Dear Murphy: Mackenzie's Visit

Hey there, little buddy. Well, our winter adventures are going strong, and your cousin Mackenzie came up north for a quick visit to enjoy some snowy fun with us. She was visiting for "Christmas 2," and while she was here, we couldn't help but snap some pictures of the two of you.

We started with a little portrait session of Mackenzie, who was clearly bribed with candy to participate. She's four now, so she really doesn't sit still for much, but chasing her around the house was worth it because she's gorgeous and photographs so well.

You both had a great time riding this pony -- she looks like she was being still and cooperating, but I assure you, she would look at your mom for one second, then jump off and run to another room and hide from me. I love her, but she had me tired at the end of the shoot!

Since she's no dummy, and the minute the candy bribery stopped, so did her interest in getting her photo taken, we resorted to the old hang-your-kid-upside-down-and-tickle-them approach. She was still for a minute, before she was off again.

So, the candy bribery started again... I think she had more sugar in that hour than she did all week!

Then she decided to do some stickering with her dad...

Then, she decided the portrait shoot was over.

So, she's a Florida baby. When you were born, she was in town waiting to meet you, and there's this classic video of her then 2 1/2 self saying, "Mommy, I want to go home. I miss the sun!" She has more pigment in her sking than your mother and father combined, but she really took to the snow. If she wasn't building a snowman or throwing snowballs or making snow angles, she was asking when she'd get the opportunity to again. So, her dad took her out for a snowball fight. She absolutely loved throwing her snowballs, and she had quite the aim. Her first ball hit your mom right in the face! She was having a blast...

then your uncle's aim went all to hell...

and ruined all the fun...

but she came right back with her killer aim.

Meanwhile, your non-appreciative-of-the-snow behind was inside.

When your cousin came back in, the two of you got down to some serious playing. I think you like each other.

And then you decided blinding me would be a good time. Not so much for Mommy, but you two were adorable, so no grudge.

It was great to see your cousin -- I wish we could see her all the time, but we'll see her again soon enough. And we'll write you again soon, little man. We've got some more great favorites posts from our weddings this year, and another great kid's shoot coming up. Talk to you soon!