Cousins

One of the really awesome things about being in a really big family is that there will consequentially be a lot of cousins. On the R & A Ellingson side of the family tree, there are 12 grandbabies. (Well, I shouldn't use the word "babies" as Kirsten's oldest, Hillary, is almost sixteen. GAH!) The youngest five of which are all under 25 months old. It's pretty insane fun when the whole family gets together! Meal times is especially chaotic as we have to coordinate a high-chair schedule. In the end, there's usually a huge mess on the floor, and several dirtied bibs and spoons, but at least everyone gets fed and is happy (hopefully).

One of the coolest things for me is having a baby the same time as my twin brother. Even more cool is that he and his wife had a baby boy and we had a little girl. Isaac and Gwen are only 10 days apart, and it is very easy and fun for us to make the Jenny & Mark comparisons. Not only do Gwen's and Isaac's physical features resemble our own, but apparently, the social dynamic between them is the same as how it was between Mark and I. I would usually be the dominating bully, when Mark would cry and run for comfort. Gwen has already realized that she is bigger and faster than Isaac, and definitely uses it to her advantage. Sorry, Isaac.



Earlier days in the Ellingson House with me and Mark in the high-chairs.



Grandpa E. with Gwen and Isaac.

It is so great having Mark and Brooklyn over to visit, and to have these two cuties play together. I hope that they will grow-up to be best friends.

Here are a few more pictures of the other cousins, Ellingson and Allred.

(I apologize in advance for Parker and Jillian's photo, it's bit little old, but it was the only one I could find. Jillian's wearing a life jacket, for goodness sake!)

Life sure is sweet.

Jenny