Time With Cousins

We're still fighting that nasty bug that showed up on Monday. And this one is real pain. I'm so glad to have some smiley, happy pictures from last week's trip to Georgia to share.

You know whats fun? Three cousins born within sixteen months of each other. It's a bit crazy too and requires a number of duplicate baby supplies. Fortunately my mother-in-law directs a preschool so she can borrow supplies as needed. Cole was completely spoiled getting to play with her cousin-friends for four days last week. Cole is fond of older children, particularly older children that are interested in her. I imagine there will be a bit of disappointment when she discovers her sibling will be younger than her. My in-laws put an enviable, light-filled addition on to their house last year. The kids play and eat in the space which is perfect. And it makes for easy for picture taking.

I wanted to get a picture of the three cousins while Cole and I were in Georgia. It's a tall order, I know, but I had high hopes. With the help of Peter's sister Nancy, we got all three kids on the couch. The tricky part was getting them to look and smile. With some more help from Nancy and a bit of head shaking to encourage smiles, we got at least one picture that works. I do love the second picture, even if the kids aren't all looking at the camera, because you can see a bit of each child's personality.

The Ranch

Last week Peter went to Louisville for a conference so Cole and I went to Georgia. Historically when Peter has traveled for work, we've just stayed home. But after finding tickets to Atlanta for $65 each way, I decided Cole and I would go ahead and spend a few days visiting family. Cole had so much fun! Even though everyone was just here for her birthday, it was nice to visit without the pressure of events.

Early into our trip we went to the Yellow River Game Ranch with Nancy and Cole's two cousins. The sign out front claims the ranch is "Like a Zoo...Only Better." I'm not certain that I agree. It is like a zoo in that they have animals but in every other sense it's quite different. At the ranch, chickens, ducks, and peacocks roam free. The rest of the animals, all native to Georgia, are within hands reach (not the bears or mountain lions, thank goodness!). You're allowed to feed most of the animals either by hand or by passing them food through PVC piping into the cages. Nancy and her kiddos a regulars at the ranch so they planned ahead and packed treats for the animals.

The funny thing about the ranch is that every animal is part of the experience. The squirrels are so accustomed to visitors that they'll eat out of your hands. Not that I tried that. That's just a bit skeevy for my taste.

In addition to the birds, there were some escaping goats that also roamed free. I watched two goats climb through the fence around their enclosure. From there the kind but aggressive little beasts followed us around, nudging Nancy for more of her treats.

Our little crew lasted about an hour before we needed to go. I packed Cole some graham crackers but they fell out in the car which was the beginning of the end for us. Peter remembered going to the ranch as a kid so we may be making a return visit next time we find ourselves in Georgia. Mark my words, I will not be forgetting a snack for Cole again!

Presently

After a relaxed and gorgeous weekend, our Monday is off to a rough start.  It's gray, rainy and Cole is ill.

Last week we all traveled so Peter left his car at work. As we prepared to drop Peter off at work this morning, Cole lost her breakfast all over me, the driveway, and the items in my hands. Now the peanut is sleeping and I'd say we're in for a mellow day. I'm praying against the stomach bug because I don't know if I can do it again. I'm hoping it was just a fluke.