Random Pics

Here are a bunch of random pics from our trip.....*sigh* wish we were still there...

We went on several walks with Lexi, Grandpa, and Grammy.

Aunt Julie's dog Natalie had to have surgery so we visited her at the vet. She is doing much better now.

Matthew fell in love with a puppy and wanted so so badly to take it home with him.

We miss our morning breakfasts with Grammy and Grandpa!

The bean had fun playing on the playground in the neighborhood-there was lots of static electricity on the slides.

Chillin' with Lexi.

Once again asleep on his favorite nap-time spot.

He loves airplanes so much so we took him to the airport observation deck to watch the planes take off and land. He fell asleep on the way over so he woke up to a loud plane landing-he was super excited.

On a gloomy day he helped me make chocolate chip cookies.

He felt it was his job to hold the mixer in place while it was running.

Visiting with Great Grandpa and the birds at his home.

Matthew would look forward to meeting Grandpa for lunch during the week.

More playground fun with Grammy and Mommy.

See what I mean about static electricity?!

What fun to actually be able to pick flowers out of the dirt-usually that's a no-no! Grammy wanted to get rid of her mums and Matthew was delighted to help.

"Hmm...what fun stuff should I get into today?"

Aunt Julie, Matthew, and I went to Build-A-Bear for his first time and he made his very own Tiger, which he carries around with him and pretends to feed him and give him juice/milk. He insisted on getting a little stroller for Tiger so he could be pushed around in style.

The Ohio Trip

My Grandpa is selling his house in Ohio, so my Dad, Matthew, and I drove up to get some stuff and see it one last time. It's the house my Dad grew up in, so it's sad to see it leave the family. I have so many memories growing up from being in that house with all of my cousins, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, etc. When we would visit I would sleep in my Dad's childhood room, which has been kept the same after all the years he hasn't lived there. I can't believe I may never set foot in it again, I'm just glad Matthew had a chance to see it, even if he won't remember. It was a 9-10 hour drive and Matthew was so pleasant the entire drive. Like I've been saying, he must have the Meckstroth gene's for road trips. :)

There are pictures of my Dad sitting on the very same hydrant when he was Matthew's age.

We stayed at my Aunt's house, whom Matthew absolutely adores, and we were lucky to be able to see some of the cousins. Matthew and Nathan are a little over one month apart so it was cute to see them interact.

He had fun playing golf with his cousin Anthony.

We walked to Marions', the best pizza place ever (in our opinon :) ), a local pizza place that we have been going to for years. They had a little arcade section that all of the cousins had fun playing with.

Matthew had a great time playing Crazy Taxi with Grandpa.

The three 2-year olds-Matthew, Nathan, and Carson. (Matthew being the oldest and Carson being the youngest)

Some of Matthew's cousins, Anthony, Nathan, Elizabeth, and Carson.

We stopped by my Grandpa's new home with my Aunt Barb before making the long drive back to Raleigh. There were doing construction right next to his condo which Matthew could not stop watching-he really loves any kind of truck or construction vehicle.

Mattie liked playing games/puzzles with his Great Aunt Barb while we were visiting my Grandma.

He was even able to hold the bunny that they keep as a pet at the home.

It was a treat for my Grandma to see my Dad on his birthday and she really enjoyed watching Matthew play.

Happy Birthdays!

Matthew and I were able to be in Raleigh to celebrate both my Mom and Dad's birthday, as well as Julie and my birthday. Matthew loves to help open presents and cards which is always fun to watch.

My mom made a super yummy birthday dinner for Julie and me, including ribs, baked Parmesan asparagus, and creamy mashed potatoes among other tasty foods.

Great Grandpa was there to help us celebrate as well.

We went out to dinner for my parent's birthdays (they are two days apart). Matthew slept through pretty much the whole meal on Grandpa's shoulder-his favorite nap time spot!

Happy Birthday Mom/Grammy and Dad/Grandpa!