cousin adventures, pt 1

We kicked off the summer craziness with a visit from my brother, Adam, and his family here in South Paris.  They were bringing all six kids to the east coast for the first time, and were eager to see this little town we call home, naturally.

I had high hopes of taking them to Kyalo's T-Ball practice so they would get to see Kyalo in action, and perhaps Jack & Campion, big baseball players themselves, could help out.  Of course, it was pouring rain at practice time.

We were able to get a couple of quick, impromptu family photos.  Adam and Noelle were heading off to the real Paris the next day, so it would be our only time to be all together.

do you know how hard it is to get this many people -- and this many kids -- looking at the camera and smiling simultaneously? 

Adam and his beautiful family

For their visit, I put my ice-cream maker to the test, and made salted caramel and my favorite, mint chocolate chip {pro tip: use mint extract, not peppermint extract, and skip the food coloring :) }.  The kids seemed pleased with this arrangement.  And Kyalo was in his happy place -- ice cream cone in hand, surrounded by cousins.

After taking Adam & Noelle down to the dental clinic to see Dexter in action, everyone piled into the 15-passenger van and headed back to Essex.  Kyalo, Malaikah & I drove down Wednesday morning to hang out/help my parents with all the craziness.  We would have stayed more, but had to be back in time for T Ball practice on Friday.  Priorities!!  

Part 2 of these adventures coming soon, ish....