Thanksgiving

We were lucky enough to travel to Arizona for Thanksgiving to spend time with Troy's family. We left Utah early because a huge blizzard was forecasted; fortunately, we were able to outrun the storm. Overall the drive down was pleasant, except for Las Vegas, where Annalise chose to scream like a banshee while we were stuck in traffic. We decided to stay the night in Kingman. So, we were happy and rested when we showed up at Grandma Yvonne's house.

Thanksgiving was lovely. Amanda hosted and made a delicious dinner with the help of Yvonne. It was wonderful visiting with family. We miss living there and seeing them on a more frequent basis. It was amazing to see how much all of our neices and nephews have grown. We hadn't even met Brayden, who is two.


I think our favorite night was on Saturday. Sergio built a fire in a cracked firepit (I felt safe around it until I realized there were three huge cracks dividing the firepit into thirds. Annalise and I sat a little further back after that discovery.). We spent the whole night just hanging out and catching up.


I think Grandma Yvonne especially appreciated having some time to bond with Annalise. She is so cute with her. Annalise is super smiley and happy around her. She can tell that she is loved.

Too quickly it was time to go. Troy dropped Annalise and I at Alysa's home and he headed back to Utah. Unfortunately he was caught in a blizzard on the way home. Making the 10 hour drive 19 hours. Annalise and I, glad that we stayed, had a great time with Alysa, Andy and the kids.

Are you my mother?

Annalise is a very happy-go-lucky baby. She has always been very willing to go to anyone who wants to hold her. I knew she enjoyed being with me, but had not yet had proof that she preferred me over anyone else (except when she was hungry). So I was delighted this weekend when she finally showed she knew I was her mom. Elizabeth was holding Annalise facing away from me. Every time I spoke Annalise would get a big smile on her face and then turn around and look for me. Elizabeth even started to make a game of it, she'd ask "Where is mom?" Then I would speak and Annalise would consistently smile and turn to find me.

I appreciate Annalise's good nature, but I also appreciate that she knows me (and prefers me). How can I resist this smile?

Technology is a double-edged sword

This past week we have basically been without a computer. The graphics card was going bad and caused the computer to sound if it was ready to blow. It threatened to take all other working parts with it. So, we could get on for a few minutes, but only if absolutely necessary. I realized how dependent I am on the internet. The computer has taken the place of all reference books: dictionary, encyclopedia, atlas, phone book, etc. I don't even use cookbooks very often anymore. Dependency has it risks. I started thinking about if there was an earthquake I would probably want to google tips on how to survive the aftermath. But it is unlike that the internet would be functional.... hmmm..... Better rethink my strategy.

Our lack of a computer had an additional benefit because my technology-junkie husband was more available. I enjoyed the extra attention in the evenings.

Halloween

Annalise was a ladybug for her first Halloween. I might have picked a monkey or giraffe, but Troy fell in love with the ladybug costume. I liked everything, but the hat (Annalise wasn't a fan of the hat either).

We were lucky to have Tamara visit us over Halloween. Isn't she cute as a gypsy?

On Halloween night, we went trick-or-treating with Maleen and Tyler's children. It was my first trick- or- treating experience with children. It was fun! Annalise only went to a few houses and we didn't actually get candy for her. Everyone but Pearl is pictured below. She was a very cute tiger.
After a few houses, Tamara and Troy took care of the babies and Ivory while I took June, Robyn, and Daisy up and down a few more streets. Then we came home and watched Nightmare before Christmas while enjoying the Halloween spoils. It was a fun night!

Texas

Annalise and I had the privilege to travel to Texas to see my grandparents, her great-grandparents. They have decided they would like to be called GGpa and GGma. They doted on her. My grandpa gives each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren nicknames. He named her Maresee (like the french Merci) because the family was so thankful she was born and able to come through her birth complications safely. When he saw and held Annalise, though, he thought a better temporary name for her would be Butterball; due to her plump, kissable cheeks.

It was wonderful seeing my grandparents and hearing stories of their lives. My grandpa doesn't talk about his experiences in Vietnam often, so I especially appreciated the war stories that he shared. We were able to see his air force medals. My mom said that she is going to write the stories down, but I wish we had written them while we listened. I have some of the places and times mixed up now.


Another fun night was when my Aunt Renee and Uncle Russ came to dinner. I hadn't seen them in over ten years. It was lovely seeing them both. The nights entertainment revolved around Annalise. My grandmother had her standing on the table. Aunt Renee would sing and Annalise would stamp her foot and dance to the music. She is already got her dad's musical interest and dancing ability! (For those who didn't know already Troy used to be a clubber. Anywhere they were playing good trance music, there would be Troy getting his grove on.)


We were also lucky to be there for my cousin Emma's baptism. It was wonderful to be able to there on her special day. It also gave us more of an opportunity to spend time with my Uncle Bill, Aunt Sophia and cousins. The picture below shows almost everyone at dinner on Sunday. My Aunt Sophia made delicious Hungarian beef stroganoff for us!
I also loved all of the bonding time I had with my mom and Lauren. I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful family.

The Joys of a Yellow Bowl

I just can't get enough of that sound. No one can make her laugh as well as her dad!

Tiny post to get me started

So, I need to write about Texas and Halloween, but I'm having a hard time getting started. So, today I thought I'd write a tiny post and set a goal to get the rest done by Sunday.

I went to Texas to see my grandparents. I was really worried about the airplane ride with Annalise. I didn't want to be the mom with the baby that everyone glared at because she cried the entire ride. I was even more nervous when I got to the gate and the agent already knew who I was, because Annalise was the only child on the entire plane.

Fortunately, she was a dream. She slept most of the trip. She only was a tiny bit fussy when she woke up and we were descending, but I started feeding her and she calmed right down.

On both flights I found that people are very helpful and friendly if you have a baby (especially one that didn't cry). And I was fortunate enough to sit by myself on the way back to Utah, which was good, because I was freaking out about what to do if the oxygen bags come down and there is only one for both Annalise and me. (Not that I have ever been on a plane that has happened.) How would I share it in just the right way to make sure Annalise got enough air, but that I didn't pass out and drop her? I know. I'm a crazy new mom.

My favorite part of the traveling experience was as we got off the airplane in SLC. It was late at night, and when Annalise gets really tired she laughs hysterically. So, when we were standing on the ramp waiting for the car seat and stroller, she would laugh at every person that walked past us. Then she would spit at them. Yup, she has great manners. However, so does her mom, because I was laugh hysterically with her. Don't worry, I abstained from spitting.