When all the kids get together now, it's always a little crazy, hectic, but very fun! It will be even more so next year as the new two babies in the family will be old enough to join the older ones. Emilia was non-stop playing with all her cousins. So much that she skipped her nap at times and went to bed crazy tired every night because she just wanted to keep playing. She hung out with cousin K, same age as her, and the two were like two peas in a pod.. playing/fighting over the same toys, sharing the same snacks, doing the same things together. It was really cute.
She also loved hanging out with the older cousins, especially cousin BitBit, who would show her the ropes on whatever kid-shenanigans they were up to. Here they're doing some sort of activity pages with stickers. Em was all smiles the whole time being able to do what the big kids were doing.
Liam, about 2 months old at this time, was a trooper in the holiday fanfare. The trip was not the easiest for him or us since his schedule was interrupted. This made him revert back to waking up every 3-4 hours for feedings at night and lots of cuddle time during the day (aka non-active, no exercise). Liam was quite happy though to have so many people hold him and give him a shoulder to cuddle up and sleep on. Liam and cousin E are the same age, and here they both just chill side by side with their uncles.
Em is now old enough to understand the concept of gifts and opening presents. This was fun to watch as she would slowly rip the wrapping paper and see what toy she received. There were so many toys around since there are a lot of kids, Em also liked getting into the other cousin's toys. A little fighting is always guaranteed.
It was really great to see Em getting along and being with her cousins. Em and cousin BitBit were almost inseparable the first few days. BitBit loved having Em follow her around and in turn, BitBit took to her like an older sister, playing with her and guiding her.
Lots of stimulus overloading for Liam. At least he had his pal, cousin E, to hang out with. Here they are again, just chilling together.
A week was too short, and yet too long, to spend with family. I hope my kids will grow up and share alongside their cousins just like I did when I was young, even though getting together like this is not as frequent as I'd like. The hanging out portion felt too short, but the exhaustion of being off-routine was too long. It was a good end to 2011, and we're looking forward to 2012!
Thanks family, for hosting and accommodating us through crying babies in the wee hours of the morning, making great food and family meals, giving such thoughtful and fun presents, and most of all, doting and caring for our kids!
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