What a week!

We spent a week driving everywhere and visiting almost everyone and now that we're home we are tired!

Here's a rundown of the events we did in one week: driving 7 hours to meet up with Joe's mom in southern California before carpooling all the way to Utah a day later; meeting up with Joe's dad in St. George and hanging out with Bryce's family; having breakfast with my parents in Bountiful and playing with chalk on the court with my nieces and nephews; preparing a picture display at Gma Hope's house in Salt Lake for an 80th birthday celebration for Joe's grandpa; rushing to the birthday celebration and getting to learn all about Gma and Gpa Banks; visiting Gma and Gpa Robison for breakfast and getting to see part of Beijing's Olympic Opening Ceremonies with them (VERY impressive); meeting up with all the Banks families for pictures; getting up early to head back home but stopping for a nap in St. George since Joe and I were feeling sleep-deprived (yes, we did stay up late watching Lost but I think it was having to get up early that did us in!); stopping for a day in Moreno Valley so I could write a paper for finals and hoping that Joe's dad could fix our car's AC (he did and air conditioning is heavenly!); and finally, driving home in about six and a half hours with only one quick pit stop (even with a 2 yr old in tow).

Xavier was a great traveler although when we got home he burst into tears and wanted me to hold him for a long time. I think he missed some of the physical contact we usually have during naps, bedtime, etc. All in all we had a great trip...we know because we are totally exhausted now! :) Thanks Tina and Ken for taking us with you!

A few moments we caught on camera during the week: Zelia convinced Xavier that the cold water in the "hot" tub was a great place to play on a hot summer day...and she was right!

Xavier was fascinated by little cousin, Gweny, and was very happy to see his Granddad and his older cousins again. He loved stepping on the stones in the back of the flower garden.
Although printer problems made us late to the 80th birthday celebration, we did make it and our poster board looked great! Joe is the oldest grandson on his dad's side of the family and we had both Zelia and Xavier with us--the only two great-grandchildren. Needless to say, everyone loved them!

This kids picture is the best of about 10 pictures we took. It is amazing we got one where everyone is sitting up, a few are actually smiling, and no one is running away!

We always feel special with Grandma and Grandpa Robison. I always love to check the "cousin" pictures to see how everyone else's families are doing. I think we all need to update, though!

And at the end of it all...