California Cousins!

In mid-August, we ventured out to California to see Heather, Alec, Holden, Milo and Sawyer! This was the first time all the boys (cousins!) really got to interact and play, and James had a BLAST!  We even were able to attend Sawyer's 3rd birthday party! We loved spending more time (a whole week!) with you all. We wish we could see you all the time. A big thank you for hosting us (and letting us escape for a night to Napa)!

James left California with new ideas and big plans. James now loves to show everyone his muscles and hang like a monkey from the playground bars. He loves to wrestle. He wants to go to preschool. And, after watching him favor Sawyer's "big boy" toddler bed over his pack 'n play, we have since transitioned him to his own big boy bed. Hooray for no more climbing/jumping out of the crib! So far, he has been sleeping soundly, and enjoying his new-found freedom. Everybody wins. More pictures on that to come later. James also got excited about the idea of using the big boy potty. He is very interested. However, for now, we are still waiting to travel down that path... maybe in the next few months!

As you can tell, I took a lot pictures. However, we made some great memories and I am so happy that I (and Heather!) did take all of these pictures. These little guys are only little for a short time!

New Bay Bridge, and decommissioning of the old

Early morning cuteness

Poor James and his first shiner (that's why no more monkeys should be jumping on the bed...)

Our first Ikea experience!

Milo and J

 

James visited Sawyer's preschool and loved it

Packed minivan! Phil & Sawyer, Milo, Holden & James, Tamara & Heather :)

James and Sawyer showing us their muscles at the Little Farm. The height difference on the incline cracks me up.

Phil looks questionable - but everyone else looks cute!

James fed the goats with no hesitation - he has no fear!

Sawyer warmed up to it too

Little playground buddies

Sawyer and Uncle Phil

Happy 3rd Birthday Sawyer!

 

All of these boys melt my heart. It feels like just a few years ago that Phil and I were visiting San Francisco and doting over then Holden, almost 3, and Milo, just over a year old. Look at them now!

Watching these big boys play and be sweet with James was just the cutest!

James, just a week shy of 20 months

Phil, taking full advantage of the motto "sleep when the baby sleeps."

We even left with a free Ergo baby carrier - James loves his new ride! (thanks!)

James & Aunt Heather

 And here are our attempts of getting a picture with all kids; Sawyer was not impressed:

Muscles?

Tochdown, football!

Two? Too?

 Thanks for a great week! We love you and miss you guys!

And, thanks for watching James so that we could escape to Napa for a day!