We spent a week (in July) in Mississippi with my brother and his beautiful wife, Rebecca. They have 4 gorgeous kiddos, little Erne -age 9, Nigel -age 7, Emmaline -age 6, and Max -age 2. Just like Rebecca and I were best friends in college and have been inseparable ever since, the Cannon cousins and the Smith cousins were a tight bunch of kids the whole week.
The week was filled with trips to the library, Happy Hour at Sonic, riding bikes around the neighborhood, watching movies ordered from Netflix (this was new to my kids) and most widely enjoyed: swimming at the neighborhood pool. We have swum in years past with the Smith clan, but this year was the most enjoyable by far because 6 out of the 7 cousins can swim now. We spent almost every day swimming, sunning and snacking poolside.
Max was looking tre chic in his goggles, floaties and life vest. He was feeling CONFIDENT!
Here's a karate kick from Cooper!
Nigel, chilling poolside.
These girls were in hot pursuit of this neighborhood boy riding a yellow whale.
Aunt Rebecca, sporting her UGA hat and sunglasses. Looking good!
To say that the week was 100% relaxing would be misleading, to put it mildly. With 7 kids in the house, all 9 years old or younger, we had our hands full. There were varied altercations between cousins every now and then. Mealtimes were not necessarily quiet. Getting everyone loaded up to go anywhere was a chore and a half! But the end result was well worth the effort. What a fun bonding week for the cousins and parents alike! Big Ernie and I got to go on a brother sister 'date' and enjoyed an evening of sushi and a 'tour' of Hattiesburg. Rebecca and I tried our hand at a girls night out, only to find that the movie we wanted to see was sold out. So, without missing a beat we detoured to Chili's (my favorite restaurant) where we shared Skillet Queso and dessert. Yummy! Of course, we gabbed and gabbed (but when do we not?)!
Lee flew into Gulf Port, MS towards the end of the trip. The next day Rebecca took us to Ernie's plant and Lee and I got to tour the factory. Unfortunately Ernie was out of town on business :-(, but he arranged for a foreman to give us a tour. I had no idea that my brother had such an amazing job! So much responsibility and so much to manage! Wow! I was blown away and MEGA impressed.
I just wish that I had taken more pictures of the cousins playing together. Thanks for a great week Ernie and Rebecca! We love you guys!
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