Smith Family: Dallas Trip June 2016

The kids and I flew to Texas for our annual visit at the end of June. For kids who took so many flights at such young ages, we haven't had to fly in a while. It's nice being able to drive again to see family. I was a little hesitant to attempt that drive by myself though so we opted to fly. They were very excited.

And since there was 4 of us, I took the row with the little ones and Presley took a seat by herself right across from us. That was the first time we've had to split up, which was different, but worked out fine. She's so old, responsible and helpful! I couldn't have done it so easily without all her help.

I wish I had done this blog sooner so I could've remembered everything we did. It was a great 10+ days there. We went to the splash parks, ball park, so many dinner and lunches together, dance parties, Pepper's Baptism, catching up with Mark and Julia and fam, and a surprise visit from Cameron flying in for the Fourth of July. I know I missed a lot of it, but there were so many moments I watched the kids together that made me smile. It's so hard living apart sometimes, but I'm so grateful for the times we are together. Seeing my kids making these great memories with their cousins is heartwarming. I love watching them bond and truly enjoy each other.

David was so excited to go to Little Ninjas and try out everything

He and Liam took on some big kids at dodgeball, just the two of them, and did great!

David really wanted to go to a baseball game. Mallie got us all tickets to the Rough Riders and we had a ball!

This kid loves the Wii

I got to meet Pepper and get in lots of snuggles!!

The kids adored her, especially Presley

And it was so nice to spend more time with Fox. Since we aren't there and haven't been since he was born, we have a lot of catching up to do.

David loved helping Dallie wash the Corvette

We took Dallie to see Finding Dory for his Father's Day gift.

Then, we caught one of Liam's soccer games

The girls did lots of crafting

And we caught up with old friends from when Presley was a baby in Texas, Mia and Ashley.

Mallie took each group of kids out for a date. Anna and Nora got to go to Barnes and Noble, then home and Mallie painted their nails. David and Liam did putt putt and lunch at Olive Garden. Presley and Bryn got their nails done at a real salon. It was great bonding time for them all with their cousins, but also great quality time with Mallie.

We even got a visit from Samantha and Cobalt. It was so fun to see them for a night!! We were so glad they came up to see us.

And we got a girls night out to dinner!

Amelia and Daniel asked me and Alex to be Pepper's Godparents. I was thrilled and so happy I was in town for the Baptism. It was beautiful and so special. The cousins did a great job supporting her!

Cosmic bowling one day with cousins

Then, we hit the arcade

We love the Weavers and are so glad we got to catch up with them!!

Mark, Julia, Max and Olivia came in town for a Volleyball Tournament and we got to keep Olivia for the week with us while they went to the hotel downtown. She and Presley and Bryn bonded so much and were so cute to watch together. They brought Anna so cute birthday presents.

The girls all had a slumber party at Emily and Nick's house

While the boys stayed with us at Mallie's house

Oh and I totally forgot, Anna got her first haircut at 3 years old. She did wonderful and wanted to go get it cut again the next day.

These two were really cute together.

They cooked with Mallie

We had lunch at the Mall one day after riding the carousel, then breezed through the Disney store.

Then, the girls started sewing with Mallie. Olivia was so sweet and made the kids little napkins and each a stuffed puff ball. Presley treasures it and David loves the Star Wars pillow she made him before we left town.