Nathan Smiles!

Nathan was all smiles today! We never reached for the camera because once again thought it was a fluke and were completely unprepared, but the kid smiled all day long! Ten bucks he doesn't even have a gas grin tomorrow while I stalk him all day with the camera!!

Thanksgiving

We survived 16 hours in the car with a 5 week old and 2.5 year old! Yep, it took eight hours each way.

We stopped three times each way. Although long and exhausting, we were pleased with our plan of action. We had decided ahead of time to stop before either of the kids were in complete hysterics. And you know what? It worked! We didn't have a single in-car freak out. It took over two hours longer than it should have, but at least it was relatively pleasant.

Once we got there, you would have thought we were at Disneyland! Owen could not have had more fun! It's rare you go somewhere where it's all completely kid-proofed! At Robin's, Ross's, and Grandma's house it is absolutely kid heaven. Toys are everywhere, you can play inside, you can outside and the best part....cousins are EVERYWHERE. And Owen is a big fan of the cousins!! I could actually sit down and eat and not worry about what Owen was getting into, a full meal, that lasted more than five minutes. If I heard a scream come from the other room, I wouldn't even have my beer down before some OTHER adult would say "I'll go check" and then come back and wave me off with a "they're fine"! It was oddly relaxing while in complete chaos.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were very thankful for all the love and family we experienced in such a short visit.

Here are lots of pictures to share our fun!

This big smiley face on Owen describes his entire weekend. Happy, Happy, Happy!

Matt playing with the kids in the pool!

Yep, Owen went in fully clothed, we had a swimsuit, he just refused to wear it!

Owen hugging my mom's HUGE dog, Yabo, who for whatever reason, Owen called "Sharky"!

Nate doing what Nate does best!

Joe and Owen playing!

A family photo.

Robin & Nate.

All the grand kids, back row from left to right: Nate w/Abbi, Tiffany, Hollis, Trent (front row) Owen, Cash, Avry

Hollis, Owen & Avry playing.

Owen and Avry were besties all weekend!

How freakin' cute are they?!

Mema soothing a cranky Nate.

Hollis could not leave Nate alone. Hollis has the cutest smile I've ever seen!

The girly, girls, Tiffany, me, Robin & Abbi.

Joe & Nate

Trent & Tiff w/Nate.

As you can see, we had a blast!

Swing-Swing

He got right out when asked but said:
"It was funny though, right?"

Silly boy!

...aaaaannnnnd the party's over!

Although, Nate's babyhood, is still a way more pleasant experience than Owen's was, our hopes and dreams that this kid would love the car have come crashing down.

The last 8-10 car rides have resulted with Nate screaming his head off! No matter the distance. In fact he starts to panic as soon as we buckle him in. Owen is pretty good about ignoring it until it goes on for a long while. Then he starts yelling "Stop doing that baby brother!" We've even had to pull over within a mile of the house, because we just couldn't take the screaming any longer. Unless you've had a hysterical kid in the car, you just don't understand the stress it causes!

I don't know what causes this, I would love a cure, (if anyone's looking for something to do).

We're planning on driving to Hesperia for Thanksgiving in 3 days and an already painful 7 hour drive is going to take us at least 10 if we have to keep stopping to calm someone down!

Wish us luck, patience and peace!

Nate rolls over!

Nate rolled from tummy to back today. We don't have video or photos or anything, because it totally shocked the heck out of us and caught us completely off guard!! It was most likely a fluke, but it was exciting!

Nate meets Nana!

Nana came by to meet our newest arrival:Hanging out with Jack on the back patio.Yet, another attempt at a family photo. Owen is actually smiling AND looking at the camera! It's a miracle!