Headed Home

The trip home was smooth sailing and quick!  We were very thankful after the crazy drive just a week prior. 

 Caleb knows how to relax.  Snack and a remote!  He's the king. 

 We stopped for a rest and took a couple pictures.  Caleb kept asking for "no" (snow) but we left if far behind.  The air was still cold but the look was California once again!

 I love my boys! 

We had a great vacation and look forward to the next one.....not too far off!!!!  JUNE 15!!!! WEDDING DAY!!!!

Great Grandma and Grandpa Boersma

They are MY Grandparents and Caleb's GREAT Grandparents! 

This time was super special for me.  I want Caleb to know Grandma and Grandpa because they are so important in MY life.  I want them to be a part of his as well.  It truly warmed my hear to see them interact. 

 They were both dying to hold him but were so patient with not being able to since he needed time to get to know them.

I love this picture!  Their faces truly light up being with him.  

Caleb is the only GREAT grandchild of the family.  I'm sure there are more to come with so many grandkids, but I think he's got a special place. :)

 I like this because of how Caleb is looking intently at Grandma as she's talking to him.

 Another favorite simply because of how special Grandma is to me.  She's been a great friend and support to me through the years, and it means a lot to share the most important little boy in my life with her and to see how much SHE adores him too.

I also LOVED watching Grandpa with him.  They played and laughed a lot together, and at the end of the time he turned his music on and Caleb danced along to it.  I think it made Grandpa's day. :)  As with everyone, I truly wish we could spend more time with them, but I'm thankful for the moments and memories we DO get to have together.

Olsons

I was super sad that a couple planned visits with friends had to be canceled for various reasons.  I'm still hoping we'll get to at least skype sometime soon.  We DID get to visit with the Olson family, which was even more fun than last time since Caleb is older now.  

 I decided to post several of these pictures just because they mean a lot to me.  I first met Evan when he was Caleb's age or younger, so it was fun to watch them together.  Caleb took a special liking to him and backed right up into his lap.

 I'm not sure if Evan knew quite what to do with the special attention, but Caleb wasn't bothered one bit.  High-Fives are all he needs for bonding. :)

Yep, Caleb is right at home, and Evan is still a bit shocked I think.

 Getting more comfortable.  Seemed he thought Evan was a pillow or something.

 I love Evan's look here...like- "WHAT are you DOING little creature?"

 Getting more comfortable....

 ....until, "let's wrestle!"  Time for Mommy to intervene.  We'll have to work on the "space bubble" concept soon. :) Thanks, Evan, for letting Caleb invade your space for an evening.  He really loved you! :)

 I also enjoyed spending time with Allie and Riley, who ALSO are growing up SO fast.  I'm sure that if we lived in the same town they would now be babysitters for Caleb.  Another surreal moment for me.

The guys had already left for baseball, so we took a girls shot, plus Caleb.  Hmm, he looks like he's pouting about being the only boy. :)  It was SO good to see you guys!  I hope we'll continue to meet up through-out the years ahead.

On To Portland...

The Ruters spend their Christmas in Sisters, so they came to see us before we left town.

We got to meet Matthias!  SUCH a cutie pie with so many smiles! 

 Caleb is very intrigued by babies.  He waved with great energy while saying "hi."  I'm pretty sure Matthias was wondering what was going on.

Anders is growing up fast!  

 We next headed to Portland to visit with friends and more family.  Although this trip was ten times easier than the way to Redmond, we still saw some slipping and sliding while getting chains on.

We both really enjoy this drive because of past memories, for Matt, when we were dating, and for me the years of going to and from Portland to Mom and Dad's.

That night we enjoyed visiting with uncles, aunts and cousins.

 I got to see some girls that were only in grade school when I first started working with kids.  Now Heather is a massage therapist and Autumn is about to graduate from High School.

 Caleb made himself at home.  It was nice to catch up with them and their mom.

 We enjoyed staying at Uncle Doug and Aunt Wendy's house.  They spoil us!  Caleb liked using the special high chair and getting extra love from Aunt Wendy.

 She helped him climb up and down the stairs and even had fun toys to play with and snacks to eat.  We'll be happy to stay at the "Gabbert Resort" anytime soon if they'll have us. :)

More pictures to come of Grandma and Pa Boersma's and Olson.

Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  It was wonderful to be at Mom and Dad's for the day!

First, the guys made everyone breakfast!  

We had eggs, bacon, omelets, orange juice and Mom's cinnamon rolls!  SO good!  Caleb even enjoyed some bites of the rolls from Grandpa!  A little extra sugar never hurt anyone for Christmas! :)

 Nope, you can't SEE him here, but Grandpa is on the phone!  It made it feel a little like he was part of the day.

 Caleb enjoyed trying on Uncle Brian's shoes with a little help from Aunt Cindy.

 Uncle Brian knows how to make him smile! 

 Our stockings have shrunk since becoming adults....but not what was inside. :)

 Love my boy!

 More "happy couple" pictures!  They were glowing the whole time we were there! :)

 Only a few more months until Brian is truly "Uncle" Brian!  Can't wait for June! 

 Some good Christmas morning memories. 

 We really enjoyed watching Caleb discover and enjoy each new thing as he opened gifts....

 ....and the adults too! 

 Caleb's FIRST gift delivery ever!  We had to document the moment!

 I like this picture I think because it reminds me of the many fun Christmas morning memories with my family.  I think I have a similar picture from every year.  We did gifts different this year and it surprised me how I missed the tradition of what we used to do.

 Tongue out means serious business! :)

 Just another memory of everyone being together.  Warms my heart.  :)  Sounds cheesy but it's true.

 Christmas socks from last year!  

A good day!  Hopefully someday we can have it with the WHOLE family!