the EAST meets WEST

November began with a VISIT from the EAST! My Family, the MARTINS!

Now first of all our Martin family back home is shrinking; with Ryan on his mission in Brazil, and Daniel here at BYUI for school, and the Stanger portion living in Rexburg still (while Shea finishes school). The Martin family that came to visit was my Mom,  Dad, sister (Amberlee) and brother (Joseph).

They stayed two weeks and we squeezed everything we could think of doing into those weeks. It was tons of fun. And very hard to see them leave. Rexburg feels a little lonely without them. They stayed in our apartment and even though it was a tight fit it worked out better than we could have imagined. We enjoyed lots of bonding time, take a look:

My favorite part was that I got to cuddle with my baby brother Joseph, who is growing too fast and too tall!

Oldest and youngest, Best of Friends!

We had a ... SNOW DAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

First Rexburg Snow Joseph has seen!

FIRST SNOW TASTES!

Connor CHASED Joseph around the house, 24/7

Bella and I did a whole lot of napping ...

... While my family did the housework and Connor watching, THANK YOU!

Bella showed everyone her wide eyed expressions.

We kept The Cocoa Bean in business, by eating their cupcakes every chance we got! 

(visit this link to check out more about the yummy sweets we indulged in)

Bella decided Daddy's heartbeat was the only thing that relaxed her tummy troubles. 

Daniel showed us on a tour of the newest BYUI additions. And we got to see the room he has his Social Dance Class in.

With so much to do my kids were a little exhausted at times ...

 My parents bought me and Bella a flower bouquet, to celebrate her birth!

Joseph got to snuggle with our new baby doll!

Connor and Uncle Joe enjoyed several bubble bath adventures, and they now both have a new love for getting clean!

Bella couldn't resist dozing off in everyone's arms. 

We enjoyed Pie Shakes at SAMMY'S!

AND Connor had an amazing time on the token/arcade ride.
Love this face, he was so excited he couldn't contain himself!

We all went mini-golfing at a place called Pirate Glow and Golf 

We had Bella's Blessing in our home on Saturday, so that everyone could be present. It was a very special occasion with those we love.  

Daniel showed us off his acrobat skills with Connor!
Flips and throws and upside down thrills!

Connor and Joseph became the best of buds. They were inseparable the entire time.

It was sad to say goodbye. 

After a long car ride, a red eye flight, a morning in New York, and a plane ride home, my family made it back safely. Fortunately we haven't had to say goodbye for too long.
Amberlee got to stay with us, she is going to help us out for a month. When Daniel gets done school, in December, we are all making a trip back to Maryland. Where us Stanger's will be visiting for a while. We are planning on staying there till April, so that we can give the Martins a big dose of us Stanger's! Shea is off track for school and we miss the East!

I can't wait for Christmas back home!

Love you Martins at home:
 Mom, Dad, and JOSEPH!