A Grande Family Thanksgiving

Now that we are living in the same state with my sisters and Andrea's parents, we decided to do a big Thanksgiving get together at Andrea's parents house (aka "The Property). My parents came to visit as well, so it was quite the shindig. Andrea's brother came down from college to visit. And if that wasn't enough, Amy's in-laws just moved into our great state and they came down with their youngest daughter to join in the festivities. Like I said, it was muy grande!

Unfortunately, a cold front came through right in time for Thanksgiving, so we weren't able to enjoy the warm weather like we usually do this far south, but it was fun nonetheless. We made campfires, roasted marsh mellows, road on the four-wheelers, pulled excess fish from the pond, played in the sandbox, road bikes, etc. It was great to see everyone and fun for the kids to get together. We definitely enjoy living closer to family. It saves us a lot on what we would pay for airfare!

No more city slickers in this household...Beckett's on the tractor and Mackay is picking up dead fish!

Happy Halloween

We had our first Halloween in Austin. Mackay was a test pilot and Beckett was a tiger. Mackay loved his outfit. He would wear his fake helmet ALL the time. It was fun to look back at him in his car seat just chillin with his helmet on. Beckett on the other hand wasn't a big fan of his costume and wouldn't stay in it for more than 10 minutes at a time; with his hood up, maybe 45 seconds max!

Breaking Beckett

Well, we've been breaking Beckett for two nights now. The first night was tough with a lot of him (and us) waking up, but last night he slept until about 4 and didn't wake up to nurse until about 5:30...and then he went back to sleep for another couple of hours. Not too bad compared to what it has been.

Our New (Temporary) Pad...

...in Austin. We decided to go ahead and get a short-term rental in Austin. Let's just say that Andrea and the boyz are loving it. Mackay even thinks it's big, even though it is just a two-bedroom place...shows you how much space he has had lately!

Of course no sooner than we decided to rent a place in Austin, Marc got a job offer in the Los Angeles area. Now the decision, "Should I stay or should I go?" (sing it if you know the song!). Vote for your option at the right...

Washing the Car

Mackay loves to help Marc wash the car. It's amazing how kids emulate their parents. Whatever we do, they want to do as well. Of course some day they probably won't think we parents are so cool, so we should enjoy it now while they are young and they still think we are cool!

There is nothing quite like the thrill of watching a child enjoy the newness of life in all its forms. Kids are tiring, but they sure are worth it, especially when they look up at you with that sweet smile that makes all of the "dirty diapers" worth it.

I'm not sure who got cleaner in this video, the car or Mackay!

Beckett First Haircut

Andrea finally gave Beckett his first haircut at 14 months. Let's just say he wasn't too into it. It's amazing the difference in the quantity of hair between Mackay and Beckett at the same age (Mackay was two and a half months old when he got his first trim!). I wonder if this trend will continue when they get older. Will Mackay be the kid with the locks while Beckett goes bald? Or with the Lord take away that from he who has and give it to he who has not...will the first be last and the last be first??

Going Poo Poo

Mackay recently started using the toilet to go "poo poo," albeit inconsistently. Nonetheless, we were VERY excited for him. After he went a couple of times in the potty, we gave him his cooking outfit that grandma bought him as a treat after he went potty like a big boy in the potty. Perhaps we can start to dream about the end of diapers...


Mackay had to check out where the poo poo was coming from.

Beckett's Got Some Sweet Walking Skills!

Beckett is now a walking man! He started showing signs of the skill at a year old and now at just shy of 13 months he has got some mad skills! He'll even chase Mackay and get Mackay to chase him. He'll be running any day! And Mackay is excited--he plans to play soccer with Beckett once they can both run together. At least they like each other...so far!

Beckett's First Birthday

Wow, it's hard to believe Beckett is already one year old! Was it really a year ago when he was born?! He certainly weighs enough to be one. It's time for him to start walking on his own so we don't have to carry him all the time (he's getting close and can take a few steps, but isn't quite there yet)!

We had a much quieter birthday celebration than we did for Mackay's first birthday. Of course it's not because we love him less. Given that we are still in transition--looking for a backyard--we weren't in a good position to throw a party this go around. That said, we had a good time celebrating his birthday with Andrea's family. On Saturday (his actual birthday), we took the boys shopping and then went to dinner at Maggiano's--the boys actually fell asleep on the way to the restaurant (see picture). By the time we got home, Beckett was asleep, so we did presents and cake on Sunday. Two days of fun for the price of one!

Mackay enjoyed helping his little brother celebrate by blowing out candles and opening presents. It's almost like a birthday for Mackay with all the new toys to play with!

Love the Dirt...and Water

Andrea's parents just built a new house and their grass isn't in yet. There back yard was like a huge sand box (or maybe a dirt box) for the boys to play in. The boys can't seem to get enough of playing in the dirt. Add a little water to the dirt and it's extra fun. Mud is always better than dry dirt!








After they got themselves (and their clothes) completely dirty, we decided to bathe them outside in huge buckets of water. Needless to say, they loved it! In addition to getting the dirt off, it's a great way to keep cool in the summer heat.