Nevada!

(First of all, I want to apologize for my lack of new posts this month. Our computer gave out on us, so we went without a computer for a couple weeks. Thankfully, we finally got a new computer so I can get back to blogging!)

A couple weeks ago, the 3 of us flew out to Nevada to visit Nate, Jackie & the kids! It was our first time out there since they moved, so it was so great to see everyone again and to see their house for the first time.

To be honest, we were a little nervous to fly out there b/c we didn't know how our little kiddo would do on the airplane. We were nervous that we were going to be those people on the plane with a screaming baby, BUT much to our amazement, Connor did fabulously! We seriously couldn't have asked for a better baby or a better flight! He played happily on our laps the entire 3 hours and had this look on his face most of the time...



We arrived in Nevada the evening of Feb 6th. Nate, Daisy & Lulu picked us up from the airport and we were greated by Jackie, Jackson & Cayle when we arrived to their house! We had a great week visiting with everyone, spending tons of time with the kids, great meals put on by Jackie, and wonderful hospitality! Nate & Jackie - thanks again for everything!

We kept busy during the week by spending lots of time playing with the kids inside and outside. It was so great to be able to spend so much time together, and I know Connor loved being with his cousins! It was so great to see Connor bond with all 4 of them, and it was obvious that the 4 of them thought Connor was pretty special too!

The weather was in the 60s all week, so it felt great to us. It felt like spring weather, which was a nice break from the miserable winter weather we left in MN. Connor loves being outside, so I am so glad that we were able to spend so much time outside.

Bryce sure got a workout all week by playing outside with the kids, though! The kids had a blast chasing Bryce around the backyard playing tag (although, I think Bryce was 'it' most, or all, of the time!) and playing baseball too. I'm pretty sure he was sore by the 2nd day we were there.

We stayed in Mesquite the majority of the week just spending time together, which was great. On Tuesday, though, we all went to St. George, Utah to go to a big public park that was there. Unfortunately, it started sprinkling when we were there so our stay at the park didn't last long. That night, Nate & Jackie treated us to dinner at a steakhouse in St. George and we all had a delicious 'smothered steak.' Yum! Thanks again, guys!

Thursday was a really fun day as well. We left the house early that morning to head to the Hoover Dam. We walked across the top of the dam, took a guided tour, and learned a lot about this giant structure. It was really cool to see and we both agreed that it is worth seeing! The dam is 700+ feet high, and now they're building a highway that is approximately 500 feet above the dam as well (which will run from Las Vegas, NV to Phoeniz, AZ). You can see the highway in the pictures below.

Then, after we left the dam we headed into Las Vegas to find a bite for dinner. We ate at the Cheesecake Factory in Caesar's Palace and then got to see the city at night as we were heading back to Mesquite.

Well, I definitely can't forget to include a couple pictures of Connor's obsession of the week - Sophie! Seriously, Connor was so obsessed with her, it was so funny. Connor had his eyes on her at all times and always wanted to know what Sophie was doing. At the beginning of the week Connor liked to watch Sophie from a distance, but each day Connor got braver and braver. By the end of the week he couldn't get close enough to her!

And here's one quick video of Daisy making Connor laugh, followed by Lulu being chased by the alligators. It's too cute :)

We were both so glad that we decided to make the trip out to Nevada to see all of them again. We missed them a lot and really wanted Connor to meet everyone, and for everyone to meet Connor too. You know it must've been a great week when you're sad to leave. Bryce & I both shed some tears on our flight home b/c we had such an awesome time there getting to know the kids again, spending time with Nate & Jackie, and watching Connor with his aunt, uncle and cousins. The trip meant a lot to us.

Thanks again for everything Nate & Jackie. You were fabulous hosts, and we can't thank you enough for your generosity and great hospitality.

We miss you guys already. Hugs & kisses to everyone!!