My children had a rare treat last night: Matthew, Javi's big brother and Bella's oldest cousin. He will be 15 this year and was born the fall of my freshman year of college. (Yes, I am old.)
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| October 2007, age 11. |
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| May 2009, age 13. |
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| June 2010, age 14 |
He has the best hair ever and the warmest eyes and brightest smile. When he is here, my children fight over who gets to sit closest to him and who tells him the funniest stories and who gets to fetch whatever he might want. His nickname growing up was "King Matthew," so he's used to being treated like royalty.
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| Doesn't he look so grown up?! |
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| Self portrait taken by a very happy 9 year old boy. |
When he left, both children cried and whined and begged for him to stay longer. There is absolutely nothing sweeter than the love between siblings and cousins and kids and family.
Unfortunately, we don't get to see Matthew that often. But after watching how my children bask in his praise and cry in his absence, we'll be making it a point to spend a lot more time with The King.
OMG really! That hair is magnificent!
This makes me so glad we push for our kids to get to know their cousins, even though it means traveling. There's no way to comprehend how much it will mean to them until you see smiles like these. Such great shots!
@Allison - oh yeah. It's jealousy inducing. His father is half-Lumbee, so the texture and color are a result of smorgasboard of nationalities. Can't be duplicated!
@CK - Yes, cousins too often grow up without knowing each other (like my cousins and I). I don't want that to happen with the kids and their cousins!
Being close with cousins is so wonderful and special. That bond is one that is forever... better than siblings. Better than friends. And the hair? Amazing!
Becca - I am not close with any of my cousins, but I've heard that the bond is extremely special. I look forward to experiencing it vicariously.
Wow, I thought that was Javi with red hair at first! He's got some fantastic hair.
How wonderful for the kids to enjoy cousins. Those are very special memories they're creating.
What a wondrous head of hair, and what happy subjects the King has!
Love this post...
Thank you so much for playing along with Way Back When-esday!
His hair is magnificent!! Seriously!!