The Napier News: Thanksgiving in Texas

We had a really nice Thanksgiving visit in Texas. It was our first Thanksgiving as parents, which gave us so much more in which to be thankful! It was great to see everyone, and of course the highlight was introducing Ayla. She got to meet the rest of Brett's family. His mom and dad came for a short visit when she was two weeks old, so it was fun for the rest of his family to see her. :+] .

We also got to see Hollie, Stephen, and Hobson while there, and it was their first time seeing Ayla. Hobson was great with her...and could even say her name...quite well I might add. He only showed a little jealousy once, and it was while Hollie was rocking Ayla. But...in his defense...that was his mom and he was tired.! ;+] Hobson is adorable and getting so big way too fast. :+] Hollie and Stephen just found out that they will be having another boy this spring, and we can't wait to meet that little guy. Hobs is going to make a wonderful big brother. :+]

It was Ayla's first trip to Texas, and all in all she did rather well. :+] She slept the whole way there...and 7 out of the 10 hours on the return trip. We've learned that it's a whole new traveling experience when you have a baby. It's amazing how much stuff you think you need when you travel with one extra "little" person. :+) On the first day of our last trip to Texas I broke my cell phone, and on the first day of this one I lost my phone. Most of you know how I am with my cell phone, so maybe someone is trying to teach me a lesson. :=] I've ordered a new one that should be here in a few days.

This week we've been getting back into whatever routine we had before we left. Tonight, Brett and I got out our Christmas totes, and while he, my dad, and my brother watched the Cowboys, I unloaded them. It's been 2+ years since I've seen any of my Christmas decorations, and it was fun to be reminded of all the "stuff" we have. Okay, here are a few pictures I took while in Texas. I had 205 of them to choose from, so it was hard picking which ones to post. :+] I've posted 31 pictures, which isn't too bad considering... ;+)

This was the first image I saw after waking up the first morning we got there. :+] Hollie and Stephen had this shirt made for Hobson, and the below onesie for Ayla. We desperately want to be related "for real," so these kids are going to love each other if it kills us! ;+] If only arranged marriages were accepted in this country!

By the look on her face... you'd think she was surprised by our little plan! :+]

How precious!!!

Need I say more...

If this isn't little Brett and Stephen... I don't know what is!!! :+]
I think they were watching "Handy Manny," which I have no idea what that show is or whether I'm calling it the right thing. However, I am sure that Brett and I will know all the kid shows very soon! :+]

Hobson, Hollie, and Ayla

Grandpa Ken and Ayla

Grandpa Ken, Ayla, and Oma (Brett's parents)

Ayla's 1st cousin, Garrett (left) and her 2nd cousin Liam (right)

Ayla's 2nd cousin Madison (left) and her 1st cousin Jaycee (right)

Ayla's 1st cousins Jasmine (Liam's mom) and Stephanie (Madison's mom)

Steph and Ayla

Willy (Stephanie's husband) and Ayla

Ramona/Oma (Brett's mom) and Kim (Brett's sister)

The Gang

Pam (Brett's sister) and Ayla

Jaycee, Ayla, and me

Oma and Ayla

Friday night, we went to go visit with Sarah's family. This is Jackson and his great grandmother, who has also "adopted" Ayla so Ayla will get to have a Grandmother, too! :+}