Visit from the Hocks

We were so lucky to have Michael's family come out to visit us last week for a whole week. Although we missed Kev and Matt, we had a really good time. We were so grateful that they made the long flight to come visit us. It meant so much to us. We thought about going on a little getaway from here but ultimately decided there is plenty of fun stuff around here so we had a staycation instead. 

We spent our time introducing them to some of our favorite spots including the Tobacco trail,

going to a Durham Bulls game,

going to the Raleigh Temple to do a sealing session, 

 going to the mall to take pictures of the grandkids, going to a really fun day at the water park an hour away (I can't believe I don't have any pictures of that fun day!), Sunday dinner at the McBs, going to the Duke Gardens to enjoy the beauty,

cousin time  (yes, Houston is officially old enough to say, "Mom, can I make a funny face in this one?" lower right), 

 family time,

 Duke Campus,

 the Mebane outlets (Houst and Hadley spent most of the time putting "pretend coins" in the riding cars and then hopping on and mooching off kids of non-cheapo parents- see yellow tonka truck- its amazing how fast Houst makes friends when a free ride is at stake), pedicures (yes- those are my pregnant swollen feet!),

and going to a baby shower for me and Baby AJ (which I will have to do a separate post on because it was SO CUTE! :)

We also enjoyed staying up late, sleeping in a bit, cramming in the minivan together, and just being by each other. It was nice to have Michael's family here to make us forget for one week how far we live from them.  Thank you so much Mike, Eileen, Megan, and Emery for making the trip. We had a great time and hope that you did too!

Especially Meg, I know it isn't easy to take a toddler on long trips but it really did mean a lot to us- it is always fun to see you and we miss you a lot!