January

We made it back home just before the 'winter storm' hit. We drove threw some flakes, but luckily no ice on the road. Church was canceled the day after we got back because the bridges had frozen. We had an extra day to recover from traveling. Russell was impressed by our tiny amount of snow. Maybe one day we will get enough for him to make a snowman. 

We decided that when we got home, it was time to take drastic measures in the potty training area. Russell woke up to find that 'the garbage man' had taken all his diapers away. He left a card and some cars in their place. We had two or three days of accidents, but after he realized the diapers weren't coming back, he did much better. Getting him to poop on the toilet is still a struggle. He usually saves that for first thing in the morning or nap time when he is wearing a pull-up. 

First Sunday of the year meant that this guy moved from nursery to Sunbeams with the 'big kids.' He did better than I thought. He did insist on sitting on my lap since I was sitting right behind him with my new class during sharing time. His teacher said he did great in class though!

Gardens make more great construction sights when there no plants in them. He is going to be sad when he plants things in there. Luckily, he has a few weeks to enjoy it.

Texas winters are great for being outside, if there is not an ice storm. We took full advantage with lots of outside time. Russell is doing much better with pedaling. He is getting so big!

Russell has an obsession with flashlights!

When you're tired and make yourself a comfy bed on a hard table.

We were lucky to have Aunt Kenna and cousins come visit us for a short time. We wish we had some cousins that lived closer, but we will take them whenever they had a pitstop in Dallas!

Park days with friends are the best. After being gone for a while, there were tons of 'specials' for Russell to find at the park. He has taught all his friends to joy of discovering treasures around the park.

Lots of coloring happened too. It doesn't hold his attention for too long, but he is slowly liking art more and more.

Explored the trail around Little Elm beach. It was a bit chilly, but there was lots to see.

Taking a peak at the lake... he's dreaming of swimming in it, I'm sure.

Towards the end of the walk, Russell gave up on walking and wanted to be carried. 

Typical Russell....

December in AZ

We made it to Tucson! Bloods and Weirichs were already there, so we had quite the welcoming party... once they got home from church and visiting family. 

Thus began the wonderful days of cousin time!

Waiting for Grandpa Russell's famous milkshakes!

My parents had lots of fun activities planned... a couple 

revolved around rocks... Russell was in heaven.

Cousin trip around in the back of Aunt Kenna's truck.

Zoey wasn't sure about it.

Nothing bonds a family quite like some gambling!

The trio of little boys!

A highlight was throwing rocks into the wash.

Bonus points if you hit a cactus!

Grandpa slicing up the geode

Russell was always happy to share electronics when

a cousin was playing

Making their own 'rocks' to decorate the front yard.

Lots of time playing in the dirt and sandbox!

What a crazy group!!

Zoey got some cousin time in with Penny!

They had a definite love-hate thing going on...

Zoey is not allowed on our furniture, so she took

full advantage of being able to sleep here.

Besides cousins, there were plenty of other people to love on!

Aunt Bubba and Uncle Bryan!!

Celebrated Grandpa's birthday!

Eegee's (and Great Grandma!)

Bounding with Great Grandpa!!

Reading books with Grandma

Aunt Lori came (and brought donuts!)

More Great Grandpa (he was a hit with all)

We went on an outing to the ostrich farm. I have driven past it so many times, but never stopped before. I missed out all those years. We had a blast!! Old and young were in animal heaven.

Feeding the deer. We had to stop them from using

all the food with the first animals.

Russell and Breydon watching the bunnies

Feeding the goats on high

"Kissing" goats... Russell did it too, but he was 

too fast to get a picture.

Ostriches are terrifying! You could feed them by

hand, but risked being bitten.

Clearly showing why food didn't last long!

Russell didn't want to get too close to the ducks.

Their beaks did pinch!

There were mixed emotions of fear and awe when

the little birds would land all over them!

Feeding the stingrays was the highlight for Russell!

A shooting range... he never wanted to leave. Even 

if they didn't actual shoot anything. 

We are quite the crew!

Couldn't leave without climbing on all the rocks outside.

A trip isn't complete without some good AZ hiking

in the nice winter weather. The bigger the rock, the better!

Then game the traditional Winterhaven trip! I was so excited

to take Russell and Stephen on their first visit. I think they

loved it as much as me. Who know if/ when we will be back.

Seth was our buddy- his parents left early because 

of a broken Catherine...

Christmas Morning!! Traditional stair photo, of course.

Found his small patch of couch with his Santa loot

Russell was very good at sharing his new car toy!

He was in candy heaven... it did not last as long

as I would have hoped.

Zoey got a new rope, and lots of willing friends to play

Santa barely had enough room for everyone 

(and we didn't have Weirichs there)

Opening gifts!

Helping Aunt Lori read her new book

I think we need more family!!

New toys are the best

Bonding with Elise over love of olives!

Late arrival of gifts from Uncle Trenton- he was very spoiled!

We had a couple days after Bloods left before we did. 

We took a day to go to the Desert Museum. It was a warmer

day, so the big cats were sadly hiding.

Coyotes are more interesting than smiling for pictures

Cave People!

More stingrays! These ones weren't as friendly though.

Touching a snake!!

Trips home also include eating all the food we crave when away!!

We had the best time! It is always too short. Possibly we won't wait 3 years before going back this time...