I have a cousin. Liz. Or “Little Lizzie,” as we used to call her.

She is three months older than me… and as kids we got along smashingly. We used to have sleepovers at my [parents] house on my birthday, and since the next day was April Fools Day, we’d stay up late playing pranks on my family members. Some were better than others. And some were more accepted than others.

Sometimes pranks were played on us too. But it was great fun.

We hung out at all family gatherings too. Thanksgiving… and apparently we were mean to my younger sister – not letting her join our fun. I don’t remember that, but she is quick to remind both of us. I guess we thought we were too cool then. We let her hang out with us now (sometimes). 🙂

Anyway…

Six or seven years ago my cousin moved. She left the state and went about living her life without much contact with me (or any of the rest of our family). I think I saw her once in all those years.

Until January.

In January she moved back to Utah. I wasn’t sure if she’d stay at first. But she did.

And I’m happy to have my cousin back. I missed her.

She’s come up to Logan a couple of times since she moved back. I’ve gone down to visit her a few times… And we’ve had tons of fun each time every time.

In January, she helped me paint a room in our basement. And helped hang some drywall in another room…

In February she came up for Spencer’s blessing, and stayed another couple of days. Again we put her to work hanging sheet rock.

In March she came with me (and the kids) to the Draper Temple open house, and then to the Treehouse museum…

A few weeks ago we made some fabulous Easter cookies…

And Sushi…

And Chinese Chicken Salad. Yum! (recipe here)…

And a little more than a week ago, we went to the Tracy Aviary…

And rode a carousel…

Bridget has a great time hanging with cousin Liz too. She loves having “sleepovers” and getting some extra attention.

One more thing about my cousin, Liz…
She’s probably going to hate that there is a post dedicated to her. But lets be honest here. She had to know it was coming sooner or later. 🙂

I love you Liz. And I’m glad you’re back!