They come in all ages.
There's boys and there's girls.
They come from different regions of the U.S.
They have varied interests, are learning different things in school, and their personalities are distinct.
The oldest is going to be 13 years old in February and the youngest just recently celebrated one month with us.
Ella, Ava, Henry and their cousins enjoyed each other's company this holiday season.
They played games the old-fashioned way using board games, pieces, and strategies. They played games the modern way using controllers, the TV, and strategies. They ran (and wheeled) around the houses, sat at the kids' table for meals, and played carefree in the snow. They enjoyed the dogs that surrounded them, took part in the holiday treats as they became available, and had their quiet moments (every so often).
Each adult seemed to find some time to spend with each of the children in one way or another. Laps were sat upon, knees were ridden upon, and tickles were doled out. The baby was held, passed around and fussed over.
Gifts were exchanged as excitement filled the air. Hugs and kisses, handshakes and pats-on-the back made themselves known throughout the time spent together.
Ella spent her time enjoying the family that surrounded her. She laughed and giggled endlessly. She spent much time with her baby cousin, Caroline. She showed off her skills at standing as she has been working hard on them as of late. She brought smiles and wonderment as she divulged her exceptional personality to those who hadn't seen her in some time.
Cousins present a special kind of relationship. They afford the pleasure of having a friend to play with no matter what the age. They bring to the table their unbridled humor, their skills and talents, and their unchecked personality traits. They take care of one another without being told to do so; they share, they make room for, and they develop lifelong bonds with one another.
The excitement of getting together with cousins can only be matched by the time spent with one another.
 | |||||
| Joe, Ava, Sami, Ella, Henry |
 |
| Johnny, Ava, & Henry |
 |
| Conner, Johnny, and Henry |
 |
| Caroline & Ella |
 |
| Ella & Caroline |
