When I told Juliette back in July that Morgan and Elise would be coming to visit in mid-August, she excitedly said, “You mean they’re coming tomorrow?!” I told her that their visit was still a month away, to which she replied, “You mean in two days?!” And thus the torturous wait began. We made a countdown calendar, but the boxes just couldn’t be checked fast enough – when Mitch and the girls finally rolled up last month, Juliette flew across the room to greet them. Her cousin-love runs deep.
Kathryn was away on a work trip and Mitch was flying solo with his girls, so I figured I’d take Juliette to school on Thursday since I had to be in the office. But when Uncle Mitch asked Juliette if she wanted to spend the day with him and her cousins instead of going to school, she about keeled over with joy. They hit four playgrounds, the beach, and a coffee shop that day. And he still had energy for a post-dinner round of Candyland. My brother’s the bomb.
I was thrilled to join in on the fun on Friday. Also thrilled to roll out of bed much later than usual and find these three quietly reading in Juliette’s room.
Also thrilled to be entertained by a super-fly dance trio during my morning coffee.
Mitch and Kathryn had just bought a new paddle board and the girls were eager to try it out, so we spent Friday afternoon bobbing around Lake Sammamish. The new SUP was great, though for some reason Mitch had a tough time building any momentum.
These three are water-babies through and through.
Lake life 4-ever.
Before we left, I insisted that all three girls get back out on the mermaid one more time, as I had spent longer blowing it up than they’d spent using it. All that effort couldn’t be for naught!
Juliette and Elise took my request very seriously and spent a good 45 minutes drifting around while Morgan took a nap on the beach blanket.
I’d say I got my breath’s worth.
We dined that night at home on Mitch’s famous burgers…
And then took our dessert down to the water for a sunset fix.
Heart: FULL.
Kathryn joined us late Friday night and then the Jarrell clan set out for Whistler on Saturday morning. First, though, one more walk along the waterfront, so they could stretch their legs before the journey ahead.
Juliette, as expected, cried when they left. I, as expected, pulled out my calendar and started planning our next trip down to Portland. Cousins, we’re coming for ya.
