Family Trip...

In September we were able to take a family road trip to Utah and Idaho to visit each of our families.
On the trip there we were stopped for about 2 hours in the canyon outside of Moab due to an overturned truck. MJ kept wanting to take a picture of this "rock." So I told her if she stood in front of it I would take a pic of it:

 After taking it MJ and I were looking at the pic on my camera and I look up to see this:

He could not get any cuter. :)
 
First we visited DJ's family in West Jordan, UT:

The new City Creek Center.

Both the kids loved going out into the garden with Grandma to find that day's picking:

 We were able to go with the whole family up to a cabin near Brighton:

 Going out to dinner to Dee's Thai Restaurant:

 Pedicures with Sami:

Pregnant Together!! I thought this was just the greatest thing. Our kids will be less than 2 months apart!

 Next we headed to Star, Idaho to see my family.

 Fishing at the ponds by my parents house:

 Ice cream!!

 One day DJ came home with a scrap piece of wood from a nearby construction site, he decided to make the kids boats to float down the canal that is behind my parents house. Here we are watching the boats:

 Fishing again. SJ loved being in this position under whoever was fishing:

 Quality cousin time:

We were so happy to have Erin and 2 of her kids come and see us while we were there.

 S'mores around the campfire!

 SJ adores this kid:

 I am so grateful for both of our families and the way that they care and love our little family. We cherish every moment we get to spend with them. I especially love to see my kids interact with their cousins. We can't wait to see everyone again!

(My apologies for any confusion on the typing or arrangement of pictures on this post. It took me 10 times as long as it should using Blogger's new format!)

Birthdays!

 In August we celebrated both MJ's and SJ's birthdays. MJ turned 4!

 On her birthday we invited some of her best buddies over for dinner, games and cake.

And SJ turned 2!

Family Vacation to Galveston

Our little family was able to take a mini family vacation this past week. We decided to go to Galveston Island, Texas which is located about 5 hours southeast of DFW.

Here is a pic of the outside of the condo we were able to rent:

 (These windows and balconies looked out onto the ocean, it was right across the street!)

On the way to Galveston we made a stop in Houston at Niko Niko's that was featured on "Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives." They serve wonderful greek food, greek food reminds DJ of his mission so he was in heaven at Niko Niko's!

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The first day on the island we went to the Moody Garden's Aquarium. The kids LOVED it! I could not believe SJ's excitement as he ran from tank to tank.

We've taken him to Zoos before and he didn't show much interest, but at the aquarium he was beyond interested and ran around shrieking with excitement.

After the Aquarium, we went out to lunch at the Fisherman's Wharf that was situated right on the gulf. The seafood there was to die for! DJ said it was the best oysters on the half-shell he's had.

Last we hit up Stewart Beach:

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The second day we took a ferry out to San Bolivar Peninsula and spent time on our own little private beach:

 As you can see we were able to park super close to the ocean, like I said "private beach!" It was awesome. Notice the blue beach house, all the houses were built like that on this peninsula.

 On our ferry ride home the kids had fallen asleep and DJ and I decided to get out of our car to truly experience the ferry. Soon after we got out of the car I told DJ I had to wake up May to experience it with us. (FYI our car was parked right behind us in these pics, we weren't abandoning our children in our smoldering car) :)

After our trip to San Bolivar we ate at a Salsa's Mexican Restaurant:

We also were able to do some swimming at the pool at our condo and also hit up some really neat antique stores while were trying to fill some time during the days. We found some great antique and souvenir items there that will help us remember our memories and good time at Galveston Island!

Idaho Visitors Makes for Texas-Sized Fun!

who came to visit us! My parents drove all the way from Boise to visit us. We had such a wonderful time while they were here.
They started off their stay here in Texas by staying with Megan and AnneMarie in San Antonio for a little over a week. We joined their party for a few days.
One of my favorite pics of all time:
One of the days there we headed to the Botanical Gardens:
After their time at Megan's they came back up to Dallas. We hit up the Dallas Zoo with some friends:
Megan and AnneMarie also joined our party in Dallas for a few days. We enjoyed time at the park and also went to see The Hunger Games. (Notice SJ expertly walking Hank with confidence)
We were delighted that it was bluebonnet season while they were here:
For our last outing we headed to Joe Pool Lake:
I get emotional looking at these pics. I was so wonderful to have them. We made many rich memories with them here.
Thanks for making the trip Nana and Granddaddy. We miss you!