TX Trip: Part 1

Heading into June, the Montana Schleichers began our road trip journey all the way out to Texas. The main purpose of our visit was to do a big kid swap with Matt and Kim so that each of us couples could celebrate our anniversaries with a special trip. We were super excited about the chance to give Matt and Kim a get-away, and of course, eager to take our own vacation as well.

We chose to travel to Texas in 3 days and, thankfully, had friends to stay with along the way. Our first stop-over was just south of Denver with the Davis family, long-time Walquist family friends. This was Jaden and Cody's first time meeting the Davises. The boys were particularly eager to meet the Davis' little dachshund.  

Jaden's little smile says it all. :)

Mr. and Mrs. Davis were super accommodating and understanding about our active little ones. They didn't bat an eye when Jaden and Cody brought all of their stuffed animals out into the living room.

Mrs. Davis even got right down on the floor and joined in on the fun.

I mean, really? Who can resist such a pile of fun? :)

At some point, Mrs. Davis captured this pic of Jaden giving Cody a kiss on the head.

Mr. Davis was quite the active playmate! While Mommy and Daddy were finishing packing the car the next morning, Jaden and Cody discovered that the hallway was an ideal spot for running. Our hosts didn't mind at all-- Mr. Davis actually joined in!

Falling into this ottoman marked the end of the running path. After a few giggles, it was time to get right back up and run again!

As you can tell, Cody and Jaden were not too happy about the idea of leaving the Davis's home. We appreciated such thoughtful & fun hosts!

But with at least 16 hours on the road yet ahead of us, we knew that our journey must go on. Periodically at gas stations or rest areas, we'd take out Jaden and Cody's push toys.

Wide-open parking lots were perfect spots for the boys to get their exercise!

At this particular gas station stop, we found a sidewalk...

... that led us to some tennis courts (belonging to a hotel, maybe?). We ALL loved the chance to stretch our legs here a bit.

Our second stop was in OK City, to stay with some friends who used to live with us here in Montana. Steve and Richelle owned 2 little dogs that Jaden and Cody warmed up to right away.

I'm not sure if this is a fun game of hide and seek, or rather "escape and hide." :)

The dogs certainly made our boys very happy. We were thankful that they put up with our little fellas!

We enjoyed the chance to catch up with our friends and hear about their new life together in Oklahoma. Thanks for hosting us, Richelle and Steve!

Finally, oh finally, after our 3 long days of travel, we pulled into Matt and Kim's driveway in Texas. Hooray! The boys loved seeing their Aunt Kim (and her cute little baby bump!).

Uncle Matt and Ryan showed Cody their fancy new train table. Ryan was so good at sharing his toys!

Aunt Kim and Uncle Matt were great playmates. They didn't mind playing Ring Around the Rosie over and over and over again!

Cousin time is always a hit, too (at least it starts out that way!). Ryan and Ian showed our boys their blocks. Ryan's specialty was building airplanes.

Jaden and Cody loved splashing around in the water table. Our Montana weather hadn't been warm enough yet to play any water games. The boys got utterly drenched!

Another day, Ryan and Ian taught Jaden and Cody the art of puddle splashing.

These Montana boys aren't too used to rain, but after just a bit of hesitancy, they literally jumped right in.

Another awesome side-benefit of visiting Matt and Kim was that we also got to see Uncle Jon and Aunt Chelsea. Our trip happened to overlap with their visit to look for homes in TX. Our time with them was quite brief, but we enjoyed looking at home-options with them online and hearing about their upcoming move. Jaden and Cody definitely loved the extra playmates!

We also spent our days reading stories (this picture is actually of Ian reading a story to us!),

preparing meals,

and just hanging out as a family!

Jaden, Daddy, Cody

Daddy & Jaden; Mommy & Cody

Aunt Kim loved seeing how Jaden and Cody fall asleep every night-- doggies always cuddled right in!

Unfortunately, at some point during this portion of our visit, both Jaden and Mommy got sick, sick, sick. :( Cody, too, had actually gotten sick the day before we left on vacation. Thankfully, Daddy stayed healthy and was able to care for all of us during our down days. Also thankfully, we didn't spread our sickness to anyone else in the family. Uncle Jon and Aunt Chelsea sure didn't need another vacation with the Schleichers like that!

Our final thanksgiving was that Amy was feeling better just in time for the Big Anniversary Trip to begin. Stay tuned! :)