Adventures in Houston

On August 12th, I escaped the heat of Utah and went to the hotter heat of Houston to visit with Dustin's family. The next day Jared showed up, and the day after that Dan, Emily and Halle arrived. I guess I just don't have as much to do as the rest of them.

Nice house, but as you can see they can't afford to buy shoes.

The first thing Dylan wanted to do was go "fishing" at the neighborhood lake. Rumor has it (straight from the game warden) there's an alligator living in there.

Emily celebrated her 24th birthday.

Halle celebrated getting lots of attention.


Silly Dan thought he was going for vacation. Dustin had other plans for him. They cut a hole in the wall under the stairs and made a little "clubhouse" for the boys, who were quick to move in when the last nail was in place.

Paulette has quite the sweet tooth. 3 dozen donuts and a whole cake all in one sitting!!!

Halle was determined to find Molly the cat. Molly was just as determined not to be found.

Knowing the Hurtado passion for sports, Dustin was excited to get Astros tickets for Jared, Emily, Dan, Dustin and Dylan. In all the years they have lived in Houston and attended games, never once have they caught a ball. Jared goes one time and without even realizing what had happened, a foul ball dropped out of the sky and straight into his hands. Dylan was so heartbroken HE didn't get to catch it that Jared was kind enough to give it to him.

The backyard teeter totter was a big hit---

And so was the neighborhood pool.

Hayden taught Halle a thing or two.

The blessing of Kolton was, after all, the main excuse we used to visit.


Do they get any cuter than this?

Or this?

Or this? Hopeless was my couch companion aka very large lap dog (only when Paulette wasn't in the room).

I took the boys to Toys R Us to pick out their birthday presents since I won't get to see them on their birthdays. Dylan chose 2 Leapster games--

And this is what Hayden picked out. The kids loved it.

Nauvoo Books is alive and well after all these years.

Halle enjoyed her time Krogering.

I'm not sure whether Dustin was more excited to have us come, or to see us go home. Yes, Dustin, you may be 30, but you haven't changed a bit and you're still my little boy!!