Meeting Baby Ben

WARNING: 

THERE ARE A LOT OF PICTURES ON THIS POST!!!

Welcome to my new nephew, Benjamin Arthur Cox!!! Born January 30th. 6 pounds, 11 ounces, 193/4 inches long...and amazing!

Last Friday, I decided at the last minute to fly to North Carolina with my dad and surprise my sister, Brian and Sam. My mom was already there! Eva did a really great job on both flights on the way to NC.

When we got there, they didn't seem super surprised, but were happy (or at least I thought so!!).

We waited with great anticipation for the baby's arrival...all day Saturday, all day Sunday, all day Monday-until Jen and Brian finally went to the hospital and welcomed their new little boy!!

Luckily, we had a really fun time as we waited! We played at the park and in the backyard-the weather was beautiful! Sam and Eva had sooo much fun together!!! It was really great watching them play together...Sam took Eva "hunting" for the kitties and played cars, dinosaurs and super heros with her (Eva = tom-boy??). He kept referring to her as "just a baby" --super cute! He is so funny! I love him...and Eva does too!!

Playing on the 777 on the way to Chicago.

Wasting no time, playing with Cousin Sam as soon as we got to his house.

Sam in his awesome hat with his awesome dinosaur!

The kids reading with Gramma and Grampa

Heading to the park...she put her glasses on herself (can you tell)?

Cool park on post at Fort Bragg

Having breakfast at the table-first time Eva has eaten at a table like this!

Playing on the slide in the backyard - great pic right?

My babies! 

Back at the park...Sam sliding

Grampa working out with the TRX system at the park

This may be one of my favorite pics from the weekend.

Jen and Mom...waiting for baby

Whoo hoo...swinging

Crazy hair! This is what happens when Eva manages to take out her pig tails

Correction...this may be my favorite photo of the weekend. Sam hugging Eva.

Grampa and Eva

FINALLY....Welcome BABY BEN!!!

Hello little guy.

Sam meeting Ben...who he calls "My Baby"

Ah, sweet, sweet baby

Proud Auntie

Sleeping like a baby :)

Gramma and her newest little Sweet Pea

Hmm..what is this little thing?

Grampa and Ben

Very Interesting

 We love you BEN!!!

A visit with Aunie Vern

Over New Years weekend, Auntie Veronica (Drew's sister) came out for a visit from the bay area in California. It was a really nice weekend with her! We were able to spend some quality time with her, shopping and cooking and watching movies. She and Drew got out and went skiing. It was a relaxing weekend...we weren't on the go the entire time, but were able to hang out (and force Drew to watch the first 2 Twilight movies!! 

Motning everyone! 

Opening presented with Auntie

Oooh, Eva likes Auntie's new bracelet. 

Hanging out watching Twilight

Thanks Auntie Vern for coming out to visit! We love you, miss you and can't wait to see you in March!! 

Happy Belated Birthday Momma!!

As always, I am late on this one!!! But it doesn't make it any less special or important. We were out of town on the actual day and we have been running crazy since we got home on Tuesday...but better late than never, right?

Happy Birthday Mom!! 

Thank you for all that you have done for us, all that you continue to do for us. Our lives are so much richer because you are a part of them. You truly are an amazing and talented, caring and special woman. Jeniffer, Andrew and I have been blessed to have you for a mom. Eva and Sam and Baby Cox #2 are lucky to have you for a Gramma! 

Here's to many more special birthdays!! Enjoy your trip to Miami! 

One Happy Little Camper

Some of my favorite memories of a little girl are the family camping trips. I remember the anticipation of leaving, the drive out to the lake that seemed to take 100 years, the feeling as we drove over the dam at Lake McConaughy. I loved it when we would arrive late at night and get camp all set up and have dinner and a fire. I remember not being able to fall asleep because I was so excited to wake up and play in the lake the next day. 

Two weeks ago, we took Eva on her 1st camping trip to the lake and it was so great. She is such a little trooper! As Gramma says, "she is so game for everything!" It was beyond fun playing in the sand, the water, sailing and jet skiing. Not to mention the food! Isn't camping always about the good food you eat that you don't really allow yourself to eat everyday? Eva had such a great time! She is normally such a light sleeper that she will wake up the instant you open her bedroom door. But not while we were camping! She was so tuckered out that she slept thru us climbing into the camper, with the pugs, getting ready for bed and crawling in the bunk! I have never seen that child sleep like that!! 

Here are some photos of the great time we had....

Our own private beach

Sam - Dog --this dog will play fetch until he keels over.

Who said pugs don't swim? They loved it there! (So did old boy Thor) 

Eating a little sand never hurt anyone. 

Eva wasn't too much a fan of the life vest Uncle Andrew gave her...I think she will have to grow into it. 

Just had to include this because it is a good pic...my pretty little girl looking at the sunset over the lake. 

This was a bad moment...when Eva fell off a chair. She was, however, being a little dramatic because this fall was not nearly as bad as the one she took out of the camper, tumbling down 3 metal stairs and hitting her back. Thankfully, she didn't have a bruise to show for it! 

Chillin' in my pjs, eatin' some Cheerios. 

Momma and Eva...look how tired this little girl is! 

Eva on the jet ski with Uncle Andrew...much to her dismay, she was not allowed to take a ride. 

I have never seen such a huge marshmallow! Apparently they make really big ones for camping now. Eva seemed to enjoy them. 

Hanging out with Grampa drinking my milk. 

Playing with sticks are way more fun than the cool beach toys. 

Peek-a-boo....I see you! 

Thanks to Gramma, Grampa and Uncle Andrew...Eva's first trip to the lake was a success. We are already trying to plan the next one! I personally love it out there! I hope someday, Eva has fond memories of our camping trips...just like I do!