Cousins

"Cousins are friends that will love you forever."

I knew my entire family, including my internationally residing brother, would be getting together in August in Utah. I also knew that we wouldn't be there. I hemmed and hawed over the decision to go for awhile but in the end decided since we were out of Sky Miles and our millionaire status hadn't exactly kicked in yet (or ever probably) that we would be staying in Tennessee all summer long.

I never expected my brother to email a few weeks ago asking if he and his little boy could stop by for a visit on their way to SLC. It may sound sappy but the thought that he even considered detouring to see us meant a lot to me. After I told James they were coming, every time we got in the car he asked if we were going to pick up Michael. I finally made him a countdown chain so he could get a better grasp on when they'd be here.

It turned out it couldn't have been better timing since Brian was gone unexpectedly that entire week. It wasn't a long visit but we were so grateful to have them and loved every minute with them. James and Michael had a blast together and at one point James put his arm around him and said "Michael, you're my best friend." Cute.

Here are some shots of the less than 48 hours they were here. We also went to this random safari ranch where you drive around and zebras, deer, emus, llamas and other random animals stick their heads in your car windows and follow you trying to get food. It was hilarious (and kinda scary) but we forgot to take a camera to that, so here are other randoms shots:

This is what our world is coming to--sitting next to each other playing iPads. They were both excited to show each other what they were doing on their own iPads.

 Uncle Rob (I just realized I never got a picture with him)!

I told James if he could go an entire week without having an accident during bed/naptime that he could have this Mater bubble blower. He and Michael took turns running it up and down the yard while the other one chased behind. They loved it and I'm pretty sure it wore them out (and Mater out since he hasn't worked since) since they both fell asleep really fast that night.

 Rob being a good uncle and holding Livy even as she spit up all over his watch.

 This was the day they left and we were all kinda sad they were gone. To add some excitement to our day we decided it was time Miss Liv tried the doorway jumper. She loved it.

So did Jamers. He was hoping they also came in his size.

Sadly, it'll probably be another year before we see Michael again. I vow to make it to Israel to see them at least once while they're there though.