In lieu of any major presents this year, we decided to go on a family vacation. We LOVED it. Seriously I don't think there's a better way to enjoy the holidays. Our first stop the night before we went to the parks was to eat some delicious yummy pizza....We are obsessed with google and found this little hole-in-the-wall place that had amazing pizza. Judging by the name alone, I
wouldn't have picked it. The people inside were friendly and kind and the food was to die for. #yummy #pizzaXtreme #veggiepizza #halfpepperonihalfcheese #yum #n8naubschristmas2016 #myjeffyboy #combedhishairlikemalfoy #dracomalfoy #iliketogivethemindependence #lilmissaria
Here we are, getting on our fanny packs, ready to go to the amusement park. It was SOOOO freaking early. I'm amazed we functioned as well as we did this trip. #wewokeupat4:45houstontime #early #bedhead
Leaving the hotel! 6 a.m with bells on. #fannypacks #typeaparents #earlybirdgetstheworm 'Things may come to those who wait, but only those things that are left by those who hustle." -Abraham Lincoln #earlymorningsuniversal #grosslyoverestimatedjeffswaist #kneecappack #totallyathingright? #mommyisresourceful #fixedinnotime #myjeffyboy #independencewon #backwardsshirt #lilmissaria #notafraidofcolor
We got there before the sun came up.
They must have been highly motivated by what was happening that day because even though they have those tired eyes they have amazing huge and pretty smiles. Here we are, waiting for the wand selection room.
Wizards in training #theygottopickonesouvenir #theybothwantedwands #lilmissaria #hermionegranger #myjeffyboy #professorsnape #allthingsblack #mudbloods
This part of the experience was so fun! Nate and I got in on the action too...Although it does lose some of the "coolness" when you start looking for the sensor to aim at.. ;) #bothofthembecamechamps #arrestomomentum #revelio #descendo #hogwarts
Surprisingly Jeff's favorite ride. Nate and I think this is scarier than most but he loves it. #theytolduswearetheperfectfamilyforthisride #onlycauseweremissingone #evielaree #shesintheheavens #justlikeusonthisride #iguessthatcounts #myjeffyboy #shouldweridetheflyingpteradons #itspteranadons #ikidyounot #n8man #n8naubschristmas2016
After hitting up Harry Potter land we left it for the busiest part of the day and came and crashed in Dr. Suess land. There wasn't much of a wait for anything and it was fun to do the little kid stuff.
So warm in Orlando this trip!! We definitely
got sun kissed. Riding one fish two fish...One of the few times he chose
me over Dad. #iliketothinktheseraysareevie #missyoubabygirl #youaremysunshine #myjeffyboy #youwillgetwet #nbd #n8naubschristmas2016 #imovergrammingandiknowit
That night the kids came home and CRASHED. Nate and I waited for them to sleep while watching it's a wonderful life.
Christmas morning is way more magical when you fall asleep to It's A Wonderful Life, dead tired from your day in the park.
And then waking up and getting to stay in your bed while the kids open their presents from Santa. #comfortonchristmas #morninglightispretty #santabroughtinexpensivethings #justgratefulforeachother #theyweresogoodtowaitforourregulargiftexchange #3pm #lilmissaria
Did you know you can volunteer with food organizations? We heard about friends doing it and decided to try and work it out for ourselves for our Christmas Evie project. #thankselliceandheidi #examples #evenwhileonvacation #andwithkids
After opening presents from Santa, we got dressed and headed out to deliver meals on wheels to some local seniors. It was eye opening for many reasons. 1. For Christmas day, the Congregation of Reform Judaism takes care of the deliveries. Such kind people that we served with. #goodthingnateworehannakuhcolors 2. Christmas can be a very lonely day for many people. #adognamedboy #fleas #everywhere 3. Sight is a valuable asset. #canimicrowaveeverythinginthere? 4. I have wonderful friends and family. 5. Nate arranged it all when I asked him. #ihavebeenchangedforgood #imarriedup
We had one extra meal when we were done. We stopped by the downtown park to find someone that might be looking for some food. We definitely found some but it's hard to approach someone about it unless they're holding a sign. #hungry #hardertofindsomeonethanwethought #easypeasyinhouston
Made me so grateful that I am really so blessed with people who love and care about me and will make Christmas wonderful for me for many years to come.
