This past Saturday we trekked our way up north to Maryland. When I say “we” I mean, myself and the boys alone. A trip I have done several times before but it had been a while and every time I question my judgment and am convinced “Why Yes, Emily, you certainly are crazy!” Brad flew out to Tampa for work the day before and I just wanted to go to see family since like I said we did not have school holding us back. Part of Christmas is about family and no one at all had a plan to see each other. It was sad to me to ship gifts or be alone so off we went.
We finally arrived there at 4:30 when we left at 9 am. We added two hours onto the trip because after seeing a large house fire while driving it reminded me I left my space heater on so I opted to be safe no matter what the cost or annoyance it caused and I drove home to unplug it. Five minutes from the house Liz finally told me she did still have out spare key. It was a little late since we were already there but I will remember that next time. She ended up using that spare key to sneak cookies into my house for when we got home. A nice treat when coming home to a food barren house.
Our first night we spent with Andrew, Jen and the girls.
We watched Home Alone and drank hot chocolate. Bradley is my child who does not like it but Gavin loves it and Easton just drinks it cooler and thinks it is chocolate milk.
We exchanged our Christmas gifts with them. Of course, Uncle Andrew kept it golf themed for at least one gift ;)
Gavin picked out this bracelet all on his own for Livi. it has a boys and a girl charm to represent the two of them. Adoring cousins.
We always draw names with between the kids and are normally together. Well, I guess I didn't think of it or thought someone else didn't have a gift either. Well, I was wrong to not think this process out clearly. Bradley ended up getting his feelings hurt really bad saying “where is my gift?” The answer to that is Jackson has his gift in Charlotte and we are not all together and exchanging at the same time. It was not a case of him being selfish or anything. He is going through a phase of being the oldest brother and being unappreciated or thinking life is unfair. Every child with siblings goes through this and feels this way at times. We are working on it though to make our big boy know he is so very much loved!
Uncle Andrew did the coolest thing. he snuck away and wrapped up Bradley a gift. A “Caps Kids” baseball cap. Bradley cherishes it and he felt better after that!
He is the most handsome little man with his Daddy’s strong features.
Easton got birthday gifts too.
The next morning Aunt Jen made the kids and the Birthday Boy, sprinkled pancakes.
Looking unsure about being 2 so early in the morning. He does great at blowing out candles though.
After this we went to church and got some party supplies and headed to Great Grandmas house.
These kids weren’t monkeying around. It was pizza time!
Time for ice cream cake.
He was so thrilled. Happy Birthday Easty Bubbas. “Little Easty Bubbas today is your day. Little Easty Bubbas, it’s your Birthday! Little Easty Bubbas we love you, Little Easty Bubbas today you’re TWO!” I sung him this song all day to the beat of “I’m a little tea pot.”
As soon as he was done with the candles he started sucking his thumb. Sheesh! That may be a hard habit to break as he is doing it a lot lately.
Love this toddler. He is a joy!
How many kids can you get around GG’s table. Well, 10 exactly! If only a table could talk. This one has lots of memories to share.
The craziness and aftermath of the ice cream. We played pin the tail on the donkey and the kids each got a balloon.
My cousin Natalie and her little boy Nicholas even came later to wish Easton a Happy Birthday. These two are only 1 week apart.
It was a perfect day of celebrating for Easton. More of our Maryland trip to come….
