Company

I have been AWOL from my blog for a few days, with good reason. My twin sister was in town with her two girls, Peanut and Sweet Pea. They decided to make the journey from Colorado in honor of the boy's eighth birthday.

Sweet Pea, who was a newborn when I saw her last July, was crawling around and pulling up on the furniture. She is a happy baby and has these adorably cavernous dimples when she smiles. I enjoyed getting to see her little personality.

Peanut, who kindly tolerates me calling her by her in-utero nickname, is no longer a toddler. She has transformed into little girl and was quick to reminding me that she was now three-AND-three quarters-years-old. Not that she is keeping track. Peanut is very chatty kept me laughing with her silly banter.

It was such a treat to get to spend time with my two favorite girls. Hanging out with my sister was equally as wonderful. After a rocky patch during our teenage years, I am happy to say that we are the best of friends. My only regret is that we don't get to see each other more often.

You may recall that Peanut came to stay with the hubby and I for three weeks last January while my sister and her hubby went to visit his family in South Africa. Spending that much time together was a real bonding experience. You would never know that we live 1200 miles apart and only see each other a few times a year.

As soon as she walked in the door, Peanut was at ease and wasted no time in making herself at home. Can I tell you how happy that makes me? I don't think I could stand it if Peanut was nervous to be around me.

Peanut and the boy get along incredibly well, despite the four-year age gap. They share a love of the great outdoors and genuinely enjoy each other's company. Each night, after the kiddos were tucked into bed, we would find the boy snuggled up next to his cousin, reading her one of his favorite books. It was so sweet.

The night before they left, Peanut and I spent a few quiet minutes talking together. She told me that she would always love me and Uncle Porcupine (a name she gave the hubby because of his "porky" hair and whiskers). Then, in her loudest voice, Peanut proclaimed, "But do you know what?! I will always love the boy the most!"

My hope is that as the years go by, they will always be friends.