Team Shirey: Trip to El Paso

Guy and I had a blast in El Paso the past few weeks. It was totally worth the miserable travel and the more miserable jet lag. We packed in a ton of activities during the three weeks we were there, and I loved the change of pace after a hot, slow Jordanian summer. The first week was crazy busy as my parents and I cared for Guy and my nephews while my brother, Brad, and his wife, Colleen, went on a babymoon. Their third son, Raphael, is scheduled to arrive in mid December! Guy LOVED playing with his cousins and they were so good with him.

During our second week, my dear friend Meg and her son, Brennan, came to see us. We had a wonderful visit together and were delighted to finally meet one another's children in person. We even enjoyed a couple of nights out on the town while my parents babysat our boys (aren't my folks amazing?!).

My parents, Guy and I spent Labor Day weekend in New Mexico. It was so restful. We went on hikes, out to restaurants, watched football, enjoyed the cool weather, and they got some quality one-on-one time with Guy. It was very special and helped us to gear up for a busy final week in El Paso, which was spent shopping and stocking up on what we'll need for life in Jordan this next year.

Guy and I were eager to get back home to Jonathan, who let us go on this trip while he plugged away at work and pined for his family. Needless to say, we all missed each other terribly, and were joyously reunited on Monday night...just in time for Guy's 1st birthday on Tuesday (which will get its own blog shortly)! Here are a few pictures from our fantastic trip:

This is at the airport, just after we arrived in El Paso and before my brother and his wife took off on their vacation. I'm pretty sure Guy is screaming in this picture.

We dragged those three boys all over town together. Yes, I know Guy's carseat is WAY too big for him.
I bought another, age-appropriate one while we were in the U.S.

Grannie with the boys.

Whenever Gabriel saw Guy coming over to me, he would run ahead of him and jump in my arms. He even called me "mama" after a few days. I have yet to hear Guy do the same.