Baby Bluebell

Baby Brother is on his way, and it turns out we need to be able to fit him into this clan, car included. Out with the old; in with the new. We are now owners of a Toyota Sienna minivan that we are affectionately calling 'Bluebell.' Thank you to the fabulous Ms. Becca for babysitting during nap-time so we could pick up our exciting Channukah present while kids slept.

waiting, waiting...

"It's here!!!"

Time to explore:


Off to celebrate! Ms. Becca joins us for a sweet ride and a sweet treat.

3 Smiths and a Park

We hadn't seen some of our favorite friends in Austin in way too long, and we were so glad to meet up with Jill, Maven, and Addi at a fun park on a gorgeous day!

Gabi, Maven, and Ethan found a great covered wagon to climb on.

Why would you expect these 2-year-olds to smile for a picture when there are much more fun things to do?

...that is until you show them a camera where they can see themselves. Now, they're interested.

A pretty shot of the mommies and 'big kids':

And believe it or not, Daddy was able to join us too and we snuck in a family picture before it was time to head home.

Jacob's Birthday in Houston

It's mid-December, which means it's time to head on down to Houston to celebrate cousin Jacob's birthday; this year was numero 7!!

On the road again, and we managed a successful trip down:

When everyone is together on Friday afternoon, we start the weekend the right way!

"Look at me and smile if you want fro yo!" (Aunt Sandi apparently wanted fro yo too.)

On Saturday morning, we need to make sure my little ones take a good nap before the actual party fun, so we take them to an indoor playground to get their energy out.

Saturday afternoon arrives, and it's time for Jacob's soccer party!

Check out the amazing jersey Sandi hand-sewed for the birthday boy!

While Sandi's kids were full of smiles, mine might have been slightly overwhelmed by the big kids.

Gabi watched from the sidelines.

Ethan watched from the middle of the field.

Ethan chose to participate in some of the races, which meant the big kids ran as fast as they could while he and I walked back and forth casually.

Eventually, Ethan figured out how to enjoy his cousin's soccer birthday party!


Gabi much preferred the comfort of pizza and balloons (and her grandparents) inside.

Everyone ended the party with all smiles, and it was a big success!

On Sunday morning, Mira and Jacob give Gabi and Ethan the beautiful and unique hand-sewn aprons that they designed and Aunt Sandi made as Channukah presents to match the ones that are being made for themselves.

Nana and Aunt Sandi took these 3 little darlings to the store on Sunday morning so Mira could work on a school project and I could pack our stuff up. Why is Ethan crying in the middle picture? Who knows. I wasn't there. :)

We were very excited to be able to watch Mira and Jacob's piano recital. Gabi even got to sit with the big kids waiting to perform!


Cousin snuggles after the piano recital:

At the end of a great weekend together, we head back to Austin and have another successful car ride home! Happy Birthday to Jacob; thanks for the fun!