Lincoln Meets the Family

We have had such a fun and exciting couple of weeks! Not only did Lincoln receive a name and a blessing on Easter Sunday, but Jeff's parents were able to come to Texas and be here for it. Annette (Jeff's mom) was able to spend a week here and Kevin (Jeff's dad) was able to come down for the weekend. We LOVED having them come and stay with us! It was such a joy to watch them with Lincoln! Jeff and I are finding it extra hard not being close to family now that we have a son. We want him and his grandparents, aunts, uncles and so on, to know each other well. However, we know that we're in  the right place. We have a greater appreciation of and value our time (and Lincoln's) with our families more than ever.
Below are some pictures of Grandma and Grandpa Bean's visit. Get ready for a picture overboard! :)

 Lincoln and I went on a walk around Lady Bird Lake with Grandma Bean. It wasn't the prettiest day, but we still really enjoyed it.

 Lincoln didn't touch the floor too much while Grandma and Grandpa were here. He loved sleeping on their laps and going on "tours" around the apartment with Grandma. :)

 Some cute photos of Jeff changing Lincoln's diaper. I couldn't not post these! Jeff was asking Lincoln if he had a "surprise" waiting for him when he changed his diaper. Lincoln thought that was pretty funny. :)

Grandma and Lincoln loved sitting on the balcony watching the birds, squirrels and lizards running and flying around.

Lincoln taking a nap with Grandma. She didn't think she would fall asleep, but once you get Lincoln on your chest, he will put the strongest willed person to bed. :)

Grandma loved reading to Lincoln and he sure enjoyed it as well!

Cute photo of Lincoln smiling at his Grandpa. :)

Jeff and his dad fixed our suitcase and Lincoln wanted to help. I think he might need to grow a little more before he can use that drill properly. ;)

On a walk around Barton Springs with the grandparents! I think this was their favorite place we showed them. It is a beautiful walk with lots of people and dogs running around.

Lincoln in his adorable blessing outfit. (Same one his daddy and uncles wore.) Thanks Grandma for bringing it down and letting him wear it!

Some family photos after Lincoln's blessing.

Kevin wanted to see Jeff's research lab, so we went on a little field trip there. I think Kevin REALLY liked it and would have enjoyed playing with the equipment a lot more. :)

The very day after Grandma and Grandpa Bean left, Lincoln and I flew to Utah to see my side of the family. Lincoln not only got to see his Nana again, but he meet his Pops (what the grand kids call my dad) and his Auntie Liz, Aunt Abbie and Uncles Walker, Isaac, TC and Brandon. I LOVED being back home with the family and watching them with Lincoln. Auntie Liz and Lincoln seemed to form a deep attachment (sadly I didn't get any pictures of them together, I was having camera and phone issues on this trip) and it was hard to say goodbye to them all after only a week together.

Below are some pictures of that trip. I am sad to say that there aren't as many photos, again because I was having technology problems. :(

Nana and Lincoln out on the balcony enjoying the beautiful weather.

Lincoln and his Nana. He sure loved telling her stories and all the kisses she'd give him!

Pops showing Lincoln how to fly. Lincoln LOVED this and would squeal and smile like crazy!

I am trying to "detox" Lincoln right now after two weeks of being spoiled by his grandparents and aunts and uncles. He will not take a nap longer than 15 minutes if he is not in my arms or lying on/next to me.If he is being held, he will sleep for a couple hours. The little stinker! ;)

Lincoln and his cousin Nick! They were born 9 months apart and I have found it especially hard that they haven't been able to spend more time together. However, Nick seemed to find Lincoln very fascinating and was always trying to sit/lay on him, steal his binky, share his own binky and even tried a couple of times to get Lincoln to play with him with his toys. This picture pretty much sums up their relationship. Nick laughing and wanting to get real close (lay on top of close) and Lincoln not sure what is going on or what to think of it. Haha :)

Flying alone was an adventure all on it's own. I was traveling alone with a 3 month old, a heavy backpack, car seat, 50lb bag and broken foot. However, I received a lot of help from some very friendly people who made the trip much less stressful! :)

I am sad that these are the only pictures I have from this trip, even some of the ones I did take, won't open in my e-mail. Lincoln and I had such a great time though and I am so grateful we were able to go and visit!

We miss our families SO much and are very grateful that we have the means to visit them and they us. Jeff and I grew up in very close families and I hope and pray that ours will be one as well. I loved visiting my Grandma and Grandpa Swensen every Sunday and loved seeing my Gramzie and Grampz almost as often. To this day I love visiting with them and hope my little boy (and any other children we may have) will have this close relationship with their grandparents.

Only a little over a month and we get to see our families again! This time Lincoln will meet his uncles Steven, David and Alex. Woo hoo!

I hope you are all having a beautiful and fun spring! We love and miss you all and hope to see many of you this summer when we come to visit!