The visits are always too short

My sister-in-law, her husband and baby girl came to visit us this weekend. This is them, aren't they cute?

While the visit was far, far too short, we had a really lovely time. Ry and I were both able to take the entire 4 days off, so we got to spend a lot of quality time just being with each other.  The boys were entranced with their new cousin. Much of the weekend was spent with one or other of the boys begging to hold the baby. And hold the baby they did: 

 

 

 Gummy Bear was especially taken with his cousin. He was a really great helper.

As we often do with them, we had to visit a micro brew and a couple beer stores. Here is our niece at her 13th brewery.

 We also went to a local sculpture garden where the baby stayed warm and we saw lots of interesting sculpture. Also, this white peacock. I don't know if he was an albino or if there are actual white peacocks. We hadn't ever seen one though, he was pretty.

 

There was lots of snuggle time all around. Cheeky Monkey was a bit jealous of all the attention the baby was getting, but also loved her so, so much. It was interesting watching the internal struggle in his little 4-year-old self.

  

 The baby is about 6 and a half months old, so has just started eating some solids. They are doing baby-led weaning, which seems to be working out beautifully for them. This was by far the best moment though. Avocado is a great first food for babies.  She got a big glob of guacamole, which she took down in 10 seconds flat. It was awesome. 

I was very sad to drop them at the airport and say good bye. I mostly love where we live, but definitely miss our family, who (aside from my mom and stepdad) live scattered across the country. Happily, we left the weekend with confirmed plans for a family reunion in July with Ry's extended family as well as a trip back to Oz. And now, back to real life.