We spent the week of Thanksgiving in Kansas City/Independence, Missouri, and I have to say that it was an incredibly nice trip. As far as air travel goes, we could not have gotten luckier when it came to seating arrangements or the dispositions of Cameron and Ella. On the way there, the flight was only about half full, so we each had 3 seats to stretch out with our designated little one. Cameron slept the entire time (lucky me, I got to read a magazine from cover to cover! If you're a mom, you
know that's a pretty big deal.) And while Ella didn't sleep a wink, she was happy to play with Ryan and explore her corner of the aircraft. On the way home, Cameron, again, slept much of the flight, and though Ella was a bit less agreeable, we had an empty seat for her, as well as floor space for her to move about, since we were in the first row. I am
so thankful that all went smoothly.
We stayed with Grandma Donna and Grandpa Dave and were, as always, treated as if in a five-star hotel..... that even offers child care! Thanks, guys, you always make traveling and being out of our element so much easier and pleasant!
Cameron with Great Grandma Bratton and Great Aunt Cheryl.
Grandpa Dave and Cam.
Story time.
Thanksgiving was hosted by Dave and Donna. The entire KC Schulze Clan was there which, if I had to guess, is about 30 people. Donna handles the Turkey and stuffing, along with many of the other details that go into a Thanksgiving meal, and the guests brought dishes of food to share, as well. There was an insane amount of food, lots of laughter, tons of pictures, great memories, and even a cute little craft project. So nice, so, relaxing, so filling and so very much something to be thankful for!
Great Grandpa Hans and Cameron.
Cameron meeting Great Grandma Aldine and Great Grandpa Hans for the first time.
While back in MO, Ryan was able to get in several rounds of Disc Golf, which is
always a huge treat for him since the courses here are pretty crummy in comparison. He and I were also able to get together with some of his longtime (and my newer, but just as much liked!) friends, which was tons of fun and, for me, even a little therapeutic! I don't necessarily want to live in Missouri, but I sure do love the people there and very much wish we lived closer to them.
(My new favorite picture. Love, love, love it.)
The kids didn't venture out too much, but they had tons of visitors, and certainly were not lacking in company or fun. Grandma Donna and Grandpa Dave were very eager to spend quality time with their only grand babies, but they did a nice job of sharing with the great grandparents, other relatives, and our friends! Cameron was happy as a clam being held from sunrise to sunset, and Ella was showered with new toys (for early birthday and christmas), fun experiences like cooking with Grandma and Grandpa, going for walks, playing with her four boy cousins, watching the dogs, going up and down stairs, and spending time with all of the company.
Having a ball with the tunnel and tent Grandma picked up on Black Friday.
Washing pumpkin seeds with Grandma Donna.
"Cooking" with Grandpa Dave.
It was such a nice trip, and we were all sad to see it end. Fortunately, we've got us a little wedding coming up, so we'll get to see all of our family and friends again before we know it!
Ella likes to join Cameron for 'tummy time' now.
Our little guy has begun to roll over more consistently in the past few days.
Chillin' in the bumbo chair for the first time. Ella called it a potty the entire time we were there. Thankfully, she's not yet 'trained', so we didn't have to worry about finding any surprises.
Ella loooves her Mr. Potato Head set these days, and is even willing to let Cameron in on the fun.
Whenever Cameron has "tummy time", lays down, or "stands up", Ella feels the need to do the same. I had already picked up Cameron at this point, but Ella was still happily checking out the play mat from his view.
Cam is such a wiggly little guy that I've had to resort to putting him in sleep sacks at night (we call them "baby bags") because he either gets both legs stuck on one side of his jammies or busts one leg out completely and ends up uncomfortable and/or cold.
Just chillin' at Ella's crib.
Two nights ago we realized that Cameron is able to sit up unassisted! He needs the support of his arms and is sometimes more stable than others, but he has been able to stay upright for up to a couple of minutes at a time. Not bad for 4.5 months old!
I'm pretty sure he's quite proud of himself! He looks like a little gorilla with his arms positioned that way, and I love it.
My little oddball has a real thing for bell peppers. Every time I cut up green peppers to cook with, she runs off to find a cup or bowl from her play kitchen and then proceeds to beg me repeatedly to fill, and refill, it with "mo peppos". Last night, she polished off 1/4 of a red and 1/4 of a green, only to return and swipe another quarter off of the counter when I had my back turned. I found she and the missing pepper hanging in the Bumbo watching the Wiggles. Needless to say, she didn't eat much dinner, but in this case it's a-okay.
