We traveled up to Bellevue to enjoy Thanksgiving with the family and have the five young cousins together. Ruby, Carson and Emma are all 6. Lydia is 3 1/2 and Adeline was born in July this year. I convinced Stephanie that it would be great fun for the 4 kids to eat at the kitchen table by themselves and let the adults eat in the dining room. I have very fond memories of doing that at my Grandma Katy's house for years. The three 6 year olds thought it was really super great, but Lydia needed to be moved next to her mom. Maybe the next time we try this she will be ready.
The three of them chowed down on the great food we enjoyed!
After lunch the rain held off long enough for a walk to the local elementary school for the energy-releasing time. Miss Emma and Miss Ruby decided to remain behind and play, but Carson and Lydia who have an abundance of energy between the two of them went with their moms to the playground and had fun together. For some sweet reason, Lydia really bonded with her Cousin Kristin and you will see lots of pictures of them together.
If the picture looks blurry, it was because Lydia was bouncing up and down while spinning around in circles. I told you she had energy! She will give Carson a run for the money in the energy department. I think those two will be fast friends in about 5 years!
I love this action shot of them both in motion!
These two cousins found a spot under the dining room table.
Nanny Rach joined us and couldn't wait to get her hands on Adeline when she awoke from her nap. We all wanted to meet her up close and personal, since it was our first time seeing her.
Ruby was enchanted with sweet Adeline.
A new Adidas warm up suit for Lydia and/or Emma.
Looks like Lydia claimed it!
Don't forget the Seahawks game that day. Carson is such a huge fan.
Kristin wanted to hold Adeline, too.........
But then said "I don't remember how to hold a baby!"
"Here, you take her!"
Cousin Madeleine joined the family too. (sorry Kristin's eyes are closed, but it's a great picture of Madeleine).
Carson was showing Adeline his favorite bear that he brought with him.
It was time for Adeline to make her appearance as the Thanksgiving Turkey!
Good byes to Nanny Rach.
Then it was time for pie, of course. Pumpkin, pecan and apple! "Grandma, I'll have all three, please!" said Carson and Ruby, "with whipped cream too". Time for the matriarch to join the kiddie table for some fun conversations.
The BIG HIT for the girls was the VERY FIRST SLEEP-OVER. Emma and Ruby got to sleep on the living room floor in sleeping bags. They were delighted to be having their very first sleep-over. Emma was making up songs about it as we put them to bed. (that was after a great bubble bath where I got sweet photos, but won't post).
Carson got to sleep in the loft above the twin bed that I slept in. His Auntie Kat slept up there many years ago and he thought it was great fun. He did really well sleeping above my head --
The next morning the girls came into my room about 6:30. I asked Emma how the sleep over was -- "It wasn't great. My back hurts, my legs hurt, my arms hurt, my head hurts!" I asked her if she wanted to get into my bed, and she did. Later in the morning when others asked how the sleep-over was, they both said it was "great". I think Emma wasn't used to sleeping on a hard floor!
The kids were up early the next morning and I gave them some snacks to munch while watching some TV.
And as soon as Kristin was up, Lydia was in her arms! They are BFF's for sure.
Later in the day she wasn't real excited about me barging in on her Kristin time with my camera. You can see the face I got.
Kristin snuggled her close and Lydia knew she didn't have to get out of that cozy lap, so I got a sweet photo of them together.
This was Adeline's first time in the bouncy chair. She is finally big enough to be able to handle the fun chair.
Just before Carson and Ruby were leaving, the adults decided to get one last photo of them together. Lydia had been in her Daddy's arms, and he plopped her down on the couch -- and she wasn't pleased about that. I think I was the only one with my camera ready.
This is what she did to the adults trying to capture a photo of the 5 cousins! This is the view all the other cameras saw of sweet Lydia! I think she was giving us a message!
Time to really say good bye and Emma didn't want to let go of Ruby. Great memories were forged this year that will last a lifetime for these dear cousins.
After the Jones gang left, it was time to change clothes for the Christmas card photo. It turned out great and the cards are already mailed. Miss Lydia insisted on having her frog in the photo.
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