Solvang California - DuBois Family Reunion

In August, we packed up and headed West to visit Max's mom's side of the family for a reunion in Solvang, California (about 20 minutes from Santa Barbara). And if you don't, know Solvang is the Dutch capital of America. The whole town looked like we were in Denmark, so cute. See.....

It was definitely a very beautiful city with fabulous weather. A great break from the 100 degree days we left behind in TX.

This was Maddie's first trip on an airplane since she was about 2 months old. It was very difficult to entertain her for the entire flight, especially since she is really into walking, but we did it!

Thank goodness we were still on the bottle during this trip. It was a lifesaver.

Blocking some rays on the airplane!

Eating at 'The Mermaid' in Solvang. It was very authentic and delicious. Gregg (Max's Dad) was very sad that he did not order the herring sandwich and kept trying to get us to go back all week to try. Unfortunately, he never got that sandwich. :(

We took a day trip to Santa Barbara and had lunch on the pier. Looking down from the pier, we saw this sea lion (right?...otter?...seal?...whatever) basking in the sun on someone's boat. Safe and sound from predators!

Santa Barbara behind us.

For lunch, we went to a place that let kids select a toy from the toy chest. Maddie (ahem, I) chose this pirate mask. We each took our turn for a silly photo.

Arghhh, Daddy-pirate.

Grrrr, Aunt Niki.
Mimi!

So, Grandpa Gregg was not so interested in participating. This was his attempt at putting on the pirate mask and playing along. Looks like someone needs to 'walk the plank' for a poopy attitude.

1st Captain Pirate Mommy

Maddie's Crew - these are Madison's 3rd cousins who devoted their time to Madison all weekend. They played with her, fed, her, entertained her, etc. This is what I call their 'serious shot'.

This is what I call their 'silly shot'

Max's Nana and Maddie - we are going to cherish this photo forever. Not only because how important Nana is to us, but also because how long it took before Maddie warmed up to Nana. To actually snap a photo (and a good one at that) was pretty much a miracle.

One of the group shots. We did have, however, a family photo taken with someone else's camera which showed all 23 of us that were in town for this wonderful event.

Madison is the 'Clean Up Crew'

She really enjoyed dining on Dad's leftovers.

More Walking

And just because I had it, more walking footage.

Madison is Walking!

It's been a gradual process since month 12, but she is fully functional on her own two feet. Even when I take her to school in the morning, she tries to wiggle out of my arms to walk in on her own.

What's next, her shutting the bedroom door so she can have some privacy? :( My baby.....

Please note the stumbles are only on the weird cobble ground. All other surfaces, she has pretty much mastered.

Hanging with the 'Cuz

The last few months, Madison and Henry have had a lot of time to hang out together. Misty and I really encourage this interaction early so that as they get older being together will be that much more fun.

What we have learned about the two: 1) Henry is a lover and wants to hug, kiss and bite Maddie all the time 2) she is not a fan of this behavior


At our grandparents 55th Anniversary celebration weekend @ the Gaylord in Grapevine, we took the kids on a morning walk in their new double stroller. There was so much to look at in the lobby and atrium of this hotel. Definitely good for keeping wandering eyes and feet busy.

Dining on Daddy's finished plate. Mmmm..... I did take a photo of her grabbing an entire piece of pork tenderloin and eating on it like it was a turkey leg, but it didn't quite translate as well. She had the meat in one hand and used the other to scoop rice off of the plate. I have no concerns with her ever eating too little.

A little blackmail for the future!

This is one of those affectionate moments caught on film. Note, Henry going in for the love and Maddie not having one bit of it.

New Mexico for the 4th of July

The Locke clan has a cabin in Riudoso, New Mexico and for the 4th of July weekend, Max, Maddie and I made the 8 hour drive to join a few close friends.

This was an extremely great trip, full of all sorts of things I don't typically do on vacation....hike....always on the go..... that's about it. We did so much fun stuff and next time I go, I'm thinking I'd like to try out the shopping a bit.

The crew before we took the 2 hour hike.

Daddies make great pack mules!

Misty and Tim like taking photos of themselves, MyShape style.

We were in dire need of the lunch. God bless Misty and Danielle for making and carrying the most delicious turkey sandwich ever!

The babies tuckered out the last half of the hike.

After a long hike, the Moose wanted to take a dip in the hot tub (wasn't heated). I imagine this pose says, 'Mom, please no photos! Think of the people.'

Max played lifeguard.

We drove about 1/2 an hour to the middle of nowhere to watch fireworks. It was amazing against a big old sky. Max and Tim were truly in the spirit with these fabulous Wal-Mart buys.

Our in-house babysitters. What you can't see is that these three are propped up on TOP of a suburban. Probably not the safest for Henry, but he only stayed to pose for the photo.

Maddie was especially interested in the food we packed that night. She did not have, however, the vodka soaked watermelon that the adults ate (pictured in the background of the photo...mmmm)

For a good 20 minutes of the firework display, Henry was more fascinated with the bag of chips.....

.....but then, he was enamored! Yay, fireworks.

Happy 1st Birthday, Moose!

At long last (2 months past due), I now have the birthday photos that will remind us all of the day we celebrated one year full of blessings. Can't wait for a million more!