A California Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving we had the pleasure of being hosted in California for Thanksgiving. We left on Wednesday and came back on Sunday and it was a great time away.

We drove up to Dallas Tuesday night to stay in a hotel close to the airport since our flight left at 8am. The boys got to stay in the same room which was SOOOO very much fun for them, and slightly stressful for us. It truly was a joy as they spent each night of our vacation in the same room to hear them giggling and accusing each other of keeping the other one up when we went to tell them to go to sleep. We have had hopes for them to share a room and I think this trip confirmed that (once Taylor goes to bed a little later) it will be a great fun and quality thing for their relationship to share a room.

Snoozing before their 5:30am (aka Mom) went off...

Off we go...headed to the shuttle. We got to ride a bus, train and airplane all in one day. With all the vehicles those boys were in seventh heaven.

We got there in just enough time to get to the gate, grab a leisure breakfast, let everyone run around and get energy out, potty, and hop on the plane.

The boys did amazing. Coming and going on the plane. They entertained themselves well with their toys, books, new things/surprises Mom stashed away, and Taylor took a little nap. I may sound like I'm bragging but it's the truth, that our boys worst case scenario is someone else's best case scenario. This time of travel truly taught David and I to see the blessings in our life that are our two boys.

Pre-flight chilling....Taylor looks like he's not sure what we just told him he was about to do.

Sometimes you just gotta load them on too to get everything to where it needs to be.

We made it to Uncle Tim and Aunt Sam's house and turkey time began.

I have to say a public "Thank You" to our host who let us truly make ourselves at home in their house. They have been thoroughly house broken as far as having children in the house. We were graciously accepted and tried to clean up as best we could. :)

Thursday, Aunt Sam and GaGa made hats for everyone with the boys while others were cooking. They had fun with the activity and then we had fun with them at dinner.

The hosts of a wonderful dinner and week...Uncle Tim and Aunt Sam



The spread...


Everyone needs a nap after Thanksgiving, right?!?!


One morning the four of us walked down to a park in the neighborhood and just played around. David tried to get Matthew to climb some of the trees. This is about as high as we got before we freaked. But we'll keep working on that.

                                                               This. Is what I'm grateful for. Every moment.

Anything seems backwards in this picture?!?!?

Another afternoon we went to a nearby park and had alot of fun running around.

See how much fun we're having....until we slip off that seat and hit our lip coming down. And.....

Then, we end up hanging out at the LA Urgent Care on Thanksgiving. Turned out okay but he had a big hold on his upper gum. No stiches as they don't do that on the inside of the mouth (good to know). Nice adventure though.

No vacation is complete without wrestling with Daddy. There were so many opportunities for all of us to have individual and together time. THat was what we wanted and were able have the time to get away from the routine to do that.

Everyone needs to ride a chopper on the West Coast right?!?!  (Note: no children were harmed or transport via motorcycle in the making of this vacation)

Saturday we had a fun outing out to an area where you hike down to the tide pools and can see alot of little sea creatures.

Some great views from up here.

Picnic lunch.

Aunt Sam scored a star fish. Pretty cool to see up close.

The Baylor fam...who supported our team from afar as well.

This was a Thanksgiving to remember. It is not common for us to travel on holidays being that our families are mostly in town. But it might be something I could get used to especially when we have great hostesses. There is alot of different things to do as well and I don't think our boys will turn down a trip on an airplane.
 

And every successful vacation can be determined if your back seat looks like this on the way home.

Until Next Time...

Hmmmm....

Your kids ever get a toy and find yourself wondering "Who is enjoying this toy more?!?!"
Happens all the time in our house between these two. Always a kid at heart.

Happy 4th Birthday Matthew!!!

Happy Birthday Big Guy!!!!!!!!

We have been asking Matthew for a few months what he wanted to do for his birthday. It should not have surprised me, being the creature of routine that he is, he wanted again at the Jumpin Place. He loves this place and consistently and frequently requested it, so we went for it. Because of the wonderful success of our Baylor Bears (and no I'm not ashamed of my shameful plug) we decided to do a football themed party. Every morning that Matthew goes to school he outlines what team he will play for when he plays football with his friends. It is one of his favorites... The Baylor Bears or Dallas Cowboys.

His party was actually the day before his real birthday (10/27). He played soccer that morning and could have cared less because he was in birthday party mode. As soon as the game was over he runs to the side and says "Can we go to my party now?"

Action shots from the Birthday boy

 Most of the pictures I took of him are blurry in some way because he couldn't stand still for long enough.

We had great friends and family that came out to help us celebrate, which we are grateful for.

 Even the little man got to play on the inflatables...and boy was he WORE. OUT. afterwards.

 Gotta stop and give Daddy the hugs...

Thank you Aunt JuJu for another great cake. We had the Cowboys vs. Baylor football game.

Pizza for lunch...birthday boys request.

He really has gotten pretty big.

On Sunday, I...I mean the birthday fairy, was up early getting everything set for the big day. It's so fun to celebrate in our family and I have to say I come from a long line of celebrators in my family. The streamers were set....
(Notice he's still snoozing away in the midst of all that)

Football donuts were out...

He's awake and he's officially 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 All he wanted this year was "big trucks. No cars, just trucks." So that's what he got.

I know it is said every year, but I really can't believe Matthew is 4. We told him about when we went to the hospital to have him and when he was actually born and it really does seem like yesterday.

Matthew Ray, you are my big guy. This year you have developed into a strong, kind, energetic, focused and hilarious kid. Your abilities impress me but more that you are always learning. You have shown grace this year as you welcomed openly your brother into our life and allowed us to complete our family. You show me daily a sense of self that I pray each day continues to develop and persevere through your life. You are determined and have a hard time asking for help, but you came by it naturally. You are open to others and you humble me by the way you show love and generosity. I pray you seek to always be a vessel in which the things you are blessed with satisfy your need and carry through to help others in need. You crack me up and can always be heard humming a tune (especially the Eye of the Tiger). You listen and let everything soak in.
Most importantly son, you have become an example of love, learning and laughter to your brother, family, and others. As you continue to explore what this world has for you, which is alot, remember to keep moving, never stop to let the devil get a hold and you always have a safe place at home to process through all the good, bad and ugly things you will face. May glory and love always come out on the other side.
I love you big guy.