Xander

Missing my nephew, Xander, a whole bunch-especially after completing these 2 pages of him when he was 4 months old. It was the first time seeing him in over 3 months and he'd changed so much. It's kind of how I feel now, knowing he's growing and maturing and I'm missing out. Enjoy the pages. Xander, I miss you buddy!! Love you FOREVER! Auntie Tawnda

Almost Wordless Wednesday

The San Antonio Zoo. We saw a lot of animals:

Elephants

Exotic Pigs

Rhinoceros

Pelicans

Monkeys

But this is what really caught their attention:

All those crazy animals and they loved the aquariums the most. Kids!!

Teaser

We're back!! So much to do, where to begin?? I wanted to give you a teaser of our much fun and awesome week in Texas with Keesha, Chris and Xander.

Cousins Part 3

I haven't finished posting about the fun week we spent in GR with Xander and my family. Mid-week my mom took off from work and we went to the Forest History Center. I don't remember it being that neat, but going again was fun and the kids really enjoyed it. The "actors" were my favorite part. Here are the highlights.

Evie "driving" her and Xander in the logging truck.

Evie pushing Xander's stroller. All the things around there to do and this was probably her favorite thing. She just wants to play "mama" all the time.

My mom with a crabby Evie. Taken away from her stroller pushing fun.

Me and my darling.

Xander the cutie, listening to the logger who looks a little like Santa.

Keesha and my dad logging old fashioned like. Fun, fun, fun! I bet they were glad they only had to do one piece. Thank goodness for saws!

Xander and Evie checking out firewood.

Exploring the indoor "cave."

Cousins Part 2

I was reminded recently about the joy of going on a boat ride as I witnessed Xander and Evie enjoy their very first. Here's what you might miss if you're only using the boat to get to your next location:

1. Playing in the fish tank (minus fish) is a blast.
2. It's important to have extra support if you want to enjoy the water waves from the boat.
3. Water tastes great fresh from the lake.
4. Or off of your face.
5. The wonder of nature is amazing at any age.

6. Grandpa's make awesome guides.
7. Why use one hand when you can use two?
8. The only bummer is those dang life jackets, but safety first. Wear yours!

We had a blast, wish you were there;o)

Cousins Part 1

As promised...

I love the dynamics between Evie and Xander. They are so totally opposite each other that it is cause for lots of frustration (on their part) and smiles (for the rest of us). Xander is all boy. He loves, loves, loves everything to do with cars. Whether it's watch Cars the movie, play with his cars, drink from cars cups... if it's about cars he loves it. That also goes for trucks. He tromps more then he walks and makes the most adorable frowns. He is still shy and this Auntie has to steal her kisses, which I did as often as possible. His favorite thing to say is "_______, doin'?" Fill in the blank with gramma, grampa, Auntie Tawnda, Uncle Shawn, Evie...you get the picture. Xander doesn't mind if you help him out either with eating or getting down stairs.

Evie on the other hand is all girl. She loves to hold, cuddle and feed her "babies." She pushes them around in their stroller, puts them in the booster, and trys to diaper them. She's a runner and loves to smile. She willingly gives both hugs and kisses. She doesn't say much we can understand, but loves to talk, talk, talk none the less...especially on the phone. Evie is very independent (which could be termed stubborn). Please don't even try to help her with eating, dressing babies or walking across the street.

Evie loves to play with Xander. Xander is used to going solo. Her idea of playing is to take his cars. This leads to Xander being upset. Out of everyone, Evie loves to share her hugs and kisses with Xander the most. He doesn't want her girl cooties. On the other hand, if one of them finds something funny they both laugh hysterically. They enjoy being around each other especially if it includes being outside. I love that Evie has a cousin so close to her in age. I know that as they grow they will become best friends...as long as she doesn't expect kisses and stops her toy stealing ways.

Here is some of the first highlights from their week together:

First rides on a 4-wheeler.

This is how Evie plays with trucks...and this is how Xander plays with them. His face says, "Evie you are doing this all wrong." But he did try to sit in the same dump drunk minutes later. Unfortunately, Evie's tiny self is the only one who could manage it.
Playing with cars...I can't tell by Xanders face if she stole one or not. It wouldn't be the first.

Miss innocent. She is wearing her first pair of tennis shoes. Bonus: She didn't scream bloody murder when we put them on. She loved them!!