Wednesday, November 28, 2018

November 28

The past couple of weeks have been a bit of a blur. Andrew started rolling back to front a few Fridays back before Parents Night Out (so glad I was there for it!) and is now quite proficient at rolling around as soon as I put him down. His hand eye coordination is also improving and things he grab go directly to his mouth. time to double check the baby proofing and give the "safe obejcts" talk to the bigger kids!

I mentioned we had parent's night out. Francis and I went and saw The Nutcracker movie at the new swanky meal-and-movie place. the movie was fine but the ambiance and food were really good! Past that, the week before Thanksgiving flew by with packing and prepping. Tuesday evening after CC, Hannah's class had a Parent night, which meant I took the class with her. I didn't know about it ahead of time (missed the email) so Andrew and I had a great time in Hannah's class as a result. Doing ballet while holding a baby is not for the faint of heart, but I pulled it off somehow.

Friday we went with the Brower family and Burgess family to tour the Compassion International trailer set up at our church. The Burgess family came in town just to do it with us. Afterward we decided to sponsor a little boy named Stephen. I look forward to my kids being able to write him and vice versa. After the tour we all had dinner together before Francis, the kids and I drove to Dallas. We got to my in-laws' house late, but still managed to stay up even later talking and playing. Good times. Saturday was the big twin cousins' birthday party. I can't believe they are 3! We played at KidMania and Andrew got to meet Mom Noble (my paternal grandmother) for the first time. It was Mom Noble's actual birthday so afterward the entire Noble Clan took her out to lunch at BJs. Yum! We headed back to my in-laws' afterward and played before visiting a local Greek place that is Francis's parents' second home. All the staff welcomed us and the owner even carried Andrew for a little bit. Also, it turns out William likes lamb! Hannah and Robert liked the pita bread and chicken skewers. I guess we all like Greek food.

Sunday we went to Prestonwood and had lunch a with my parents before heading back Frankie's parents' house. The boys played video games much of the afternoon and I got to read a book while Nana played with Hannah and Andrew. It was actually pretty relaxing. Francis had to go back to College Station after we had dinner at a Thai place. I ate at this place nearly 15 years ago and have been wanting to go back ever since. It did not disappoint! Monday The kids and I moved over to my parents' house where christian and her kids joined us for some fun. We ended up ordering Chick-fil-a for lunch, and when christian left to pick it up, I had all 8 kids including 3 screaming babies. Fear not, for when Danielle arrived (which was shortly before Christian came back), all kids were happy and or sleeping. I made Dani take a picture because I could hardly believe it myself. Hannah and Alexandra were joined at the hip all week and coordinated outfits before meeting up. Issac liked beign on of the big boys and the babies were just happy to be around other babies. Mom, Dad and Kevin arrived in time for dinner so we played the afternoon away together and ate happily. Tuesday we all met up again and went shopping at the mall with mom. she managed to get what she needed as well as some Christmas presents for the kids thanks to her "elf" Danielle. While in line for lunch at the mall with William, I was suddenly hugged from behind. William looked shocked and I was trying to think who would hug me that he didn't recognize. Turns out it was Ashley (my best friend from childhood)!!! He was further weirded out that she knew his name and other things about him. It was so good to see her. She ended up joining my parents, Danielle, Kevin, the kids and I for dinner that evening and a rousing game of Oh Heck, which I was still pretty decent at even while holding a baby.

Wednesday was the big twins actual birthday. We did a little more shopping, but left the men and big boys at home. Hannah and Alexandra were dressed alike so they looked like twins and the 3 babies looked like triplets. I ended up taking all 5 kids outside by myself when we were leaving. You should have seen people's faces! I didn't know eyes could bulge out that far. Kevin picked up Francis from where he was dropped off in town (thanks Kevin!), and we all had pizza together (including Francis's parents) and ate my birthday cake (a day early). Chad was able to join us for present opening for me. I got some super cute clothes! Dad picked up Japapa from the airport in time for him to meet Andrew for the first time and enjoy a piece of cake (second for me) before bed. Andrew smiled at Japapa right away. I got the sweetest picture. It was a good day.

Thursday was both my birthday and Thanksgiving. We went to Aunt Bup's house with my cream corn in tow. We had lunch early (what?!) which left plenty of time for all the men to ride in Uncle Don's newly built Cobra car. Francis said he could feel the power under the hood. The football game was good (Go Cowboys!) and after dinner, the kids, Francis and I made the long drive to San Antonio.

