First Gifts!

We had a early mini Christmas present exchange while in Florida. Which means that the boys opened their first Christmas presents!

They, of course, particularly loved the wrapping paper. But they also loved their books and toys and clothes. They especially enjoyed finally taking the nap we were delaying to finish opening presents. Can't wait for more gift exchanges!

Thanksgiving 2010

So what was the destination of the boys' first flight? Why, it was Orlando, FL! Not to visit DisneyWorld but something even better: my sister and her family!

Well, we did go to Downtown Disney. Going to the amusement parks would have been too complicated with the boys. Not to mention expensive. And crowded.

But we'll be going back to visit Harry Potter world sometime. Oh, and to visit Jenny again. Yep. ;)

Mom and Dad were there, too. Mom probably won't like this picture but I think it's pretty. Mom doesn't like pictures of herself. Is everyone's mom like that?

My niece and nephews are getting so grown up! I think my niece may be a better cook than I am.

These brown-eyed beauties made a fantastic thanksgiving meal. No pictures of the food. Because I was eating it, duh. Especially the sweet potatoes. Man alive, those sweet potatoes!

The boys? Well, they took a nap during their first thanksgiving meal. But don't you worry, they were later treated to their first tasting of sweet potato baby food. They like that vegetable as much as their mama does. Couldn't get it in their mouths fast enough!

The rest of the visit was a big hang out. Lots of cousinly bonding.

Isn't that beyond precious?

And grandparents soaking up their grandkids.

I took thirty-six of these photos and every single one had at least two blurry faces. Definitely should have gone outside. So here's a good one of everyone except Liam and Dash.

Now here's one where the babies are, well, sort of in focus.

And us girls. Isn't my mother gorgeous? My sister too. I've always wished I had her incredible hair.

Things I learned during the visit:

- The boys can sleep through a lot more noise than I expected

- Having the boys sleep in a non-squeaky floored room is heavenly

- I want a house with a cool screened-in pool area. Leave the house doors open, no bugs and all the breeze!

- The Harry Potter movie was so awesome

- The boys do not want formula. Repeat, do not

- I'll be darned if I didn't miss my little Pogo

- Baby food spit up is infinitely worse than milk spit up

This was the first thanksgiving I had with my parents in, I think, eight years. And the first with Jenny in ... way longer than that. It sure was a treat!

First Flight

Last week, we braved an airplane ride for the first time as a group of four. And it was a success! The hardest part was most definitely the security checkpoint. We didn't have to do any of the silly new shenanigans people have been talking about. The problem was just managing all our stuff. My diaper bag was so stuffed, it barely fit through the x-ray machine. Imagine us juggling a giant bag, two computers and their individual bags, two BABIES, all while taking off shoes and belts and breaking down the stroller. But we managed!

Once through security, we were eager with anticipation for the flight. The boys were full of giggles and got lots of attention from others at the gate.

We took them around to look at planes landing and taking off but I think they more enjoyed watching the people around them.

They did beautifully on their first flight: took a little nap at the start and then played the rest of the way. Only on the descent did Dash fuss a little, I think it was the ear pressure. I'm not a fan either.

On their second flight, returning home a couple days ago, they slept almost the whole time. Since it was bed time, that's just what I wanted them to do. And they even fell back asleep after all the startling laughs from the big soccer tournament group surrounding us- at least they didnt hear their inappropriate conversations. Grumble grumble...

I think they just loved being in our arms for so long. Usually they have to take turns with mom, so this was a treat!

High Chair

(Let me first apologize for the coloring of these photos. I can't figure out how to take pretty pictures in this part of the house)

I think the boys like they're high chairs. They'll hang out there for a bit, chomping on toys. Well, for as long as you might expect an infant to enjoy one location.

Drooling in the high chair is a fun activity as well.

But mostly, messes happen here.

Good thing there's restraints!

And a handy place for a foot rest.

How about we take a look at their reaction to eating vegetables for the first time. On the menu: Peas!

"What IS that stuff?!"

"Um, no, I don't want that in my mouth."

We end with Dash's favorite snack: Dishtowel Dessert.