Summer 2011: Lake Charles

I'm going to do my best to update our blog with all the fun stuff we did this summer.  There is so much I could write about and there were tons of activities we did and people we saw that I don't have pictures of, but just know that we enjoyed all the things we got to do and all the people we were with.

I love this picture!  (Sorry mom, I know you're in your pajamas) This was the night we flew in and my mom came into my room and just loved on my boys while I unpacked all our suitcases and got everything in its place.  I think she was pretty excited to have us home.   

We spent a majority of our time in the big LC (Lake Charles) with my family. The first few days were spent recovering from jet lag, as I mentioned in my previous post, and then the next few days after that, we were all sick.  It took us probably a week to recover from colds, infections, and even bronchitis.  Miles had to get breathing treatments and Gavin was on multiple antibiotics.  Once we all got over the sicknesses, we went around town to get as many experiences as we could.  

I brought Gavin to my favorite pizza place, Mr. Gatti's, and he got to play with all the games and rides.  A new yogurt shop opened up near LC and it's where you fix your own yogurt and toppings and then you pay based on how much you put in your bowl.  Gavin loved picking out all of his toppings and his favorite part was mixing it all together like a pancake mix.  We also went and ate Hibachi- you know where they cook on your table.  I thought that would be fun for Gavin.  his favorite part was when the chef set our stove on fire.  He kept asking for him to do it again and again.  

I took Gavin to see the movie Cars 2 since we don't have movie theaters over here.  He LOVED it.  We went to Target the day before and got him a Cars t-shirt to wear to the movie.  We talked about Mater and Lighting McQueen for days before so he was super excited when we arrived and he saw them on the big screen.  I picked him up lunch at Subway and snuck it in my purse to the theater.  We also got popcorn and a HUGE Sprite.  Gavin pretty much ate the ENTIRE movie, but I didn't mind.  He sat still, watched the screen, and enjoyed the show.  

I got to enjoy seeing a movie of my preference, too.  My mom and I spent one afternoon and went and saw The Help.  It was sooooo good!  I read the book back in May with our Book Club over here and got so excited when I saw that they were making it into a film and better yet, it was coming out while I was in the states.  I love a movie that stays so close to the actual story from the book, but I love even more a book/film where you're laughing one minute, then crying the next OR you're happy watching what's happening then you get mad because of something a character does.  It was sooo good!

I also got to be apart of my best friend, since preschool, Megan, welcome her first child into the world.  Banks Asher Hartman was born, July 28th.  I kinda planned my vacation around when she was having Banks.  I could have gone to her baby shower or be there for the birth... I chose the birth.  Megan did awesome during her C-Section and looked BEAUTIFUL after giving birth.  I'm so glad it worked out for me to be there.  Megan is going to be an awesome mom!!

One of my favorite parts of being in LC was getting to spend time with family.  We made lots of memories and shared lots of laughs.  Audrey and Miles were pretty interested in one another.  I spent some time with my grandparents, but only have a picture with one set of them.  My other grandmother passed down some Christmas ornaments to me that she's had for years, I was excited to get them.  I spent a lot of time with my brothers, SILs, and nieces and nephews.  I also got to spend some time with my aunts on various occasions.  My mom and Gavin made home made ice cream several times during our trip, which meant more toppings for Gavin to put on the ice cream.  He loved it.  My dad always took Gavin on the golf cart for rides, too.  That was a daily occurrence.  We went swimming when we could and usually went mid afternoon, early evening which made it even more enjoyable!  Gavin loved jumping off the diving board and sliding down the big slides.  Miles was obsessed with the water and I'm so thankful I was able to find a baby raft so late in the summer season for him to get to be in the water floating, "alone".

  

It was a wonderful and enjoyable time getting to spend with close family and friends.  As always our time together was too short but we loved being with everyone.  I know there are a lot of other things that we did, but these were some of the highlights.  

