Cousin Avery is here, need I say more?  It’s COUSIN TIME.  Having been raised with 10 cousins, that phrase has a very distinct, and wildly awesome, meaning to me.  They are basically playing as if their lives depended on it.

I found this note on their fort, and having watched Sara make it at breakneck speed, I’m surprised she even got this close on spelling.  I’ve never seen her pencil fly across a page.  As her official “best guess spelling” translator, allow me the privilege: “Fort Only For Sara and Kelly and Avery.  FORT. No Grown Ups Allowed. [Added Notepaper On the Bottom: Grown Ups Aren’t Allowed.] Sticky Notes Attached: We Don’t Allow Grown Ups.  We Don’t Want Grown Ups.  No Parents Allowed.”

Wow.  Do you think they don’t want grown ups?

The translation of Avery’s Note (not pictured, but the penmanship is stellar): “Do Not Come In.  If You Do We’ll Bite You.”

Sara’s 2nd Note: “I Do Not Want Other People.  Other Than Sara Or Avery Or Kelly.  Please.” (Other is spelled “ether” which makes me fear for my life, quite honestly.)

But my absolute favorite, with perfect spelling and perfect penmanship is little Kelly’s note: “The Boat!  Look At The Boat!”

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got my hands full.  There are forts all over my house, and apparently, boats.  Greg likes to say, “Christmas Break is a vacation for everyone but The Momma.  That’s Mommy’s busy season!”  Well said Daddy…well said.