Unexpected Pleasures of Portland

I knew I'd get to play with my cousins a few times while we were here, I had no idea how often we'd visit and how much I'd enjoy our afternoons together.

Kaylee loves watching the kids play, the dogs, and having more adults around who like to hold and snuggle her. I love having family around, a place to go where Kaylee can play and wear herself out, and learning some good parenting skills in the process.

Yesterday, what I planned as a brief escape from packing, became an awesome afternoon with them, and ended with an unexpected offer to babysit while I went to a movie with one of them. (Avengers was fantastic, by the way.)

Kaylee won't remember these months spent with her cousins. But I will. I'll remember how they gave us *family* to spend time with while we adjusted to our crazy new circus life. I'll remember how months after we gave up our pets, Kaylee grinned and jumped with excitement to spend time with a pair of dogs. I'll remember getting a chance to get to know them better, and watch their kids learn to love their cousin Kaylee. I'll remember for her. And, along with all the other stories we'll share about traveling, we'll share these.