Seven Months... the month of change

Miles turned 7 months on July 30th and this by far was the month of changes for him.  Within a 10 day period, Miles learned how to hold his bottle, sit up on his own, crawl, started eating all types of solid baby foods, got his first tooth, and even learned how to pull up and stand by furniture.    I was pretty amazed at how quickly he started doing things, but also incredibly grateful to walk into this new world of "freedom", especially since I was single-parenting-it, while Brooks was back in the KSA.  However, I was very sad to be sharing with Brooks all these new experiences for Miles via skype or through pictures  in an email.  I did everything I could to document these new changes for Brooks to experience in some way.  Miles is still our easy, laid back, relaxed kid.  I've realized he's very adaptable and is happy 99% of the time-- unless he's hungry or tired.  This kid will actually sit in your lap and chill-- something our oldest son wouldn't fathom unless he was sick.  Miles loves to smile-- he inherited my Joker type pointy smile that stretches from one end of his face to the other... he also has cheeks that can flatten out to a square shape that looks like an old grandpa!  Don't even get me started on the dimples that pop up every once in a while!  They are to die for!  He has a laugh that is beyond words contagious and is a necessity to hear on a daily basis.  

Miles pretty much likes all baby food that he has been introduced to so far.  In the beginning- he didn't blink twice when I placed something on the end of his tongue, he would just eat it.  That is, until I introduced sweet potatoes, then I guess he realized food actually tastes good... and all of a sudden green beans and peas were hesitant to go down his mouth.  And, how dare I give him carrots.  Carrots are the only food that he will physically gag at, so for the time being, I'm not worrying about them.  

  

Miles got to enjoy some time in the grass, which he always had mixed emotions about.  It was fun watching him gain new experiences.  I guess it's been so hot here, that I never really just laid Miles in the grass.   

It took Miles almost two weeks from the time he started showing an ability to sit up, until he could actually keep himself upright and stay.  From that moment on, he preferred sitting on his bottom and watching everyone.  You can even put him in front of a mirror and he'll go to town entertaining himself. He got to sit in a high chair, too, for the first time and appreciated being upright at the the table with all of us.

  

 A few more first for Miles this month were- he got to have his first sink bath.  I didn't realize I never gave Gavin one of these when he was a baby.  Miles loved it.  It was also his first bath to take sitting in an upright position... even better! Miles was sick off and on while we were in the USA and one of those times he had bronchitis.  After several antibiotics and prescriptions, we used a breathing machine to help treat him-- he's use to this from an earlier sickness when he was 4 months old, but this go around he was much more mobile and had an opinion about the mask being on his face.  Miles spent some time laying out by the pool, too.  Again, something Gavin never would have done- just hanging out to relax.

 

We love you Miles and can't believe how much you have changed over this past month.  

Summer 2011: Houston

Another part of our vacation was spent back in our old stomping grounds of Houston.  My mom came and spent the week with me and the boys while we were visiting friends and running around.   We got together with friends and I so wish I would have taken pictures of all the people we had lunch and dinner with or our friends' who had a newborn baby that we got to meet.   Ugh- next time I'll do much better.  I miss all our friends and am so grateful that we get the chance to spend some time with them when we're home.  

My teacher coworkers- the only pic I have of friends I visited

I went to our church, CCCC, to pick up some resources to bring back with us and got to see a ton of people- staff members, pastors, and volunteers I use to serve with.  It was great seeing familiar faces and hearing how many people are praying for us while we're here.  I can only hope and pray that if we end up somewhere other then the Clear Lake Area when we return from international assignment, that we can find a church just as wonderful as CCCC has been.  

I also took advantage of all the fun activities Houston offers and was focused on giving Gavin as many fun, life experiences as possible.  Therefore, one day, we went to the Houston Zoo.  My sister in law, Anna, and her two kids were going to Houston that same week and decided to come and meet up with us and play around town.  We had a blast!  

We saw lots of animals at the zoo.  I must say I was quite impressed with how many of the animals were actually out even as hot as it was.  Gavin and David ran from one pen to the next and were mesmerized with all the different animals and what they were doing!  I don't which was Gavin's favorite part of the Zoo-- the petting zoo part or the carousel.  He talked about both those activities for DAYS!!!!  

 
 

I wanted a Sprinkles cupcake and was determined to get one while we were downtown.  Mine was delicious!  Gavin... well, he wasn't as impressed.  So, I ate some of his, too.  It was delicious, too!

