Time with the Texans

While we certainly enjoyed all the great activities in Texas, our very favorite part was just hanging out with family! 

Each aunt & uncle was able to spend some quality time with the kiddos. Here is Daddy/Uncle Jason reading to all four boys. He did a great job of watching all 4 kids often while Kim & Amy were preparing meals during the day.

Aunt Kim is quite an experienced Mommy! Cody & Jaden sensed her love right away. Cody enjoyed time with his aunt on the swings.

Aunt Kim and Ryan taught Jaden & Cody some new songs.

Uncle Matt was a perfect snuggler! Jaden loved getting cozy with his uncle. Also, this picture captures what a loving cousin Ryan is. Jaden REALLY took to Ryan's stuffed dog and had a hard time letting go of it. Right before this picture was taken, Jaden crawled up onto Matt's lap and stole the doggie right out of poor Ryan's arms. Good thing Ryan was willing to share!

Aunt Amy loved giving hugs to little Ryan. He feels much more similar in size to Jaden & Cody these days!

Aunt Amy also loved sharing in devotion time by reading to Ian from The Jesus Bible Storybook one morning.

Cousin time was a joy to watch! With each new stage the boys are in, they show the ability to interact with one another more and more. Here, Ryan and Cody goof off together on the couch.

Cody thought that Ian's lap was an ideal resting place! Ian actually stayed in this position quite a while for Cody.

Ryan showed Jaden some of his toys and musical instruments. Both Ryan and Ian did a wonderful job of sharing their toys during our weekend together.

Ian often found creative ways to make Jaden and Cody laugh.

His head "nuzzles" got great belly laughs from the boys!

Cody and Jaden enjoyed having a new home to explore. After discovering Matt and Kim's laundry room, this little area became a favorite get-away.

Cody would often shut himself inside and do who-knows-what!?

Of course, with four active little ones in the same household, we often created quite a ruckus...

AND a mess!

It's a good thing Aunt Kim and Uncle Matt were very patient about having stuff constantly strewn about their floor. Our boys were into everything!

Mealtimes were quite an adventure in themselves! Ian, as usual, was very helpful in entertaining our boys during the waiting times. Matt and Kim served up many wonderful meals that all four of us loved.

Ryan was a particular fan of the blueberries. :)

On one evening, we decided to let the boys all take a bath together.

Ian chose the bath color... purple! Jaden and Cody had never been in colored water before-- what a fun experience!

This was the best shot we got of their silly, soapy hairdos. It was about time to get out by this point. :)

When we weren't out on the town, we LOVED playing outside in the comfortable weather. Cody had a blast pushing or pulling Ian around.

Jaden and Ryan explore the washers game that the adults were playing.

All four boys squeezed into the sandbox. Thanks again, Ian and Ryan, for being such patient, sharing cousins!

Ian also showed us what a great driver he is in his fancy pink Mustang! Aunt Amy loved trying to keep pace with the speedy driver.

Ian gave each of the little guys a turn in the car. Cody LOVED every minute of the drive and beamed the entire time!

In fact, when it wasn't his turn to ride, Cody would often sadly follow the car, usually while whining.

Our cautious Jaden wasn't too sure what to think of his fast ride. He firmly gripped the front of the car as soon as it started moving and wouldn't let go!

Even though Ian was a careful driver, Uncle Matt and Daddy typically held on to the little ones in the meantime.

Another day, we enjoyed a nearby park. Aunt Kim was a great helper at the top of the slide.

Her quick reactions also stopped a few near-twin crashes! :)

We loved the slide and the spinning objects on top, too.

What a great day to be outside!

What a joy to spend some quality time with you, Texas Schleichers. Your family is so gracious and accommodating! You certainly spoiled us during our visit. Thanks for letting us come to Texas! We love you bunches!!