Final fun with these cousins

Today we headed down to the valley for a finale of fun with Cousin J and Baby N.

At first the kids ran around with some neighborhood kids, having a ball. Then Aunt Le kindly made us lunch. And then we headed to the pool.

I forced the four cousins to pose for a group picture. This was the best I got.

Two buddies ready for fun.

Now, this is one prepared little girl!

After swimming, we headed back to Aunt Le's house, where the boys promptly disappeared into the bedroom. It was wonderful. Two cousins quietly playing, making those cute little noises that children make when they are happily engaged in make-believe together.

Finally, after an hour or so, the girls wandered in too.

It wasn't too long before that situation deteriorated and it was time for naps all around. So we sadly said our good-byes.

We have been so blessed to hang out regularly with this family throughout the year. It's hard looking ahead and not knowing when we will see them again. (I might start lobbying that they take a road trip to Wisconsin next summer!) I love that my sister-in-law is one of my closest friends. I love that she married a super cool guy. And I love that our children love each other too (despite radically different personalities between our boys).

It was a bittersweet farewell. Bitter because we will miss them. But sweet because I'm so glad they are a part of our life.