Another day, we drove down to Galveston and went to Moody Gardens and visited the Aquarium.  Gavin was in HEAVEN!  He loves animals, but is fascinated with those that are in water.  Not sure if it's because he's been to and seen various Aquariums that he understands what the animals are doing and which ones are which or what.  Either way, aquariums keep his attention and he's always looking for a new "fishie" that he's never seen.

My mom was a HUGE help on our trip!

checking out the penguins 

inside a shark cage

Miles kept his eyes on the sharks

After our fun morning at the Aquarium, we went and had lunch at Rain Forest Cafe and celebrated Gavin's birthday that was a week away.  Gavin and David and even Audrey and Miles were intrigued with all the sounds and commotion that kept taking place when the volcano would errupt and the dozens of gorillas that surrounded us would all of a sudden wake up and start shaking their bodies.  It was a fun lunch.  I ran into a friend from high school, Kate, who's expecting her 3rd child, too.  It was wonderful to see her and such a God thing that we ran into each other.  She is such an encourager!  Love ya, Kate.  My favorite part of the lunch was watching Gavin and Miles face when the volcano dessert came out for Gavin!  It was priceless.    

We also did some shopping while we were in Houston and ate at all my favorite restaurants.  I miss Houston a ton and enjoy getting to spend time there while we're back in the states.  We loved spending the week with my mom and having her company and her help!  It was great getting to spend some unexpected time with my SIL, niece and nephew, too.    Can't wait to go back!!  

Summer 2011: Arkansas (Part 3)

The third and final leg of our Arkansas trip was up North to the mountains.  We went to stay at Brooks' brothers house up in Solgohachia near the Ozark Camp Center.  Brooks' dad, and his wife Juli came to the stay the week, too, while we were there.  Perfect-- two visits in one!  We had a blast seeing where Uncle Bran worked and lived and getting to spend time with PawPaw and Gammie.

Our time was filled with late night swims, opening birthday presents that just kept coming, watching movies, riding four wheelers around camp, eating, and even a trip to the circus!  Bran's girlfriend, Kate was also there so we got to spend some quality time with her as well.  

Gavin LOVED swimming with Pawpaw and Uncle Bran.  They even got him to jump off the diving board, lots of times.  Heck, one night when I wasn't there, they let him jump off the lifeguard stand, which was pretty high.  Gavin had fun playing with all the older kids that were around (Bran was working at a camp and the staff came swimming with us).  It was a treat to watch Gavin get over his fear of heights and jumping into the water.  One time, he even swam in the deep end and told Pawpaw to jump into the water to him-- too cute!  

 
 

Gavin got to celebrate his birthday the entire visit.  It seemed everyday he was getting to open more and more gifts.  His ultimate gift was a new camera... just for him. Hallelujiah!!  Now, he'll be less likely to break our digital cameras.  It's a really cool camera, too.  It's child friendly, very durable, takes actual pictures, and can be downloaded to a computer and even printed.  I'm having to figure out how to make the camera compatible with my mac, but once I do, I'll upload all the pictures he's been taking.  Anytime Gavin sees us carrying our camera he brings his with us.  Gavin also got some cool new pajamas, some Cars 2 trucks, and a million stickers!!!

One of the highlights of our time spent together was getting out and going to the circus.  I wanted to give Gavin as many new experiences as possible while we were home and the fact that the circus was so close by we had to go!  Gavin loved it and it was a great evening out.  I wish I would have video taped some of his expressions and what all he kept talking about when he saw new animals and cool tricks.   Of all animals that were at the circus, we saw camels-- go figure.  My favorite were the elephants.  They did some AMAZING tricks.  Gavin loved the ninja guys who came out and did tricks with swords and fire.  After the circus, we went and picked out a sword before leaving the venue.  Gavin chose one that came in a case, which was perfect-- Miles had something to play with too.  I'm so glad we took time to head to the circus.  It was a memorable experience for everyone.  Before heading home, we stopped at a local yogurt shop and topped our evening off with some delicious yogurt!

 
 
 


We loved our visit to Arkansas and were so glad to see all the family while we were in the states.  Can't wait for our next trip!!

Summer 2011: Arkansas (Part 2)

After a few days in Arkadelphia, we headed to Hot Springs, AR to spend a few days at the Ranch with Brooks' grandparents, cousins, and aunts and uncles.  We had 3 jam packed days that were filled with lots of family time.  

