Summer Trip 2009 - Part I

This past summer, the kids and I took a long road trip with my sister Kerilyn. Kerilyn flew to Nebraska to join us. After a few days of playing with her here at home, we began our trek.

Arkansas and Texas

On July 14th, we headed south to visit my brother Steve and his family in Arkansas. Aimee was a great host even after having a baby just 2 1/2 weeks earlier. Sherman and Eliza loved playing with their cousins, Jackson and Autumn who are their same ages. We also enjoyed getting to know little Keira. The day after we arrived, we spent the morning at a splash park. The kids had a blast. I didn't do a great job of taking pictures and I don't even have one of Jackson. Below are a few from the splash park.

Autumn and Eliza

Sherman loved this water gun. He probably played with it most of the time we were there.

Eliza's favorite thing was some balls that some other people had brought. She chased them all over.

Autumn, sporting Eliza's pink goggles.

We left Steve and Aimee's on July 16th and headed for Houston, TX to visit Grandma Gibbs on her mission. We made really good time and were able to visit with her briefly the first night we arrived. The next day she was able to spend the whole day with us. We went to The Aquarium in downtown Houston in the morning. The kids were so excited to see Grandma Gibbs and enjoyed everything. They had a few small rides, a splash park, an animal show and of course the Aquarium.

Waiting in line for a train ride to see part of the Aquarium.

The Ferris Wheel

Eliza and Aunt Kerilyn watching the Animal Show.

The kids were excited about handing a small donation to this beautiful bird after the show.

At the end of the walk through the Aquarium, they had a beautiful white tiger. Sherman and Eliza were both thrilled with it. I think it was more exciting than anything else there.

Eliza rode the Carousel thanks to Grandma. It is always a favorite. They did this while Aunt Kerilyn took Sherman on a little free fall ride that Eliza was too small for, but I didn't get a picture unfortunately.

The final attraction was the Splash Park which was great on a hot Texas afternoon. Grandma Gibbs even enjoyed the water in her mission clothes.

After The Aquarium, Grandma guided us on a tour of the area she was serving in at the time and then we went back to her apartment to relax.

Tired kids watching a movie.

The next morning we had breakfast with Grandma and then said our goodbye's. It is hard to believe that it has now been over 10 months since seeing Grandma Gibbs. I'm sure that is the longest these kids have ever gone. But, we are sure glad that Grandma is serving mission and is a good example for her Grandchildren.

Our next destination was Del Rio, TX to visit Mark's brother Paul and his family. Paul was stationed there in the Air Force at the time. We enjoyed our short base experience and of course our visit with Paul and Beth and their children Claire and Boston. The evening we arrived we headed to a swimming pool on base, but found it closed due to threatening thunderstorms. So we settled for the sprinklers in the back yard and the kids loved it.

Sweet Claire!

The next day was Sunday and it was nice to relax with family. I believe this picture was during story time before nap time. But, basically the only one who took a nap was Boston. Instead of taking a nap, the kids played. Sherman showed Eliza and Claire how to climb in out of the pack n play and soon Claire was climbing out of her crib.

On Monday morning before we left for our next destination - Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico - Beth took us to watch airplanes take off. As you can see, it made for happy kids.

Boston