#evielaree #evieproject #loveevie
#mealsonwheels #n8naubschristmas2016 #lilmissaria
On Sunday we stopped by the beautiful LDS Orlando temple. They have a gorgeous nativity out front. I love how Joseph is holding Mary AND the baby Jesus. #protector #n8man #bestdad #beautiful "A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race." -Joseph Smith
Tried to give my kids a positive experience with God on this beautiful Christmas Sabbath but I'm just keeping it real. We ended up at the Spanish ward sacrament meeting. We enjoyed the singing and the sacrament itself but could tell from the announcements that I could understand nothing #twoyearsspanishislessthanhelpful #toofast #wesnuckout I thought we could just hop over over to the temple grounds (across the street) and feel of His love there. The kids weren't having it. #whyarewehere #wecantgoin #stop #bequiet #respect #thisistheirattempttoposeforapicture #stinkbug #lilmissaria #myjeffyboy #ldstemple #keepingitreal
I really love the spirit at this temple. It was a little over a year before this that I had felt so connected to my spouse and to God. We were thrilled to be able to take our kids there and experience it too.
I love this man so much.
And it wouldn't be a Pettit family vacation without a selfie.
Jeff has his own ideas about picture taking. Good thing he's handsome.
Apparently someone else can get them to
cooperate. “Children most often adopt the attitudes and reverence for
the temple that their parents feel. A child’s feelings for the temple
will most likely follow the example they have seen.” - Thomas S. Monson
Hopefully someday they feel the same way I do. #parentingisaverb #lilmissaria #myjeffyboy #n8man #ldstemple #🎄🎄🎄🕎 #n8missedthememo #n8naubschristmas2016
Holding hands is a promise to one another that, for just a moment, the two of you don't have to face the world alone.
We
made arrangements to visit this beautiful woman while in Orlando. She
is the mother of a wonderful friend of mine. Unfortunately, due to an
awful illness, she has the functionality of a one year old. We visited,
sang songs, played piano, and told her how much her daughter meant to
me. She smiled, tried to sing with us and when we tried to leave she wouldn't let
go. Her spirit was palpable and I left her home filled with light. #bestchristmasgiftever #n8man #evieproject #evielaree #hands #weareHishands #n8naubschristmas2016
She had these giant nutcrackers in her entry. Jeff was so excited. #hegotmeanutcrackerforchristmas #beggedtoplayherjinglebells #myjeffyboy #lovehim #allofhim
The next day we went to St. Augustine. It's the oldest city in America. Supposedly.
We wanted to find something outdoors to do, we tried Fort Matanzas (unfortunately closed) and the nearby nature walk. It was beautiful but we only lasted about 1/10th of a mile before I had about 100 mosquitos trying to find a home on me. #run #swat #iHATEmosquitos #ugh #fail
Instead we escaped to the beach.
We are obsessed with the beach. It is so
healing and the wind feels peaceful. The water was cold, too cold for
swimming. Wading was not a problem. We played and played and picked up
shells. #soccer #picnic #waves #lilmissaria #myjeffyboy #n8man
My bird whisperer. Jeff honestly did nothing but throw shells
at them and speak to them but they followed him around like a lost
little puppy. #jeffcanmakefriendsanywhere #beachboy #myjeffyboy
This girl would be a surfer if I let her. She's adventurous and love the sand and the sun. Too bad the gulf coast is probably the worst for that. #lilmissaria
St. Augustine is a beautiful city. The architecture was
gorgeous. The tile work was incredible. The kids favorite thing in this
building was the frog fountain. #remindedthemofthefrogchoirathogwarts #rightbehindus #somuchmoney #natelovedthelions #alsoremindedusofhogwarts #flaglercollege
Because the basilica ceiling is really that beautiful. You have to just stop and look up. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't look into who St. Augustine was. #whoisstaugustine? #5timeseach #stainedglass #mademethinkofevie #evielaree #lilmissaria #chanting
I can't decide if they dock their sailboats out there just for the photo opp or if it's actually practical. Either way, it is very picturesque. Fog rolling in made it seem even more magical. #icansail #imsailing #staugustine #n8naubschristmas2016 #abouthereiswhenkidsdecidedtheycouldntwalkanotherstep #wequicklyremindedthemofharrypotterworld #andtherunningatthebeach #wemaybewalked1miletotal
This one just makes me smile for so many reasons. #lovemycrew #staugustine #notphotogenictodayapparently #lilmissaria #myjeffyboy #goofballs
Descendio! Such an exciting part of universal studios!! #myjeffyboy #sofun
Nate's favorite part of both parks was this dragon that actually breathed fire. #gringottsbank #ipromisehewashappy #thekidsmakeupforhisseriousness #n8missedthememo #lilmissaria #myjeffyboy #thedeathlyhallows #hewasprobablyjustthinkingaboutabutterbeer
If you ask their kids the favorite part they almost always say
the candy, but this time... It was the butterbeer. Frozen please.
