Houston Visit 2015

When we found out we were expecting again (and this time twins!), we quickly got a trip booked to head back to the States for some baby-gear shopping and an opportunity to see family and friends before our new additions arrive.

We had a busy and fun-filled trip visiting with family and going to places like Kemah Boardwalk, Houston Children's Museum, Houston Zoo, and the Rodeo. We also spent some time just hanging out and resting. :-)

Madi was a gem on the long flight over and we got lucky with an almost empty section so Madi got her own seat! Despite our flight being delayed and arriving late, Madi was able to go to sleep and woke up around 6 am the next morning. I consider that a huge success!

Lots of cousin fun with Sydney and Jaiden! They were so good at sharing with Madi and she even got to drive Jaiden's car and drove herself for the first time!!

The Houston Children's Museum was tons of fun! The cousins loved it and then at lunch Madi passed out in my arms. She had a slight fever (top two-year molars) - poor thing!

We had a blast riding the train and having dinner at Kemah Boardwalk!

We got to spend our first weekend with Grandma and Papa (Souta). Madi had fun playing with them, going to church with them, and enjoying breakfast at Cracker Barrel (with her new Hello Kitty toy!).

We got to enjoy an evening to ourselves (thanks to Stephanie watching Madi for us!) and attend a friend's wedding. It was fun to have this guy all to myself. :-)

We enjoyed staying part of our trip at the Meeh's home with Cindy and David. David is a natural at the grandparent-thing and Madi loved playing Tick Tock and Uppy Uppy with him.

Enjoying walks around the Meehs neighborhood to find doggies!

We celebrated Jason's and Sydney's birthdays a bit early while we were all together. Yummy cake and fun presents! It was tough to say goodbye to this precious family.

The last weekend we had Grandma and Papa Jeff in town along with Aunt Lily and Mimi. They watched Madi that Friday night so Jason and I could go to dinner at The Melting Pot and celebrate his birthday with a date night (thanks guys!).

Madi spent the night with them at their hotel and had a fun breakfast waffle and chance to take selfies.

We headed to their hotel and set off for the Rodeo! Madi had soooo much fun at the petting zoo and riding on the tractors. We played a few carnival games and spent time visiting while Madi napped in her stroller. I also think she was the best-dressed little girl there with her bandana-print dress and boots. But I might be biased. ;-)

Sunday all of us headed to the Houston Zoo! The weather was nice and Madi loved running around. Her favorite though was definitely feeding the giraffes... she loved it so much we went back through and did it twice!

We had to say good-bye to Aunt Lily and Mimi that afternoon before heading to dinner at Fogo de Chao. The meat was amazing and just the fix we needed.

The next day was our last before heading back to Norway, but we got to spend a lot of it with Grandma and Papa Jeff before their flight left. We enjoyed walking around Terry Hershey park and visiting.

Our flight left late that evening (9:45 pm) and we headed to the airport a bit early so we could make sure to get our five bags, car seat, and stroller all checked in as well as the rental car returned without feeling rushed. Madi once again did amazing and slept seven of the nine-hour flight to London. She had a blast watching Peppa Pig in the lounge and was excited to get home to her kittens and her own bed!

Overall, it was a wonderful trip! Thank you to everyone who came out to visit us and let us crash with them!! We sure did have fun and miss everyone!