A few more pictures

On the way to the airport, we took Rachel to the Jefferson Memorial... now she's seen all of them!

It was so cold that most of the Tidal Basin was frozen over. As for me, I was just glad to have a coat that buttoned again ;-)

And here's a random picture of Jackson sleeping right through Cullen kicking him in the face.

This Week's Pictures

Another happy Grandma!

A series of funny faces by Cullen

Huck doesn't look too happy, but he really does love the boys.

A very happy Aunt :-)

Jack

We went on one outing to Mount Vernon while Rachel was here and we got to try out the sling and Baby Bjorn - we loved both!

This one's for you Anna!!

Tummy time - which Jack actually didn't hate

West Coast Trip

We bought our tickets last night!

We'll be in Seattle from February 22nd through 25th and then in California from the 26th through March 11th. Brandon will only be in California until the 4th but Anna is going to fly back to DC with me so I can stay an extra week. We both wanted to spend a little more time in Seattle but we had some other commitments here in DC and couldn't leave any earlier. We'll just have to make the most of our time there. It may take some tricky scheduling but we hope to see everybody while we're there. And of course, anybody is welcome to visit us in DC too (especially Renee and Shauna!!).

We couldn't believe how cheap the tickets were, we got 3 leg flights for less than $300 - including the extra cost of luggage!! Thank goodness some airlines let you bring strollers and car seats for free, otherwise we'd have paid a LOT more!!

We can't wait to see everybody and introduce the twins! And I'm really looking forward to a 3 week escape from DC. Monday will be my first day at home with the twins alone and I'm pretty terrified. Pray for me if you think of it! It will be nice to be surrounded by family and friends for a few weeks during our trip. I haven't been home since August and words can't even express how excited I am!! YAY!!!

Brandon Here:

We just enjoyed watching the inauguration as a family. I think everyone can agree this was a great day for our country. It always is amazing to witness a peaceful transition of power. In a minute, the most powerful man in the world becomes a private citizen and a private citizen becomes the leader of the free world and the commander in chief of the largest fighting force in the history of the world. We also can be very proud in how far out country has come in the last 60 years.

Even though everyone likes to point out how bad our country is, we certainly do have a LOT to be thankful for.

Jack and Cullen honored the occasion by sleeping, though someday I’m sure they’ll be proud to learn what they lived through.

We were all very content to watch the historic event on TV, even though it was taking place just a few minutes away. We thought about going, but it was obviously too hard with two infants.

We hope you will all join us in praying for our new president and for our country.

The boys had another doctor's appointment on Thursday and they each gained at least a pound in 9 days! Jack was 6 pounds, 12 ounces and Cullen was 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Since they have gained weight like little pigs, they don't need as much formula so we only supplement with formula at the midnight and 3 am feedings now. The doctor also pronounced that we have 'perfect,' healthy babies, praise the Lord!!

He did caution us against bringing them into crowded places so we decided to wait to bring them back to church and to push back our west coast trip an extra week. It looks like we'll be coming at the very end of February now. We don't want to risk getting them sick when they're doing so well so far. But we'll still take them on short shopping trips and to places where they won't have a million people crowding around wanting to meet them. I've got to get out of the house every few days or I'll go crazy!


Auntie Rachel comes on Thursday for a long weekend. They're looking forward to meeting you Rachel!!

They love to cuddle!

I think this is Jack

Here they are all dressed up for their first outing to the mall

My mom got to see a few places before she left

But she was happy spending all her time inside the apartment with her grandsons

I think this is Cullen

Funny Face

My Mom wanted to try their shoes on, they were waaayy too big though

Jack & Cullen's First Bath

The calm 'before' picture

They didn't like being cold, wet and naked

Much happier now...

We had to paint Jack's toenail... just in case. Brandon wasn't too keen on the pink color.