Spring Break Road Trip '11 Part One: Elko

So, about a month ago Chuck and I were pondering the fact that we had a road trip planned to Elko for our nephew's baby blessing the last weekend of March and another road trip planned to Utah for General Conference the first weekend in April. And then we pondered the fact that Chuck had some pretty sweet vacation time. And then we pondered the fact that gas is expensive and one triangle trip = less driving when compared to two . . . linear (?) trips. And thus our super awesome spring break road trip was decided - eight days, two states, four houses, two memory cards, and LOTS of fun. Here's part one:

One of my favorite things about marrying Chuck was that I instantly became an aunt to two darling little girls (Mallory and Courtney), both of whom are now quite grown-up girls. I love catching up with them when we visit - this is me with Mallory!

We drove down the afternoon of Will's birthday, so Chuck's family put together some b-day festivities, which was really wonderful.

After hearing of Will's love of Handy Manny, Terri and Melissa created an amazing 'toolbox' cake for him.

Isn't it so great??

Will LOVED blowing out the candles, and luckily there was an indulgent grandma on hand to keep lighting them. I'm pretty sure we sang 'happy birthday' like seven times, but it was totally worth it to see him clap for himself each time he blew out the candles!!

Then it was time for some presents before bed. Speaking of which, Will absolutely insisted on being put to bed in this (surprisingly sturdy) doll cradle. I humored him, sure that he'd change his mind, but the goof actually fell asleep in it! Don't worry, I switched him over to an actual bed immediately after taking the picture :).

Earlier in the evening, we headed over to the playground so Aunt Melissa could snap some shots of the birthday boy, which will be showcased soon.

There was a bit of drizzly rain, which did not seem to bother this goofy kid.

Sunday was the baby blessing for sweet Eli! Sadly, this is the only picture I took of him, but he looked darling in his little white outfit and he loved snuggling up with Grandpa after church. On a random note, I sat next to Aleesha during Relief Society and since she and Lee had just visited us in Nampa the weekend before, it made it the second week in a row that she and I giggled semi-uncontrollably as we attempted to sing a completely unknown hymn. Pretty sure we won't be recruited to join the choir in either ward :).

Before church that morning, Clyde got some pretty serious bonding time in with Aunt Amanda - she patiently created and flew paper airplanes with him and even followed Clyde's directions to hide under the kitchen table from battle droids (keep in mind she's five months pregnant!).

After church we ate very delicious food, caught up with family and friends, and enjoyed some sunshine in the backyard.

Some of us enjoyed the backyard even when the sunshine ceased and the hail began. He was pretty angry when I made him come inside - but I think his red cheeks and nose thanked me!

Courtney and I neglected to get a picture of our semi-coordinating church outfits (navy blue dresses and leggings) so we had to settle for this quick shot as her family was leaving.

And because nothing concludes a lovely Sunday quite like a meltdown, here's where Clyde fell asleep that night after declaring that he was angry with me and wouldn't be going to bed :).

All was right in the world by the next morning, especially since he got to help Grandma make pancakes for breakfast!

And then it was time for one last hug before Grandma left for school and we left for Utah.

We did stick around long enough for Chuck to watch the kids so Melissa and I could go out shopping for a couple of hours :). As a reward, Melissa let Chuck use her i-touch (i-phone? i-something?) to play some games; isn't it sweet when siblings share?

We had such a fun time in Elko, and we're so glad we could be there and share in the sweet experience of Eli's blessing!