Rest and Relaxation (Supposedly)

This is Ephraim. I suppose I'm doing the blogging this time before I head back to Iraq (or Irat as Max calls it). I've been home for two weeks of R&R (that's the supposed rest and relaxation) and it's been great to see Heather and the boys and spend some time with them. We got to do a lot of fun stuff and we managed to take a few pictures to prove it.

We spent a day in Waco, eating at a seafood place on the river and checking out Baylor's awesome Mayborn Museum. They have really cool hands-on kid exhibits that the boys loved.

Our next major adventure was an overnight trip up to Dallas to see a baseball game. The Orioles (my favorite team) were in town to play the Rangers so I told Heather that we had to go. And the Orioles decided to win a game and the boys even lasted through 10 innings without any major incidents. We also had the unique opportunity to see a working replica of Back to the Future's DeLorean outside a BBQ place in Arlington. Man those doors are cool.

The next day we went to the Fort Worth Zoo and saw lots of cool animals and lots of kids on field trips. The boys had a great time on the carousel.

Here are the promised birthday party photos, the Imagination Movers cake being the highlight. Although it became increasingly wobbly as the party wore on, it was a big hit. As was the pinata- no pun intended! Max had a great time with his friends and everyone loved the bubble wands.
We headed to San Antonio for a few days and stopped in the BBQ Capital of Texas, Lockhart. We ordered food from these two famous places then proceeded to have a head-to-head comparison. After mulling over every bite we decided they were pretty similar and we later found out they're owned by the same family. So much for the competition. In any case, that was one delicious lunch. Have we mentioned we love barbecue?
We always enjoy feeding the deer at Ft. Sam Houston. Max was really into it but Ezra didn't want to give up the carrots. Max and Ezra are both really funny these days. They have a great time together (for the most part) and sure keep us laughing. Our annual trip to Sea World was a hit this year. It even included a Nascar photo op especially for Grandma and Grandpa. Forget the killer whales or dolphins, the boys' favorite part was digging in the sand at the playground area.
It was a busy two weeks but we had an awesome time and we can't wait til we're together again.

3 Years Old

Hard to believe 3 years ago I was in labor with this little guy.  He's been the light of our lives ever since.  Especially with this deployment, Max has been my constant little sidekick and a huge source of amusement with all the funny things he's saying these days.  Ephraim will be home next week for his 2-week break (HURRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) so we're planning the birthday extravaganza for then.  Max has very specific expectations for his birithday party (an Imagination Movers cake, bubbles, friends, a pinata, and dancing) so hopefully we can deliver.  Happy Birthday Max!!!

Cake and Other Happenings

Ezra was delighted to have his very own 3-tiered birthday cake.  As you can tell, it wore him out but he sure ate a lot.  

Ezra and one of our sister missionaries, Sister Clark, share a birthday so we celebrated together.

Here we are before church last Sunday.  Max's new hobby is photography and he's getting pretty good at taking pictures of me and Ezra (as well as lots of pictures of walls, counters, and other really random objects found around the house at his eye-level).

Here's Max showing off his new watch and his new haircut.  

Ezra with his new birthday wagon (thanks Grandma and Grandpa!) and one of his new birthday hats. 

And finally, a very random shot of me posing in front of George W.'s hometown, Crawford, which isn't far from us.  When my mom was here we explored this area and even got to eat at one of George W.'s favorite cafes (we tried the GIANT baked potatoes smothered in chicken fried steak, gravy, and cheese...that's another story). Isn't this the most classic Texas picture ever? Cactus, George W. paraphanalia, big truck in the background, and of course, the Texas flag painted on the side of a building. Welcome to Texas, my friends.  

P.S. My door is always open to visitors if you'd like to sample the Texas-style baked potatoes for yourselves.  

One Year Old (Tomorrow)

I can't believe this beautiful, happy boy is already a

year old.  He has been an incredible addition to our 

family and we love him so much. 

Happy Birthday Ezra!!!

Good-bye Mom, Hello Reality

Well, after spending almost 6 glorious weeks with me in the warm winter weather, my mom had to go back to Utah last week.  I really can't describe how wonderful it was to have her here.   

I was spoiled with having someone else help keep up with Ezra at church, a magically tidy house, all of my laundry washed, dried, folded AND put away in the same day....I could go on and on. But really it was just nice to have a friend here with me.  So, thanks a million Mom! The boys and I LOVED having you here.

 

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas....or TWO!

We were lucky enough to have 2 Christmases this year.  We're so grateful that Ephraim's parents came to visit in December before he left for Iraq.  We had an awesome time with them. We ate some great food and had a wonderful mini-Christmas while they were here.  Max and Ezra were spoiled with lots of great gifts and Ephraim and I were spoiled to have babysitters around so we could go on an amazing date.  The boys had a ball playing with Grandma and Grandpa and we can't wait to see them again!

We love Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Max was thrilled with his toys and underwear.

Ezra had a great first Christmas.

The boys and I spent Christmas number 2 in Utah with my family and Ephraim spent it in Kuwait with lots of sand.  Its always great to be with family and the boys loved getting to see their cousins.  This year for our traditional Christmas Eve Nativity Pageant Max started out as a shepherd but insisted on changing into Buzz Lightyear.  He followed the baby Jesus around and threatened to laserbeam anybody who messed with him.  Most reverent pageant ever: NO. Most hilarious: DEFINITELY.  We also got our fill of snow while in Utah and were happy to get back to the 60 degree Texas winter.  Although I'm almost 3 months late, I hope everyone had wonderful Christmases like we did. We're really grateful for the Savior and for the love and support of all of our family and friends.  

The Pageant Transformation

Festive Holiday photos.

A few snapshots of some cute cousins.

For all my Georgia pals

Mary and I had the chance to get together for lunch and it was awesome to see each other after almost 5 years! Adelle is (as you can see) ADORABLE and it was so nice to catch up and re-live some Shendandoah memories.  Here's hoping its not 5 years til we get together again. 

Beach + Barbecue + Gorgeous Tulips from my faraway Valentine =

One Fabulous Valentine's Weekend

Grandpa Cory and Grandpa Lillie took us to the beach for the weekend.  Everybody had a great time but Ezra had the most fun of all. He would have happily splashed in the water and eaten sand all day long if I would have let him. Thanks for the great time, Grandma and Grandpa! We really appreciate you coming to visit!!! And thanks to my incredible husband for the beautiful flowers (and for knowing me well enough to NEVER give me a stuffed animal). We can't wait to celebrate with you next Valentine's.

Yep, we're all missing Dad around here.  I guess the Daddy Doll will have to suffice for now.

10 Months Old

Our Ebby Boo is 10 months old now. I know you're all wondering- the nickname is from Max who originally said Baby Eh then Eh Baby then Ebby, now Ebby Boo. Ezra is getting to be quite a mischief maker and also quite a clingy momma's boy (can you blame him?).  He loves food, wrestling with Max, and laughing while he does naughty things like climbing the stairs or splashing around in the toilet.  Even though the last few weeks he's given me a real run for my money, with a face like that, I guess I'll keep him.