Cousins!

It really is cute how much the kids are comprehending "cousins" and all that that entails.  I feel that they sense the connection is somehow slightly different than that with friends.  Our kids were so stoked to hear that their cousins were coming to visit with papa and grandma nette.  Friday Jackson didn't have school so we picked up Ryan a bit early and all headed to the beach for a day of leisure.  It was freezing but not one of them complained.

 Andi really is so very sweet with little kids.  I wonder if this will be one of her things or if it will phase out.  They respond well to her and she just loves making them happy.

With the new beach tools from Uncle Curtis and Aunt Tristan, Jackson went to town with digging this monstrous hole.  He would have to take occasional breaks to rest his arms and I don't doubt they were tired.  Everyone helped out here and there but really, this kid did the majority.  I love the picture below with the sand in midair.

 Ryan absolutely loves the beach - loves the ocean, really.  He has no fear; just a desire to watch and experience the crashing waves.

Saturday was an out of control day so Shay, her kids and nette came over that morning to visit a bit.  We ended up with a mini photo session with the cousins and Shay with her kids.

 We needed Tori's kids in here so I don't feel so old providing the eldest in the picture!!!  And hello, we totally can't wait to have Curtis and Tristan's kid added to the mix soon!!  We feel blessed to have the family growing for we know many memories will be made in years to come.

*Andi's odd pose is in the efforts of showing off her freshly painted nails, FYI.

Grandma Nette also brought the buckets she got for the kids for Easter.  They were intended for Easter but they were in the front room just begging to be opened.  Or the kids were begging to open them!?!?  Either way, Jackson had the idea that they could open them for FHE because we could have a lesson on giving and how it feels to give gifts and then transition into the gift of the Holy Ghost, the best gift there is.  I thought it was settled and he would do just that the following day, until a half hour later he begged and pleaded yet again to open them.  Needless to say, it was easier to give in than to deal with the issue everyday for the next two weeks.  Kids were stoked!