Family Fun

Lauren's cousins Ryan and Daniel, and Aunt Debbie, were recently here from New Hampshire for a 3 week visit. The boys immersed themselves in surf and sailing camps during the week. We made every effort to spend time with them on the weekends. We celebrated their arrival and first weekend here with a pool party and bbq at our house.

Hanging out with the boys:


Chillin with Daniel:


Lauren's favorite spot - between Daniel and Ryan!


What started as a silly pose:


Quickly turned into an all out tickle fest:

You really have to imagine Lauren's guttural all-out laugh (kind of like her mom's) to appreciate the moment:


After swimming, Aunt Deb got a big squeeze:


The following weekend, while Norm was out of town, I took Lauren to my parents' house for dinner and more merriment with the family. The boys are sooo good with Lauren, dutifully dancing at her direction, and even playing her princess board game. Lauren's favorite thing to do really is just be around them - she truly adores them, and it shows.




Note how my mom got caught up in one of their bear hugs:


The third and final weekend, we went to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, so Norm could surf with the boys and they could show off their newfound skills. One of Norm's friends also joined us with his wife and 2 children, including a 4-year-old named Sophia, who became Lauren's new best friend for the day.

Ryan with his longboard before hitting the waves:


Norm and Ryan waiting for the next swell:


The little kids eagerly practiced their pop-ups:



Norm showed everyone how it's done:


Daniel and his Pop-Pop:


Both boys were so incredibly sweet with Lauren. While Ryan spent hours in the water, Daniel doted on his little girl cousin, taking her down to the water's edge:


Listened attentively as Lauren regaled him with imaginative tales:


And showed her lots of love:


The piece de resistance was when Daniel became the maestro for Lauren and Sophia, dressing up in "costumes" of seaweed and feathers, then singing and dancing with them to "Twist and Shout" as their adult audience sang right along and clapped enthusiastically:




We were all so sad to see them go and can hardly wait for a return trip soon, we hope. Love you all!