A Visit from Tyler Annie and Halli

AH! A rush of joy comes back to me when I see this picture. I was SO excited to see them. Ben picked them up from the airport and I waited anxiously at home. The beginning of a wonderful week.

They arrived Tuesday night. It was really hot when they got in, so Halli needed something cooler to wear than her pajamas. A big t-shirt is the norm in Houston for jammies.

Wednesday: Ben had to work, so we took the morning easy (they had really long flights and needed to recover anyways.) We drove up to Spring and saw where we used to live. Such a beautiful home. Tyler remembers so much more than me.. yes, he is younger than me. Amazing memory. We drove by the temple, but it was closed! I thought we would at least be able to drive around, but the gates were shut as well. We had to go pick up Ben anyway. It was still surreal that they were here. We soaked in the conversation and cousin time!

Tyler was doing some exercises and Troy and Liam wanted to join. I think Halli wanted a chair too. 

I love cousin time!!!!

Thursday: We went to the beach. A little cool, but it was still nice because the sun was out. We spent most of our day there. The kids LOVED it. And when the kids are happy, parents are very happy.

p.s. Annie is expecting their 2nd girl, due in July!

Tyler had the idea to get these pails with shovels. BEST idea. The kids were occupied the whole time. You can see Liam and Troy, at the top, shoveling away.

The boys started to build a sand castle. No after picture, because it wasn't really a castle. And Tyler destroyed it by doing back flips anyway ;) (Seriously, have you seen his tricks?! Mad skills)

Annie put this together. Very cool!

Friday: Went to the Houston Zoo. It was Spring Break, and so we knew it would be crowded, but apparently everyone in Houston decided to go that day. It was the perfect weather, and it was fun to ride the metro for the first time. We tried to stay as long as the kids would let us and then went outside to eat lunch. The kids were done after that. It was SO nice to be with parents who know what happens when nap time is postponed. We went home and had another fabulous night with a movie and treats when the kids went to bed.

Saturday: Went to the Children's Museum. We got seperated because of how packed it was, and Liam ran off and I couldn't find him for about 10 minutes. No surprise. This was such a cool place. 

Saturday night was Date Night! Our friends in the ward watched all of the kids while we went and saw The Lego Movie and ate dinner at the same time! Love it!! We have a picture, but I think it's on Ben's phone. I'll have to put that in later.

Sunday was Troy's Birthday! (separate post for our Troy) We went to church. It was so fun to have Annie with me in RS. Here is cute Tyler with Katelyn.

Again, picture on Ben's phone. But Troy had cupcakes for his dessert and loved getting presents. Tyler and Annie even gave him some. Even though they already gave them little toys every day! So thoughtful!!

Monday, Ben had to work, so we went to the Memorial Mall play place.  We closed on our house in the late afternoon. WOOHOO! More on that later. We went down to the Galleria to eat and walk around. The week went by TOO FAST. We stayed up till 1:30 a.m. talking that night, and if you know me that is like staying up all night. I'm such a pansy. But so worth it.

I drove them to the airport Tuesday and said goodbye. We enjoyed every minute that they were here!