Week of Family & Friends

**Brace yourselves! This post is going to be LONG, and contain lots of pictures!**

Jason had his annual fishing trip this past week, so Bryson and I decided to travel to my parents' house for some rest and relaxation. Of course we didn't get to rest much because we were busy visiting with lots of friends and family. It was so great to get to see everyone. Bryson smiled and laughed all week! He is now holding his head up (and pretty steadily!) for several minutes at a time. He has also started digging his heels into the ground while lying on his back and scooting right across the floor. We are just watching in amazement as he grows and changes daily, right before our very eyes! Here are our five days in pictures:

This is when we first got to Grandma and PawPaw's house. Bryson was so thankful to be out of the carseat and so happy to see his grandparents. Our good friend Lexi has been giving us all of her baby gear as her boys outgrow it, so my mom had everything we needed! It was wonderful!

The Smith gang came to visit Bryson on Thursday morning. This was their first time to see Bryson. We had a great time! From left to right: Charis, Kale, Tahrea, Tyler, and Shelby.

Tahrea

Sweet friends and a smiling baby!

Bryson giving Charis a big grin.

Our Prince Charming :)

On Friday we met my grandmother (Bryson's great-grandmother) at the Cracker Barrell for lunch. Bryson slept right through lunch, and Grandma enjoyed holding him and snuggling with him. My mom and I got to do some shopping at the outlet mall after lunch which was a whole new experience with a baby (and a carseat and a stroller to get in and out of the car at each store!).

Bath time in Grandma's sink. Bryson was so squirmy it was really hard to hold onto him. I think we'll stick to his plastic bathtub for a while!

On Saturday morning Granny came to visit.

Bryson was laughing out loud at Granny. It was the cutest thing!

Aunt Julie, Uncle Bruce, and cousins William, Sheldon, and Phillip met us in Gruene. We went to the Gristmill for lunch. Aunt Julie gave Bryson his bottle.

Phillip wanted everything to do with Bryson. He wanted to push the stroller, hold him, hold his hand, and talk to him. Phillip got to see Bryson at the hospital and loves him so much. Granny and Aunt Julie say that Bryson looks exactly like Phillip did as a baby. Bryson had been sleeping, and when he started to wake up and open his eyes, Phillip said: "Bryson's thinking- hey, I know this guy!". I was cracking up.

Uncle Bruce, Sheldon, and William

Uncle Bruce took took this picture while William was holding Bryson.

The Hudson Family

Halle spends a lot of her time watching Bryson these days. I think she is over her post-partum depression (her world COMPLETELY changed when Bryson arrived!) and is becoming protective of him. She was really sweet and did great on this trip.

Laughing and loving spending time with Grandma.

Bryson spent a lot of time in PawPaw's arms. I think this is one of his new favorite places to be! Here he is with very sleepy eyes relaxing on PawPaw's shoulder.

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And last but not least, Jason had a very successful trip. He enjoyed time with the guys and caught a trophy fish- a 28 inch trout. He says "People fish their whole lives to catch a fish like this!"