Oklahoma

Okay, I'm finally getting time to write about our trip to Oklahoma. It was great to be back "home" and get to spend extra time with family and friends. It's always amazing to me how much some things can change, while others stay the same, no matter how long you're away. We flew up on the Friday before Memorial Day (Russell's Friday off - lucky for us!). Drew did great with the flying and loved walking around the airport and looking out the windows. He sure kept us on our toes, but thankfully he got some of his energy out before we had to sit and be still on the plane. He wrote on his magnadoodle, read some books, ate some snacks, looked out the plane window, and cuddled with Mommy.

Looking out the windows at the airport

We were able to just relax for most of the weekend (and of course eat at Taco Bueno and go shopping at Kohl's!!) Drew enjoyed his time playing with toys, playing ball with Gramps, reading with Aunt Becca, and just settling in to his new environment.

Cuddling with Daddy (isn't this the cutest picture!!!)

Peaches in the hair (how lovely!! - we got to wash our hair almost every night)
Playing with Gramps

Drew and Aunt Becca (at the airport)

The most momentous occasion of this trip was Drew's first attempt at eating with a fork. We were having Macaroni and Cheese (one of my favorites - and his too) and I decided to see how he'd do with it in a bowl with his new fork (it has rounded tines) instead of on the tray with his fingers. He did surprisingly well for a first attempt, we'll keep working on it!!

Drew loved reading his books, as usual, and really liked rolling away from me when I was trying to change his diaper or get him dressed. We were using my sister's bed as our staging area and he thought it was super funny to roll away (to the middle) and then sit and smile (often while not wearing a diaper - luckily there were no accidents!)
One of my favorite parts of the trip was getting to visit with my best friend Kim (we've been friends since we were 4 - or maybe 5) and getting to meet her daughter Evelyn (she's exactly 8 months younger than Drew). She and her family are in the process of moving to Malibu so that her husband can begin teaching at Pepperdine. Her parents still live in Tulsa, so I went over there one evening for dinner and then the next day Kim came and picked me and Drew up and we went to a nearby park with the kids. Evelyn and Drew hit it off right away and Kim and I were able to visit a little bit (although it's much more difficult when you're wrangling your kids!!) Even though we don't get to see each other that much, we always seem to be able to pick up right where we left and share what's in our hearts and minds. It's so comforting to have a friend like that!!! I love you, Kim!

Me, Drew, Kim and Evelyn

Overall, it was a great week!! Can't wait until we can do it again!!

Posts coming...

I promise I will get my posts updated soon. It seems like we were barely back from Houston before we left for Oklahoma and now we're back in the full swing of things. Short and sweet: our trip was good, it was nice to visit with friends and family, Drew was a champ on the plane (such a good little traveler), and it's great to be back where we can sleep in our own beds again. Look for more detailed posts in the next few days!

Drew's Rainbow

We are about to venture out again to visit family (this time to Oklahoma) and I needed some new ideas to amuse Drew during the trip (this time we're flying and on the way home I'll be on my own with Drew). We were over at some friends' house last week and I saw a few little photo books that they had made for their kids. Not one to pass up a good idea I jumped at the opportunity to create this color book for Drew. Hopefully he'll enjoy looking at his pictures and if we happen to soak up a little learning then all the better! But, mostly I'm just hoping that it will keep him occupied for a few minutes during the flight!!

Red

Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Purple
Brown
Black and White
Pink

An event -"full" week in Houston!!

I'm a few days behind in getting all of this posted, but after you hear about the week we had I think you'll understand. We headed for Houston on Saturday (May 3) after going to the Chevron Northpark Office Open House. (Russell's office is officially moved out of New Orleans and into Covington and we are ecstatic!! He still leaves just as early, but gets home almost an hour earlier in the afternoon.) Our main reason for going for the entire week was for Russell to attend the Offshore Technology Conference, but bonus that it was also the week that his stepfather was graduating from University of Houston - so we were going to head that way at the end of the week anyway. Russell spent most of the week in class and I spent most of the week helping Russell's mom.

Maggie and Drew in the car

While we were at Gigi's house Drew discovered the stairs (luckily with Mommy right behind him). He went straight up like he'd been doing it his whole life. Now, we just have to figure out how to come back down safely.

My sister, Rebecca, came to visit and we had a great time. She jumped right in and helped out with whatever she could. It was wonderful to have another set of hands to help. On Thursday, Miranda (Russell's stepsister) came over with her two boys, Rhett and Leyton, and all 3 played together for awhile.

Gigi made cookies and gave Drew his first real cookie (spoiling him already) which he loved!

Drew and Rhett

Rhett, Leyton, and Drew

Rhett took a real liking to Russell Drew with Aunt Becca

Friday was Graduation Day! Randy graduated with his bachelor's degree from the University of Houston. He's worked so hard the last few years, while still working full-time (or more) and finally achieved his dream (with almost all A's too!!).

Drew with Auntie Randi at graduation

Saturday was party day! We had a house full of people and lots of fun!!! The boys (R, L, and D) spent some time playing and the adults spent lots of time visiting and eating!!

Randy with his cake

The boys playing in their matching U of H shirts

Grandpa Randy with the 3 boys (Drew needed a nap!)

Randy's new frame for his diploma!!

A much happier Drew

Drew and Gigi

Russell, Amber, Drew, Matt, Rhett, Miranda, Leyton, Allison, Cailan, and Zach (all of the little boys were born within 2 weeks of each other)

Sunday was Mother's Day (and our drive home). We had a nice service at church and then feasted on leftover fajitas from the party. We managed to get a couple of good family pictures before everyone hit the road.