Dangerous Cousins

We had the pleasure of cousins for new year's this year! Auntie Heather, Uncle BJ, Sophia and Phoebe came to spend the long weekend with us and we had a wonderful time. The cousins played so sweetly (and the weather was perfect all weekend, so they lived on the trampoline) and the adults got in plenty of chatting, game playing and movie watching together. It was a great weekend and I'm so glad we got to enjoy it with loved ones. Unfortunately, we left all the picture-taking duties up to Uncle BJ and his fancy camera, so this is all we got.

Grandad's visit

The kids enjoyed Granny and Grandad's short visit and were sad to see them go (Casper even threatened to go home with them and leave all his Christmas presents here).

Granny's visit

Granny and Grandad stopped in for a brief overnight visit this week. They came bearing gifts and babysitting services. We let the kids open one gift each, but saved the rest for Christmas. The kids each got a set of Moon Dough, which I guarantee will keep the boys occupied for hours each week. They love that stuff. Casper also got a bonus gift -- his long awaited handmade quilt from Granny. His is covered in John Deere tractors and he adores it.

Granny and Grandad also watched the kids, took them out to dinner, and put them all to bed so Todd and I could go to Houston and visit the temple. Our date seemed a little bit ill-fated at first: We lost the cards we had planned to take, our van sprung a flat tire as we were pulling out of the driveway forcing us to take the Subaru whose air conditioning had gone out earlier in the day (that might not seem like a big deal for December, but it was 82 degrees and humid). We also got lost on our way -- twice. But the day ended nicely with a wonderful session, a great dinner, and a comfortable drive home.

playdate

Despite the oppressive heat (a continuing theme of our long weekend), we decided to spend part of the morning at a nearby park. One highlight was watching Gwennie follow her Daddy to the roof of an interesting structure at the park, the "Echo Chamber." Just an ordinary day at a favorite play spot. . . .

arrivals

Today, we drove to Houston to collect Grandma and Grandpa. Even though we had discussed the possibility of going to Brazos Bend State Park (so that Grandma could see some gators), the oppressive heat and a tight schedule led us to think better about such an ambitious afternoon. Instead, we took advantage of Houston's open museum day, visiting the MFAH and then (after a fine dinner at our favorite cafe) the Children's Museum for an hour and a half.

Much as we enjoyed our traipse through the Museum District, it was the opportunity to greet and spend time with the grandparents that we all valued.

adios

My Mama and sister left this morning and we miss their company already. When Casper realized that they were leaving, he got very upset, "Granny and Tiffy going to Dallas? NO!" I feel the same way.

the grandparents

Granny and Grandad left today and we miss them already. It is always so much fun to have them here and the kids love them so much. Thank you for coming down to help us celebrate Casper!I love the sweet relationship between Gwendolyn and my mom. There is a very close bond there and it makes me so happy to watch them together.

Grandad is a storyteller and as soon as he starts telling a tale, all the kids pile onto his lap.

city folk

We took a day trip to the city today and had a wonderful time. Our first stop was the fire museum, which is one of Linus' favorite spots on the planet. We haven't been in over a year and this was the first time Casper has been old enough to enjoy it, and enjoy it he did.

We also paid a visit to the printing museum where we caught up with old friends, took in the exhibits, and reminisced about the old days.

The highlight of the day was hanging out with our friend Seth. Seth is a good friend from our years in Boston; as he happened to be coming to town on a book tour, we picked him up from the airport, took him out for Vietnamese food, and then attended (or screamed/whined through, depending who you are) his reading.

You know it's been a good day when you come home happy, exhausted, and full of tofu.

only child

Casper is an only child this week. My family returned to Dallas today and they took Gwendolyn and Linus with them (and oh how I miss them!). The house is eerily quiet, and a bit lonely. I miss having my mom and sister and her family here because they really are the perfect house guests -- they fold your laundry, they cook yummy meals, they take care of your kids when you are sick with a nasty sinus infection and/or migraine headache, they take pity on your poor husband and buy him a new lawn mower for his birthday {thanks, mom!}, they babysit so you can go on a date with your husband, they put your kids to bed better than you do and there are always cousins to play with.

