It's been over a month since we got home from Texas, so I'd better write this post before I forget everything we did!
The day after Paul and Carly's wedding - Sunday - was our last day in San Antonio. We decided to get up early and go to church so we could travel in the afternoon. Our sizable crew (12 adults and 3 kids) arrived together and walked in to Sacrament meeting at the church meetinghouse near our hotel. The "Himnos" books scattered on the pews were our first clue something was different, and we quickly retreated to the foyer to decide what to do. Should we stay and attend the Spanish Branch? Try to find another ward building? Go at a later time? 
Ultimately, we decided to stay. Mark was thrilled, Stew (my brother-in-law) seemed to enjoy the challenge, Rick and Nancy (my aunt and uncle who recently returned from a mission in the Dominican Republic) served as translators, my Mom befriended two non-member girls who happened to be attending and who also didn't speak Spanish, and the rest of us smiled, nodded, and tried to enjoy the experience. I liked singing the hymns best; I even knew one of them by heart (yes, in Spanish!).That afternoon we bid farewell to Mark and Dylan (my sister Lauren's boyfriend) who had to
return to their respective homes to work (someone has to finance our jet-setting, right?). The rest of us caravanned three hours to my aunt and uncle's home in Stephenville. Bryce and Aubree handled the drive wonderfully; they both slept a good portion of the trip. Besides my kiddos, the only other person travelling with me was Lauren. Since the kids were sleeping, we had a lot of time to chat. I really enjoy the time I have to talk with Lauren - she is extraordinarily observant, aware, and articulate, and her insights are fascinating. Thanks, Lauren!
Our time in Stephenville was blissfully unscheduled. We spent long hours talking, relaxing, reminiscing, playing with the kids, eating, and talking more. We got to hear great stories about Rick and Nancy's recent mission, and since they will be leaving in June to serve as Mission President for the Jamaica mission, we got to hear all the exciting news about that as well. I didn't see too much of Aubree - she was too busy playing with her cousin-friends. Nancy has a special room dedicated solely to toys and d
ress-up clothes so Aubree was in heaven. Heather organized a few activities for the girls as well (like cupcake decorating), so by the end of the trip Aubree had decided to move-in. Bryce also loved the toys and the excitement. He spent most of his time smacking his little cousin Kylee's face (poor girl, last time we were together he tried to eat her foot...) and playing with a yo-yo. Although he started out the week as clingy as ever, by the end of the trip he was willing to go to his aunts and Grandma and has been much better about being held by others ever since then.
Heather, Kira, Lauren, my mom, and I spent a substantial amount of time making hair bows. Heather is practically professional and has drawers full of supplies. We sat at the master's feet and tried to soak up knowledge. Kira figured it out in about 2-seconds (she's crafty like that), but it took me much longer. With lots of feedback, I did manage to make a few great bows. I have the supplies I need to make more here at home, now I just need to make the 
time! It's much easier and more fun to do with a group. Aubree asks frequently when I'm going to make her more, so I'd better get movin'.Sadly, our time ended too quickly and it was time to head home. Our drive to the airport was fairly uneventful with the exception of one heart-stopping moment:
we were travelling down the road and came around a corner to find a Semi heading straight for us! I was driving and had a split-second of near-panic as my mind raced trying to determine the best course of action to spare the lives of my two little ones, my mom and my sister. The next second we realized the Semi was being towed, and all was well. What a relief!
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