Texas

After an exciting five days in the Lone Star State Tyler and I are finally home. We had a jam packed week with never a dull moment. Tyler met a ton of new relatives and friends and loved every minute of being the center of attention.
Wednesday my mom picked us up from the airport and we were off to meet Great Grandma and Grandpa Fondren. Tyler has started experiencing a little stranger anxiety so I worried how he would react to all these new faces in such a new environment. My concerns were completely unfounded. Tyler was a little ham and flirt the whole week, smiling and showing off for whoever would watch. He quickly won the hearts of Great Grandma and Grandpa with his smiles and great disposition. From there we headed to my dad's house which would be our home base for this trip.
On Thursday Tyler got reacquainted with Poppy, Gammy and Honey (who had flown in the night before on a tiny two person plane!) We went on walks through the neighborhood with Duchess the Yorkipoo and then had lunch out and did a little shopping in the afternoon.
On Friday my relatives from Tyler, TX drove over to meet Tyler. He got to meet Great Aunt Linda and Uncle Fletcher, my Cousin Karen and her daughter Anne. What a precious and sweet little girl! Tyler loved watching her walk around and she kept him supplied with toys. It was such a fun afternoon catching up with them. We hope to see you again soon! That night I went to my friend Haley's for her birthday party. I got to see friends from high school and college and was able to meet some of their new little ones; baby Kinley is 3 months old, older sister Aubrey, and Jackson who is 16 months.
On Saturday morning some of my friends came over to meet Tyler and visit with him for a while. It meant so much to me that they could see him. It's been hard with everyone so far away so this was very special to me. That afternoon we were back at Tyler's Great Grandparents to celebrate Great Grandpa's birthday. He also got to meet Great Aunt Ellen, Great Uncle Mark and Cousin Sydney. Saturday night Grammy watched Tyler while I went to a baby shower for my friend Genni and her husband Chad. They're expecting their first child next month, Grace Riley. The shower was a great party with delicious Mexican food, college football on every tv and lots of great friends. She had people come from California, Florida, Minnesota and all over Texas. I've known Genni and her family since 2nd grade so it was so great to see everyone again and celebrate the upcoming arrival of baby Grace.
Sunday was the most low key day we had. The day was spent packing up and preparing to head back up North. Despite a few travel complications we arrived home safe and sound and ready for a night in our own beds! As wonderful and memorable as this trip was we missed Jim a lot and, well, there's just no place like home!