The boys and I went on a trip to Utah to visit with family (and a few friends) the last 2 weeks of March. Unfortunately, Matt was not able to join us, because of work. We missed having him with us, but we still had fun. No one in Matt's family had met Joseph yet, and Darren wasn't quite walking the last time any of them saw him. So, I think it was about time! And, I needed to escape Texas for a little while (I'll write about that in another post - if I get around to it!) While the 3 of us were all together most of the time, we all had very different experiences, so I'll talk about them all separately.
I LOVED having adult interaction all the time! In addition to lots of family, I got to visit with 2 former mission companions, my mission president, my great friend, Andrea, from our days at McChord, and my good friend, Maria, from our days at Eielson! It was so wonderful to see them all again, and to catch up in person! There were several others I would have liked to see as well, but there just wasn't time. But the point here is: social/emotional needs.... Met!
I also had the privilege of attending the LDS Draper Temple dedication! It was a live broadcast at my parents' stake center. That was quite an interesting experience to see an ordinary church building instantly take on the sacredness and reverence of a temple. Even though we watched from a stake center, we still had to show our tickets/temple recommend to get in. When it was over, NO ONE said a word. It was pure silence - people practically tip-toed out to their cars. Even the parking lot was quiet. No one wanted to disturb the peace and reverence of that special event. Then a couple nights later, I was able to attend the Provo temple with my sister-in-law. It was wonderful. So, my spiritual cup.... filled!
Having lots of family around that we don't see very often, meant that I had multiple people practically begging to watch the boys for me. So, I was happy to oblige! This meant that I could go do some shopping without children! I was also able to go get my hair done! It was wonderful - I almost didn't know what to do with myself! Break from physical/mental responsibilities... received!
Darren had SO much fun the whole time we were there! He had FUN places to go, and cousins or other kids to play with EVERYDAY! I don't think he ever got bored! In fact, he had a smile on his face practically the whole time - those days where naps were super late, or didn't happen were the exception. Darren made made lots of new friends, and tried some new things, and here some of the highlights in pictures......
Grandma (My Mom) is SO fun to play with! She wrestles, tickles, plays chase games, hide and seek, makes funny faces, and even plays with cars!
Darren LOVED Uncle Justin! They would follow each other around, and Darren would do anything Justin would do. Justin was FABULOUS with him! Seriously, I wish I could have brought him home with me!
Darren and his cousin
Cambria loved making faces at Grandpa Lee's video camera! It was pretty funny to watch!
Darren's FIRST real Easter egg hunt! Matt's family had an early Easter gathering, and there were TONS of eggs for the kids to find. it was such a nice day too!
Playing outside with Grandma! (Matt's mom) Both of them were loving it!
Darren and his cousin, Allie, at a place with wall-to-wall
trampolines! Literally! With Darren's energy and love of jumping, this was SO right up his alley! He LOVED it!!
Climbing Grandma's apple tree with cousin,
Aleia!
Darren got to ride a real horse for the first time! He loved it! At the same place, he also got to feed the animals, and ride on a cart pulled by a tractor!
Joseph had everyone wrapped around his little finger! The whole family fell in love with his great big smile, and he had plenty to go around! He also reached a few big milestones while we were there! He cut his first 2 teeth, started crawling, and turned 7 months old!
Getting acquainted with Grandma! (Matt's Mom)
Playing with Grandma! (My Mom) If you click on the picture, and look closely, you can see his new teeth!
Joseph also got into a regular pattern of eating solid foods, though not usually popcorn! The big kids left their bowl there, and well, Joseph found it!
Grandma helped him find his first Easter Egg!
Having a good time getting acquainted with Aunt Kim! (One of Matt's little sisters) I love this picture!
Probably needless to say at this point, we all had a great time! The only thing missing was Matt. By the time we got home, we were all more than ready to see him. As soon as we saw him at the airport, Darren took off running! He then had to do everything his daddy did, and had something to tell him (mostly undecipherable) about every 5 seconds! Matt was thankful for the noise, and was very happy to see us!