backyard fun

Tonight the big kids are making smores and sleeping out in a tent in the backyard. They're beyond excited. I'm a little worried about the lack of sleep that's going to take place -- especially for Todd and Uncle BJ.

kissing cousins

Cousins Sophia (3) and Phoebe (22 months) have been here visiting with us all week and Casper and Phoebe could not be sweeter together. Those two little babies play together, scream and screech together and are always kissing. It's been very fun to watch them interact at such a young age.

it's strangely quiet around here

The last of our guest left this morning and we're feeling a bit lonely.

fun in the sun

Since it was cold and snowy when cousin Isaac left Idaho three days ago, we had to show him what Springtime in the South is like.

cousins

The very same day that Granny and Grandad left, Uncle Ian and Auntie Sarah arrived with cousins Issac and baby Christian. How lucky are we?

cuddles with granny

Granny, Grandad and Aunt Janie have been here for the past 4 days, but left this afternoon. We had lots of fun and are anxious for another visit very soon.

8 hour date

Granny and Grandad offered to watch the kids today, so Todd and I took off for over eight hours! Our day included:
A two hour drive to the temple.
Three hours in the temple.
A quick lunch at a sandwich shop.
A 30 minute drive on the highway before I realized that I'd left my purse at the sandwich shop.
A 30 minute drive back to the sandwich shop (where we found my purse, thankfully).
A two hour drive back home.

All in all, we had a great day, but for some reason, Granny and Grandad left for home as soon as we got back. And we miss them.

post-holiday road trip

We spent a surprisingly balmy day down in Galveston with Granny and Grandad. The kids thought that feeding the gulls from the ferry was just about the coolest thing in the world. So did the gulls.We had a drive around the peninsula (thanks to Ike, there's not a whole lot left out there) and dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. We also spent a little time on the beach before the sun went town and the kids could have stayed there all night long -- splashing in the waves, collecting seashells, digging in (and throwing) sand. It was a very fun little trip and I'm so glad we decided to head down there.

merry, merry

When I tucked Gwendolyn into bed tonight, she began to cry and told me that she was sad because Christmas was over. In away, I right there with her. Today was a perfect day and I want it to last forever. Granny and Grandad are here, which makes me so happy -- it's been a few years since we've had them here for Christmas. We had cheerful kids and happy recipients on our round of morning deliveries. We had so many new trucks and tools enter our home today that I truly believe today to be Linus' happiest day ever. Casper was so excited about all the unwrapping going on that I'm only a little surprised by his three+ hour nap this afternoon. I love that the magic of Christmas (and Santa) is still so alive for Gwendolyn and that she wanted to spend all afternoon crafting. Todd got an extra long nap and a day without any manual labor (I fear that he'll be spending much of next week constructing the playhouse that Santa brought). I'm thankful for the Savior and that we have an entire season to celebrate his birth. Today was perfect.

children's museum with auntie tiffany

Auntie Tiffany came into town to spend a long weekend with us. All the kids love her, and what's not to love? Linus especially has a big ol' crush on her, but with the way Casper's been flirting, Linus now has some stiff competition.

hunkering down

Watching Hurricane Ike barrel toward the Gulf Coast has been so emotional. We lived in the city for 7 years and I always dreaded the start of hurricane season and celebrated the end of it. Three years ago, we evacuated during Hurricane Rita – Todd and I each drove a car (since the cat, kids and adults wouldn’t all fit in the same vehicle) – and it took us 27 hours of straight driving to reach Dallas. A nightmare. I still get emotional thinking about it and feel very panic-y if I’m stuck in traffic too long. I grew up in Houston and am old enough to remember Hurricane Alicia and all the damage and flooding (and fear) associated with that storm.

We left the city less than a year ago and though we’re expecting plenty of bad weather here in our new town, I don’t have the fear I lived with for so many years. Today I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve the families taking refuge at our church building and to help people who are evacuating. Last night some friends arrived from the city (it took them 6 hours to reach our house) and spent the night. The kids had a great time playing with friends (and their puppy) and it was wonderful for me to renew old friendships, catch up on things and to serve.

We’re praying for the safety of all our city friends who are hunkering down.