3 Boys and a Girl!

This weekend we had the opportunity to keep my nephews, Kyle and Alec, for a few hours.  My sister and brother-in-law and David and I have been trading off every other month and watching all the kiddos so the other couple could enjoy a few hours out on a date night with no kids.  I look forward to the times when it is David and my turn to go out, but just as much I look forward to the time I get to spend with Kyle and Alec and have them all to ourselves. 

Kyle(9) and Alec(7) are quite a bit older than Dylan(3) and Zoe(1).   Before we had kids I wondered how they would all play together and if they would enjoy it since there would be such a big difference in their ages.  Time soon told me that there are no issues.  It's amazing how much they all love to see each other and play together.  When the boys arrived, Dylan was screaming and Zoe was squealing with excitement.  They were so happy to see the boys and have them come play.  It's an interesting dynamic watching them all play together.  Kyle takes on the role of the protector of Dylan and Alec takes on the role of the protector of Zoe.  It's so much fun to watch them all play and interact. 

One thing for sure is that boys will be boys and when you have a house full of three of them, well you know there will be some rough housing.  And don't feel bad for Zoe.  She wasn't left out at all.  She jumped right in like one of the boys!

Kyle being the oldest, he did take a little time out to himself and played his DS.  That's when I was able to get some one on one time in.  I let him tell me about the Star Wars Lego game he was playing.  I have to soak these moments up while I can because he will be 10 next month!

While Kyle played his DS, Alec got out Dylan's doctor's kit and played like he was the doctor and gave check ups to Dylan and Zoe.  Then Zoe brought her favorite baby doll over for a check up too.  I loved watching their pretend play.

We let our kids stay up a little late and Kyle and Alec both read stories to the kids.  Alec usually helps put Zoe to bed and Kyle usually helps put Dylan to bed.  Then once we all got back downstairs, Deborah and Art shortly arrived.  Our time passed quickly and the house seemed so much larger and quieter when they left. 

I feel blessed to have some family so near that we are able to see with some regularity.  Sometimes I wish Dylan and Zoe had all of their cousins so near.  But having family near and far makes life more interesting and will create lots of different memories and bonds for our kids.