Cousins

My mom, Molly, and the kids were in town for Thanksgiving, Millie's baptism, Mimi's birthday and just to play while Chris is making his way back from Iraq (next week!!). It has always been fun times when the kids get together. This time it was exceptional. Malia and Georgia were best buddies. They played and played, did projects, went to swimming, ballet, and loved every minute of it. They are too cute. They've outgrown the stage of having any rivalry and really turned in to good friends. Murphy and Jett are amazing. Jett, aka Map or Rat, has to be the cutest (big) little guy around. He and Murphy went non-stop. I remember back to our trip to Poland when Murphy literally cried every time Jett came around, probably afraid of his size (since Jettie is a good 1.5-2 inches taller...and 10 months younger)! This go-around they were good little playmates. A few instances of Murphy not wanting Jett to have a certain toy (for no other reason than him being a two year old), or a few "Mapping" incidents, but they were too fun to watch! It will only be more fun, too, as they get older (and get in to more trouble).
Seeing the kids together makes me really appreciate family. How neat that after a few months of not seeing each other, the kids pick up where they left off. They are always excited to see each other and are rarely bored together. This is the first Christmas we won't all be together in one place. Molly, Chris and the kids will be in Florida reuniting after five months apart. Trevor, the kids and I will be in Spokane, and my parents and Brynn will be in the islands celebrating Christmas in the condo. It feels a bit strange not all congregating in Manhattan Beach. However, I am really looking forward to the kids waking up Christmas morning, coming down the stairs (although GA says she's sleeping on the couch), and watching them enjoy the holiday. We are starting our own tradition. Plus, I don't think I'm all too bothered by having the first Kettrick Christmas because a few days later we are going to CA to play. I do wish Malia and Georgia could open presents together, and Murphy and Jett could fight over boxes on Christmas morning, but I am thankful they were able to do so on their recent trip to Spoklahoma!!