Cousins and Kisses

Sun. Sand. Baby giggles. Freckles. Compotes (applesauce for my American peeps). Sunglasses. Playgrounds. Little Bunny Foo Foo. Diet Dr. Pepper. Bathtime. Clifford the Big Red Dog. Doudou. Dora's brush. Cheddar Cheese. Naps. Kisses. Cousins.

 

This week has been such a wonderful break from the reality that is my life here in France. I have been so blessed to spend the past week in Antibes, France with my cousin and her family. We've had such an amazing time and I can't believe that it's almost over already! I'm so lucky to have been given the chance to spend some quality time with such amazing people! These girls have jumped right off of the screen (prior to this week, I'd only seen them on facebook and on the various pictures that I have recieved in the mail), and landed straight in my heart.

M is fearless. She will jump from anything without a moments thought about the consequences (which makes the playground scary for Mom and Jen!). She is curious and quick. She has a gallopy sort of run that is impossible to not smile to. Like most 2 year olds I know, she has a hard time reigning in all of the balled up energy and sometimes, it bursts out all around her. This week, we've giggled, sang and colored so much that I'm not sure that Petit Papa Noel will ever get out of my head. She is a very joyous child.

J is light-hearted. She is attentive and conscientious. While sometimes difficult, she loves being a big sister and is learning to put up with the constant attention that comes from being born first. A mature young girl of almost 4, J is quick to catch onto physical things and loves to build things (whether they be out of legos, lincoln logs or sand) and is (most of the time) patient when those things are crushed by a certain little sister. We've held hands wherever we've gone and cuddled more than I have since I've been home that my arms are going to feel empty when I leave here tomorrow.

These two little girls (and their moms) have crashed right into my heart and have carved out a place for themselves. The light that shines from them and their adorable smiles will accompany me in my thoughts wherever I go and I will be anxiously waiting for the day that I can come back and throw my arms around them and get some kisses accompanied by the most beautiful word ever in the sweetest litte voices; "encore."