Snacking in line for MiB. #ihopeineverhavetoseeanotherlockeragain #lilmissaria #myjeffyboy #hogwarts #mudbloods
Jeff is a goofball. I'm obsessed with his cute personality. I don't think they ever whined. about anything while we were there. I felt so blessed to have such great kids.
On the way home, we'd gotten word that this was uncle Devin's favorite restaurant while on his mission. We were massively disappointed based on the solid reviews we got from him, but it was fun to feel like we had a little piece of him with us.
Even though we couldn't be at Evie's resting spot this Christmas, Evie's cousin Clara made it there.
This is Evie's cousin Clara. They share a middle name in honor of the same grandma. A grandma who is currently in heaven with Evie. #jealousofthemboth Clara's Mom and Dad are the only other family we have that live in Texas so you can imagine how thrilled we were to find out we were having babies a month apart from each other. Although my baby girl didn't make it, I know Clara and Evie are great friends and will be for many years to come no matter which side of the veil each resides. I hope she feels like she has a little guardian angel there with her too.
All 3 of them have been nothing but kind to our family. I'm so grateful that they continue to show their love in ways they don't even know. The ornament they left on Evie's tree is just one of them. God bless us, everyone.
#evielaree #claralaree #christmas #2ndcousins #evieproject #guardianangel 💕😇
Here we are, getting on our fanny packs, ready to go to the amusement park. It was SOOOO freaking early. I'm amazed we functioned as well as we did this trip. #wewokeupat4:45houstontime #early #bedhead
Leaving the hotel! 6 a.m with bells on. #fannypacks #typeaparents #earlybirdgetstheworm 'Things may come to those who wait, but only those things that are left by those who hustle." -Abraham Lincoln #earlymorningsuniversal #grosslyoverestimatedjeffswaist #kneecappack #totallyathingright? #mommyisresourceful #fixedinnotime #myjeffyboy #independencewon #backwardsshirt #lilmissaria #notafraidofcolor
Wizards in training #theygottopickonesouvenir #theybothwantedwands #lilmissaria #hermionegranger #myjeffyboy #professorsnape #allthingsblack #mudbloods
This part of the experience was so fun! Nate and I got in on the action too...Although it does lose some of the "coolness" when you start looking for the sensor to aim at.. ;) #bothofthembecamechamps #arrestomomentum #revelio #descendo #hogwarts
Surprisingly Jeff's favorite ride. Nate and I think this is scarier than most but he loves it. #theytolduswearetheperfectfamilyforthisride #onlycauseweremissingone #evielaree #shesintheheavens #justlikeusonthisride #iguessthatcounts #myjeffyboy #shouldweridetheflyingpteradons #itspteranadons #ikidyounot #n8man #n8naubschristmas2016
After hitting up Harry Potter land we left it for the busiest part of the day and came and crashed in Dr. Suess land. There wasn't much of a wait for anything and it was fun to do the little kid stuff.
Christmas morning is way more magical when you fall asleep to It's A Wonderful Life, dead tired from your day in the park.
And then waking up and getting to stay in your bed while the kids open their presents from Santa. #comfortonchristmas #morninglightispretty #santabroughtinexpensivethings #justgratefulforeachother #theyweresogoodtowaitforourregulargiftexchange #3pm #lilmissaria
Did you know you can volunteer with food organizations? We heard about friends doing it and decided to try and work it out for ourselves for our Christmas Evie project. #thankselliceandheidi #examples #evenwhileonvacation #andwithkids
After opening presents from Santa, we got dressed and headed out to deliver meals on wheels to some local seniors. It was eye opening for many reasons. 1. For Christmas day, the Congregation of Reform Judaism takes care of the deliveries. Such kind people that we served with. #goodthingnateworehannakuhcolors 2. Christmas can be a very lonely day for many people. #adognamedboy #fleas #everywhere 3. Sight is a valuable asset. #canimicrowaveeverythinginthere? 4. I have wonderful friends and family. 5. Nate arranged it all when I asked him. #ihavebeenchangedforgood #imarriedup
We had one extra meal when we were done. We stopped by the downtown park to find someone that might be looking for some food. We definitely found some but it's hard to approach someone about it unless they're holding a sign. #hungry #hardertofindsomeonethanwethought #easypeasyinhouston
Made me so grateful that I am really so blessed with people who love and care about me and will make Christmas wonderful for me for many years to come.
