When my mom announced that she was going to New Mexico for a wedding of some distant second cousin that I don't really know, I didn't automatically jump on the band wagon. But somehow everything came together and soon, Steven and I were both planning on going with my mom and my brother Mike. We loaded up my van on Thursday morning and headed on our way. Have I told you lately how much I love my van? It is such a perfect vehicle for traveling- so spacious ad roomy!
Sadly, the first 2 days were less than wonderful. Steven had turned monster child. He was spitting, hitting and whining- in general making me crazy. This is Steven at our typical stop in Holbrook, AZ.
After the long trip there, we stopped to visit my Aunt Charolette. Steven loved swinging in her yard and then playing with his superhero toys in her living room. After hanging out there we, of course, were in need of some dinner. She took us to this place that made amazing Navajo Tacos. So good!
(Look that's my hand print in my Aunt's backyard)
Then we continued on to our final destination, my Aunt Irene's house. Here he met his favorite dog, Georgia, and a dog that terrified (him and me) York. I swear it's bigger in person!
The next day Steven got to hang out with his buddies, William and Richard. He was super stoked to be with them again.
Together we went to visit my Grandma Palmer's grave. It was covered in weeds but Steven was a big helper and we cleaned it up.
Then it was off to Durango, CO so we could visit Honeyville. My mom loves her honey and the boys love watching the busy bees. Unfortunately, before Steven entered Honeyville, he got in some major trouble with me because he kept spitting and hitting his buddies so he was less than tickled pink to pose for the pictures.
Me and my favorite cousin, Breezy, with the Honeyville bear- just like old times.
After we left Honeyville I was STARVING so we stopped at a Mexican place in Durango to eat but Steven had other plans. He decided to throw a fit almost as soon as we sat down. He wanted a hot dog just like his friends but he had already eaten so I was saying no. It ended up with me and him in the van crying. I hate how emotional I feel when pregnant.
The next day was the wedding of my second cousin. The only memory I have of her is from a family reunion long ago where she was on a wooden swing that hit the back of my head. I got a permanent bump from it so I guess that memory will always be with me.
It was a perfect New Mexican wedding in my Aunt's backyard. And Steven was actually a good boy for most of it. He especially loved picnicking by the nearby river. It was nice to finally have a good child and to get to socialize with family I rarely see. Steven also caught what he believed to be tadpole, Mike thought they might be tapeworms. Surprisingly they survived many days in that sealed water bottle. They may still be alive if I hadn't thrown them out in the back yard...
After the wedding we went to my Aunt Ruth May's trailer and Steven had fun tramping about their backyard. So much fun for my little boy. And definitely a plus that he got to do it with his best bud, William.
Before we headed home we stopped by where my Grandpa Palmer is buried (he is buried with his first wife so he is not with my Grandma). I also found the grave of the relative Tyler and I share. So great to have common ancestors with your husband.
That was essentially our trip. The drive back was relatively calm and included ice cream which makes me happy. Steven also made us laugh as we changed elevation and he commented, "My ears are making my mouth soft." He then proceeded to yell because and say how soft he was being. Love that kid!
