We spent last week in Houston visiting John's family. For months we had been planning a secret trip to surprise John's Mom (Sue) for her 60th birthday. Her husband Ken and best friend Vivian organized a wonderful birthday party. It was quite fun (and a little stressful) working out all the details and making sure that it all stayed a surprise until the big day. We flew into Texas the evening before the party and stayed with Vivian and her husband Russel, who were so sweet and accommodating to our family. The party went off without a hitch and it was a lot of fun to see Sue so surprised. We were also able to see Super-Duper Auntie Tish, who was in town for the big surprise. After the party, we spent the rest of the week visiting, and having a great time at Sue and Ken's. We really enjoyed our trip and loved being able to spend Sue's birthday with her. Here are some pictures from the trip; unfortunately I don't have any from the party because I had Sue's camera and was taking pictures for her. Hope they came out good Sue :)
Charlotte's 1st airplane ride, she did great! She slept the whole time, woke up once to drink a bottle and then went right back to sleep. No I am not breastfeeding in this picture, even though it looks that way :)
On Sunday Sue's actual birthday Mike, Mary and their 4 kids came over. Here are Anabelle and Giana playing. Poor Giana couldn't do ANYTHING without Anabelle glued to her side, very cute to watch.
John and I ordered this contraption for Charlotte to sleep in while in Houston, it's called the Fisher-Price Newborn Rock and Play Sleeper. She wouldn't sleep in a pack and play yet and we needed something that had a safety harness because she had begun rolling over. This worked wonderfully while we were there and it was very portable.
This trip was Sue's 1st time meeting Charlotte, so they had a lot of catching up to do.
So nice to have everyone all together!
All of the cousins.
Aunt Mary with Charlotte.
Taylor, Giana, Donte, Mary, Mike, Dominick
Playing into the late hours of the night.
Every time we go to Houston we drive past Old MacDonald's Farm, and we always say, "we need to go there with Anabelle." Well we finally did on this trip. Here she is on the train, she loved it!
They have deer running around that are so sweet, you can buy animal food and feed them by hand.
Anabelle took her 1st pony ride on Cocoa.
There were lots of other animals to feed and pet too, but I didn't get pictures of them all.
Playing on the huge sand hill.
They had an old metal slide, and it was super fast, Anabelle really loved going down it. She would go so fast her hat would fly back and the look of pure joy on her face was so fun to watch.
One evening John and I took Anabelle on a special date just the 3 of us; it was the 1st time we've done this since Charlotte was born and we decided we need to do it more often. We went to see the Cubs play the Astros. Anabelle was not as willing to sit and watch the game as she was back at Wrigley and couple of weeks ago. But we still had a great time.
We decided it was time to introduce Anabelle to cotton candy, her first remark was "it's not kitty hair?" Hmmm... maybe I need to vacuum more often and pick up those kitty hair tumbleweeds we have :)
She ate a little bit, but ultimately decided that it was too sticky for her.
They had a fun play area for kids, here is Anabelle racing to home plate.
Batting practice with Daddy.
She was very excited to see Mickey Mouse at a baseball game!
Anabelle's 1st french braid, she wanted to match Grandma's hair :)
Auntie Tish, Anabelle, Grandma Sue
While we were in Houston, Charlotte turned 3 months old. I tried to catch some pictures of her outside laying in the yard. I love this little dress and matching hat.
During a shopping trip Charlotte gained some new hair accessories. I had never been a fan of headbands on infants before, but I think she looks pretty cute in this one.
Of course we have to start them young in the Delaney house, here we are teaching Charlotte the basics of poker.
Snuggled up on the couch watching the Muppet Movie.
Playing with the hose, Anabelle loved squirting things (and people)
Charlotte and I relaxing on the porch.
Grandpa and Grandma with the girls
4 generations of the Walsh Family
Watching the planes at the airport.
Heading home to Chicago, the girls were great on the flight, Charlotte slept the whole time and Anabelle watched her shows on the Kindle.
It's always fun when we go to Houston. Anabelle and Charlotte enjoy their special time with Grandma and Grandpa, Auntie Tish ,Uncle Mike, Aunt Mary & cousins. We do too :)
