Another week has come and gone at the Hall house. This week brought news of two miracles, exasperation of two parents, the launch of one website, as well more of the same dirty diapers, and reading of childrens books.
One of the miracles has a name, Benjamin Ellis Hall. To check out this little guy, you'll have to link up to
dthalls.blogspot.com Matt's brother Doug, and his hot wife Tamara were able to adopt a baby this past week. Horray for more Hall babies! The second miracle belongs to my brother John, and his gorgeous wife Yannette. All I can say is God works in mysterious ways, and blesses us at even more mysterious times.
I imagine exasperation of parents is something that is happening around the world at any given second, however Matt and I are feeling it even more acutely this week. Alexis has been going through a very difficult time, and I'm beyond understanding. Any pointers? How do you teach a 3 yr old that it's not nice to take toys from their friends, or hit them, or claw their eyes out? Time will certainly tell if this is a phase, probably it's just payback for all the hell we gave our parents.
Speaking of my parents, Matt has been helping them launch a site called
reddesertfinecaramels.com My Dad has some mad dutch oven skills, as well as some pretty fancy candy making skills. He has combined the two and my parents our now in the business of making flavored caramels, toffee, and brittle. Check them out. This is Matt working so hard, and bouncing Brooklynn on his knee. I know I've posted a pic of him doing this before, however this is the most common position we find him in at our house :) And I get a kick out of it every time.
Brooklynn is smiling a lot more, but hasn't mastered smiling at the camera just yet.
She
has mastered crying a lot more, and the only thing that will subdue her is bouncing. So either Matt bounces her on his knee, or I bounce her in my sling (many many thanks to GiGi for sending this GREAT baby gift).
And life must go on, fussy baby or not. She likes to watch me while I work :)
My cousin Shara just posted this picture on her facebook. She is sitting on the swing and I'm behind her. I don't think my mom was into taking pictures when I was this age cause I don't have any of myself, but it is amazing for me to see this and realize how much Lexi looks like me at that age! I even pointed to the picture and asked Lexi who it was and she said 'It's Lexi'.
Here is Brooklynn, enjoying her favorite seat.
We went to Zilker Park again, Lexi and Dad ran down the trail and waited at the benches until the rest of us could catch up.
The Texas history museum has an IMAX theater, and we went to see Where the Wild Things Are (can I just say that is NOT a children's movie).
The big Texas star!
Lexi waiting for the movie to start. JoMama got her the book and Max the day before so she was very excited.
Lexi spent a great deal of the weekend positioned here on JoPapa's shoulders.
Riding the train.
We went to Inner Space Cave, it was about an hour tour 50 ft under ground, very cool!
There is a population of baby bats down there. Kinda creepy.
Brooklynn enjoyed the tour in the sling.
JoMama told Lexi story after story.
Brooklynn & I.
More shots from her favorite spot.
Watching some movies.
The dentist office near our home had a grand opening, complete with a face painting clown. Alexis ran around the house 'rarring' all afternoon, oh what fun!
Our little family on Brooklynn's blessing day.
My sister Amanda made Brooklynn's blessing dress. It is beautiful, and Brooklynn looked like an angel in it! Matt did a great job and Brooklynn was awake and quiet during the blessing. It was a very special day for our family.
Matt's parents and youngest brother Jason came out for the blessing. We spent a wonderful day downtown showing off our cool city. We were so excited to have them visit and have our girls spend some time with them. Jason is off to Florida on his mission in a matter of days, and he will be missed!
Sisters! Alexis has been wonderful with her little sister. I think they are gonna get along great :)
