Early politics

We headed to library today to get some new books, and they were also doing early voting there. I told Reef I was going to vote if the line wasn't too long today. Then I asked him (beware this is not politically correct, but I couldn't think of another way to distinguish the candidates for a 2 year old), "Should I vote for the white man or the black man?" He thought about this for a little bit and then very seriously answered, "The white man."
I didn't get to vote today because the line was way too long, but I'll keep that in mind when I do make it to the polls. Thanks Reef!
Pumpkin carving pics to come later today...

Pumpkin Patch

We made our trip to the pumpkin patch on Friday since Troy had the day off. It was nice to just hang out as a family this weekend, without any real plans. The boys had a good time at the pumpkin patch but thought the pumpkins were for climbing on. Apparently all of the good ones were in the middle. They also enjoyed the hay maze. Reef contemplated face painting until he saw what that actually was! Neither of the boys was very interested in the camera, so the pictures aren't great.

Reef was prepared, just in case it was dark at the pumpkin patch.

You mean these aren't for climbing on, Dad?

Hmm...Can I pick that big one up instead?

They really liked this giant orange monkey.

Finally a smile!

With the winning pumpkin. We'll be carving him tomorrow.

Reef giving Jonas a quick ride in the yard after the trip.

Catching up

It's been a pretty hectic month at the Gibbins house since our cruise. I know, I know, I'm going to have to find a new excuse soon! Troy's dad left Oct 9, but we got to keep his mom another 10 days. It was really good to have the extra hands, and the boys loved having her here! It was especially nice since Troy went to Nebraska for 5 days. I don't know how single moms do this! After Troy's trip to Nebraska, I zipped off for a weekend camping trip with my Neon girls (another post about that later). This week has been an adjustment for everyone as we get used to our routines again. Hopefully, this month will be much calmer! Here's some pics of the last month.
Reef had a holiday on Columbus Day, so we went to the Children's museum with Oma. It was a lot of fun, but probably better to go on a non-holiday. It was very crowded with field trips from daycare centers.
First, Reef drove the trolley.

Then, we did some shopping in the HEB market. This place was really great, and Reef loved pushing the cart, picking out his groceries, and checking out.

Then we milked Alamoo. Reef told Troy, "I milked water into the bucket!" but was a little confused about milk coming from cows since he saw only water come out.

Jonas really liked brushing these big teeth. No cavities for this boy!

My mom and Grandma came for the church's baby blessing and stayed at a hotel with an indoor pool. The boys loved swimming in the warm water and did not want to leave!

Reef went under with Daddy and didn't even cry.

I couldn't resist some swimming lessons with Jonas. Once a swim teacher, always a swim teacher!

Before the cold weather comes, we had one last run in the sprinkler. Jonas really enjoyed it and wants to turn it on every time we go outside now.

Reef got in on the action too but didn't love it nearly as much as Jonas does.

While I was camping, this is what dinnertime looked like...




And finally, yesterday was costume day at playgroup. This is our third annual Halloween photo shoot. It seems like just yesterday we lined up all the babies on the floor and they just laid there for pictures since they couldn't move yet. Things have sure changed!

This is the best shot from inside. Jonas is missing because he would not stay on the couch. On the couch, Jayden (witch), Leyna (raggedy ann), Ayden (Dorothy), Colby (tin man), Ethan (scarecrow), Isaiah (cowardly lion), and Reef (yellow wiggle). Reef was not very thrilled to have Isaiah next to him. On the floor, Kamryn (fairy), Rylan (horse), Zach (Elmo)

We moved the photo shoot outside, hoping for better luck. Rylan, Jonas, and Colby were still not enjoying the pictures, but we did get a good shot of the the 2 year olds.

Then a plane flew by and really caught their attention!

Whew! Thanks for sticking with me. I'll try to be more regular from now on.

Sippy cup advice

We're really having trouble transitioning Jonas to the cup from the bottle. I didn't have this problem with Reef; he went straight to the cup. We've tried several kinds of cups with little success, although he will take water from any cup. Any ideas greatly appreciated!

