Cousins, Cousins, and Great Granddad!

A few weeks ago we got to head back to Phila/NJ and visit family--lots of family!

We started out by going to visit my nephew Carter in the hospital--both the kids came with me and got to spend some time with Carter, Aunt Lauren, Uncle Jon, Nana, and Pop-Pop. Carter (and Lauren) are doing very well, and Carter is due to be released in the next few weeks! It's been a long 3 months for Carter's family, and it is such a blessing that he will be getting to go home! We look forward to spending more time with him once he gets released.

Pop-Pop and Alex

The kids and I with Carter

Carter eating a lollipop-he hasn't been wanting to eat anything recently (thus the feeding tube)--even the lollipop didn't work! After a few licks he gave it up.

While we were staying at my parents' house, MY grandpa was in town visiting from Illinois, so it was really special that the kids were able to spend some time with Great Granddad. Alex asked a lot of questions about him before he arrived..."What does he look like?" "What color hair does he have?" "Does he like to play with little kids?" She was very interested in "meeting" (she hadn't seen him since she was much younger) Granddad's daddy, and it was great to see them interacting. Alex used Jenga blocks to build towers with him (and was quickly bossing him around a bit, telling him how she wanted the blocks stacked!), and in the morning she looked for him, wondering when he would be up to hang out with. Even Kellan wasn't overly fearful of him, which was pretty good considering how wary he is of strangers these days!

Great Granddad and Alex building towers with Jenga blocks

We also got to celebrate my nephew Nolan's 4th birthday! He had a train party (of course, because the boy LOVES his trains!) and all 5 cousins were there (and got to spend the night!). The kids had a great time riding a train in the backyard and playing with each other. There are so many great pictures of the kids so I will try to share a few of my favorites.

The excited birthday boy BEFORE his party!

Alex and Nolan waiting for the train track to be assembled

We got to go to one of Nolan's peewee soccer games, and the kids got to spend a beautiful evening outside running around Jon and Renee's backyard at their new house--they enjoyed kicking balls, throwing grass at each other, and having a lot of fun!

Mia and Alex playing at Nolan's soccer game (while Kellan looks on)
These pics are all taken outside while the kids were playing in the grass--I love the late summer/early fall!

Kaylee

Mia--love her expression!

We made our trip home by stopping at Josh and Kendy's new house, since we hadn't been there yet, then eventually made our way back home. The kids and I were tired after a long ,eventful weekend, but it was well worth it!