Texas Turek Vacation Ends

Monday morning we started off with family pictures. The process of family pictures are really not my favorite thing but I LOVE having them so you just have to get over it!  I won't share those yet until we get the photographers version but the ones my father in law took have me very excited!

After pictures, the big kids took off for laser tag and the little kids and their fan club (grandparents) went to Chick Fil A.  We all had a fun time!  

That evening we ate some taco soup I had thrown in the crock pot earlier and it was time for the Riverwalk.  

 I had planned for us all to eat guacamole that is made for you at your table at a place called Boudro's.  Who knew the wait would be two hours on a Monday night?  Oh well, we had ice cream instead.  Joshua looks heartbroken over this.  

Tuesday was a needed slower paced day.  We did some shopping, relaxing, and of course more eating.  We had to hit up Chuy's because Alamo Cafe was good but it didn't completely hit the spot.  Peter flew back to Utah on Tuesday and Matt had to go in to work for the night.  

After the kids were in bed, the ladies left PopPop to hold down the fort and we went to get pedicures.  This has become such a fun tradition.  We enjoyed relaxing in the massage chairs and chatting about life.  

Wednesday was packing and packing and dreading departure.  I think fun was had by all.  I know my boys certainly enjoyed all of the attention they received.    Anyone that makes my boys smile like the these two pictures here completely wins my heart forever!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Saturday and Sunday Fun

The weather did not consult me and it rained Saturday morning.  It was rainy and so cold all day!  Rain is always needed and appreciated in Texas except for when you have outdoor family pictures scheduled!  This was a disappointment but our photographer graciously moved pictures to Monday.  It was a blessing though because Joshua's stomach wasn't feeling so well.  We had a sitter scheduled so we could all go to the temple together.  Aunt KiKi volunteered to stay home with Joshua and Nathan.  Nathan napped and Kira and Joshua watched How To Train Your Dragon 2.  Joshua said they had more fun than us.  

The rest of us went to the temple and sealed families together.  I absolutely love doing this work.  As children were sealed to parents I got to hear the special words that I heard not too long ago as my sweet Nathan was added to our family.  This was a special part of the trip for me.

Back home for more family time with two pretty cute kids

Saturday night it was off to work for Matt and off to the Transportation Museum for the rest of us.  It was so cold for everyone I think but especially the Texans. 

(Nathan is blurry here but it was a great pic of my MIL loving on her boys.)

Joshua loved everything about this adventure complete with a rain ride, model trains, and Christmas lights.

We went home for treats and hot chocolate! 

Sunday was off to church together, followed by waffles for lunch, and Christmas cookies!

Joshua always has his tongue out when he is concentrating.  I love this picture of Nathan!  Brothers?

This is what successful cookies look like!

Then just more cuteness captured from Nathan.  18 months is a fun age!

Natural Bridge Caverns and Canopy Challenge

First stop on the Turek Family Christmas itinerary was the Natural Bridge Caverns

Posing with my partner in trip planning and crime a.k.a my second mom.

(P.S. We did a good job, Mom.)

 Waiting to explore the Natural Bridge Caverns

Too bad the tour guide had us take Nathan out during the very beginning of the tour due to ceiling height because then Nathan didn't want to go back

Peter impressed Matt and I with how well he interacted and cared for our boys.  The aunts were of course awesome too but Uncle Peter is only 2 years in to the family but he jumps right in when it comes to these nephews. 

 

The tour was neat and the cave is truly a natural wonder.

 It was 70 degrees with 99% humidity inside the cave.  It was a bit warm mixed with a Nathan that didn't like the rules of don't touch the cave walls and let's stop walking every few feet and chat...

When the tour was over, it was time for the canopy challenge and zip lines.  I thought doing something outside of our comfort zones but all together would be a great activity for the grown-up kids.  

It was fun for all of us but I was so proud of Jessi and Kira who are both afraid of heights but they did it!

Joshua also did a kid version of the canopy challenge.  We didn't get any pics of his cute self in his little harness but he had a blast.  

Nani was doing her own challenge course.  She took Nathan and they went shopping, bought popcorn, and an icee.  Joshua finished up in time to tag along for the popcorn and icee.  

Later that day we went out for Mexican food at the Alamo Cafe.   Nani and Aunt Kiki took turns bonding with Nathan outside while we ate dinner.  

There were lots of laughs throughout the day.  We played with kids, watched movies, and just enjoyed one another.