I traveled to Virginia a week and a half ago to visit some of my extended family and was so excited to finally meet my three little first cousins once removed. (My mom is an estate tax lawyer, so I can’t help but be precise.)
My cousin Charlee is a supermom with a set of 7-year-old twin girls, Scarlett and Annabel, and Georgia who is about to turn 6 in September. I hadn’t been to Virginia since the twins were babies, so I was so excited to see them again and officially meet Georgia! In fact, I was so excited that when I heard them come into my uncle’s house, I ran to the front door. Charlee was still outside, so — with an impatience more befitting of 6 and 7-year-olds — I happily introduced myself as their “cousin Heather.” The three of them squeezed closer together shyly, and I thought, “oh, no! I’ve scared them, and now they’ll be nervous around me.” Nope.
The three of them ran to the kitchen to get into their Grandma Patti’s candy drawer — an amazing drawer that can actually write notes! — and I followed with the dejected pace of a little girl who has just blown making new friends (you don’t have to tell me how silly this is…I know I’m a nut). Anyway, upon entering the kitchen, Scarlett boldly and brightly greeted me with a “hi, Cousin Heather!,” which made me ever so happy!
Annabel, Scarlett and Georgia are the brightest, cutest, and sweetest little girls I have ever met! My sister, Katie, and I ate dinner with them at the girls’ table — “no, boys allowed!” — and played tag with them. Did I mention they’re also the fastest little girls I have ever met?
The next day when we had dinner at their house, I brought my bead case (rolling bead suitcase essentially), which by all accounts is very impressive and beautifully rainbow organized. I had planned on letting the girls design their own charm bracelets that I would help them make, and they were so excited the wheeled my suitcase for me.
SIDE NOTE: These girls have a play room with french doors the size of my living room, along with a pool, a playground (with 3 adorable, little mailboxes), and bedrooms connected by their own bathroom, which I always wanted! Even at 24, I was jealous beyond belief and wanted to stay for a week to play with them.
It was so interesting to see what beads they chose. Even at such young ages, the girls had amazing taste. When I finally had their beads ready, they each helped me put the beads onto each link.
I was so happy to make the bracelets for/with them and was even happier to find that for the first time in my life, someone had made me jewelry. The girls made me a bracelet and a necklace that sadly was too small for my giant head, so I wore it as a crown! I loved them so much that I’m wearing them as I write this! I even got a few compliments for my crown.
It was wonderful to spend time with these little sweethearts, and I hope I see them again soon. They brightened my world with their sweetness and generosity. And goodness, how I love this crown!
