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!

Update..

Here are a few things we have been up to lately.
Back in January both kiddos caught some nasty stomach virus that put both of them in the hospital for 2 nights. It was so heartbreaking seeing them go through all of that. MJ was so incredibly brave and good in the hospital, good thing cause it made up for SJ's rather difficult behavior.




We were in high hopes as they sent us home but we went through 5 rounds with each of the kids with this nasty virus. We were beyond relieved when they finally got better.

Megan and AnneMarie came up a few weekends ago. Life is always a party with them around. Meg and I had a joint birthday celebration. We made homemade donuts:
(Megan just might kill me for chosing this picture to post. Hehe!)

Last week DJ watched the kids while I had a girl's night out. He decided to set up the tent in the backyard and go "camping" with them. The kids loved it. MJ got to sleep out there with him.

As we were setting up the tent MJ was making her own "tent."

As for this little guy:



Well, he is into EVERYTHING! Good thing he's so darn handsome!

Celebrating the Holidays

Due to DJ's work schedule we celebrated Christmas in Texas with our little family. However, later we were able to fly home to spend time with both our families.
Here is how we celebrated:
Christmas Eve jammies:
MJ's present from Santa was a kitchen: (Boy did those elves have their work cut out for them!)
SJ's presents from Santa were a pirate ship and a race track:
We made gingerbread houses for the first time this year. Despite my construction experience I really struggled with mine. What made it even more frustrating was the fact that DJ & MJ were pros. They turned out good though and I hope to keep it a tradition.
(DJ & MJ's on the left, LJ's on the right.)
We flew to Boise on Dec. 31st to visit my family first:
Cousin time:
Making cotton candy:
And Creme Brulee:
After a few days at my parents house we traveled to Rigby to see my sister and her family:
This boy LOVES his dogs. Their boxer Tucker was so fun with SJ.
Cousins - only 9 months apart:
We then traveled onto West Jordan to visit DJ's family:


Bean Museum at BYU:



Krispy Kreme:
Trip to Temple Square:

The Church History Museum had a wonderful children's area where the kids loved playing:

We such a great time and made wonderful memories this holiday season. I loved seeing our kids interact and play with their cousins. We love both our families so much and miss them being so far away. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to spend time with all of them.