Drive from CA to OK and then to TX

We left CA and tried to get as far as we could on the first day, we made it to Barstow, CA. That was a long day of driving, we got up the next day and headed for the Grand Canyon. It took us a couple hours out of our way, but we were so close we had to take a look.

Here are some Elk that were just hanging out near the parking lot.

The Grand Canyon

It was truly amazing, so big! It was a nice break from being in the car for us and Syd got to run around too. We had her lion backpack on her to keep good tabs on her:)

We made it to New Mexico that night and the first thing Syd does when we get to a hotel is to find the phone and call someone. We of course would unplug it right away so she could play to her hearts content:)

Yeah we finally made it to OK and we were staying with our family, Sarah, Adam and Sam! Here is Sam hanging out. While we were in OK we were spending most of our time looking for a house, wow is that a lot of work! We finally did find one.

Sydney loved it when Sam was in his jumper, she would jump too, to show him what to do, it was cute. So fun to have the cousins play and hang out.

Sydney loved playing with her ball in the backyard, she would toss it and then go "ball, ball" and go look for it, too cute.

Smiley Sam

Running to give Uncle Adam a big hug.

We were very bad at taking pictures while we were in OK because we were so preoccupied with the house, so we finally got one group photo before we left for TX.

We drove from OK to TX and then we stayed with Aaron and Karen for a couple nights until our apartment was going to be ready. Our apartment is nice, we have space and Syd has adjusted to her new room and sleeping in the pack n play every night. It is warm here and humid, so glad we were not down here in the middle of the summer. We live near Al's work so that is great he can come home at lunch if he wants and Syd and I can go see him too. Syd and I are trying to find parks, a story time, other play groups etc to keep us busy for the next 4 months.

Packing and more Packing

Tim was in town for work so we got to have one last dinner with him.

Me, Tim and Jen

Sydney and I met up with Jen and Meghan for lunch and Syd was very much liking her Auntie Jen!!

Here Syd is helping me pack, yes her way of helping was to sit in everything I took out of the cupboards, it was pretty funny.

This was her last nap in her crib, then Daddy was going to take it apart for the move.

Helping Dad

Hey Dad, what happened to my highchair????

A few last pictures of our home in CA, this was on move out day!

Sydney - 18 Months Old

While we were home in MN, Jess and I had a professional photographer take some pics of the three kids and also to get some of Syd alone for her 18 month pics. We did them at this park and it was great, but Syd did not really want to sit and get her pictures taken, but here are a few. We also had a hard time getting one of all three smiling but we got some cute ones.

Caden and Syd

Big cousin Chase taking Syd down to the bridge

Again it was hard to get all three to smile or not make funny faces, they were pretty tired at this point as well.

Gatlinburg, TN for Cousin Dan's Wedding

We traveled to Gatlinburg, TN for Dan and Janet's wedding. We got there a few days early to explore the area some.

Here was our home sweet home for the time we were there!

I finally got to meet my nephew Sam, what a cutie!

Steve, Tammy, Laura, Tami and I took the kids mini golfing in Gatlinburg. It was very funny watching all the kids try to hit the ball, or just pick it up and make a "hole in one" or just watch the other kids play:) (yes Syd is wearing the purple hat)

Saturday - Steve and I took Finn, Kendall and Syd to the Aquarium, it was a very nice and the kids had a great time.

They really liked the penguins and the penguins really liked them so we had to take a picture by the statue!

Kendall 15 months and Syd 18 months

Cousins hanging out, checking each other out.

At the rehearsal dinner, all the kids lined up eating.

Kendall 15 months, Syd 18 months, Finn 3 years and Cooper 2.5 years

Sunday - The Wedding Day

Sam and Syd all dressed up and ready to go

Family photo

Sarah and I with our kids

Grandma Cora with all of her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids

We had a nice time in TN, it was great seeing everyone and hope to see everyone again soon.

August MN Trip

Sydney and I headed to MN for our annual trip in August for Chase's birthday party. We had to go back a bit earlier because my Grandma Miller had a stroke. I was able to get back in time to see her a few times and say goodbye before she passed. She was a very special Grandma and will be missed greatly.

Here are a few pictures of our visit to MN

Sydney and Chase on the Gator, Chase was giving rides:)

Caden and Syd having some cheese

Goofy cousins

This was the day I was watching these two alone for the morning, they were good, they love playing with the bouncy balls.

Syd working hard

Riding on one of the many toys that Grandma and Grandpa have

Chase's 6th Western Birthday Party

Grandma, Grandpa and their three grandchildren

Me, Syd and the birthday cowboy

Cowboys and Cowgirl cousins

Chase "Brad Paisley"

Our last day in MN

Grandpa pulling both the kiddos around in the wagon - they fight for attention from Grandpa

Syd - giving Grandma a kiss

Smelling the flowers

Me, Jess and the kids

Caden and Syd smelling, or touching the flowers

Syd has something to tell everyone.....

... she is going to be a Big Sister!

Her sibling will be arriving around February 23rd, 2011. We are very excited and just can't wait to meet the newest member of our family!