Houston: Day 2

Today was Sunday...the day of rest! I was grateful to have a day to just hang out with no specific agenda (because if anyone knows my sister, Nichole, you would know the rest of the week wasn't going to be so laid back!). We started our day by attending our church meetings. I truly appreciate these precious hours each week in which I am able to re-focus myself and feel renewed.

Jonas sitting with Papa, Krystle, Nolan and Jordan.

My beautiful mother and sisters, Krystle and Nichole.

Daddy and his girls

After church, we went back to Krystle's house where we simply relaxed while Jordan finished up an additional meeting at the church building. Jonas enjoyed spending time with his aunts, cousins, and grandparents. At first, he wasn't quite sure what to think of Camden, but by the end of the trip, he would touch Camden's face and smile at him.

Jordan finished his meeting then we all went to see the Houston temple. It is gorgeous! I like that it is unique. Unfortunately, the grounds were closed so we could only see the temple from across the street. We snapped a couple pictures (Jonas slept through it all) before returning to Krystle's for dinner and s'mores. It was another enjoyable day with family!

Houston: Day 1

Today Jonas and I flew to Houston for the week! Yup...just me and an almost-eight-month old on a plane for 3 hours. Good thing Jonas is such an easy going baby! He loves being in new places with new people. He would be entertained forever if his environment was always changing. Actually, he would probably never sleep or eat because he'd be so busy taking it all in...so maybe we'll just stick with the routine most days. In any case, it is Spring Break in Arizona. I usually fly to Arizona during this week to visit with my parents. However, this year we all decided to make our way to Texas to visit my sister, Krystle, and her little family. So while I was flying for 3 hours, my parents, Nichole, and Kate had been driving for 16! I think I'll take my flight...even with a seven month old baby. We had an early flight. Jeff dropped us off and helped me check my bag and car seat. Then I was on my own. Jonas did such an amazing job! I think I've found my new traveling buddy.

Watching the planes on the tarmac

Waiting in the terminal

In our seat on the plane. We were lucky enough to have the row to ourselves.

He slept for only about a half hour...but something is something!

He loved looking out the window.

Once we landed, the party began! Nichole, Jordan, Nolan and Kate picked us up from the airport. First stop was Torchy's Tacos. Evidently, it is a pretty popular taco place. Mom had been before so they wanted to introduce the rest of us to the delectable cuisine. It was really good! (They use another word for "really".)

Mom, Jonas, Me and Dad

Krystle, Nolan, Jordan, Nichole, Camden and Kate

Yum! I got the green chile pork and the "democrat" taco. (Not kidding!)

Once we filled our bellies, we headed to the zoo to walk it all off. Houston is a pretty big city (the 4th largest in the nation!) and right in the middle of the medical district is a zoo. I have to admit it was a little strange to hear the life flight helicopters coming and going, but the zoo was really nice. It is not as big as other zoos I've been too, but it had all the animals so what more do you need? Jonas slept through half of it. The other half he seemed to enjoy, but I think he was looking more at the humans rather than the animals. Still, the orangutans did appear to catch his attention for a little while.

Kate can never pass up a chance to try to hold a chicken!

Jonas and Camden! Only three months apart. 

We spent a few hours wandering around the zoo before starting to make our way to Krystle's house in the Houston suburb of Cypress. But, prior to leaving the Houston area, we made one more stop at the water wall. I'm really not sure what it's called, but it's a giant monument-esque wall of water nestled in the heart of tall apartment buildings in a higher end shopping district. I'd seen Krystle take pictures of this wall, and I wanted to see it. It did not disappoint. It was so cool! It almost made you feel a little motion sick when you got close to it, but it was a pretty unique sight to behold. We snapped a few pictures then drove to Krystle's where we all crashed for the evening. It was a long day, but a good one. I love my family! I love spending time with them. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to be with them...and even more grateful for Jeff, who helps make this happen every year. 

My birthday

I look forward to my birthday each year...and this year didn't disappoint. I know birthdays aren't a big deal to a lot of people, but why wouldn't you want to celebrate a day where it's all about you...and cake?! As usual, I tried to spread out my birthday celebrations over more than just one day. On Friday (4th), Jeff took me out for my traditional birthday date. I love traditions (plus, there is no question as to what we're going to do on those days). I guess I just love finding something special to do and looking forward to celebrating that activity with someone special. This year, I celebrated with two someones special - Jeff and Jonas. It was definitely more fun having Jonas on the outside this year rather than the inside last year. He is such a joy to all of us...including the people at The Communal restaurant who enjoyed his babbling throughout lunch. As is tradition, Jeff gave me 37 roses (a rose for each year of life) and took me to The Communal for lunch.

Afterwards, we walked to the Provo Bakery where we picked up my traditional lemon cake that Jeff had ordered earlier that week. (Yes, the cake is HUGE! But I LOVE lemon cake...there won't be a crumb left.)

 

That evening, Jeff and the boys made my traditional birthday dinner - chicken, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. I have had this same dinner since I was a kid. Again, I love traditions! Finally, I received my gifts (new tupperware from the boys and reservations to the Grand America for a weekend getaway with Jeff from Jeff and several heartfelt cards), blew out the candles on my cake, and ended the evening in a lemony sugar coma! And this was just the day before my birthday!

My actual birthday was just as great as the day before. Since it was Saturday, the boys woke up and went about their normal chores. While they were working at home, I headed to the nail salon for a relaxing pedicure (another birthday tradition). Afterwards, we met up and went shopping for the afternoon. The boys were in need of new shorts (darn growth spurts!) and I found a cute new shirt. That evening, we all met up with my brother, Scott, his wife, Mel, and my niece, Kaia. (Kaia also invited a friend, Riley.) We had dinner at Se Llama Peru before going to the Provo City Center Temple open house (again for us, but the first time for Scott and his family). I loved being inside such a sacred place with such significance for me with Scott. Luckily, it wasn't as crowded this evening. In fact, we finished our tour and were discussing how we wished we had more time when an usher informed us we could go back through if we wanted to...so we did! The second time around we slowed down even more to enjoy the beauty and peace that surrounded us. It was such a great evening...topped off with a visit to a new eatery in downtown Provo, Fruta Crush. It's a little Mexican place that serves Mexican styled corn on the cob, shaved ice, flan, smoothies, and other sweet Mexican treats. It was the perfect way to end a perfect birthday weekend!

Kaia with her friend, Riley

Scott, Mel and Kaia

Hanging out at Fruta Crush

Haircut

Today Jonas received his first haircut. He was born with a full head of hair. Over time, his hair has grown at varying rates. Needless to say, this has led to some long, random strands of hair that had finally overlapped his little ears. Jeff was tired of his baby boy looking scraggly so he pulled out the clippers. Jonas was a champ (as always)! Jeff showed him the clippers and let him touch them. Then Jeff worked quickly to get as even a cut as possible. Jonas did cry towards the end, but he was pretty patient overall. Now we have an even more handsome boy!

Our scraggly haired little boy. I didn't get an "after" shot. He was just done by then.