Fun at Aunt Laura's

This last weekend the Muir family went on an expedition to my sister Laura's new apartment in San Antonio. It turned out to be a big weekend! We spent a lot of time in the apartment complex pool...

Where Nate learned to swim without holding onto anyone for the first time...

And Hudson lounged by the pool. Hudson also managed to roll over from his stomach to his back for the first time. The look of shock on his face when he did it was priceless! Too bad I didn't have my camera handy. We had a great time and can't wait to go back.

Visitors

For the past five days we have been inundated with visitors.  A few months ago T.J. had asked his mom to come down to visit and help me out with the kids because he was going to be gone for work for a week.  Of course, as things usually happen with T.J.'s work, this week coincided with my second week back at work.  Not really the time I want to be asking my boss for some time off.  I have been grateful for the help with the boys.  Nate has been a crazy man due to the fact that any time T.J.'s mom comes his brothers come to visit some too.  Nate loves his Uncle Teetee and Uncle Matt.  He also loves Matt's girlfriend Erin.  He can't get enough of these visitors.  Needless to say I'm not looking forward to the next couple days with no help!

Vacation Bliss

This is what my first morning at Lake Kabetogama looked like.

Sleeping husband

Sleeping toddler

Happy baby

Fresh coffee!

Death to the Sippy Cup/Pacifier

In my infinite wisdom I decided the perfect time to break Nate of his sippy cup habit - and I mean habit - was during vacation with two kids by myself while enduring remodeling at my parents house.  It did not go as bad as I expected.  This cup had been my solution to transitioning from a bottle to a cup for Nate.  It worked well for that purpose, but soon turned into his comfort device.  When Nate was screaming, crying, pouting, needed a nap, or needed to go to bed just give him his cup filled with various liquids and  calm and/or sleeping soon followed.  You can understand my hesitancy with giving it up with the new infant around the house and all, but during vacation his use of the cup became out of control.  Two days of screaming for his cup at nap time and bedtime and we were cured - or mostly.

Cousins

Nate is enjoying his time with his cousins, especially Reilly. So far they have played in the pool, had some mud puddle time, had bath time together, played with sidewalk chalk, and a plethora of other fun activities. My favorite so far has been both boys climbing the stairs outside naked, getting to the top of the stairs together, turning to each other and cheering because they made it to the top. I got a quick picture when they were celebrating.

G'pa and G'ma Here We Come

The idea of traveling to my parents with both boys by myself was pretty daunting. So instead I bribed my baby sister to come down and travel back with me. She did get the benefit of going to San Antonio and looking for an apartment for when she starts school in the fall. Below are some photos documenting our ordeal traveling to my parents:

The trip wasn't too bad, just exhausting for all involved!

Work Before Play

So with one week before our big trip I had a lot to do. Countless loads of laundry, packing, projects I wanted to finish, and of course a honey-do list. Here are the results of my work:

My family rules canvas (copying sister Anna)

Hanging family photos

Most of the packing