Stories of the Heaths: Visit to Texas

Brace yourselves for one of the longest posts about one event. This was a very busy week and a great trip to Texas. David sent Lanae down to Texas for a couple weeks for her birthday. A couple weeks before she went down Tammy gave me a call to invite me and the kids to come down as well so we didn't miss out on all the fun. We purchased tickets that night and were on our way the end of October. Preston couldn't wait to see Logan and go on an airplane.

With a double stroller loaded with 2 car seats and Sierra as well as a large suitcase I was grateful for this little trooper who was willing to pull the heavy carry on bag. It was a little much for him but he pulled with all his might.

Clara (11mo.) and Sierra (8 mo.)

Sierra was the center of attention for the first couple of days. All the kids were excited about having a new baby around.

Spending an afternoon at the park.

After a couple days we chatted with daddy so the kids could see him. Sierra was beside herself with excitement to see Daddy.

Grandma's house is so fun. Preston didn't want to go on any of our fun outings unless I reassured him we would come back to play. The Dragon was his favorite toy this visit.

Grandma got an awesome new play set in her backyard. The kids spent a lot of time on it.

Grandma and Sierra snuggles.

Bryce turned two while we were there. Of course we had to have a birthday party complete with a cake made by Grandma.

Preston loves birthday cakes and thought it was great that Grandma made one for Bryce. He was talking about it even after we came home.

We spent one afternoon at the Heard museum with all the anamatronic dinosaurs. The kids were facinated.

The best part of the visit was the bonding Preston did with his cousins. He just wanted to be like the big boys.

He made sure I knew the dinosaurs were not going to bite his shirt.

A trip to Texas would not be complete without Aunt Kadi catching a bug for the kids to hold and look at up close. This is Logan holding a cricket.

Don't worry the T-Rex will not bite his shirt.

Isaac digging for bones at the end of the tour.

Since we were there the week before Halloween we got to go to the ward Trunk or Treat. Half the fun was face painting and getting all dressed up.

Andrew getting his face painted by Aunt Kadi for his Spider Man costume.

Lanae painted mine and Liz's face and Tammy did Lanae and Kadi so we could be matching fairies.

Preston set up and took this picture all on his own. He saw me taking pictures and wanted to join in. He had me put the basket on my head and he took the picture.

OUr little princess and Spider Man.

Completely unplanned we had 4 Spider Men....

(Savanna, Andrew, Logan, Preston, Derek, Isaac)

... and 2 lady bugs.

(Savanna, Clara)

So Excited to be out in the sun for a day at the zoo.

Bryce, Preston, Savanna, Emeri all enjoying the water while the older kids take a bathroom break.

Preston being a monkey.

When Preston saw some other kids feeding crackers to the giraffes he turned his big brown eyes on me asking if he could too. I wasn't about to spend $5 on 4 crackers so I told him no. No matter how big his eyes got I had forgotten my wallet that day so there was no way I could give in. The guy selling the crackers was another story. I guess Preston's big eyes melted him because as I was explaining I didn't have the money the guy came over and offered 1 cracker to Preston. Oh the excitement in that little boy. I was so proud of him to graciously say thank you then turn around and feed the giraffe all on his own. I didn't think he would do it but he was so brave. Those tongues are scary!

I guess riding in a stroller all day is exhausting business. I love that one minute she was very active and engaged and the next she was completely passed out like this. After I got this picture we transferred her to a more comfortable stroller that allowed her to lay down.

Sierra and Oakley getting their beauty rest.

We wondered why we spent the money to go to the zoo when their favorite part was jumping of a big rock.

Clara, Sierra, and Oakley

This is why we spent the money. It's for the fun in this great water area. Look at all those cute boys in heaven.

Bryce and Savanna

A full day at the zoo will exhaust any energetic little boy.

Of course we have to make time to eat. With a face like this a picture must be taken.

Little boys can never get enough of animals even after a day visiting dinosaurs and a full day at the zoo they were thrilled to visit the aquarium then top off the week at the Rain Forest Cafe.

Andrew and Isaac getting an up close view of the fish at the aquarium.

Bryce the brick doing his best to push Preston.

Sierra loves the aquarium and watching the fish but she liked looking at herself best.

The beautiful Kadi and Lanae.

Preston holding a crab shell

Sierra loved touching the star fish. So many fun textures.

After the aquarium Grandma wanted to treat everyone to dinner with the animals at the Rainforest Cafe. Delicious food, good company, and the kids loved looking at all the animals

Preston loved his hat. He even got down on the floor to hop like a frog.

We told the waiters we were celebrating all the birthdays in October. Lanae, Kadi, and Bryce were the lucky winners. We all got a kick out of the dance the waiters made them do.

Grandma and Emeri

It was so fun to see Preston open up and have so much fun with his cousins. He was still shy around Grandma but there were a few precious moments where he wanted to include her in his play and every night he told me all about Grandma's shop and how she makes cakes. We visited the shop when we first got there since he was still talking about it we made sure to stop in on our way to the airport. We got to say goodbye to Grandma and get some treats for the journey home.

He couldn't wait to get on the plane so he could eat the cream stack Grandma gave him. Just like any little kid would do, he went straight for the butter cream in the center.