In the Heart Land

The 4 Webbs arrived safely in Missouri and are already engaging in play time with cousins.


Howdy friends and family,

It's vacation time for the 4 Webbs! But before we took a flight to visit my family in Missouri I spent the day hanging out with the twins. The day time high temperatures are still above 100 every single day so had to get them outside early or else suffer heat exhaustion. Some parents use the hot afternoon sun to wear out their kids, but Easton and Layla aren't old enough for that trick to be anything but cruel and dangerous. Anyway, we went to the local sandy park just to make sure they took enough dirt home to make a mess in our house.

Even though Layla attempted the big-kid swing a few times they still get the best laughs and fun from the baby swings. Especially when they steal the hat off my head like Easton.


He is becoming more obsessed every day with all things related to aerospace and flight. He had a big pile of sand and a crooked stick, which became a launch pad and a space shuttle.


Kendra spent days packing and organizing so we were well prepared for the long day flying. We spent hours and hours waiting. Not exactly the most desirable environment for two toddlers, but we managed. They waited while driving to the airport, then standing in line for tickets, then security, then boarding, then flying, then luggage... I wouldn't go so far as to say they were patient, but they did have happy hearts almost the entire time. Waiting to board was easy because Easton kept his nose plastered against the window commentating every move of every plane in sight.


Easton said the word "super-fast" over a dozen times before the plane even left the ground. His perception of take off was a bit over dramatic because slowly taking off in a commercial plane is much less of a rush than blasting off in a space shuttle. At least we have our imagination!


Easton was flying in an airplane, playing with his toy airplane, and watching a video about airplanes. Doesn't get much more involving than that.


Layla was just excited to wear her "warm" clothes which includes a pink princess jump suit.


The next day after a bit of adjustment for the time zone (a.k.a. sleeping in) we jumped right into family and cousin play time. Layla and Daphne bonded quickly after debating who was more princess-like. They agreed to be equals and found the secret hide-out in Nana and Papa's kitchen.


Watching her play with Daphne is really fulfilling because Kendra and I both have such great memories with cousins.


Even at bedtime Layla was determined to be fully outfitted in princess gear including the Ariel high heel shoes (not shown). All of the outfit she is wearing here is Daphne's except the PJs.


Then we had a short visit with my brother and their daughter, Lexi. Her and Easton became friends and the bond between them started as a desire to organize. Together they emptied the entire grocery sack full of vehicles and lined them all up around the outside edge of Nana's coffee table.


The weather in Missouri is close to perfect this time of year so we're taking full advantage of it by playing outside every spare minute.


Nana and Papa's backyard is spacious, kid friendly, and has plenty of ways to play including the jungle gym and sand box.


The sand box does not come equipped with smelly lincoln logs... thankfully.


My sister, Joanie, keeps up with the twins through the blog and conversations. I know this because she made sure Easton had his own costumes including the well-received fireman outfit.


We also met my newest niece, Trinity, who watched happily as my mom held her.


Layla caught an accidental fingernail on the cheek and a runny nose from who knows where. Except for the usual bumps and scrapes that go along with raising kids, the trip is going great so far. In lieu of walking down the street to our mailbox I substituted an evening stroll down the dead-end street to the cul-de-sac. Layla's sweet smile says it all.


See you soon!