Travelin' Woman

October has been a busy month. The first week we went to California to watch Conference with my family since we don't have basic cable (yes, our tv is old) and Henry would definitely not allow us to all huddle in front of the computer screen.

In between sessions on Saturday, we had to make a stop at Lolas. Visiting home without eating at Lola's is like forgetting to see half of the family. I'm completely serious. I love that place.

My brother was even able to come out from UCLA for conference with the fam. He and Henry like to make the same faces for pictures.

A nice picture-woohoo.

Jacob with the other Lolaites.

Sunday after the last Conference session, poor Johann had to travel back as a lone man to Henderson for work on Monday while Henry and I got to stay and play in California.

And just so no one assumes I spent the whole experience of Conference in a Lola's coma, my favorite talks were Elder Cook's, Elder Scott's and Sister Beck's. Oh shoot, one was before Lolas, one on Sunday and the other a week before. Maybe Saturday was passed in a Lola's coma after all...

Ok, away with you, flippancy. I really do love Conference time. I love going back through my notes and seeing what it is I have been counseled to change, to do better. I'm grateful to have revelation flowing continually from my Heavenly Father through his servants. I too often forget what a wonderful and merciful blessing it is.

On Monday, Jakey decided to stay in the HD to get his tires changed and was a nice big bro and took Hamp, Henry and I out to Red Robin for lunch.

He was really working hard.

It was actually pretty cold in the restaurant and Henry kept snuggling Jacob to stay warm. It was hilarious. I think I will title this picture, "The adoration of Jakey."

Tuesday and Wednesday, Henry and I helped my mom around her class and played at the house. Henry loves having so much space in and out of the house and so do I. And, I cannot deny that he also loved being able to watch Sprout and Nick Jr while sitting in Grammy's big comfy chair.

On Thursday, we were able to go to The Huntington's free day and see the gardens and some of the galleries with my mom.

Ah, The Huntington, how I love thee. Many fond childhood memories from here as well as adult ones-it's where Johann and I got engaged.

Henry being exactly like Henry is. A big leaf? SWORD.
He was fantastic though. We walked all around the gardens and he even allowed us some pleasant time in the gallery and would look at the paintings and different things being shown.

I love that Henry is starting to be more comfortable in museums. I want to set a good pattern for him so he doesn't end up a museum hater.

I think my favorite thing about the Huntington that day was just getting to walk in beautiful nature with my mom and son and feel the peace it brings. They also added a beautiful stain glass window in one of the galleries and I could have stood in front of it for a good hour. Ah, I love that place.

Friday was our last full day in Apple Valley and we got to celebrate Hamp's birthday. Ok, well, by celebrate, I mean eat peach cobbler concurrently. What can I say, the kids a hermit. I think he had a good day, none the less.

We drove back Saturday morning to Henderson and my mom stayed with us until Monday morning when she left to Utah to have a visit out there with her friend Julie.

So for a week we caught up and did our normal things. Then on Friday as my mom drove back from Utah, she stopped her again for the weekend, kind of spur of the moment-woohoo! Pictures of that little visit to come in a later post.

Then the following, ie, this past Tuesday, Henry and I set off for Arizona to see our old friends, the Ivanov's and meet their little girl Elizabeth.

She is pretty darn cute. Definitely likes mommy more than anyone in the world and was certainly wary of me but we had fun getting to see and know her better than just through pictures.

Henry and Lizzie

We spent time together around the house, went to a fall festival at a local farm, had a picnic at the lake, played games and ate and ate and ate. Lena, you cook too well.

I have to admit, I was a bit scared to go all the way out to AZ, by myself, with Henry, in a car that hasn't been completely reliable lately, in the still 90 plus weather.
But about half way through the drive, I felt like the car was working well, Henry was happy and I felt calm.
I'm so glad we got to spend time with our friends and continue to enjoy that friendship all together in the same space. It's so fun to see them as parents and know what good, kind people I get to be friends with. We love you guys! I also now have a lovely store of memories now to remember them by until next time =)
Oh, and can I just say that I will miss having chocolate and martinelli's brought out at night during games? Because I will!

Picnic at the lake-a picture of everyone-yay!

Annnd as a big bonus for facing my fears and going to Arizona, we also go to go and have a quick visit with our friends the Bakers before we set off! We got to witness the beautiful sealing of their son Andrew to them and Henry and Carter were born within a few weeks of each other. I had yet to meet their newest arrival Maylee so that was quite a treat. I almost cried like a big baby when Andrew came home from school-he's gotten so big and acts just like the big boy he is now, talking about what he did at school and whatnot.
It was also fun to chat with Meg again and stand in amazement as she moved, I swear, 2 times faster than anyone I've ever seen. She is super mom! So glad we got to see you and the fam!

Meg and the kids. Henry was pretty sure he wanted to stay there with those boys forever.
I can't say I blame him though =)

So here's to our little travels. It has been fun and thank goodness, because the holiday season is upon us and that means more traveling. Happily though, this traveling will get to involve Johann. It really is more fun when it's all of us together. =)