Can't get enough of our cousins

Last year, for one reason or another, it seemed like someone always got sick every time Stacey and I tried to plan a play date for the kids. We began to expect that the morning of, one or the other of us would be calling to say someone had a cold or a stomach bug, etc. etc. etc. After a while it got so bad that Granny told us we'd better just quit planning anything and go for more impromptu opportunities.

This year has been so much better though. I think pretty much ever month since school started we've been able to get together at least once, and some months we've even been able to meet up multiple times. To make it even better, we also had a few opportunities to get together with my cousin Leslie's kids, Peyton and Colton. 

For example, one day in about the middle of October, we all met up at Granny's to celebrate Stacey's birthday.

Since it was a school day, none of the older great-grandkids got to be with us, but while we had all the littler ones together, we thought it would be a good time to get a picture for Granny. What a feat! Dan and Caleb were hamming it up, Anabella was doing her best to keep Reid in place while trying to snuggle both him and Hadley, and Peyton was attempting to balance her newborn brother with the help of Leslie spotting. 

A mess...that's what they were! But, aren't these photos just so funny? Every one captures a little of their personalities.

The girls didn't have nearly as much trouble getting a good shot. Those boys must have been the problem!

How could we really expect them to sit still though when there was cake around? Birthdays are exciting!

While the bigger kids were interested in the cake, Reid's fascination was with Colton.

I was probably most excited about the good meal Granny whipped up.

Then, finally it was time to eat the cake!

A week later, I decided to go get Reid's birthday pictures taken at a studio near where the Credles live. Since we were going to be in the area, I asked Stacey if it was okay if I dropped Granny and my older two off at her house so I could focus on my littlest fella. As usual, she was up for the company, and they all spent a good portion of the day playing with Dan and Belle's toys.

Two buddies

I'm not sure Dan is happy about you messing with that, Reid...or maybe he just didn't want his picture taken.:)

So many new toys!

My Aunt Debbie got this little outfit for Anabella when she was small and I loved it. When I saw it in Stacey's stack of consignments, I was quick to add it to my pile of purchases. For our play date, I decided to put it on Hadley so they could see her in it. My girl loves when she gets something from Anabella or Peyton and is always so proud of it. (Mommy thinks Stace and Leslie both have good taste.)

Reid was glad he got a chance to play for a little while before his pictures.

Hadley has been terrified of dogs since our neighbor's pup ran down the hill and knocked her down, so she was a little nervous about Anabella's pet too. I think it was good for her to see how nice this guy was.

Caleb was thrilled with all Dan's Hot Wheels.

And, the trampoline is always a hit.

Get it, girl!

Next came dress up time!

Spider Cay-Cay, Batgirl Belle, and Ironman Credle

The cousins found Reid a costume too.

It wasn't long after that that we got together for Halloween and Thanksgiving as well as for decorating Granny's house for Christmas and celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And, though I don't have any photo evidence (since I apparently didn't have my camera or the battery was dead), there were several spur of the moment play dates this winter too.

In January, we had a more unique outing - another trip to the WARF. Neither of us had been since Hadley and Caleb's birthday party back in the spring, so it was a nice treat, especially in the winter when there aren't many opportunities to get on your swimsuit and splash around.

Like usual, Granny was up for tagging along. Truth be told, I wouldn't have wanted to go with all three of mine without that extra set of eyes. She didn't get in, but it was very helpful to have her nearby, especially if one of the kids got tired and wanted a little break.

In January, we also got to do a night out at Chuck E. Cheese with just the boys, followed by a girls' day in February.

On another cold February day, we got all of the boogers together again at Granny's to play. They dumped out the blocks, chased each other, wallowed around in a tent with blankets, and ate ICE CREAM!

Reid's getting big enough to run with the pack and they are really good about including him.

Reid was so pleased to get his own cone like the others.

Once February hit, it was time for the twins' parties. Hadley and I went to Anabella's princess one.

Anabella's aunt is a librarian and she had this Clifford costume she brought. Hadley was a little scared at first but after awhile she warmed up. I kept thinking we could have used her a couple years ago for Caleb's Clifford party!

Then, later the same day, Dave took the boys to Dan's superhero birthday.

This hulk-fist-cone-crushing game was such a neat idea.

Silly boys!

This was the night of the big snowstorm when Hadley and I had to spend the night with the Jacksons. I called Dave and told him to stay put at Stacey's until it let up, and all the kids were thrilled with this turn of events. Anabella was planning just where everyone would sleep if they had to stay the night. Reid would be in her bed (of course), Caleb with Dan, and...ooops, Dave I guess you're on your own.

Over the next couple months we've had a few other opportunities for them to hang out at Granny's together (not to mention that Anabella got to come to Hadley's birthday party earlier this month). And, while we haven't gotten to get together with Peyton and Colton quite as much, last week when we heard they'd be visiting Granny's, I took Hadley and Reid out too. Peyton and Had played excellent together and when it was time to leave Peyton even said, "Goodbye, Sister!" When Hadley started feeling bad later that week, Leslie messaged me that Peyton told her, "We need to see my best friend, bring her a present, and make her belly feel better!" (What a sweet girl!) We're already talking about when to get these two little ladies together again soon - Colton and Reid too!

While I don't have photos of all their fun days, sometimes it's good just to enjoy the little cuties without always snapping away. Now that spring is here and summer's coming, I hope we can all get together that much more!