We had a bit of a marathon trip. We had planned to fly out of Columbia - the airport is about 15 minutes from our apartment - but there was a hail storm in Chicago, so United cancelled their flights and put their passengers on Continental. We ended up racing from the Columbia airport to the Greenville/Spartanburg airport (1 1/2 hours away). Instead of getting to Austin at 7 p.m., we got there around midnight. We ended up traveling 13 hours. I can't help but think of all the places we could have reached in 13 hours!
The San Antonio temple is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever visited. The inside is particularly beautiful. Our home teacher in Columbia actually did the decorative painting inside the temple - small world!
We learned that there is a little semi-hidden doorbell outside the temple that is used when the temple is closed and someone needs to get in. It rings throughout the entire building. We learned that because apparently Baylie pressed it at least once and someone came out to inform us.
After the sealing with David's mom and step dad.
We spent the weekend at David's sister's home. All of David's family except for one brother now lives in Austin, so we got to see everyone (except for one boy cousin). It was great for our kids to get to know their Batchelor cousins better.
Baylie fell in love with Princess. She keeps saying "When I'm bigger, I can have a dog."
As usual, David was the kid magnet and favorite uncle.
Jalen played it cool in the jacuzzi with his shades.
The girls played and colored and danced and stayed up WAAAYYY too late.
Jalen loved all the extra attention.
On our last day, we went to the zoo, which is actually a place for rescued animals. I was surprised at the variety of animals they had there. (This is David's sister and some of the cousins.)
I noticed that this little cockatoo seemed to be watching us and longing for human affection. I backed up to him and he jumped right on my shoulder.
Right before we headed for the airport, we met up one last time with David's dad and step mom.
It was a great visit and it was wonderful to spend so much time with almost everyone. Baylie was in heaven with all the girl cousins. There are also a couple of boy cousins close to Jalen's age, so before long the three of them will also be having fun together.Due to some delays, our return trip was also semi-eventful. We didn't get home until 3 a.m. We were sure glad to sleep in our own beds! Now we just have to get the kids over the colds they seem to catch every time we travel.
2 comments:
We love the San Antonio temple. Brian's brother is an architect and his firm was the one that did the temple. He had lots of little tips on the design and construction that we wouldn't have known otherwise. It was also kind of cool because none of Brian's family are members but they were really excited about this temple. Their church boycotted the Houston temple when it was built. Glad you got to go!!
What a great trip! How neat to be able to be there for the sealing. It is neat that you got to see most of David's family. I love the cockatoo picture. You look like you are doing great. I am so glad!
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