Texas: Part I

They say "Everything's Bigger In TEXAS" and let me assure you... it's true.   We just returned (last week) from an eleven-day trip to Dallas.  It was so fun.  

We flew out on Friday, May 20th.  It was MacKay's first flight.  Whitney's an old veteran in the flying department.  Luckily, the lady at the counter permitted Bart to go past security with us.  Our flight was delayed over an hour and Whitney was a bit TOO excited to be traveling.  The wild-child needed to wear her 'monkey-backpack' AKA leash even with both Bart and I watching her.  MacKay did well on the plane.  NO layovers... thankfully.  I made it to Dallas with all of our luggage, stroller and both kids.  I  must admit I was very proud of myself that I did that flight "by myself" with the two kids.  

Why Dallas? 

My nephew Justin was being baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It was an honor to be in attendance at his baptism and watch him make such an important step in his life.  We love you, Justin!  

Here are some pictures from that very special day:  May 21, 2011

Here's Whitney & her bestie-cousin Brooklyn.  Holding hands as they walk.  (I was told they did this on their own.) 

 Here's me (my two-traveling buddies:  MacKay & Whitney) along with the baptism-boy.  

Whitney and her cousins after the baptism: (Andrew, Blake, Brooklyn, Whitney & Justin)

Here's my sister, Juliana, hubby: Todd & four of their kiddies:

Way to go Justin!!

 

After a luncheon and naps, Brooklyn and Whitney went to town in this darling kitchen.  This was the part of vacation where these two were on their best behavior. (Before the real fights came about.)  

Matching bracelets.  Thank you, Juliana!

Let's just say Juliana & Todd's house is the next best thing to Disneyland.  It has just about everything a kid could wish for:  including an Uncle who baked chocolate chip cookies at least on 3 separate occasions during the week.  Thank you, Todd!

Here are the two girlies trying out the ATV:  

Jumping on the trampoline:

 Monday, May 23:  These girls wore these outfits up to the Elementary school to eat lunch with Andrew.  Here they are fixing hair in Juliana's closet.  This is Whitney's idea of real fun:

On Tuesday we met up with Justin for lunch at the elementary school.  Blake really enjoyed his cookie cone.  It turned him into a "real man" with a chocolatey-mustache.

Here he is being a scout just like his older brothers:

Yes, Whitney has red-eye in this picture and I am too lazy to go back and fix it.

Here is MacKay being an angel on the whole trip.  I love you baby boy!!

To be continued in Part II:  

I will do the next post soon.  Here's something to look forward to:  An elementary school recorder concert.  Here's the music teacher.  She's a real gem!