This afternoon my beautiful nieces
were picked up and their weeklong stay with us came to an end. At least one of my children has been in tears
since their departure. We were all very sad to say good-bye and see the
end of our week of cousin fun. The week
was loud and crazy and full of wound up, over-the-top excitement. It was seven days of non-stop giggles and late
night chats and lots and lots and lots of memory-making. And it went w-a-a-a-a-y too fast.
We had balance beam contests,
fashion shows, a bubble gum blowing contest, kid-directed home-made movies
(including the first ever kid “horror” film- a not-really-so-scary take on Frankenstein),
craft projects, art projects, water play, an unusual one of a kind picnic,
cooking fun, a silly photo contest, an even sillier lullaby (that never seemed
to end), bedtime stories, face painting, too much junk food, and just such a good time
together!
When
I was young, I read Cheaper by the Dozen and for a week or so after that
I remember thinking it might be fun to have a dozen children myself someday. It seems God’s plans for my family are not
quite as bounteous as that. Thankfully, He
has blessed me with lots of nieces
and nephews, in addition to my own 5 children.
And this week of having the house full
of kids was truly as much fun as I envisioned in my youth. It was a wonderful opportunity to really spend
some time with my nieces and to get to know them even better too.
At
one point, I looked at Tim and said, “I know it sounds crazy but I love the
chaos because inherent in it is so much joy and love.” That really sums up our week-- chaotic but full of joy and love.
My sister and brother-in-law (who also had a great week) have suggested maybe making this an annual tradition- I can honestly say- I LOVE that idea and I’m ready to start making the plans for next year’s visit.....
My sister and brother-in-law (who also had a great week) have suggested maybe making this an annual tradition- I can honestly say- I LOVE that idea and I’m ready to start making the plans for next year’s visit.....
Some of my children's fondest memories are when their cousins would stay for an extended stay.
ReplyDeleteI grew up many states away from all of my cousins and rarely got to see them, so Dea and I made a conscious decision to stay where our children could spend time with their extended family. It's why we're not living in Los Angeles, actually.
I'm sure your kids will never forget those times with their cousins. And you and Tim are wonderful for joyously taking in such a massive crew :)
Our families are truly one of our greatest treasures! I wish my children were closer to their cousins but we are blessed to get to see them as often as we do and are grateful for the visits we do have.
DeleteAs far as the joy of lots of children- I think God knew I wouldn't really be able to handle 12 of my own but for just a week, a house full of awesome! :-)
It sounds like a week to remember, Kari! I used to love seeing my cousins, when we were young. We all lived very far apart so we'd have to re-acquaint but it never took long. Beautiful memories!
ReplyDeleteGod bless:-)
Vicky--
DeleteCousins are like siblings but without the fighting, right? The joy of family connection without the day to day struggle of sharing everything with them.
I, too, have very happy childhood memories of time spent with my extended family. I think that's why it is important to me to allow my children the same opportunity to get to know their extended family.
Blessings to you!