Meanwhile...

While on our 4-day cruise, Jason and I sure missed our little boys! We thought about them all the time and talked about them to each other and to strangers. We even willingly paid the outrageous pay-by-the-minute Internet rate so that we could read emails from Kim about their daily activities. 

Matt and Kim definitely had a tough job-- keeping watch over 4 energetic boys (three of whom are testy two-year-olds!) is no walk in the park. Plus, Jaden and Cody had never been away from both Mommy and Daddy for more than just a few hours at a time. Despite the mountainous challenge, though, we knew that Matt and Kim would handle everything well... and of course, they did! We were so impressed with all the many fun experiences they provided for the boys. It sure seemed like Jaden and Cody had a grand ole time with their aunt, uncle, and cousins.

After dropping Mommy and Daddy off in Galveston, one of the first activities on the docket was sidewalk chalk coloring.

Then, the boys all got just a tad bit wet in the water table. :) We loved seeing Cody and Jaden's wide smiles! 

Apparently, the boys loved copying whatever they saw Ian doing. Ian sure is a good entertainer!

Here's a picture of Matt and Kim's nighttime ritual... Gotta love this full bathtub! :)

The next day began with a little bit of playtime. Here are Jaden and Cody sticking pom-poms in their ears (a favorite activity at home, too!), 

and taking piano lessons from Ryan.

Matt and Kim then packed up all four boys and took them to the children's museum. They said that Jaden and Cody's favorite spot was the life-sized Lite Brite. The boys spent nearly 10-15 minutes at this exhibit!

I love this last picture they captured of Cody. He always sticks his tongue out when he's concentrating really hard!

The boys also played a bit with trains (though not nearly as long as train-loving cousin Ryan!).

I love this pic of Ryan, too. He's got a pretty adorable habit of twirling his hair with his fingers. :)

The boys breezed through many other stations-- seeing birds with Uncle Matt,

playing with gears,

exploring at the rice table,

driving vehicles in the rubber mulch pit,

testing out the slide,

shopping for food,

watching the fish,

and test-driving a few vehicles.

Jaden and Cody spent a bit more time at these next two spots-- running through the tunnel...

...and preparing & eating dinner.

I'm not exactly sure how Matt and Kim were able to take so many great pictures for us while still keeping an eye on all four boys, likely running all over this museum! Obviously, they're pretty experienced at this whole parenting gig. :) Looked like a fun morning!

Later in the same day, they ventured out to their neighborhood pool. Apparently, both of our boys had a bit of a fit regarding wearing the flotation suits...

Jaden was much happier after he just had on his plain old suit. Both boys were fairly content to just sit close by Aunt Kim and watch the others play in the water.

Jaden was apparently the first one to venture out into the kiddie pool, but Cody (pictured here) gave it a brief chance, too. 

That night, the Jaden and Cody discovered a new favorite-- ice cream sandwiches! We are all smiles for ice cream!

The next morning, my brave sister watched the 3 littlest ones all by herself while Matt was at soccer with Ian. She got to experience what it'd be like to have triplet boys for a few hours! Kim wisely kept all the boys entertained outside-- playing with bubbles,

and jumping in puddles.

After naptime, they all read a bit...

and then went to see the turtles in a nearby neighborhood gulley. On the way, they stopped at a small playground.

Once again, Ian was a big helper, pushing his cousin Cody in the swings.

Once they arrived at the "turtle bridge," the kiddos dropped some bread pieces in the water for the turtles.

And, of course, had to sample some of the bread, too. :) Apparently, there were few turtles to be seen, but the kiddos all enjoyed the many birds and dogs that they saw instead.

The last full kid-watching day was Sunday. We were SUPER amazed to hear that Matt and Kim made it out the door that morning for church, with all 4 kids in tow, by 7:30 a.m.! I think we need some lessons-- we're hardly ever able to do that with only half the number of kids! :)

After church, the boys had some more outdoor fun.

What a joy to discover that they could reach the doorbell on their own! :)

Ian gave out a few rides in his cool pink Mustang.

Ryan won the award for best passenger of the day!

Our boys particularly warmed up to their Aunt Kim and often loved sitting near her. :)

Bedtime books and smiles-- last night apart from Daddy and Mommy!

The next morning, the day of Mommy and Daddy's return, was actually Jaden and Cody's birthday. Matt and Kim honored their nephews' special day with a birthday bagel.

Happy 2nd birthday, little ones!

Thanks SO much, Matt and Kim, for not only caring for our boys but also for giving them a wonderful time in Texas! We can tell that they had so much fun during our time away. Thanks for venturing out on all these great outings. You are an amazing aunt and uncle! Your little nephews love you!