Casa de Lewis: Alexa's First Road Trip!

(WARNING: Long Post - sorry)

Yes, Alexa had her first road trip! Well, kind of. We didn't go very far, but it was technically her first trip and we drove, so I guess it was in fact her first road trip. The last weekend in March, Cory, Alexa and I drove to Tyler and visited with my good friend Micheal Lavender and his wonderful family. Micheal and I met at Capital One 3 years ago - well, actually, it was Hibernia back then - and we quickly became friends. When we met, I was a credit analyst and he was just promoted to the commercial banking group. He had to travel to Dallas once a week and train in the credit group, which meant we spent a lot of time together. We have the same sense of humor, so needless to say we barely got any work done because we were laughing so hard every time we saw each other. We had so much fun together! Good times! Micheal no longer works for the bank. He works for a local bank in Tyler and is doing extremely well. I'm so happy for him.

Micheal is married to Erin and they have two wonderful little girls, Campbell (4) and Abbie Claire (2). Cory and I actually visited them two years ago a couple of months after Abbie was born. Then Erin and Micheal came and stayed with us a year later (last March). Micheal actually took my pregnancy pictures, which I absolutely love! Makes the pictures even more special.

This last visit was very eventful for the Lavender family. When we arrived, Erin explained how they recently put their house on the market. They were able to get a really good deal on a new construction house through one of their builder friends, which was contingent upon them selling their house. She was, however, really disappointed in the interest, or lack thereof, in their house. Their neighbor that lives in the house right next door showed some interest but a few days before our visit she told them she wasn't interested anymore. She just sold her house and needed to find a new home quickly and they were hoping she would have wanted their house. Anyway, to make a long story short, Saturday morning their neighbor called and told Micheal she wanted the house! They had the contract signed by late afternoon and were planning the closing on both of the houses by the end of the day. They agreed to be out of their house by Wednesday - yes 4 days later! So crazy how everything can change on a dime.

We visited their new house and it's amazing! Erin was showing us around, and she was like "and this is y'all's room..." So cute. We were the last guests to stay in their old house and we hope to be the first ones to stay in their new house sometime this summer. We like to say we were good luck charms for them.

Anyway, sorry again for the long post... Alexa just loved Campbell and Abbie. Campbell really took to her from the beginning - it was so cute. At dinner on Friday, Alexa and Campbell were already hugging each other and holding hands. It was just so cute! I've never seen Alexa take to anyone that well before. She didn't even try to eat her! I called Campbell the little Mama Bear. She was always helping Alexa - whether it was helping her drink, picking up things for her or trying to teach her how to play with something. I loved it! Abbie, I think, just really liked to observe.

They also just got a new puppy, or horse I should say! Her name is Daisy and she's a Great Dane. She was a little intimidating at first, but she was such a sweet heart! Alexa loved her!

Okay, well I'm about to post some pictures - probably too many but I don't care. We absolutely loved our visit and are so looking forward to future visits and watching our girls grow and interact with each other.

Family picture in from the Lavender's old house...
Beautiful Azaleas!!

Campbell & Alexa

That's no Sophie...

Cutest little munchkins...

Micheal & Abbie (didn't get a picture of Erin, don't know why, but will next time)

Well, I guess Alexa did try to eat her...

Where are are your eyes??

Where is your hair??

Where is your tongue??

Two peas in a pod...

Meal time...

You don't want to try my food?

Mama Campbell...

Saturday night we went to the country club for dinner. Micheal's parents watched Campbell and Abbie for the night while Alexa stayed with us. It had been a long day and we had a late start for dinner, but Alexa did so well! She had a great time - we all did.