Happy Trails

We just landed in Dallas a few hours ago after a great trip to Clay Center, Kansas. We traveled to Steve's home town to: a.) celebrate the Stalder's Wedding Anniversary b.) attend the Heilman Reunion and c.) get the heck out of Dodge for a few days.

It was Holden's first time on an airplane and as usual...he was great. He was not "that baby" that cried, threw a temper tantrum and caused everyone to consider mandatory sterilization. Nope, when he wasn't sleeping he was disarming everyone with his charm. It wasn't until the descent that he broke his happy disposition. After hanging with Grandma Sally and Bob we headed off to Wakefield to see the Craigs. Although it was a short visit, its always fun visiting with Brent and Erica and as an added benefit, we met the latest addition of the Foster family and what a cutie little Jack is.

Saturday was a complete whirlwind, we started at the Tasty Pastry, followed by hanging out with all the cousins, then Steve treated us all to his famous salmon cakes and spicy aoli sauce.
Later, we all went to Josh Macy's house and attemped to take a family picture, we will just have to wait and see how that turned out.

Finally it was time to celebrate Ernie and Luann's 50th wedding anniversary and let me tell you, they know how to throw a party. We caught up with all the Stalders and I found out , someone other than Steve follows our blog. (Hey Kerri!) Kim Shannon also decided that since her attempts to take me "Snipe" hunting have so far, been unsuccessful, she's going to get Holden to "Dysentery" Hill when he's old enough. I think its a great idea....

Finally Sunday we went to the Heilman Reunion, and had a blast meeting all the Heilmans. At the eleventh hour, The Heigele's stopped by and brought LC. Holden really seemed taken with LC.

Sometimes when we visit, I could almost move there, 'cause the people are so nice and comforting, like homemade stew or Christmas Eve. Oh well , its Monday and we are home in our small condo, surrounded by our dogs, and the sounds of the city. Until Thanksgiving, when we make the trek to Kansas again...toodles

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Milestones

This started last week and has been recorded for posterity and bragging rights!

Holden has some carrots and apples

Holden is having a lot of firsts these days. His first tooth finally broke through this week and he had his first serving of non-formula food. I think the video speaks for itself. I also think following my physician's advice and waiting until he's 6 months old helped too.

Enjoy the video!

Happy Labor Day

This past weekend we took a short trip to San Antonio to visit family. Sunday night Holden got to play with his cousins, Raydon and Thadeus . It was fun until Holden leaned over and took the pacifier out of his horror struck cousin's mouth. The picture above is a re-enactment but Thad learned to take his pac-y out of his mouth before Holden could strike.

Yeah...kids are funny like that....

Further posts as events warrant.

Latest Check Up

Holden may be eligible for the NBA draft according to those crazy nomograms but Dr. F put the kaibash on solid foods for another 2 months!!! Yep, the good doc says that our healthy growing boy doesn't need no stinking cereal, he's doing fine on the formula. Oh how I wish I had stock in Similac, but I'll save that for another post. He's 17 1/2 lbs and 28" long, and as the good physician says "one healthy happy baby."

Water Baby

Against manufacturer's wishes we put Holden in a kiddie pool (recommended 1 y+)-- and he loved it! I can't wait until he's 6 months so we can get in the big pool and I don't have to worry about him drowning. Even though I am licensed to revive anyone, I prefer saving strangers...go figure. Happy Summer!

Road Trip!

This past weekend we took Holden to Kansas to meet his cousins and see his grandparents. He only fussed a tad and slept most of the 8 hour trip, much like his father and I do when we make the long trek to Steve's hometown. Friday we were fed like royalty as Sally and Bob grilled salmon and treated us to some good beer. Saturday we introduced Holden to the Tasty Pastry, where Holden met a 94 year old man, celebrating his birthday. After enjoying the local delicacies we returned home to await the arrival of the cousins!! Steve and I were very excited to get a peek at Clayton who was born 10 days before Holden. As you can see from the photo the boys hit it off. Holden who may possibly be an only child was very generous and shared his favorite toy at the moment, his surfboard. Holden also met Riley who held him, and Shelby who "borrowed" some of his toys. It was also great to see Uncle Bryan, Aunt Kris and Aunt Connie. We had a lot of fun comparing milestones and seeing all the kids play. We also squeezed in a visit to Steve's friends The Craigs. Holden was so comfortable around Erica that he fell asleep , after drooling just a bit on her shirt.

Next weekend we hit the road again, this time in our brand new Crossover/station wagon/SUV/not minivan Freestyle, we purchased from Grandpa Bob. Its very nice and has 3 row seating for when our furry children join us on our travels. So next stop San Antonio, and hopefully Holden will travel as well as he did this past weekend. He will be reunited with his Great Grandmother, whom he met a few weeks ago.