Cousins!

I know that I have a soft spot for cousins. Cousins are friends that you are "required" to visit and spend time with, that you are tied to by family, but drawn to by a God given connection. So when we went to Arizona and I watched Silas engage with his cousins, I couldn't hold back my giddy smile. We REALLY missed Adeline and Asher. We were very thankful for our time with Everett, Audrey, Evangeline, Roderick, and Avery.


There is just something about Silas and Audrey. Perhaps their similar age, or just the combination of their personalities, or just an example of that God given connection. Audrey is all girl, a little feather weight of frills and expression. Silas is a boy through and through, a man of little words and calculated responses. She is exuberant and passionate, he is focused and observant. They are both first born, so they are determined in their way. It makes for highly entertaining interactions. The best part though, is the belly giggles that they conjure out of one another.

Silas and Roderick bond on the level of knowledge and pretend. They deeply engage themselves in the world of the sandbox, toy airplanes, and shooting guns. Now and again they get tangled up in a debate over the correct name or terminology in their specific areas of expertise...but it is generally short lived and they quickly return to their imaginary land. No squabble is worth sacrificing the fun.

This was Silas' first opportunity to spend time with Everett since he was less than 2. It was precious for me to see them together. Silas has reminded me so much of Everett as he gets older. They look alike to me, they have similar facial expressions, and speak as though they are the final authority on all subjects. When Everett's little sister, Adeline, was born, I had the gift of being flown out to New York to help take care of Everett as Sheila recovered. I didn't have any kids of my own at the time and it was a fabulous week for me to hang with my #1 nephew. Seeing these two boys together this past week was a blessing to me. I know every child has their challenges, and every parent their work cut out for them...but I rejoice in seeing who my brother is as a dad and who his son is becoming. I pray that I will parent in the midst of God's grace as well as Shad and Sheila are learning to do, and that my son will taste in his relationship with Jordan and I the unconditional love that his Savior has to offer him. I am a proud auntie of these amazing kids and SO thankful they are my kids' cousins!!