Minnesota Holiday

We are back tonight from a quick holiday in Minnesota with John's family.  We find ourselves wishing we lived closer to Brian and Hilary or had more free time to spend together.  One of my favorite parts of our shared family time is how comfortably we all settle into simple, fun activities - especially the kids.  Tonight as I was tucking Ava in she was a little choked up and told me she couldn't stop thinking about how much fun she had with her cousins.  "Mama, I just can't get those fun times out of my head!"  A few quick photos before I try to restore some order...

As usual, Matt and Ava settled into their own world of mutual affection and pretend play.  It was such fun to see them together.  The two of them really bring out the best in each other. It is very heartening to see their relationship unfold and to speculate on their future of shared occasions as cousins and close friends.

Amelia spent hours playing with the best toys in the house - a drawer full of sippy cups and plastic bowls.  (BTW, our robust, healthy girl sprouted an ear infection about 15 minutes after we arrived in Minnesota.  Her first ear infection since LAST Christmas at Brian and Hilary's house!  Some antibiotics and Motrin and she was good as new.)

Ben, Ava and Matt in "The Poop Club."  The Poop Club has a complicated set of rules involving confetti for New Year's Eve, no adults, light sabers and no changing of names.  Club activities dominated their days during our visit. 

Each morning John headed out for a latte for me, mocha for Hilary and the newspaper.  Here Amelia is re-purposing the coffee carrier for a more worthy cause.

'Two' remains ever-present.  A cape/halo combo!

During this visit Ava had her first experience on ice skates.  I am in no way making Olympic plans, but I am proud of how well and how quickly she took to it.  Round and round the rink she went, using up every minute of ice time. An assist from her big sister Meghan got her off to a great start....  

That, and the pusher...

Happy New Year!!