Elys Hit Houston

It only makes sense that some of our most spirited friends have a family of spirited, fun, huge-personality children. It makes for an incredible weekend when the whole crew chooses to come and visit us for their first family plane trip. Hilarity commence.

Jude has got to be the most animated child I know. He will run up to you with breaking news about a Ninja Turtle, or something he did last week or something funny that someone said yesterday. He has incredible energy and I can't remember seeing him without a smile on his face. Together with another 100% energy child, Gretchen, the two of them together were great to watch. Incredibly, one night they both fell asleep while watching a movie - a first for this Gill child - which leads me to believe that they miraculously tired each other out. Until this weekend, I didn't know it could be done.

The photo highlight for the 3-year-olds was when we found a lizard in the backyard. Such intensity. 

Then, a perfect photo depiction of these two, Jude is telling Gretchen something majorly important, Gretchen is not sure - and way more interested in the lizard.

So much life in this tiny, yet very tall for his age, body.

His sisters have plenty of spunk to offer as well. This little lady is the most focused four-year-old I have ever seen. She is silly and sweet and loves to draw. She brings to light how immense the difference of a 2 year old and a 4 year old are. Night and Day.

The eldest Ely is a hilarious mix of child and adult. She texts, makes slow motion videos and tells me all able the best cute puppy apps to add to my phone. She also makes a great soft serve Washington Monument.

Thank goodness to friends with cameras, Meghan was on point to get these great outdoor pictures of the kids. This is a split second succession of Alex - from exhausted-looking to elated in a millisecond.

We had great weather, which to me means that we played outside for awhile. To the Elys, it means we get in the unheated pool in December. I still can't believe that happened. Even Gretchen got in on the pool party.

Gretchen in her happy place.

2 guys, 4 swinging kids. 10 years ago, who knew this would be happening?? 

Ely-Monkeys giving all kinds of smiles

Alex's favorite game of "brush off the mulch" 

The only mom picture of the weekend

We ate Mexican, went to the park, had a fire, enjoyed the hot tub (heated for the thinner-skinned adults) and watched movies. It was bliss, we welcome you back anytime.