what we do when we're bored

Bubbles

Tonight for family night we played a messy game after our lesson. Ben had the genius idea to pour soap and water on the island and make bubbles. I didn't quite know what to expect, but it was pure awesomeness.
Ben managed to make some huge bubbles just blowing through his fingers. Then he blew them onto the table and got one that was probably three feet wide. Lucas loved it.

Shout-Outs

Lucas wanted to give a few shout-outs tonight while he was in the bath.
Here's to you, Lisa, Carrie, Maddie, Brian, Nala, Oscar, and Petey! (or as Lucas would say, Lali, Cawdie, Mannie, Bonnie, Na-na, Oscau, and Petey).



There's another video for the grandparents.... but I will email it b/c it shows a bit too much of the bath tub.

Holiday Highlights

Suzanne and Lucas are surprised to see the Stebbings board their plane in Lubbock on the way to ABQ.

Ben waited in the Dallas airport for 5 hours on the way to Albuquerque.

On Christmas morning Suzanne presented Ben with another Beware of Dog sign.

Ben presented Suzanne with a vow to quit burping. (See Video Here)

On Christmas afternoon Lucas followed Lisa to her closet and found the tractor we had previously decided to return to the store. A few minutes later a happy boy came to the living room with his aunt to show Mom his new toy.

We had a cool sunset on Christmas Day.

Best Quote:

Maddie,13, looking at Ben's head, "Why do old people always have red spots on their heads?"

Every time we sit down for dinner Lucas does roll call and says everyone's name at the table. They must respond properly or their name will continue being called.

Best names: LaLi = Lisa, Bonnie = Brian, Gagu = Grandma, Caca = Carrie.

Despite my (and everyone else but Ben's) fear of icy roads, we made it to and from Arizona with no harm or incident... except for a shattered sun roof. Sorry, Mom and Dad!

Lucas didn't get out of his car seat once on either leg of the trip.

Ben, Suzy and Lucas visited Bahama Bucks three times during AZ trip.

Lucas got 2 train sets for Christmas, got to ride a little train in Gilbert, and rode a big train in Albuquerque.

Lucas became infatuated with old school puzzles from the 60's and 70's. He's quite good. Too bad they don't make cool puzzles like them anymore.

Suzanne got her hair dyed back to brown at Style America of all places. She was there for 5 hours. It looks great so far.

Lucas got his hair cut at home by Dad. It looks odd, but will grow out.

On three separate occasions, Lucas got to roll through the mall in a rented red car stroller. Totally worth the money.

Lucas got to play with his cousins, Hunter and Stoney, and for the first time really got to rough play.

Ben and Suzy come to the concusion that the portable DVD purchase was the best decision they ever made.

Suzy extended her stay in ABQ to get the most out of her plane fare.

We hope you and your families had a Merry Christmas and happy new year. We wish you the best in 2009.

we made it!

We made it to Albuquerque. We left Austin late, so we got into ABQ at 7:45 instead of 6:40. After a trip to Costco for dinner (Lukie's fave hotdog spot) and lots of fun with toys, I had the kiddo in bed at 11:00. Midnight his time. He woke up from his nap at 2:45, so it's been a looooong afternoon for him, but he didn't seem to mind. I hope he sleeps.
Oh, we did have a fun surprise! When we stopped in Lubbock the Stebbings boarded the flight and sat right across the aisle from us. They were headed to SLC. Lucas and Kaden were super-psyched to run off the plane and through the airport together. We eventually got them to stop running and we went our separate ways, but it was fun to see them. They're looking fab.
More ABQ updates to come as we have our adventures. My skin and nose are already missing that Austin humidity. And Lucas and I are already missing you (unless you are mean).

Cheerios and Thomas

If you give a boy what he wants, he'll tell you what you want to hear.
I was vacuuming downstairs so I let Lucas watch Thomas and eat some Cheerios (dry) on the couch. While I was slaving away in the kitchen he walked around the couch and screamed, "I luck you, Mama. I luck you, Mama." He loves me! He really does. (I did check with him and make sure that luck really does mean love). What a sweet boy.

American Baby

I got out of the shower the other day to find this. It reminded me of that rose petal scene from American Beauty. (But not dirty)