water fountain. The temperatures have been much hotter this week, we were spoiled with a cooler summer.

Avery played it safe, unlike her cousin ;)

 

It was nice to catch up with my mom too! I am so blessed to have them nearby.

One more week before preschool starts!

Saturday Morning Treat

We met Lissa and Tripp at the Farmer's Market. The donuts were our main attraction, but we also walked away with some yummy peaches and country sausage. What a combo :)

Tripp's 1st Birthday

Despite our rough week, it sure started out fun. Tripp's party was the afternoon of the baptism. We all had such a great time. Lissa throws a super cute party! It took place at my parent's home with lots of family gathered to celebrate.

 

 

 

Avery received this super cute apron from her Uncle Jack (below) and Aunt Pam in celebration of her baptism. 

 

 

Is he not the cutest?!?! Happy 1st Birthday Tripp. 

Avery's Baptism

Sunday, was a very special day. Lissa and Alex joined our church as "official" members. 

After that, Avery and her cousin, Tripp were baptized.

We are so thankful for our church family. I loved looking out at folks who had such a hand and prayer in bringing Avery home. She is already very comfortable at church and loves the music.

My parents attended as well as Alex's parents plus nieces and nephew.

Sunday afternoon, we celebrated Tripp's 1st Birthday. How can that be?

Our family of 6 went out for a quick lunch afterwards to celebrate Avery. 

Mexican, her favorite. I didn't take in pics :(

Juggling Act

This weekend was a busy one. EJ left on Friday to visit with family. His mother's mothers' health is failing rapidly. He had a nice visit with his grandmother and mom. It's been a long time since he has made that journey on his own. We missed him, but I kept the kids busy and thankfully we enjoyed him today b/c he arrived home late Sat.

The kids and I bike/scooter ed/stroller ed to a nearby bagel shop on Sat morning. It was a great workout and fun treat for breakfast.

Later, I babysat for baby Tripp. I took all 5 to Mason's first baseball game. What a riot. I know everyone was wondering what in the world? I didn't take any pictures of the game, but I did manage to catch Mason at bat each time. He had his first hit off a machine. Pretty big deal in his world!

 

Avery struggled to share Momma. Thankful for her attachment, but certainly tricky holding 2, 22lb babies at once :)Later we introduced Tripp to our ball pit (that recently made a re-appearance). He loved it.

 Get 'em Tripp!

More progress on the basement. Yahoo! 

The bathroom vanity and plumbing is in, the stairs are done and the flooring installation starts tomorrow. Pics soon.

Blue Eyes

Today, I had the privilege of watching my nephew, Tripp, so Lissa could run a few errands. I had about 10 whole minutes with him without any of MY own children around too, bonus! Is he not the cutest thing ever?

Double Cuteness

On Wed. I had the privilege of watching my nephew for a good part of the day. I cheated a little and had EJ come home to help with lunch ;) Ryan was at preschool for 3 of the hours, so Avery had a new play mate. We went for a long walk so Tripp could take a morning nap while the cleaners cleaned my house! EJ insisted we get help with the cleaning while we adjust to life with 4. He is such a smart man ;)

I even managed to have them all napping at the same time!

 

I couldn't resist putting him in my sling. Oh, my heart!

It was very busy, but I loved it! 

Lots to Celebrate

For as long as I can remember and even before that my mom's side of the family (four 1st cousins) and their families have vacationed 1 week together. Usually 2 houses. We always do at least 1 huge meal all together and often celebrate milestones that have or will occur before the next reunion.

 My dad's birthday was the first :) A silly song was sung in unison and they presented him with the largest card I've every seen and some yummy ice cream pies.

The little ones enjoyed some sparklers

 and glow necklaces

Then the morning Owen and I had to leave, the women gathered for a precious celebration for Tripp and Avery. It was a total surprise to Lissa and I, hence my straight from fishing on the ocean, cute traveling home attire.
Boy, were we ever showered with such thoughtful touches and sweet encouragements from 5 very amazing moms, 4 cousins and my mom :)

 

 Tripp slept through the entire thing :)

Thank you ladies. You are the best! Miss you already!