TX Playtime

Each time we visit family, we're always curious to see how Jaden and Cody will interact with their cousins and other relatives. We know that each new stage is a little different, and it's interesting to watch the boys relate to and play with others.

Right off the bat (within the first 5 minutes of arriving), Jaden and Cody jumped right into playtime with Ian and Ryan. Usually when we go on playdates, the boys will spend the first 5-10 minutes in my lap as they adjust to a new place. No shyness was needed here, however. It probably helped that Ian and Ryan were so willing to share their toys. We were very impressed with them!

Texas was HOT the weekend we visited! Although the temps were in the 70's, the humidity made it seem even warmer. Our bodies hardly knew how to handle this "winter" weather. In fact, Cody and Jaden are so used to wearing long-sleeves now that they refused to be put into T-shirts! The poor little guys always looked so toasty and red whenever we played outside, but they never complained or asked for a different shirt. 

On this particular morning, the cousins enjoyed some playtime at the neighborhood park...

...piling the slide with rocks and then zooming down through the pile.

Every few minutes, Jaden would find Baby Nathan, rub his little head, and then run back to playtime. Jaden definitely had a bond with his littlest cousin. It was pretty cute!

Mealtimes were busy in this TX household! The kitchen table was reserved for the kiddos.

Unfortunately, they aren't quite old enough yet to have an independent meal, so the parents took turns sitting at the kids' table. It was certainly an adventurous table! :)

In addition to cousin playtime, Jaden and Cody loved playing with their aunts and uncles. Uncle Jon talked vehicle mechanics (or something like that) with Jaden. 

Aunt Chelsea was good at getting giggles out of the boys. She's gonna be a GREAT mommy! :)

Throughout the weekend, our family soaked up as much Nathan-time as we could. What a fun, easy-going baby he was!

We also enjoyed spending time with our little niece Abby. It's fun to do some girly things every once in a while!

Ryan, Jaden, and Cody were all VERY curious about Abby's nail-painting.

The boys sat still, just watching, almost as long as Abby did!

Our last full day in Texas was another warm-weather day. We took advantage of it and spent a lot of time playing outside in the cul-de-sac. The next series of pics are such fun playtime shots, all taken by my talented sister-in-law Sarah. It's SO great having a photographer in the family who can capture beautiful memories of gatherings!

Jaden and Daddy

Cody and Mommy

The older guys (Matt, Drew, and Jason) started a game of football with all the 2-year-olds. It was hilarious to watch them all running around. I know I'm posting way too many pics of the same thing, but there are so many fun poses and expressions.

Gotta love a game of toddler football! :) After the kids' interest in that game waned, Matt and Kim brought out their stomp rocket. That kept the kids' interest for a long time, too.

Aren't they a cute group of cousins? We only wished we lived closer so that we could play together more often!

Thanks for being such great hosts for our TX visit, Matt and Kim. We loved our time with you and your family!