Holub Happenings: Counsins United

Aunt Anna, Phoenix and Isla and the first day of their arrival.
I adore Phi's expression here, such joy!

Anna, Eric, Phoenix and Griffin traveled from California to meet their newest Niece/oCusin. They were here for a week and it was such a great visit. We haven't had nearly that much time to just hang out and enjoy each others company, and the kids loved playing together. Isla was just a little over a week old, so our activities were somewhat limited, but we managed a few trips to the neighborhood park to let the kids run out some energy. We also went to Barton Springs, Zilker Park to play, and ride on the little train. And we also went to this awesome pumpkin patch in Marble Falls, that has all different types of Fall activities, such as hay-rack rides, picking flowers, a corn maze and small petting zoo, which was really just goats, but the kids loved it. It was a lot of fun, despite the mid-90 degree weather. It doesn't really feel like Fall when you are sweating, but it was a good time all the same.

Verna and Anna hosted a Sip and See for baby Isla on Saturday. Several of our friend made it over to celebrate our sweet baby girl, decorate a onesie for her, enjoy some delicious food and sip on a cool drink. It was a lovely day and so great to see everyone as always. We were very touched by the wonderful party the girls and Eric hosted. All the planning, delicious food and decorations to help us introduce Isla to our dear friends. Thanks guys for the wonderful party, we really enjoyed and appreciated it.

The girls getting to know each other. Phoenix and Griffin were so fanstatic with Isla and wanted to be so helpful. They were always bringing her pacifier and trying to help sooth her if she was crying.

At first Griffin wasn't a big fan of the cat or dog, but he quickly warmed up to them.
Reo the cat quicker than Odelia. He was her biggest fan and
always looking for her to love on her.

Loved the light on her face. Such a beautiful girl.

At Zilker park enjoying the fire engine.

Buddies driving together.

Anna got the kids these matching Pirate PJ's, so fun!
We had little Pirate babies running around that morning.

Griffin was enjoying his first ice cream cone and it was so
funny to watch him take it down. Each lick was such a treat.

Sam loved the jumpy thing at the Pumpkin patch...until he fell down and wasn't able to get back up with the other kids jumping. It was very scary for him, but luckily Aunt Verna was right there to swoop him up to safety.

Here he is being comforted by sweet Aunt Verna to help make things better.
He went back for round two of jumping, but with a little more caution.

Gotta love the baby sling. Isla slept pretty much through the morning, which worked well for me.

Checking out the pumpkins and gourds.

The kids really enjoyed feeding the goats. You can can tell what a happy girl she was by her huge smile!

Walking to the flower picking fields with these really cool gourds hanging down.

I really love this picture of Verna and Isla and their matching pink.

Verna made these sweet treats, which I have been snacking on all week since. Yummy carrot cupcakes and homemade Twix bars, seriously, both are to delicious!

Eric, working hard on decorating his onesie. He drew a dragon and then a crocodile and was thoughtful enough to autograph both. Thanks Eric, they are awesome!

I was so excited that Texas Auntie Ashley, and Presleigh made it. Presleigh is such a fun and special girl, it was great to watch her play with all the kids and also get to catch up with Ashley.

So freaking cute, and she can totally hold her own to the bigger kids. Sam is not the best at sharing, but this girl held her ground and was not going to pushed around!!

Sherry working hard on her monkey onesie. She also knitted Isla this wonderful hat and jacket. Can't wait for cooler weather to put it on her.

Auntie Debbie loving on the girl.

The hat that Sherry knitted.

All the kids did so well playing with each other. Oh how Play dough unites all.

Verna made these wonderful banners and hung the onesies. She is such a creative girl and a great touch at decorating and making things so special

Griffin is one of the most photogenic kids. Look at those huge eyes,
long lashes and rosebud lips. Such a great boy!

Phi was giving directions here. She is often in charge, and the boys pretty much
do whatever she tells them to do.

This picture makes me smile in how sweet Eric is. He and Ian are like big
brothers for Sam and will be also for Isla I am sure.

Auntie Jennifer getting her baby groove on.

After the party, since we had all the painting supplies out, we had the kids make their own shirts and they really enjoyed it. Griffin and Sam were pretty much all over the place with their paint and short attention spans, but Phi was very methodical and made a really cute shirt.