Very Thankful

After our trip to CR, we returned to celebrate Thanksgiving at the Roost. We ate, relaxed, and recovered from the stomach/flu that hit a couple of our family members :(

I am so thankful the boys didn't really get it and had a big time! 

Pie and Pal giving the grandboys an early Christmas present. 

Lane loved it, though he needs to grow a couple of inches to fully appreciate it

Pal and Holden looking on

Holden loves watching Lane play, Lane better watch out because as soon as Holden is mobile things are going to get interesting

Lane is a threat to drink and drive

Lane, James, and I had plenty of play time:

Holden did what he does best, JUMP JUMP! 

notice the cooler as leverage :)

We then went to Seabed to hunt and eat a stone crab Thanksgiving lunch, yum!

Lane, Sweetie, and Macon

Pop and Holden

The Russells came down, so fun to see them! Ford is on the verge of walking. He and Lane had the best time together. They have their own toddler language that is so cute even though I don't understand a word

Holden had a great spot to watch the quail hunt, his first

Group Shots:

Catching Up...

Is it really almost December? Is Christmas really right around the corner? How does it always happen so fast? The husband got out all off the Christmas decor out of the attic today, hint hint I guess. So I have spent the last few hours putting up the tree. Yes, gasp we have a fake tree. It is just so easy and my thymes frasier fir candle fills the void of the "real tree" smell.  As I type this my almost two year old just swung as hard as he could with his plastic golf club at the ornaments on the tree exclaiming "Balls"! Awesome.
What we have been up to this past week:

 zip lining through Costa Rica

I tried it upside down

lots of animal watching:

                    

lots of pool and spa time

lots of socializing with new friends

lots of fishing or one full day I should say

and enjoying the fruits of our labor

We took a much needed vacation to Costa Rica this past week before Thanksgiving. It was wonderful. I highly recommend the place we stayed, very unique in that it was more of a small villa rather than hotel. There were only 3 other couples plus us staying, and we all shared meals together. Could be very awkward, but it actually was quite fun. We enjoyed hearing any tips of what excursions they had done that were not to be missed, tips of the area, etc. 

The weather was perfect. The husband and I had full conversations. We slept 8+ hours every night. 

Glorious!

Thanks to Pie and Pal for keeping the little munchkins. 

Mom sent me this text:

you can't see that great, but Lane is wearing Holden's 3 month turtleneck and overalls. 

Gotta love grandparents!

We then game home to a wonderful thanksgiving and stomach bug :)

3 months(ish)

Since he is almost four months, I better catch up...

Stats: we will find out for sure next week when we go for a check up but I would guess around 14.5 pounds, he is a big boy!
Favorites:  singing/talking with daddy, playing in the kickin coaster, watching Mickey with his brother though I try to block him, cooing with me in the mornings, and just being held. Holden likes to be held, named very appropriately!
  

Dislikes: he doesn't like background noise when he eats, he gets very nervous/fussy when his brother tries to hold him- rightfully so as it has not always turned out great for him, but overall he is a very content baby
Eating:5-6 ounces, 6 times a day, he is out eating what I am producing so I have started supplementing as needed. He usually gets a full formula bottle at night which has helped with his sleep consistency, he still randomly will have a 3:30 am snack every now and then which

(James says it is when he hits a growth spurt, hmmm not so sure)
Nicknames: Holdey, brother, and "Dee" from Lane
On the Horizon: rice cereal, rolling over-he is close, he gets stuck on his side 

he has starting sucking his thumb and loves his hands in his mouth

he is also very verbal and likes to tell me all about it

We love you sweet boy!

FOCUS

Just wanted to share thoughts from today's Jesus Calling, it really resonated with me. I am sharing it in conjunction with some pictures I took of Lane this past weekend while we were at the Roost. I think they go perfectly as it is times like these it is easy to focus on Jesus. to appreciate His creation. to be thankful of His blessings. to experience His presence. to love His people. to feel His peace. 

It is times when work is busy, a full nights sleep is hit or miss, and daily activities are abundant that I need this reminder:

Do not be discouraged by the difficulty of keeping your focus on Me. I know that your heart's desire is to be aware of My Presence continually.

This is a lofty goal; you aim toward it but never fully achieve it in this life. Don't let feelings of failure weigh you down. Instead, try to see yourself as I see you. 

First of all, I am delighted by your deep desire to walk closely with Me through your life. I am pleased each time you initiate communication with Me. In addition, I notice the progress you have made since you first resolved to live in my Presence.

When you realize that your mind has wandered away from Me, don't be alarmed or surprised. You life in a world that as been rigged to distract you.

Each time you plow your way through the massive distractions to communicate with Me, you achieve a victory. 

Rejoice in these tiny triumphs, and they will increasingly light up your days.

Amen! Hope you have all have a great distraction free weekend!