Bubbles

Tristan took bath duty while I cleaned up dinner tonight.  When I was done, I went back to see what they were up to.  Looks like daddy taught him a new trick :)



FRESNO!

This past weekend the three of us headed up to Fresno to visit one of Tristan's best friends from high school, Dan, his wife and their three boys.  One of their other great friends, Brett, and his family of 5 came up with us.  We've gone up to visit them 3-4 times since they moved to Fresno, and despite the distance we always love going.  We took Mason last year over 4th of July weekend, but he was only 7 weeks old.  This was his first road trip since then, and I'm happy to report he did great! 

 Here we go, off to Fresno!  We turned his seat to face forward to help us entertain & feed him.  Turns out, all it did was distract him to the point he couldn't nap.  So, back to backwards he went once we made our first pit stop.

We got there late on Friday and the kids immediately hit the hay.  After a good night's sleep (for the kids, can't say the same for the adults ha!), everyone was ready for some pool time!

Cal, Dan's youngest.  18 months

Dan holding Brody, 2.5 and Tyler, almost 6.

Brett & Amy's adorable twins, Eastyn & Harlow, who just turned 2.  Can we please discuss these adorable bikinis???

All the boys with their boys!  Brody, Dan, Cal, Mason, Tristan, Tyler, Trey & Brett.  Apparently we're breeding a football team, b/c the boys definitely outnumber the girls in Tristan's group of friends' kids!

Mason loved the water table!

Lunch time!

After dinner we took all the kiddos for ice cream and to the local park.

Me & Jess pushing our little ones.

Brody, 2.5

Trey, 4

Tyler, almost 6.  He was having a leeetttllle meltdown, it was a LONG day and he was tired.  But we still love him!!!

Eastyn, 2.  She got her own milkshake, lucky duck!

Harlow, 2, with her daddy.

Trey, Harlow & Eastyn's gorgeous momma, Amy.

Trey got to stay up late, and spent some time playing with Uncle T.

Getting a little cooky in the car on our way home, playing where's Mason.

All in all, it was a great, if not quick, trip!  I have to say, our friends have done a great job raising some amazing, happy, well-mannered kids.  Tristan & I only hope to raise Mason as well as they have raised their kids so far, and it's exactly why I always look to these women for parenting advice.  Until next time, Fresno!

4th of July Weekend

Holy Cow!  I just realized it's been like 2 weeks since I last posted!  I guess that is a good indication as to how this past few weeks have been around here.  We've had visitors galore, then a wonderful long holiday weekend, then a short work week that threw yours truly a few big curve balls, and then this past weekend we went out of town.  PHEW.

So anyways, let's catch up some.  My brother & his wife Erin booked a last minute trip to visit us for the first half of the 4th weekend.  It was the first time they've come out since before Tristan & I moved to SD (minus our wedding), and we had a great time.  It was also the first time they've seen Mason since October!  I think he's a little different hehe. 

Mason took to them immediately.  Brandon took a ton of photos on his phone, and I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival.  I'll post them once I have them.

On Saturday, we headed to the beach house for the day with Grace & Addison.  My child, who NEVER watches TV except for these, has apparently learned to turn on not only our personal TV, but the one at the beach house.  By himself!  This face is exactly why we never have it on.  Close your mouth or you'll catch some flies!!

Cousin Grace spent the entire day walking around with him, she is SUCH a good cousin :)

Nice view, huh?

With Uncle Brandon & Aunt Erin

On Sunday, Tristan's Uncle Ladd & Aunt Maria hosted a BBQ for the family, since their daughter Carrie was in town visiting from Atlanta. 

Another gorgeous view!  Can't see it here, but the ocean is wayyy in the background.

On the 4th, we got some special visitors.  One of my sorority sisters, Tracie, was down visiting, which sparked a mini-Chi O reunion!  Tracie's little lady, Savannah, is 9 months old and oh-so-adorable!!  She & Mason hit it off pretty quickly.

Check it out, already got her hand on his knee!

Mason getting nice and comfy with Tracie.

Susan brought Anabelle as well!  Here's our little reunion group, just the girls though, Mason was down for a nap before we thought to take a picture, bummer!  Such a great morning catching up with old friends.

After our visitors left, the thee of us hopped on our bikes and headed over to the local 4th of July parade.  Mason had a blast!  We walked around for a bit and then when the parade started, hopped on our bikes and rode along side - he loved all the high school bands and people waving! 

Please note the CORNER of Tristan's finger that Mason is holding onto in this next pic.  This is ALL the help he "needs" to walk...apparently our little chicken thinks that little finger is holding him up.  We are soooo ready for him to let go...but apparently he's on his own time :)  And in the meantime, look at this face!



All in all, a great holiday weekend with the family!

Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes

One of Mason's new favorite songs.  Except, for him it's more like "Head, head, head & head...Head & ears.  Ears and ears and mouth and ears!  Head, head, head & head!"