Flight of the Phoenix

Before Phoenix was a twinkle in our eye, we had a few trips planned.

And actually, after she was a 5 pound weight in my midsection- we had to plan another trip for Russ' brother's wedding. So like it or not, Phoenix was going airborne earlier that later.

Leaving Austin while in Dad's arms.

Up close and personal- not too much room to wiggle.

Once in California, we stayed with some good friends. So good that even though they were expecting a baby of their own in 10 days, they let us stay with them!!! THANK YOU! In the above picture their 4 year old practices being a big sister by holding Phoe. So cute!

Some of the trips required our presence at certain events- 

like a social for law students in a bowling alley. 

Phoenix was a good sport about it and didn't mind eating dinner in a place with 

loud music and stinky shoes. She's great like that!

Phoenix eating lunch at Stanford Law School.
She has no fear of Civil Procedure.

 

Finally, we took our baby to Alcatraz. Like stupid first-time parents, we made a mistake. First off, it was freaking cold on Alcatraz. Second, it was a ton of walking- which was back-breaking to wear the Baby Bjorn. Should have brought a stroller. Finally, we were there for like 5-6 hours. And I was not about to change her but in a jail cell. (although, it would have made a good story). But Phoenix was a trooper. She slept pretty much the whole time. We fed her on the boat ride back to San Fran.

So there is a bit of our travel adventures. The worst part of the travels came on the return from the wedding. But that is a story requiring it's entirely own blogpost....

Here's where Phoenix has been so far:

• Denver, Colorado
• San Francisco, California
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Phoenix, Arizona

# of plane rides: SIX

Vague Blog

Russ and I have just returned from Orange, Texas. We went to visit the Hayes family. They are a family that have so much LOVE. They've come to visit us in San Marcos, and this is our second time going back East. But more on this trip later.

What I wanted to blog about was a conversation I had with M. Hayes. She is the matron of the family, and she is amazing. This woman has a presence about her. When she talks, you listen. Her children are amazingly obedient (but I know it's taken her years of work and practice). And you know she loves you. You can just feel it in everything she does or says.

We were talking on the couch before we left about life. She has had some challenges lately, in all aspects of life. Russ and I have also had some interesting turns lately. This is where this blog is going get vague. So no need to read on if you're not in the mood for the passive discussion.

M. Hayes said, "It's all about attitude. But be careful, because before you know it, you're attitude becomes reality." I had to laugh at this. There's been a lot on my mind lately. I made a comment to Russ a year or two ago, sort of off-handedly. Now, the inverse of that comment has happened. (Vague??? Well, I warned you...).

Since that talk, as we drove home, I've thought about that and pondered why the inverse happened instead of the exact statement I made. And I think I've figured out. I think if the actual statement had happened, the first part would have been done out of willingness. But the second part would have been done out of sense of duty. But because the inverse happened, both were done out of willingness.

Isn't that interesting? And isn't this vague? I do apologize.
I really wrote this so I would remember... I hope I remember through the vagueness.

Girl's Camp 2010- Swim

2 leaders

12 girls

1 week.

Camp this year was... different. Most years these girls just wanna have fun. But this year it was like these girls were ready to heal. Or deal with life. I guess most of them are getting older and more mature. But I cried a ton, I talked until I lost my voice, and I feel like I learned SO MUCH! I have a greater appreciation for the Gospel. For Jesus Christ. I felt overwhelmed with how much God loves and cares about these girls. I am so grateful I got to go to camp and serve these girls.

Back in Chicago...

Here's a few pictures from Chicago...

Geno's East Deep Dish Pizza

There was construction around this place... what is this place anyway?

Blink and then you're back in Texas

Russ and I had a short visit to Utah for my little brother's wedding. It was a quick but fun trip! Great to see the family, and see my little brother married off to a great gal!

But it's nice to sleep in my own bed. No more flying trips for me the rest of the summer. My only other big traveling event is Girl's Camp!

So now I can finally relax, sit back, and enjoy my summer.

American Idiot

So Russ and I are pretty big Green Day fans. We've been news junkies over the broadway musical since it was first reported about.

After spending the past few years following its development, I think we should go and see it. It's on our bucket list to go to NY. It's one show that I think would really interest us, personally on Broadway.

What do you think? Carpe Diem? Or save our $?

Still Alive

Russ and I are still alive, we have just been busy. Here's the highlight list:

• Big 12 game @ Cowboys Stadium. Russ had to report on the Horn's last second win.
• Christmas in Canada
• Rose Bowl in Pasadena California. Russ had to report on the Horn's valiant play for the championship. Tough life- he had almost a whole week in California!
• CLEO Winter-Academic Seminar. Chow had to go to freezing DC for law school exam prep. seminar. But the sweet part was seeing a friend from yesteryear- Katie Coon

Perhaps when things calm down we will post some pictures from these adventures. Let is be said we feel very blessed to have so many opportunities, to have each other, and to have traveled safe. (Thus far. As I write this I'm in the DC airport so... let's hope it goes well!)

Much Love!

Chow

Bear Lake

My sister-in-law posted pictures from a family vacation at Bear Lake. This picture of my nephew Elliot and my sister Raine, is my favorite.

Where did the Wilde's go?

We are not dead. We have been, well living life I guess.

For our anniversary we went to Jasper, Texas. Russ was there for 9 months of his mission and has not been back (it's been almost 10 years). We stayed at a B and B for 65 bucks a night.

A note on B & B's: I (Chow) love staying in them. I love staying in a room that has heart and history. It's fun to wake up in the morning and just go down stairs and have a homemade breakfast, made just for me.
Well this experience was right on target. The place we stayed in was built in the 1900's. When you walked in the room from the bathroom to the bed, you could feel the wood floor planks expand and contract beneath our feet. It was across the street from the courthouse and was just gorgeous. Really, I can't put in words how exceptional our stay in Jasper, Texas was.

After our stay we road tripped home through east Texas. I got to see all of Russ's areas. Then we went to the San Jacinto monument, which I feel makes me a full Texan.

Then we went to the gulf. Honestly, I can see how people have never left the state of Texas. It is such a diverse state. We went to the Kemah boardwalk and it felt like being at Fisherman's Warf. It was soo neat. We ate at the Aquarium and watched the sharks and sting rays swim next to us, and then looked out the window at the gulf.

At one point I saw some birds flying into the gulf and I said to Russ," Oh, look Russ seagulls". At that point the birds turned and I could see a profile view and I realized they were pelicans. So pretty.

Mini vacation

My four day weekend is finally over. The fun included a trip to
Houston, 2 Ben Folds shows, a French dinner, a hobbit dinner,
Halloween preparations, a trip to LittleBigPlanet, and plenty of couch-
potatoery. Now it's back to work just in time for one more week of
election madness. We already cancelled each other's votes out, at least on some races.