#evielaree #evieproject #loveevie
#mealsonwheels #n8naubschristmas2016 #lilmissaria
On Sunday we stopped by the beautiful LDS Orlando temple. They have a gorgeous nativity out front. I love how Joseph is holding Mary AND the baby Jesus. #protector #n8man #bestdad #beautiful "A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race." -Joseph Smith
Tried to give my kids a positive experience with God on this beautiful Christmas Sabbath but I'm just keeping it real. We ended up at the Spanish ward sacrament meeting. We enjoyed the singing and the sacrament itself but could tell from the announcements that I could understand nothing #twoyearsspanishislessthanhelpful #toofast #wesnuckout I thought we could just hop over over to the temple grounds (across the street) and feel of His love there. The kids weren't having it. #whyarewehere #wecantgoin #stop #bequiet #respect #thisistheirattempttoposeforapicture #stinkbug #lilmissaria #myjeffyboy #ldstemple #keepingitreal
We wanted to find something outdoors to do, we tried Fort Matanzas (unfortunately closed) and the nearby nature walk. It was beautiful but we only lasted about 1/10th of a mile before I had about 100 mosquitos trying to find a home on me. #run #swat #iHATEmosquitos #ugh #fail
Instead we escaped to the beach.
This girl would be a surfer if I let her. She's adventurous and love the sand and the sun. Too bad the gulf coast is probably the worst for that. #lilmissaria
Because the basilica ceiling is really that beautiful. You have to just stop and look up. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't look into who St. Augustine was. #whoisstaugustine? #5timeseach #stainedglass #mademethinkofevie #evielaree #lilmissaria #chanting
I can't decide if they dock their sailboats out there just for the photo opp or if it's actually practical. Either way, it is very picturesque. Fog rolling in made it seem even more magical. #icansail #imsailing #staugustine #n8naubschristmas2016 #abouthereiswhenkidsdecidedtheycouldntwalkanotherstep #wequicklyremindedthemofharrypotterworld #andtherunningatthebeach #wemaybewalked1miletotal
Happy holidays from universal studios! #apparentlyn8missedthepartaboutbeinghappy #scaryface #maybethehugetreescaredhim #ormaybeitwasjustearly #kidbackpacks #n8man #deathlyhallows #someonetoldmetostayawayfromsquirrels #myshirtmightbeenticingtothem #weird
Nate's favorite part of both parks was this dragon that actually breathed fire. #gringottsbank #ipromisehewashappy #thekidsmakeupforhisseriousness #n8missedthememo #lilmissaria #myjeffyboy #thedeathlyhallows #hewasprobablyjustthinkingaboutabutterbeer
The three broom sticks was definitely on the top of the list. Here is where we got the butterbeer pudding. All of it! So yummy.
We spent all afternoon on the water rides but we did it type A personality style #withswimsuitsandtowels #plannedfun #iamnotspontaneous #iwasmoreclothedwalkingaroundinmyswimsuitthanmostwomenthere #yikes #indecember #dudleydorightsripsawfalls #jurassicpark #popeyesraftride #inorderofpreference #pleasantlysurprised #soakedtothebone #lilmissaria #myjeffyboy #n8naubschristmas2016
On the way home, we'd gotten word that this was uncle Devin's favorite restaurant while on his mission. We were massively disappointed based on the solid reviews we got from him, but it was fun to feel like we had a little piece of him with us.
This is Evie's cousin Clara. They share a middle name in honor of the same grandma. A grandma who is currently in heaven with Evie. #jealousofthemboth Clara's Mom and Dad are the only other family we have that live in Texas so you can imagine how thrilled we were to find out we were having babies a month apart from each other. Although my baby girl didn't make it, I know Clara and Evie are great friends and will be for many years to come no matter which side of the veil each resides. I hope she feels like she has a little guardian angel there with her too.
All 3 of them have been nothing but kind to our family. I'm so grateful that they continue to show their love in ways they don't even know. The ornament they left on Evie's tree is just one of them. God bless us, everyone.
#evielaree #claralaree #christmas #2ndcousins #evieproject #guardianangel 💕😇
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