A Week of Luke and Brinn

It was a little piece of heaven for the boys as they chase (and get chased) by their adored cousin. . .
My brother Brian and wife Karen came up with their two little ones for a week (and the 4th at the beach) and oh my goodness the boys fell in love with their cousins. Weeks later they still ask for "Cousin Luke" every morning and when we get in the car to go somewhere . . . and when I say he is in California "Cousin Brinn?" is next. And boy do they get excited to wear his hand me down shirts. They top the list now, even beating out wearing a fire engine or alligator- that's big. Below you can see why:
Above: Luke and Tyler
Below: Luke & Carter
Look at Brinn so wanting to be involved. She is too cute for words- and SO happy. She just lights up for anyone and everyone, her smile infectious. I was thrilled to see my boys so happy following around Luke that it made me realize, our little Anna will be the same in just a year or so- worshiping and longing to see her cousin Brinn. (see picture below) How fun is that? They will have their moments together too just like these crazy three guys. Oh yes, and "guys" is now a common word in our house because of our blond haired cousin. Just one of the longterm influences he's had on our family.
Above: Popi with the boys and Brinn (Tyler in orange)
Below: Carter playing tennis
We spent the weekend of the 4th at the beach with family and friends. I know this is going to sound ridiculous BUT it was one of the most toddler-friendly place you could take the boys . . . our beaches are so huge and no one is on them . . . they could run 20 feet from you without me getting freaked out like I would at a playground or store. . . and believe me- they ran! We spent part of a wonderful afternoon together, just the five of us, down at the water. It was short but will have lasting memories for me:
Above: My wonderful husband. He took them out to the FREEZING water (which also makes it toddler-friendly cause they wanted nothing to do with it) see below- they loved being chased by the tide but did not want to get caught!
Below: Anna's first time on the sand of the Oregon Coast
The Fourth is a BIG DEAL at Cannon Beach cause of the Annual Parade. Such a sight and hysterical because everyone in the town is in it- whether it is a family piled into their truck throwing candy, or friends wearing matching t-shirts throwing candy. No float or talent required. It's a must see.
Above: The boys with Luke and Brinn
Below: Tyler showing his spirit
Above: Gigi and Popi showed the boys the ropes of candy collecting and cheering
Below: Anna is always along for the ride. She is so good about being trekked all about.We all slept in one big room- The boys on the floor on mattresses. They loved it. One morning I woke up finding Carter asleep on top of me.
The whole group of families we go with has a celebration every night. It was the first time the boys had seen fireworks and enjoyed hotdogs. Both were huge hits.
Above: Travis watching the works with the boys.
Below: Carter had no hesitation eating his first dog. He then wanted to make sure Popi knew how good it was.Below: Bunny Hunting. The place we stayed at had bunnies running around. The boys looked for them everyday, bringing along a treat.
Above: Carter
Below: Tyler
Below: I stole this picture (and some others you see) from Karen's blog. I thought it was too great not to share. Uncle Brian with our boys and as she pointed out- they are holding hands.

Below: More beach pictures including sweet Anna.