Texas, again?

We thought we might try to get to Utah to see conference with family (that is the only thing we have ever known to do on conference weekend).  But when you fly standby, you fly where the open seats take you, and Friday, they took us to Houston, Texas (Yes, I did just fly home from San Antonio on Thursday) to see Dave's sister's family.  It was another "We-are-leaving-in-one-hour-hurry-pack-and-change-to-Houston-weather-not-Utah" run around to get ready, but it works!  It is easier to make sure you have everything when you are focused on getting it all quickly.  The flight to Houston left 1 1/2 hours earlier than the Utah flight so we were unprepared.  It was so nice to take a flight with Dave, I was so much more relaxed, I even watched a movie on my ipod.  Dave got Hallie to sleep by rocking her in her carseat in the back area (apparently only 'employees' can go back there, so once again, I was thankful he was there!)  We were on the very last row, but we were all together, so we weren't going to complain.  I really feel like there is more room on airplanes than I remember.  Maybe it is because Hallie and Jackson don't use up any leg room, so there is lots of extra.

We visited Dave's sister in Houston.  Lori and Jim have 4 kids, who were thrilled to see Jackson and Aunt Ashley (thats me!)  It was so fun to watch them get so excited to have us.  I totally remember as a kid bouncing off the walls whenever anyone would come to visit.  Jackson was in 7th heaven with all the attention and new toys.  Hallie was a bit overwhelmed with all the attention.  The time changes are throwing ours kids off.  We keep them up until 8 pm our time (10 pm in Texas).  But they have been getting up around 6 am (Yep, that is 4 AM our time!)  They are tired and very resistant to naps, although bedtime has been a piece of cake (and it is getting earlier every night).  I don't know how to help them sleep more, but I am worried about them . .. oh, yeah, AND I want to sleep more too!!
We must already be so use to the heat in Phoenix that I was COLD here (Yes, it is Houston . . . not Canada . . . but still, I'm cold!)  I went running and did 2 extra miles just because it was cool, beautiful and had lots of shade.  Conference was kind of a joke with so many kids around, but the bits I did catch were wonderful, inspiring and uplifting.  I hope I get a chance to re-hear it soon.  I've been listening to a conference talk while I run.  Sometimes I get alot from them, sometimes it is difficult to listen.  Hopefully, I'll be able to run and listen.  I always like doing something fun in between sessions and this time we went to a festival.  Jackson loved the pumpkin bowling, train ride and searching for coins in sand.

Hallie's funny faces keep me laughing!

Sunday afternoon we started to panic because the flight Dave wanted to take was filling up, then 2 hours before it was overbooked by 8!!  So we looked into other flights (to Charlotte first, then on another airline) and renting a car to drive to Austin to fly out of there (did you know it costs $195 to drive one way?!?!) We were worried about missing work, or paying an arm and a leg for a weekend of fun.  He decided to go to the airport and then make a decision after  he was sure he couldn't get on the flight.  He talked to the gate attendant and said he was willing to upgrade to first class if it would help him get on the flight.   I don't know if that is what helped, but he got on and paid $20 to upgrade (and you can bet he ate his $20 worth in snacks!! j/k)  and got back to Phx Sunday night!  PHEW!  I am so glad I get to fly on Tues-Thurs so I am not as stressed about making my flight.  I just wonder WHAT happened to the 8 people who were overbooked?  How do seats randomly open up?  I wish I knew the system more so that I could make better plans for the future! 

Jackson attended his cousins dance class . . . can you guess which one is him?

New toys are SO fun!

The kids and I got to stay for a couple days longer, to enjoy cousins and family bonding time.  We didn't do alot per se, but we just enjoyed being together and getting to know each other more.  Lori really helped me figure out a sleep plan for my kiddos and Jim helped ensure that it worked once so I have faith that it can work for my kids.

Our original flight plan filled up, but we knew we wouldn't make the flight so we didn't even go to the airport until later.  We got on the plane with 3 seperate seats. luckily, people were kind and moved so that the kids and I could sit together (can you imagine me leaving my 8 mo old or 3 year old to sit alone next to you :) )  Hallie fell asleep about and hour into the flight.  I love that I can take the car seat because I know she would really struggle to fall asleep if she wasn't confined.  Jackson ate a scrumcious dinner and played with a play motorcycle.  On our last flight we bought a 'napsac' which included a blanket, sleep mask and blow up neck pillow.  Jackson LOVES playing nap time with all the get up.  It occupied him for quite a while.  He laid on my lap for the entire descent.  We were on the run way for 30 mins.  Hallie woke up and was sad for a while.  We were all getting antsy.  But Jackson was being patient.  I kind of like flying because I really focus on keeping my kids happy.  I am not distracted by anything else, but my kids.  They have been great flyers.  I love that I can explain things to Jackson and he gets it (like standing on the right, walking on the left side of a moving sidewalk).  He is a good kid.
I really dislike the phx airport because there are 2 levels so I always have to take the elevators (way out of the way) because I have a stroller.  We were home by 8 pm (10pm Texas time) and I was exhausted, but it was a great trip!