Hungry Jack

My Jack boy is growing too fast. I think of all my babies, he's the most anxious to move on to the next stage. Although, he did take his time with the whole walking thing...I think he was just waiting until he could do it perfectly, though. Lately he's been refusing to eat, unless he can feed himself...with a spoon or fork. He hasn't needed any help, in fact, he doesn't want help. I just can't believe how grown up he looks feeding himself. He just turned 15 months, and I'm sad to see the "baby" leaving him so quickly.

Kyle and Kathleen Visit

It was great fun to have Kyle and Kathleen visit, even if it was only for a VERY short time. They came in to town at 12:34 Saturday afternoon, and left at 12:00 Monday afternoon. Saturday we ate out/in from Salt Grass Steak House, and played Princess Crazy Eights, Go Fish, and Old Maid. Carly got the card game trio for Christmas and we've been practicing it ever since. She's getting better every day. On Sunday we went to church with my parents, and spent the rest of the day hanging out. In the afternoon we drove down to Zilker Park and rode the train around the park. It's a shame they weren't here in the spring, because the scenery would've been more appealing. Josh loves trains, and I admit, I had my own motives in suggesting this activity. Josh loved it. Carly was sitting near the front of the train with Kyle and Kathleen, while Jarod and I were near the rear with Dad and Josh. I'm going to have to steal some pictures of Carly from Kathleen, because every time the train turned enough to see them, my camera was too slow in turning on and taking the picture, so I never got a good one of them. That night we stayed up too late, playing Sabotage...a new favorite game. We were sad to see them go, and we look forward to crashing their scene, hopefully sometime soon.

Jammin' With Daddy

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this. I love to watch the interactions of my children with their daddy. Jarod sat down for a minute to learn a new song, and Josh wanted to be a part of it. He was giving kisses, and watching intently. Josh has become such a little love-bug. For the longest time we couldn't get him to give kisses. Now every time we turn around he's giving someone a big wet smacker.

Hat Boys

One morning Josh decided he wanted to wear his hat, and he decided Jack should wear one too. Carly decided they should be worn backwards. I get a kick out of how much Josh loves hats. Jarod was the same way growing up, so I'm told.

Josh is giving kisses...not trying to rip Jack's head off.

Jack has a new squinty-eyed smile...I don't know where he picked that up.

Saying Goodbye is Hard to To

Saturday morning we all rushed around to pack up, clean the condos, and make sure each one had the appropriate amount of dishes and utensils. We had such a fun week, that some of us were trying to find ways to keep the fun going up until the last 10 minutes of the vacation. Before heading out of town, we stopped in Azusa to visit Grandma and Grandpa Val, and Lydia. It was fun to pick tangerines from Grandma Val's tree, and I know I wasn't the only one there that was disappointed her avacado tree was in it's off year. We took time to take the generation photos and eat, AGAIN!! That morning we'd had a rather large breakfast at Schooner or Later, a breakfast joint on the docks. It was so good. Again, we owe Papa Steve a big thanks for hunting it down for us off Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The crab omlet was to die for.

Four generations of Valdiveso men

Our men: Grandpa Val, Papa Steve, Jack, Jarod, Josh, Damon, and Navarre

The Women: Elle, Kaela, Catherine, Lydia, Grandma Tess, Mara, Gayle, Grandma Val,
Me, Carly, Clarissa, and Ava. Talk about hotness.

Josh found a truck and was endlessly entertained.

Cousins: Carly, Jack, Kaela, and Jaxon

Josh sort of attached himself to Grandpa Val. I thought it was pretty sweet.
I thought this was a sweet interchange, also.

Now it's all over, and we're anxiously planning our next trip. I guess it's a good sign that we like to spend time with our extened families. I think there's something to look forward to in the eternities. Families can be together forever, and I think it'll be great.

Balboa Island

On Friday we went to Balboa Island with our crew of fourteen, plus the Strong family, for a total of twenty two people. It was fun to walk along the pier, and spot Dolphins or Grey Whales, eat hot dogs on a stick, frozen bananas, french fries, and pizza at The Original Pizza. It was a freezing day, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the scenery.

A Girls' Night on the Town

On our girl's night out, we went to Laguna Beach, and walked up and down main street. We sniffed out some delicious onions rings, and went into an art shop, where the artist personally showed us a few different painting. It was really neat. The streets were still lit up in Christmas lights, and it was fun to walk and get some girl talk in. I think Clarissa and I probably had the best time, not worrying about putting the kiddos to bed.