Last week we went to visit the wife’s family who we don’t see nearly enough. The best part of the visit was watching Swee’Pea and TheMonk play with all of their cousins. Swee’Pea and TheMonk have cousins of all ages (9 months to 15 years old) and they enjoyed playing with all of them.

The oldest cousin, Adelia, was five when I first met her and it’s a real trip to see how much she’s matured and blossomed since then. I mean, she hardly ever picks her nose anymore.

Of all the cousins, Swee’Pea enjoyed Adelia the most. At first, you’d think the vast age difference between Adelia and Swee’Pea would have prevented any real bonding. That was before, however, Adelia forever cemented her “best cousin” status by taking Swee’Pea into her sister’s room and dressing up Swee’Pea in various costumes. Princess costumes. With lots of jewelry. And fancy hairstyles.

Swee’Pea was in heaven and it was really sweet to see her come out of the room with Adelia showing the way and how Swee’Pea just loved showing off each costume. The only issue I had was, “Damn, how old does my baby look?!” I think I can wait for her to start wearing real princess dresses and jewels.

After a week at the in-laws, we got on a plane and headed home. After some prolonged crankiness and actual toddler wresting in the aisles, Swee’Pea calmed down towards the end of the flight. As we made our descent towards home, Swee’Pea rested her weary head on my chest. Obviously reminiscing on the week that was, Swee’Pea sighed heavily. Then, out of the blue, she uttered three simple words as her eyes closed to rest…

“I love Adelia.”

Me too, Swee’Pea. Me too.