Babies and birthdays...

Dawnette and Eric and Brittany and Tim both had babies within a week of each other.  They're like double cousins because Tim and Eric are brothers and Dawnette and Brittany are sisters... we expected them to look like twins.  They are distinctly different and both so stinking cute.  It was fun to get up for the weekend to see them.  It's remarkable how quickly we forget how tiny they start out.  Kolton was mostly uninterested in them, and Xiana wanted to kiss them, but didn't have time to just hang.  I guess she's gotten her fill of babies since having a baby brother.

Seriously, aren't they adorable?!?!?!

Ekco was a bit timid at first, but she came around eventually...

Proud papas...

Merry mamas... (I'm trying to keep the alliteration thing going:)

We let them rest for a bit and went to dinner letting our kids get out some of their caged energy.

And then, the following day we had to give grandma a break and get these kids out of the house!  Ali and I walked them down to the park and let them play for a bit.... the swings and sandbox were the biggest hits!! 

Later, Brian took them out treasure hunting.  This is one of their favorite things to do when we go to Battle Mountain.  There are old cans and glasses and any number of hidden treasures. 

They were cute.  I love listening to their little conversations as we walk. They are oblivious to adults and create such a magical make believe world.  They're so sweet and articulate.  I love how they are bonding with cousins making genuine life long friendships.

We went through a little tunnel which everyone thought was cool. 

Then, we surprised Ekco with ice cream and cake for an early birthday since we wouldn't have her on the actual date.  Brian picked up some of those relighting candles so we got to tease her about all of her boyfriends.  It's hard to believe that she's 11!  I can't imagine how surreal that is for Brian who has raised her from birth.  She is no longer a little girl at all.  Soon she'll be in Middle School. 

She really wanted some swimming things as she is, after all, a fish.  We got her a snorkel and some fins and swimming suit.  I hope she'll get a lot of use out of them this summer. 

She also got some clothes and a game from grandma.  We stayed up late playing it that night.  I must say, it was great fun!

She's a little lady. 

I swear, they grow up so fast you have to pinch yourself to remember that these years won't last forever.  Next birthday she'll be in Young Womens.  It's hard to believe.  Happy birthday Ekco!!