Friday Francis, the kids and I went on a river cruise on the Riverwalk in the morning. It was so relaxing and all the kids really enjoyed it. We picked up lunch and spent some time at Sea World riding rides and seeing a show before we went back to the hotel. Francis's parents, Cyndy and Abby had arrived. We played board games, ate pizza, and watched the parade all from the comfort of the hotel. Oh, and I got a second birthday cake (both red velvet, YUM!)! Saturday morning after breakfast, Francis went back to College Station to attend the A&M game with my mom in the Chancellor's box. It turned out to be the game of the year with 7 OTs leading to an Aggie victory. Francis and my mom also got to be on the field for the band to play during half time as well as meet the A&M chancellor. It was the experience of a lifetime and although we missed him, I am so happy he got to go. The rest of us went to Sea World. We rode rides, saw show, played and then had dinner with Santa. The food was so good this year an the Santa and other actors were magical. Robert particularly liked the mime character who interacted with them playfully and naturally. I got a sweet picture of all my kids with Santa. William and Robert are branching out on the type of rides they like. I'm looking forward to very soon riding "big" rides with them. All the kids are at fun ages, and I look forward to getting to do more with them as they get older.

My in-laws helped me get back home on Sunday (thank you!). After unpacking the car, all six of us (well maybe not Andrew) took to decorating the house for Christmas. Francis got new programmable lights that he is going to put up around the garage. I'm excited to see how it all turns out! Monday my washing machine was finally fixed after being broken for 2 weeks, and so I spent the bulk of the day washing and putting away clothing, shopping online for Christmas presents, cleaning and finishing decorating. It was a full day. Yesterday we were back at CC where a friend lent me the second book in a series she recommended (we've read the first). William is hounding me to read it so that he can get his hands on it. I guess I better get back to reality.

Till next time!

Thursday, November 8, 2018

November 11, 2018

Weekend before last we went with the Phillips clan to Blessington Farms for an afternoon of fall activities. The kids enjoyed some cousin time, and the weather was perfect. Andrew slept much of the time we were there, but when he awoke, he loved looking around at all the various activities going on. The top thing this year seemed to be the over-sized trikes. The boys loved "jailing" Uncle Chris and Hannah loved riding on her dad's and grandad's shoulders as the rode around. Abby also joined in the hoopla to the delight of all.

Sunday after church the kids dressed up and we attended the trick or treat event at the George Bush Library Museum. The kids toured the museum and got candy, eventually exiting the building to a bunch of booths and inflatables. After a ton of fun there, we went to our church for Fall Fest. Good food, many inflatable and carnival games were the order of the evening. It was an big and exhausting day, but I'm so glad we did it!

Last week we spent most of the week home. Hannah, Robert and Andrew all contracted Hand Foot and Mouth. William has had it before and so he spent much of the week ready to get out of the house. It was stormy and raining all Halloween and that coupled with sick kids meant we dressed up and had pizza and a "candy hunt" at home. Andrew looked cute in his Pilot costume and his Superman costume on Sunday as well. Thursday William and I went on a date just the two of us. Since he was healthy, it was natural his week should come first. we went out for gourmet ice cream and then I took him trick or treating. That may sound odd when you realize it was November 1st, but because everything got rained out the night before, many people posted on our nextdoor neighborhood site that they were giving out candy. We actually found a street that had games and inflatables in addition to candy. William loved wearing his Dusty costume and getting to hang out with me. I loved it too!!!

This week we have gotten back into routine. Monday afternoon the kids were able to attend Jude's birthday party at Urban Air. The party had the place to ourselves so the kids played while moms watched and chatted. It was a good time and the kids all slept GREAT! Tuesday was CC class and Hannah had dance. After dance I was able to take Robert out on a date with me. He chose to get ice cream (after William's endorsement, he had to have some!) and then we went shopping just the two of us around HEB. That may sound weird, but I've been doing grocery pick up since Andrew was born and Robert missed riding in the car shopping cart, looking at the toys, the buddy bucks machine, and the face to face time he had during that time. We had a blast looking through all the stuff and he picked out a book for himself and his siblings too. He's so thoughtful.

Yesterday we went on a field trip to Basecamp Farms where we learned about how they grow and harvest flowers. My kids had loads of questions (some more relevant than others). Hannah particularly loved smelling and looking at all the pretty flowers. She loves all things beautiful!

In Bible Study Robert presented one of his key verses to all the ladies with a small group of kids. I love how he is learning and loving God's word!

Duty calls. Till next time!