Going Bowling

Louisville's football team was had a bowl game this year and it was in Charlotte NC.  As soon as the location was announced, we knew we would go down for the game.  Not only was it a quick trip down (and we are seasoned travelers with a baby now!) but it is also only 1 1/2 hours away from our good friends Jason and Marie!  They live in Greenville SC with their adorable little boy Max and their baby Sarah who is the same age at Jax.  We were set to leave the day after Christmas.  The morning went perfectly.  We were packed and ready to leave as soon as Jax woke up from his morning nap.  We got through the airport security in record time and were at the gate with a happy baby with a flight that arrived on time.  I am pretty sure Jasper said "well this has been perfect."  In travel language, I think that phrase is the kiss of death.  Soon after, we were informed their was a crack in our planes windshield.  First we were told there would be a delay and ultimately our flight was cancelled.  I pointed out that if you are going to get stuck without a flight, home is a good place to be.  Jasper got us booked on the next available flight which was the next morning and we headed back to the house.

Things worked out fine as we were then able to see some friends that night that were in from out of town for the holidays and the next day we were back at the airport and on our way to Charlotte.  By the time we landed and drove to Greenville there was not much time before we would have to turn around and head by the Charlotte for the game.  The original plan had been to leave Jax with Marie and her kids as Jason, Jasper and I went to the game.  Since we were just getting to their house so late though, I didn't think Jax would do well with us dropping him off and immediately heading back out.  I therefore opted to stay home with Marie and the kids.  I would like to pretend that I am just an amazing mother that sacrificed for my baby, but while I did put Jax first, it was also really cold outside and Marie offered wine after the kids went to bed.  I didn't feel like I was missing much. :)    

We had such a good time with our friends and their kids.  Jax loves older kids and was a big fan of Max.  I think the feeling was mutual.  When they were together, I called it "The Adventures of Max and Jax."

I am pretty sure Max was showing Jax how to slide across the wood floor.  Jax was just trying to keep up!

No idea what is going on here.  Maybe Max was teaching Jax how to sound like dinosaurs?

Max loved to come up to Jax and put his head down so Jax would pull his hair.  Since this is Jax's favorite game these days, he was thrilled to play.  I was so worried Jax was going to hurt him.  When I said "carfeul Jax" once, Max replied with "It's ok it doesn't hurt."  So there you go.

It wasn't just guy time while we were there though.  Jax and Sarah got to spend some quality time together.  One day when Marie and I were driving back to the house with the babies in the back seat, I turned around and in the crack between their car seats, I could see the babies holding hands!  They were so cute!

A perfect match I tell ya!

They just couldn't keep their hands off each other. :)

I found it very hard to get pictures of the two of them when they were both looking at the camera.  

This is the closest I got ...

before this.  

Bath time!  Don't let this picture fool you, Jax was NOT a fan of bath time. Maybe he likes to have privacy?  Either way he cried as soon as I put him in the tub both nights.  The second night we were able to distract him with toys just long enough to wipe him down quickly.   

The babies played well together and while they would occasionally swipe a toy from each other, 

there were no tears as a result.

We didn't leave the house much because with feedings and naps for three kids there isn't much time in between.  We did walk down to a park though and Jax got to swing for the first time!

I think Jason was having as much fun as Max!

It was close to nap time for the babies. :)

And of course Jax found a ball, Max's to be exact.  This kid is OBSESSED with balls.

On our last night there Max's favorite sitter came over and we went out to dinner after the kids went to sleep.  

We loved catching up with Jason, Marie and their kids.  

While we get to see them on holidays when they are in town, this was the first time we have been able to spend quality time with them and their kids in a LONG time and it was overdue.  

We can't wait to see them again and we are already planning our next trip to Hotel Richards. :)