More fun than usual

There's been more fun than usual around the circus these days.

Why's that, you ask? We'll give you one word: COUSINS!

Aunt Margaret and cousins Matt and Lizzy are visiting from Illinois. (Cousin Ali couldn't come and we are missing her. Visit us soon, Ali!) We've been up to all sorts of fun -- running, jumping, playing, touring fun.

And -- as we discovered the other morning while Daddy and Aunt Margaret golfed at Stanford -- even the "usual" activities are more fun when you're with your cousins.

Take, for example, play dough. It's a lot more exciting to play with play dough when you can "feed" your creations to your bigger cousins. Between the four of them, they had a bustling little restaurant going.

After everyone had "eaten" their fill, we moved the party to the park. The day was sunshiny and not too hot, perfect for some playing. With Indy cheerful lounging in the stroller, parked under a bit of shade, and cousins playing on the play structure with the girls, Mama found her hands unexpectedly free. Strolling around the park, taking pictures of happy children, Mama realized the appeal of really, really big families. Three children three and under might not be so challenging if you had older, helpful children, too!

Happy to watch the playing.

Kathleen loves to "do the rings," but needs some spotting, which is hard for Mama to do while holding Indy (or carrying him in the Beco). But who needs Mama when you have cousin Matt?

Madeline, not about to be left out, insisted Matt help her, too.

Delighted with her playmates.

Cousins, you can come any time!