OK Family Visit

After our adventures in ABQ, we flew to Oklahoma City, where Mark's parents, siblings & spouses, niece, and nephews live (well, no one actually lives in OKC itself, but they're in the metro area). 

We've passed through Oklahoma City many times over the years, but this was only our second extended visit since Mark's parents moved there. It's definitely hotter in the summer, but we really enjoyed seeing everyone! We spent a lot of time at Mom & Dad's, had a few meals out (we really like Torchie's tacos!), visited Katie & Kaden at their place, and had dinner at Heidi's. Mark and Zach also played video games at Damon's one day. And Dad, Damon, Mark, and I went to see the new Indiana Jones movie (I thought it was pretty good; the guys weren't as impressed :-). Here are some photos of the highlights.

After talking about trying to go out for tea somewhere, which was going to be tricky because places were closed for the 4th of July, we decided to put together our own tea at Mom's! I made scones, Jill brought tea sandwiches and macarons, and Mom brewed up the tea. It was delicious!

table set for tea

Jill's macarons: fruity pebble & cinnamon bun

cucumber & egg salad tea sandwiches
(one is cut in a dinosaur shape for Kaden)

fruit

mini-quiches

scones: strawberry chocolate chip &
banana nut (some also with chocolate chips)

Heidi, Hannah, me, Jill, Mom, & Katie

We also got together with everyone for a BBQ and homemade ice cream on 4th of July. The Carey family went home to check on their dogs after dinner, and the rest of us hung out till it was dark enough to do some fireworks!

Kaden learns how to throw snappers

Dad lights bottle rockets with help from Mark's flashlight

Damon & Dad lighting bottle rockets

Kaden plays with a sparkler

Kaden & Uncle Mark watching Dad

Kaden riding on Uncle Mark's shoulders

we moved to the driveway/street for bigger fireworks

Kaden & Uncle Mark say "cheese"

We celebrated Mom's birthday at Heidi's. 

Mom's birthday dessert with candles;
Kaden is ready to assist! :-)

Mom opens presents with Kaden

Mom also wanted to get some new family photos while everyone was in town. We had a session with a photographer at JC Penny one day. Dad took some more group photos at Heidi's on Mom's birthday. 

the guys photo

the ladies photo

the whole family photo
(we almost couldn't fit in the space!)

Jill had fun with props in the waiting area

Nana & grandkids

Mark & Mom

siblings & Mom

just the ladies

And between those things, there was lots of quality time hanging out together. 

the guys play some video games

Heidi and Kaden read a book with Cody supervising
(Kaden calls her Ye-Ye, and they're best friends ;-)

Cody barks at the TV anytime
dogs come on...it's too funny! 

We especially enjoyed seeing Kaden again in person. Even though we were there for Christmas about 6 months ago, he's changed a lot since then. And there are definitely some similarities between Kaden and Daniel, since they're only about 6 weeks apart in age. But they are also so different with unique personalities already showing! I learned that I like playing blocks more than cars. Also, Kaden is often moving too fast to get a clear picture. :-)

me reading with Kaden at his place

reading again, at Nana & Grandpa's

Kaden & me playing with blocks
(I think this is a giant robot)

Kaden & Uncle Mark reading

Mark, Kaden, and Katie figure out this new toy

Kaden's got it!

Uncle Mark & Kaden goofing around

more blocks, with Uncle Mark;
this time Molly supervises

the tower's bigger than Kaden!

Kaden posing with his tower

Kaden plays Grandpa's ukulele

Kaden with a cute finger puppet I found!

selfie with Kaden

more reading with Uncle Mark

hugging Uncle Mark goodbye

hugging me goodbye

Thanks to everyone for making time to spend with us while we were there, and to Mom and Dad for hosting and feeding us!