Labor of Love (and Rivalry)

During this Labor Day weekend, my four-year old neice Brooklynn, my sister-in-law Christy and my parents came to visit us. We were glad to see them and I was happy to have the distraction from not being able to "officially" share my secret yet. (Uggh! It's still driving me crazy that I have to continue to keep my mouth shut....)

Anyway, these cousins sure kept us busy. We were either laughing at them, breaking up their fights over toys or trying to get a few decent photos of them together. Fortunately, we managed to get a few cute ones which I will share below.

Since my family lives almost six hours away, I don't see them very often. I hadn't seen Brooklynn or Christy since February. I wasn't sure if my neice would want anything to do with me. But I was happily surprised that she just ran up to me and started speaking to me like I see her every day, instead of once or twice a year.

Vivian wasn't too crazy about our house guests at first. Also, Viv wasn't too happy about sharing toys with her older cousin or sharing the spotlight either. She later warmed up to them though.

My sister-in-law Christy saw first-hand why I call Vivian, "Viva the Diva." Yes, she was true to form and showed off her sarcastic mouth, tantrum behavior and Diva-like qualities. I told Christy, "See, I'm not making this up!"

Here is one photo showing the cousin rivalry between Viv and Brookie. Vivian was literally swatting her hand at Brooklynn to get away from her while we were at the zoo. Just imagine Viva the Diva saying, "Get out of my personal space!"



But here are some photos showing them being affectionate and loving toward each other. Can you say, "Awwwwwwww...."









I don't know who was more tired at the end of the day, the kids or the adults? We kept them occupied with games, puzzles, shaking maracas, running around the backyard, a trip to the zoo, a trip to the playground, fun time in the ballpit and on the slide, shooting bubbles with the bubble-gun, writing on the sidewalk with chalk, reading books, and much more. Whew, I'm exhausted just typing all that!

Highlights from the visit:









Having a blast at the playground:







Even grandma got on the swingset. (Not bad for an old lady, almost 60!)



Brooklynn shows off the Barbie I gave her:



I gave Brooklynn a big hug before she left, hoping that I won't have to wait another seven months before I see her again.



I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day holiday and weekend! Cherish those moments of time with your family and friends. I know I did.

Fingers crossed that my next post will be the one where I reveal my news. Until then, a virtual hug goes out from me to you.