Up North

Before school started, which I realize was more than a month ago, we decided to go visit our wonderful neighbors up north. My cousin and her family couldn't make it down to Illinois for our family reunion back in July, and it had been since November since we saw everyone, so it just so happened to work out that we had time to head up there before school started. Kim and her boys -- who are now 9, 6 and 1 -- greeted us with open arms, and the kids had SO much fun playing together.

Chef Riley at your service!

Colton with one of his many tractors.

Auggie and Jeremy.

But the funny thing is that Riley is so used to playing with other girls, she did complain that there were too many boy toys (such as cars and tractors) and not any girl toys, including dolls. Somehow she managed just fine, as she and Colton are best buds. Jeremy was just happy to be around other boys that he didn't care what toys were involved.

Baby Sam!

Such a cutie!

I think it's safe to say that everyone enjoyed themselves. And it didn't hurt that both kids fell asleep on the way home. I so wish we lived closer to each other, but for now, I'm more than happy to make the 1.5 hour drive to visit with family. Especially since those boys are SO cute and fun! Thanks for the visit!

Sam and his Mama.

4/5 of the pseudo cousins.

This is as good as they all would cooperate.

Riley took this picture of us.