Sunday, October 28, 2012

Utah 2012

We would love to visit John's brothers on a weekly basis, but since everyone lives far away, alas, we cannot.  =(  With Nicole's maternity leave ending soon (we start babysitting cousin Abby on Monday), we decided for one last trip.

Sloane was a bit rambunctious on the plane, but thankfully we had a seat in between that she could sit on / jump from / throw her toys on...  It was 31 degrees when the plane landed in Salt Lake City and it dropped to 25 degrees, by the time we arrived at our hotel.  We took John's nanny, Ardie, out for lunch on Friday, then had an evening at Uncle Ben and Aunt Erica's.  Sloane sat and just watched her cousins  bring out all of their toys for her.  I think Ben enjoyed the opportunity to take toys away from Sloane as his big sister, Lucy, is accustomed to.  =)  We had yummy burgers, great conversation and a wonderful time, hanging with our family.

After Uncle Ben put Ben down for the night, he came downstairs to the playroom to play with Sloane.  She loved all of the toys and attention she received!  Her highlight surely was riding on the cousin's rocking horse.  Uncle Ben placed her on this and she rocked on!!!

Saturday morning, we met the Dahl's at "This is the Place" historical monument where they were hosting "Little Haunts" trick or treating around the pioneer replica homes.  Being that the high was only 48, Sloane's Mermaid was a bit frozen (She was completely wrapped up in a long sleeve shirt and leggings, a sweater and blanket, a jacket and scarf!).  She really enjoyed the train ride with Aunt Erica, Lucy and Mommy.  We enjoyed hanging with the Cutest Cupcake Lucy and Pelt the Robot, from Yo Gabba Gabba.  We had lunch, as an extended family, hit a toy store sale, then headed separate ways.









We walked around Gateway Mall, then had the opportunity to enjoy dinner with Daddy's close friend from high school, Shannon.  If I may clarify, all four of us were able to enjoy the appetizers, but someone became a large PILL once salad showed up.  I excused us to hang out in their foyer and eventually packed up to head out to the car.  I told John and Shannon to enjoy their meal - Sloane and I were going to fuss in a quiet space.  She needed to get her energy out and we were not helping...



Sunday brought us a lovely brunch with the Middleton's.  Uncle Dick and Aunt Jayne graciously opened their home up to us to meet and eat with the cousins.  (Uncle Dick is John's mother's brother.)  It was fun to walk around their house, looking at pictures.  John's mother, Ann, had lots of curly hair when she was a kiddo.

Sloane was the main attraction as all of her Daddy's cousins were trying to win her over!  Michelle and Will were definitely winners, as was Amy!  Cousin Liz and Randy were amazed at her mad crawling skills.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

No more road trips, please?!

Well, of course the first thing we did, when we got home from our coastal road trip, was to start planning for the annual fall vacation at Dad & Nancy's!  Nicole and I changed the trip just a bit by adding Michelle and her daughter, Ella.  They have been best friends since the second grade, so she is practically a sister of ours.

John and Jeff threw the coffin (travel pack) onto the van, loaded up the pack & plays, strollers, then we packed up our two car seats, two booster chairs and hit the road.

Highlights from the trip were the 4 year-old's fairy fort, a spooky haunted house, Apple Fest, and lots of inside jokes.  We had a fabulous time!


Papa meeting Abby and already teaching her the Hovde family secrets


I have no idea who set this up, but here are the Budz & West's bathroom supplies.


One of 500 make up applications.


Kiddo was feeling ill and Aunt Michelle was awesome at taking care of both babies!


The first of two bath time funs with Nanny!


Big smiles!


Don't you just want to eat her?


Adorable!!!


Papa had a tender moment (nap) with My Little Pony


The girls were mad when the horse kept walking away - I think it was Sloane's fault as she shrieked the entire time she was looking at the horses.  


The tree stump made the most perfect dancing stage!


We used to not be allowed in the garden - I enjoyed driving the stroller through it!


The fairy fort was amazing with blue lights attached, underneath the table


Loved the face painting and inflatables!


Swings =)  Grass =(


Prepping for the haunted house

 
Daddy flew up for the weekend