We're Back....and this is a marathon blog session!

After 15 days in Texas, we're back. Jack and I flew to San Antonio on the 17th and spent a few days there before driving to Wharton to see Nathan's family. Flying alone with a 1 year old is pretty much awful, so it takes us a few days to get back on our feet. On Thursday, we went to visit Nonni at her school during recess. Jack had so much fun playing with the big kids and they were all so sweet and gentle with him - let's attribute that to the excellent teaching.

We also discovered that Jack loves the dirt, and since that day, I can't keep him out of it. He points to the door and whines to go outside and play in the dirt...um boy much?



On Friday, Nonni & Pop drove us to the ranch where we met Nathan. He drove all the way from Mississippi with 3 dogs that day so that he could hunt with his friends. Jack loved the ranch, of course, for the abundant amounts of dirt and because of the 4 wheeler. Again, all boy.



"Oh I love my 4 wheeler! Pop can I have one?" Sad to say, Nathan and my dad have already found a matching one for kids during one of their many trips to Bass Pro. However, it is for like a 6 year old, so it looks like Jack will have to wait a few years.

Dirt. Glorious dirt.



After playing at the ranch with Daddy, Jack and I drove to Wharton to see Nana and Grandad. Nathan drove up on Sunday and we stayed there until Wednesday. Uncle Adam and Aunt Ellen drove in for a few days as well. Nathan and Adam did some more hunting while the girls did some more shopping. There are a ton of funny pictures on other cameras that I need to round up. A few of Jack in his wagon posed to look like he was hunting and some of Jack dressed in Grandad's undershirt because Grandad couldn't find any clothes for him. Very cute. I was kind of lazy and didn't take a ton of pictures, I just let everyone else do it. But here are a few cute ones I managed to take.
All dressed and ready for Church.

Jack decided he needed to help Adam and Ellen get ready for their Christmas Eve performance after he took a bath Monday night.

Jack desperately needed another haircut, so on Tuesday, he went with Daddy to Sports Clips.


Wednesday afternoon we headed back to San Antonio, fully spoiled by Nana and Grandad. Jack was very excited to have some company in the back seat.


Christmas Eve we got all dressed up and went to church. Jack was very interested in the Children's pageant, but after a while, decided that he wanted to walk around so Nathan took him outside. Then we went over to Aunt Patti's house for their annual Christmas Eve party where Jack was the hit of the party. He is so social and confident now. He will just walk around and make friends with anyone and everyone. He doesn't even care if Nathan or I are around. Jack is on a mission to meet and befriend everyone. True to style, I didn't take a single picture. And it's a shame because Jack looked adorable! Aunt Patti said she would mail me some, so Aunt Patti here is your reminder...mail me some pictures!

Christmas morning, we woke up and did presents with the immediate family. Jack didn't have a ton to open because it is hard to pack a swing set. But Nonni and Pop did get him this Radio Flyer car which kept him plenty occupied.



After a quick breakfast, the extended family came over and Jack was spoiled rotten some more.


Uncle Jimmy showed Jack how to play the piano, which became Jack's new favorite past time.

Grandpa decided to join in and play the drums.

Our only family picture of the entire trip on Christmas Night. But it looks like we got the best present of all, and he even came with a bow.

Saturday, Great Grandma Lawrence came over to celebrate Christmas. She spoiled all of us including Jack. Again, no pictures! The next few days we spent trying out the new toys, shopping, eating, more eating, and relaxing. Nathan drove back on Sunday minus one dog, Cami. My parents have graciously offered to adopt Cami to help us out when the new baby comes this summer. I was sad to leave her, but I can already tell she is more happy with them. She gets so much more attention and best of all, there is no Owen waiting around every corner to attack her. Still sad because I love that dog. Sniff. But 3 dogs and 2 babies might send me over the edge, so I know it is for the best. And hopefully someday soon we will live near by so we can visit her regularly!

Jack cruising in his Radio Flyer. We took Jack to the nearby park and they had a sandbox - Jackpot for Jack. My dirt loving boy was in HEAVEN! We had to drag him out of there kicking and screaming, but Nonni and Pop took him to McDonald's to cheer him up.

And now, the longest blog comes to an end! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and was as blessed as we were!