September = Quality Cousin Time

Growing up in Ohio holds so many memories for my sisters and me. Most of those childhood snapshots include spending time with our cousins, Matt and Andy. Whether it was practicing to perform a musical/talent number under the name “The Tree-Top Monkeys” or playing some made up game, we always had such fun together.

Time and distance have separate all of us, but we still try to stay in contact best we can. Now that everyone is married and the majority of us have kids, it is even more difficult to travel the distance to see one another. However, since Mark and I moved out here, we have had the great pleasure of being in a location easily accessible to Andy and his family. In fact, we have already managed to see them twice since we moved in April.

This latest visit came on Mark’s birthday, last Saturday. Andy, Amy and the girls drove up from Indiana for the day to hang out with us. Here are some shots of the girls…

Then, Sunday night Matt, Heather and their four kids came to visit. Matt and Heather went to school in Chicago and still have many close contacts out here. We were blessed by being able to host them for a short time while they travelled through Chicagoland. I was able to join them at the Brookfield Zoo on Monday. Here are some of the highlights.

Matt and Heather packed up and departed Westmont on Wednesday morning. It was so sad to see them go. The house was way too quiet. I had to put on the radio and make myself busy so I didn’t get too lonely. Thanks everyone for making September extra special.