Brooks and I are pretty close with his cousins and their husbands so we love getting to spend time together.  Between all of us, there are 6 kids under the age of 5, so needless to say, Gavin enjoyed playing and goofing off with all the other young kids.  We spent as much time as we could with everyone, but they were all working camp, so life still went on.  

The boys and I stayed with Brooks' grandparents, Mim and Pop, while we were at the ranch.  We had a great time eating and laughing, and sharing stories of our life here in Saudi.  We celebrated Brooks' Aunt Terri's birthday with a big lunch, we played outside, and went on four wheeler rides. Pop took all his great grandkids around the ranch and I think he loved it as much as the kids did.  I took Gavin around camp for him to see the horses, golf carts, and bumper boats, too.  We can't wait for him to go to camp some day.  

We stayed on the ranch for a majority of our time.  Gavin played on Mim's front porch, ran across her rock wall, and played soccer in her front yard.  Miles played around, too.  He and Mim bonded a lot while we were at her house.  He always wanted her and she entertained him like no one else could.  

Gavin got to celebrate his birthday, again, this time with Mim.  We drove to Little Rock one morning and Mim took Gavin to Toys R Us and let him pick out anything he wanted for his birthday.  He was in heaven.  After his shopping spree we had lunch before heading back to the ranch.  

 

 

Our time at the ranch was too short, but we'll take what we can get.  It was nice catching up with everyone.  I wish I would have actually taken more pictures of the things we did.  We already have a trip planned back to the ranch in December (as long as Brooks gets his vacation time) for one of our friends' weddings and, of course, to visit with the fam!

Summer 2011: Arkansas (Part 1)

While we were in the states, I loaded the boys up in the car and we took off for a week to Arkansas to visit Brooks' family.  Brooks and I decided that even though he wasn't able to join us this summer for vacation, that it was still important for his parents to get to see their grandkids.  So, I made it happen.  

Our first stop was to Arkadelphia, AR where Brooks' mom and her husband John live.  We spent about 5 days with them and everyday was filled with various activities.  Gavin's trip started off getting to open birthday presents from his Grammy and Papa John (we skyped Brooks so he could watch Gavin open the gifts).  Gavin got some toy guns, a holster, a super hero cape, and a bubble machine.  He had fun playing with everything all week.  Check out the neat play house in the background Grammy had set up for him.  They spent hours in and out of that thing.  It was cute.  

A majority of our days were spent outside in the pool.  Miles loved swimming, just as much as Gavin did.  I think we swam everyday, sometimes 2 and 3 times a day.  We'd swim in the mornings, fix lunches and eat by the pool, then swim some more.  We celebrated one of Brooks' cousins', Tyler's 16th birthday, and it was a pool party- even more reasons to be out in the pool.  Papa John tried getting Gavin to go down the slide or jump off the diving board, but for some reason, Gavin just wasn't ready yet.  If Miles wasn't in the water, he was hanging out by the water.

Another fun activity that was a daily occurrence, was feeding the horse and donkeys the neighbors have.  Everyday, Gavin would take apples to the animals and call out for them until they came over to the fence to him.  He was so excited when they did come.  He kept calling the donkey's, "HIS donkey's".  It was cute.  He would let the animals eat out of his hands and everything.  He wasn't scared of them at all.  I was so proud of him!    Gavin got to ride in the back of Papa John's truck and loved it.  I think he thought he was big stuff.

 

 One day we tried going fishing early in the morning but it was soooo hot, Gavin, only lasted 10 minutes.  Miles enjoyed it, well, he enjoyed the 5 minutes he was awake down at the pond.. I guess the peaceful, quiet sounds knocked him out.

 

I will say there was never a dull moment!!  Gavin rode on Papa John's tractor, played in the sand box with Grammy, chased the dogs around, and played and played.  We even got to spend a day with Brandon (Brooks' brother) and Kate (Bran's girlfriend).  Gavin played with Bran as if it was Brooks.  They were inseparable for the day!  Miles hung out and learned how to hold his bottle while we were there (a big accomplishment- more about that later).  But, he was just as cute and sweet as could be.

We had a great time with Grammy and Papa John and can't wait to see them next time!