13 hours!

Jonas slept 13 hours last night without a peep! Just had to share this accomplishment! I couldn't believe it when I woke up at 7:20 and realized he hadn't woken yet. I was even a little worried that something may be wrong, but he woke up on his own 30 minutes later. Thank you God for good sleep (and please let it continue)!

While we were gone...

The boys had a great time!
Reef made cookies with Oma.

Then he rode the deer in the backyard.

They made a pool on top of the sandbox.

And rode in the wagon.

John and Daphne really stuck to my schedule, and I think the only rule they broke involves Reef riding on top of the big red car while Jonas drives! The boys were spoiled by all the outside time and fun craft projects. I hope I'll be fun enough once Oma is gone!

The pics are finally in!

We've pretty much gotten most of our pictures of the cruise, so now I can show you and tell you all about it!

We left Friday afternoon, and it was hard to say goodbye to the boys. They did great and happily waved from the driveway. Troy booked us a hotel "on the beach" in Miami using Expedia. When we got there, though, they told us they had no room and had moved us across the street and down the block! This new hotel was definitely not on the beach, had techno music blaring, and the room was painted hot pink! I was really bummed about this not so nice hotel but tried not to make Troy feel bad (I don't think I was doing a very good job, though). We tried to visit the beach, but it was too dark and we didn't feel safe. When we got back to our barely full-sized bed (like, not big enough for the 2 of us, and we're not that big!), I decided that I could not stay there. We called Expedia, and they refunded our money! Then, we ran across town to the Hyatt where Lloyd was staying. It was sooooo much nicer, and a great place to start our vacation.

Saturday morning, we boarded the Liberty of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship on the ocean right now. I was a little bit nervous about this trip because we were going with the 10 other managers from Baton Rouge and their wives. I knew a few of the wives but not well. I didn't need to be worried though because everyone was very nice. Our room was really nice; we upgraded to a balcony since this is our 5 year anniversary trip.

Seasickness set in Sunday morning but wasn't too bad. It definitely didn't stop me from laying out while Troy was in his meeting. Monday was another sea day, and I spent it with Troy at the boogie board place, rock climbing, and reading. Tuesday we were in St Maarten, which had a beautiful beach but we were a little put off by all the people trying to sell stuff. Wednesday was San Juan, which we really loved! The city was beautiful, and we spent the day sightseeing and shopping. We also enjoyed an authentic lunch of mofongo; well, Troy, David, and Deana enjoyed it and I ate back on the ship. Thursday was our last port, Labadee, Haiti. I was a little worried about Haiti given the social conditions there, but this part of Haiti was owned by Royal Caribbean, so it was very nice. In the morning, we did the world's longest zip-line; 1 mile long over the ocean! It was so fun! Then we spent the day laying on the beach. Friday was our last day at sea, and we spent it ice skating and laying out. I was sad our vacation was ending ( and will especially miss the food and Menino, our stateroom attendant who made the bed 2 times a day and left towel animals and chocolate for us!) but was definitely ready to be back home with my boys! Our flight from Miami was very delayed, and we had to sprint across 2 terminals in Dallas to make our connection. I just barely made it on the plane, and the doors shut behind us! We got home on time, but our luggage did not make it with us. Thankfully, the airline delivered to our door Saturday evening.

The Liberty of the Seas. Isn't she huge!

Me, Troy, and John at one of the shows. Most of these were weird but fun anyway. The ice show was amazing though!

Right before the zip line.

Troy and Jimmy at Labadee

Formal Night.

Back from the cruise

We are back from the cruise, but still getting back in the swing of things and doing laundry! Troy and I had an awesome time but were definitely ready to be back with our boys. John and Daphne did great with Reef and Jonas and really stuck to my routine, so that part's been easy to adjust to again. I think Reef is worried that I'm leaving again though because he's not letting me too far from his sight these days.
Pics of the cruise will come later. We didn't take our camera (too big to lug around), so I'm waiting for other people to email me their pics!