This is apparently the week of cousins in our world.
Earlier this week we went to a young cousin's first birthday, and today we spent the day with lots of cousins (and lots of other family members) at the big family reunion on Daddy's side of the family. It happens every year on Labor Day weekend, and usually averages about a 100 people.
Connor was particularly excited about this day, as it meant he got to play with his distant cousin and good friend from his old school(s) - Cousin J. He also got to play with Cousin J's slightly older brother P, and another favorite cousin, Miss R. Cousin P is in second grade, but the rest are all first-graders this year. They had a big time playing together.
This was also the year of the creek. It was hot in our part of the world today (as in heat advisory for the first time in weeks hot). So the kiddos quickly abandoned the hot shelter (where the picnic lunch was held), bypassed the sunny playground, and headed for the shady creek below the bridge.
And that's where we spent the better part of the day. Splashing. Playing in mud. Building dams. Tossing rocks and sticks and leaves into the water.
Just being kids.
Xander and Sawyer did some rock and leaf tossing. They did a little less splashing and no playing in the mud. But they had a good time, too.
A hot day, but a good one. These are the moments we hope the kids remember. Visiting with extended family. Fun afternoons getting wet and dirty in the creek. Friends who just happen to be cousins, too.
