The Best Two Weeks

Alexis and I just got to go on the best vacation! Truthfully, we've had lots of great vacations, so maybe this one wasn't the best, but it was right up there. It was definitely the best two weeks I've had in a long time. With Nathan home to take care of the kids I decided to take Alexis to California to see her cousin get baptized and then to Utah to see General Conference. In the past I've always travelled either with all of the kids or a combination of older kids plus the baby/toddler. This was the first time I travelled with just one child. One easy, fun child. It was so relaxing for me and I enjoyed every minute.

 Here we are in the Raleigh airport, excited for Alexis's first airplane ride besides when she was a baby.

 Alexis certainly wasn't bored during the 5 hour flight to Phoenix. The steward was very generous in giving her lots of snacks and she played with them for hours, chattering all the while.

 

 Alexis with her cousin after the baptism. They are 2 months apart.

 

Lexi and I after the baptism. Sept 29.

Just four weeks left!!

 

 My mom and I about to leave for a long 2 hour walk. Walking or hiking was something I really wanted to do on this trip and I was so happy to get plenty of chances. This day was a highlight for me as I had a great time with my mom, walking the hills and reminiscing my childhood.

 Another day we hiked at an Indian reservation and picnicked, which was also lots of fun. I loved the woods we hiked through and the wonderful cedar aroma. 

Here is Alexis and my dad.

 These are the holes in the rocks where the Indians used to grind their food.

 

 

Me and Alexis at the conference center. It was so thrilling to be there and feeling the Spirit so strong.

 Monday after General Conference we went on a hike up Spanish Fork Canyon. It was beyond beautiful as the leaves were turning and the weather was perfect. I'm so glad my parents and sister-in-law were willing to go even though we could have been doing other things. I just couldn't get enough hiking. Although I was 37 weeks pregnant, I didn't feel like it. I was just so happy I didn't have to pack a baby on my back or drag lots of kids up the trail. It was so fun only having one and being able to enjoy the beauty.

 

 My parents dipping their feet in the hot springs.

 The hot springs

 

 Some llamas we saw on our way back down.

 

I wish I could take better pictures because it was way prettier than this.

 

 The two girls sleeping at my brother's house. They had a blast together the entire trip and I'm glad they got to spend so much time together. They live across the country from each other and only met last summer when we drove out. Now they are penpals and good friends.

 

Alexis and her loose tooth in the Denver airport. It was a stubborn tooth, but she was determined to have it out to surprise her siblings when we got home. I ended up pulling it out on the airplane the last half hour before landing back in Raleigh.

Again, it was an awesome trip and I'm so grateful for Nathan and the kids taking care of things at home and having a good time without us (aka not bemoaning the fact that they couldn't go), and my family for helping me do all the things I wanted to do. Besides hiking, other highlights were going to the Reno and Salt Lake temples, which I've never been to before. I also loved seeing my brothers and sisters, hanging out with them, eating out with them, going to conference, and just relaxing.