Lucia

This is Lucia.

Lucia is Clio's 4-year-old cousin, who she adores.

Cousin Lucia is really into things that are sparkly, fancy, or "big girl" including Polly Pockets (here she is showing Clio how to play with one)


and, especially Fair Hair, which she can be seen sporting in many of these pictures. This is a special beauty treatment that you can get at the Minnesota State Fair. Lucia thought Clio should have her hair done with fluorescent colors and glitter too, but after hearing Lucia's mom describe the process of de-Fairing the Hair, I passed on Clio's behalf.

Lucia, being two years older than Clio, also has a way of introducing Clio to new things. Like delicious snacks.

After enjoying a whole bowl of chips together, Lucia got them each an ice cream sandwich. Clio doesn't eat ice cream, especially right before bed, so we intercepted hers. But being such a generous and helpful girl, Lucia shared half of her own.

She also introduced Clio to the art of driving. Yes, driving. Lucia has this awesome tractor, and not only did she take Clio for a ride,


But she insisted Clio take it for a spin on her own. Thank goodness for helmets!



I like to think of her relationship with Lucia as Clio's chance to be a little sister- something that, since Eleri's arrival, she is quite desperate to try. Like most little sisters, Clio really wants to emulate Lucia.


No shirt for Lucia? No shirt for Clio. No problem.

Here she is, looking to see what to do next,

And doing as Lucia does.


While I was taking pictures of my Granddad holding Eleri (his littlest great-grandbaby for a few more months), Lucia taught Clio another important lesson: how to take back some of the spotlight for yourself!