Cousins

Once a month I feel a strong desire to move to the mountain west. That impulse always occurs around the time my siblings have family dinner together. Usually I get pix messages of the cousins together with some witty comment. Nielsen humor is kind of unique, and we all think we're totally hilarious. Occasionally an outsider appreciates it too but for the most part we all just GET each other and it's always a good time. The cousins love spending time together. Liesel and Ireland are no exception. They thoroughly enjoyed their Utah cousins and it warmed the cockles of my heart to see them all interact. All my siblings have different parenting techniques but somehow there is a connective tissue.

Ireland and her cohort Isaiah. They aren't really on each
other's radar yet... this is the best pic of them together before
Ireland ran for my legs and Isaiah ran for Katrina.

Liesel and her cohort Sam. They are somewhat on each
other's radar and bond over candy (in the sacks).

I was fortunate that the Utah relatives had a family dinner while we were in town. Nothing big or fancy but then again, not much is needed for us to have a good time. Brent was really bummed to miss out but hey, he had to go back to work sometime! 

Initially I just wanted a picture of Abigail and Eli (who are best friends). When I
made the request Abigail noticed Noah standing nearby and said, "That's fine,
but then can we get a picture with all of us?" I thought that was so sweet that she
wanted to make sure he wasn't left out. When I got to the picnic Noah ran up and
gave me a hug. We'd just dropped Brent off at the airport and I actually needed a
hug pretty badly. What a great kid.

Piper is "surfing" on the teeter totter. The two boys weighed enough to bounce
Liesel a bit which made her laugh heartily.

I already can't wait to see these guys again and I know my girls feel the same!