The last week or so

So if you're a reader of this blog, you've already heard about our crazy escapade to New York. But lest you think we've just been negligent bloggers, let me update you on all that we've been up to.

Friday, May 16--Had an open house in Texas. Spent most of the week painting and cleaning to help parents-in-law get ready for it. Though I didn't know most of the people there, my good friends Rich and Jeanine and their family came all the way from Oklahoma, and my friend Rachel, who lives in Texas, came too. I felt loved!

Saturday, May 17--After a spur-of-the-moment idea on Friday to possibly go to New York either the next day or next week, I touched base with my friend Lindsay via e-mail to ask if we could come. Saturday morning she had written saying basically, Come! We looked at flights (we can fly stand-by, for a price, because Royce's dad works for American), chatted with Lindsay on the phone, and were on a flight by noon. Are we crazy?

Saturday, May 17 through Tuesday, May 20--Hung out in New York with Lindsay, Blake, and Garrett. Had a wonderful time! I lost my voice on Saturday, unfortunately, so it made talking a bit of a challenge. But if you know me well, you know it takes a lot to get me to shut up. So I just continued to strain my voice, but that's the way it goes. More details on the trip later (probably pictures mostly).

Wednesday, May 21--Recuperated, and tried to get a bit organized. Our living room and dining area were full of the presents from the Texas open house we never got unpacked.

Thursday, May 22--Headed to in-laws to do some laundry, and then packed the car and headed with Cynthia (mother/in-law) to St. Louis for an open house (Royce lived there until his mission). Spent approximately 11 hours on the road and got into St. Louis pretty late.

Friday, May 23--Helped set up for the open house in the Relief Society room. Picked up more family from the airport, ate, got ready, and had yet, another open house. This was the only one where Royce knew almost everyone. Lucky for me, there were two couples there who came just for me. Two of my favorite couples from my mission showed up! I sent open house announcements to people from my last area because their temple is St. Louis, so I thought it just might be possible.

Saturday, May 24--Hung out with Royce's parents and the Lower's (the people who hosted us). Saw the latest Indiana Jones, and laughed at the ridiculousness of it all, but loved every minute. Took Royce's parents to the airport. Went to Ted Drewes (friends from the Nauvoo trip, you should remember this place). And then went to one of the coolest "museums" ever. I really can't describe how fun it was. When the girl was telling me what it was on the phone, I was a little skeptical.

Me: "So what do you have there?"
Her: "Well, we have like slides, and things to crawl through, and we have a circus at 9:00. And if you don't like that stuff, we have a ball pit."

A ball pit?

Me: "So, is it mostly for kids?"
Her: "The later it gets, the bigger the kids get."

Despite my skepticism, we went (Royce had always wanted to go as a kid, but never got to because it is a bit pricey. $12/person, or $10 after 5:00 on weekends). It was worth it. Their website doesn't really show how cool it is. I liked Royce's description--it's like a giant chutes and ladders. There are a crawl spaces that lead to who knows where everywhere. There's a giant whale part, an outside part, a really dark part (I didn't like that one). I was really nervous to climb through these little tubes, especially the twisty ones that had big drops below them, but it was so fun. We felt like little kids, running around and exploring every little corner of the place.

And yes, I do realize that I spent as much space writing about that one event as I did about the rest of the days combined, but I'm still so excited about it. It was great! Pictures will come.

Sunday, May 25--Royce and I drove home. Thank goodness for electronic entertainment that makes the drive go by faster!

Monday, May 26--Memorial Day! We spent Sunday night at Royce's parents to save gas, because we really needed to do laundry by this point. And there, we get to do it for free! So I woke up early, did laundry. We had a late brunch with his family--crepes, bacon, and smoothies! Saw Iron Man. Played croquet in the backyard with the parents! (Let us know if you want to play--we have a set now!) Had some holiday-appropriate dinner, and played a competitive game of Canasta, which Royce and I royally lost!

Monday, May 26 9:30 pm to the present--Royce started feeling sick, leading to a nearly sleepless night for both of us. He's finally sleeping somewhat peacefully on the couch. Poor guy. What's a young newlywed wife to do?

So here I am. I've been enjoying the downpour through the thin slots of my balcony blinds as I've been writing this. Our parking lot was a river that is slowly dissipating to a puddle. It was pretty amazing. Once I post this, it's off to organizing and putting away more stuff, because did I mention how we had two open houses and I haven't even put away stuff from the first one?

At least I think I'm off the hook for thinking up something for dinner.