South Padre Island, Tx

This was our first family trip alone to South Padre Island! In fact, it is the first time Scott and I have gone on a week-long trip together since we were married almost 10 years ago.
It was an extremely relaxing and fun week for everyone. Ramsey especially loved the beach. As soon as he saw the ocean he started "talking" to it and pointing "ocean" and "beach". The temps were around 70, and the water a bit cold, but it didn't bother Ramsey. All the old folks walking up and down the beach got a kick out of seeing Ramsey run into the water and chase the birds.
We went to the bird sanctuary and saw a pretty nice variety of egrets, pelicans, and herons. There was also an alligator. We went to the Brownsville zoo, where they had a crocodile statue that Ramsey say on for a half hour shouting out "crocky-DILE" at the top of his lungs.
The favorite restaurant was Daddy's, a Cajun restaurant where we tried frog legs, craw fish, and alligator. We found a pier to watch the sunset. Overall, the island is not too built up and not too touristy. It has the longest stretch of undeveloped beach in the U.S.
Some other funny sayings from Ramsey this week were: "Don't worry Mommy", "Treatchery Treat" (for Sesame Street), "Sunglasses" (very into putting them on his face).

Big Cousin!

Here is Ramsey showing off his happy meal burger....a rare treat, but he ate the whole thing! He is doing really great and providing us with tons of fun and laughs!
He has been talking up a storm. Very close to speaking in sentences; he often repeats whole phrases. He's been using his potty almost once a day, but not quite ready for the full experience. He biggest loves right now are watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and reading his Whiney the Pooh and Mickey Mouse books. He will still watch/read the same thing over and over.
Ramsey's first Hoffmann cousin arrived a couple days ago to Ben and Lacey. They named him Alexander, and we are all so excited to meet him!

Visit from Ashley and Jake

Ashley and Jake came to spend some time with us over the holidays. They brought Ramsey some awesome gifts....a wooden train and a giant Mickey Mouse pillow. They both were a big hit. He still won't go to bed without his Mickey Mouse.
We spent New Year's Eve together with the traditional Hoffmann pigs in a blanket recipe. And they even got to go skiing at Beaver Mountain, too.