I had a cousin get married in Kauai the week before Christmas. I so wanted to be there. I really, really did. But, seeing as the baby was a bit too tiny to take on such a big trip in December, we had to miss out. The wedding was beautiful, on the beach, followed by a luau. Once again, I so wanted to be there. Since it couldn't happen, we settled for a weekend away to Cali, just me and the babe. He flew like a champ, which makes me wonder how I ever used to think that it was hard with just one.
I love going back "home". There is such a comfort that comes from familiarity and knowing so many people and feeling so loved. I got to have lunch with my grams, and see my aunt and cousin.
Eli earned his wings. Such a cute little baby. He didn't sleep awesome on the trip, but I loved spending so much time with him. There were times on the trip where I felt like I should be doing something else, helping some kid do something, but then reminded myself that all I really had to do was hold my baby. That's it. Heaven.
Also got to hang out and have lunch with my two besties from growing up. I love that we are all mommy's and have 11 kids between us (Scary that almost half of those are mine)!
After spending a little over 24 hours at my parents house, we set off for Tulare. I got to stay with my parents at my gramps house. I loved seeing both of my sisters and spending time with my niece and nephews. Bos and I found a common bond with the books we like to read. Love it that an 8 year old boy and I have the same taste!
Breakfast at IHOP, which almost became my last breakfast thanks to some awesome driving skills out of the parking lot. Never good to be facing oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the road. Anyways...
My dad pulled out some old family photos, and I loved looking through them and getting to know my ancestors a little better. Turns out I have a pretty strong heritage of Methodist preachers. I loved these pics of my grandpa as a baby, and found it surprising that Eli somewhat resembles him. And some of my kids have definitely inherited his expressive eyebrows.
Cheryl looked beautiful at her open house on Saturday, and my aunt and uncle have done such an awesome job making their home a place for entertaining.
These cupcakes were so so so delicious!
Don't mind the baby slobber on my arm...
My cousin John and his wife were still visiting from Australia, and I was so excited to see their new baby Verity. I love seeing first time parents and am so happy when people join the fun world of parenthood. Their baby is so cute and good natured, and we loved getting a pic of all these cute babies!
I love my gramps. Such a good guy!
So, while I was away, I was fortunate enough to have my mom-in-law come and stay for a couple of days to help out. I am so lucky that she is so willing and able to come help. I really feel blessed and am so grateful to her. She knows our routine so the kids really don't miss a beat while she's in charge. Jada had her first dance class...
And Cole proved his boyishness by picking a truck book, even while surrounded by girlie dancing!
They had lunch at McD's...
And a b-day celebration dinner at Texas Roadhouse...
Jake's mom left on Saturday, leaving Daddy in charge. They made their traditional surprise cookies on Sunday, using all kinds of candy...
My mom and I were lucky enough to get to try these delicacies. Some bites were okay until my last where I almost gagged and had to spit it in the trash. Sour gummies just aren't meant to be mixed with Reeses pieces in cookies.
And Saturday they rode the train and went to the zoo...
All was well until they were heading back to the car, and Jake looked back to find Cole hanging upside-down from the wagon handle, holding in for dear life. His forearm was thankfully the only thing that took a beating. Funny to hear him talk about his owie he got while upside-down.
So the kids survived. Jada almost choked on a hot dog at dinner and Jake fed the kids moldy carrots but besides that all went smoothly. And I had a great time. And my mom flew home with me and stayed for the week. I am a spoiled girl!
My mom came for about a week to visit her favorite Texan daughter and grandchildren. It was a great week to have her out- the kids and Jake had MLK day off, and we got to celebrate some birthdays. We spent MLK morning visiting the Blue Bell Factory and sampling all kinds of ice cream goodness.
Cole wanted "lellow" ice cream. Lucky for him- Krazy Kookie Dough was both yellow and yummy!
Love that cute sweet baby!
My mom and I spent the rest of the week doing kid stuff, a little bit of shopping, touring model homes, and having fun. It was so nice to have her here- an extra set of hands around this house is much appreciated! I was sad to see her go!
Friday was Elle's #9 birthday! Elle's birthday is a special one because she's our oldest, as well as the oldest grandkid on both sides of the family. So 9 years ago, we became parents, our parents became grandparents, and siblings became aunts and uncles. Special day.
And Elle's birthday also marks 9 years of diaper changing. 9 years of wiping bums. 9 years with no break. Huggies... you're welcome!
It's been a good 9 years. Life changing in many ways. Sacrifice. Love. Happiness. Crazy that she is that old. I can hardly believe it!
Traditional flowers and candy to snitch all day. And coffee cake for breakfast.
Not really related to birthday, but here's one thing Cole and JJ did on Elle's special day...
For her birthday, my mom watched Cole and Jada so I could take Elle out of school for some lunch and shopping. Apparently "Justice" is the coolest store ever. Are we really old enough to care about all that? Anyways, my mom and I both took her there. At least now she can't say that she is the only one in her class who has never been to "Justice".
Panera for lunch and Red Robin with the family for dinner.
Elle has really grown up this year. It's been fun to see her slowly grow out of being a little kid and becoming an older girl. Before long she will be entering her teens! That is craziness!
And another break from b-day goodness to check out my cute baby. He loves this toy!
The next day happens to be Grammie's birthday. We had a "J-month" birthday breakfast at Panera that morning.
And later headed to the roller skating rink for a fun b-day party. My mom said she only had to wait 58 years to get a roller skating birthday party!
The girls had been asking for a skating party since the summer. It was fun- a little hectic, but I think everyone had a good time and no one got lost or seriously hurt. Sometimes it's hard to limit guests, but when you're paying a pretty penny for each one, a limit had to be enforced. We rented a few of those skating walkers which made a huge difference for the rookie skaters. Jada was cruising around the rink!
Grammie spent a good chunk of the party in the car with sleeping kids, but I'm sure she didn't mind too much!
The birthday kids got a special announcement out on the rink and they each got a skate t-shirt.
To make things even busier that day, we decided to buy two mattresses and move out and set up beds in JJ's room. The kids enjoyed the cardboard.
And now Cole and Jada are official bunkmates. It's actually gone very smoothly- way better than we thought. Almost too easy really. 
And really what's a visit from my mom without a little redecorating!
We left all of Cole's stuff in the boys room so he really just sleeps in Jada's room. We are still yet to move Eli to the crib, but that will probably happen this weekend.
And Eli made the wall. Love my cute family!
