Up Up and Away

Well we are off...
To Idaho.

I was so anxious about Syd and worried I'd
have to hold her but she was nervous with all
the crowds and I may have tried some fear tactics
 with scenarios about running off and getting lost.
Anyway she did great and was relieved to hold
someones hand all the time. Piper was a
happy camper as long as we were moving.

While waiting our favorite past time is...

Bella held Syd's hand since she was nervous,
the whole moving floor thing was a little new. 

We were well stocked with downloaded movies and charged devices, sticker books, fun workbooks, LOTS of snacks, empty water bottles (to fill on the plane before we take off), baby blanket and a throw, zip up jackets, and books. One thing I forgot was a change of clothes in the carry on especially for Piper. Considering she leaked through all over Shea on the first flight, I hope I remember that next time.

Fortunately our layover was perfect time for relaxing,
eating lunch and running around. And yes I know
everybody was annoyed with them running and
 laughing and playing sweetly. But we weren't!
It was adorable and they needed it!

Not a lot of sleeping was done on flight 1 but on flight 2 there was some napping. And after a bit of a delay everyone was relieved to get off the plane! And anxious to see the Stanger Family waiting.

Even though it was a bit late we caught SLC Temple Square Christmas Lights, and then crashed at a hotel before the big drive to Idaho the next morning. We are looking forward to a long break from school, work and life. And a little reminiscing in the weeks ahead in the familiar place we called home for 6+ years, Rexburg.

Out to UTAH

My Grandpa turned 100 years old this past December and the Martin crew all traveled out to visit him!

I had lots of help the whole way there flying out with my Mom, Dad, and Joseph.

Of course she was an angel and slept the entire time not even waking to eat, I wish I could have slept like that...

When we arrived she happily greeted everyone with nothing but smiles.

We stopped right away to visit Grandpa Kotter! 

And of course I got a break from Piper duty with all the, eager and willing, attention she was getting.

It felt like old times driving around with this crazy crew again, except Ryan was our driver and I stole passenger seat most of the time.

Nights with Piper weren't too bad either, although she slept with me the whole time which made me worry I was starting a terrible pattern.

Sunday came and during church with Grandpa Piper stole the spotlight of course, and insisted on being heard. She unfortunately remained a bit fussy for the rest of the trip.

The way Grandpa lights up around babies and turns into his old rat-a-tat-tat self eager to hold and soothe them always makes me smile.

Amberlee and I stole a few minutes to attempt a sister shoot...

And I even left her with a few dozen candidly gorgeous selfies to remember me by ...

Sunday we had dinner with Grandpa, Aunt Nola, Uncle Wade and Janet.

Monday we spent the morning at the Distribution Center saying HI/BYE to Aunt Nola, and then visited Grandpa as everyone passed around a hungry girl.

Grandpa fortunately was able to hold her again as I literally prayed for her to stay happy as he played with her. And fortunately she did! This was so important to me because I knew this was my last visit with him before my flight the next day.

Amberlee snuggled her and fed her while we finished up our visit.

Unfortunately the feeding didn't end well...

And after Amberlee got covered in spit up Ryan elected to keep his distance for the rest of the time.

After a quick clothing change.

We had a very short walk just inside temple square, to see the visitor center and admire the gardens. 

Yes I stole a flower to take home to Bella!

Then we were off to the City Creek Mall to ... walk around aimlessly,
Take a bazillion pictures,
Annoy Daniel to death,
And read a Book ;)

That night we finished watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding and said goodbyes.

That morning Piper and I woke early to get dressed and ready to go, but not before getting a visit from Ellie and my newest nephew baby Jack Jack (as he is lovingly called around our house).

Jack reminds me so much of Connor as a baby it made me sad missing that little guy.
Jack is the sweetest boy ever and filled with smiles, and even reached out to grab Piper's hand, (I tried to reenact it for a picture...)

Before long our visit was over and Ellie was taking me to the airport and Piper and I were flying home. Piper was hungry but did well the flight attendant was quite a comedian so it made for quite the ride :)

Not going to lie my favorite thing in all the world was getting the biggest squeal and jump out of Sydney who was more than a little thrilled to have Mom home. (Connor and Bella were more happy to have Piper back then me, and still quite enamored by Grandpa and Grandma visiting, so I was happy to give her all my attention!)

And I even spoiled her with a night snuggling with Mom in bed.