A Trip to Jacksonville

What an action packed weekend! We found out that Matt's friend Lydia from Russia, that we saw back in December, was going to be in Jacksonville, FL for another show. This time it was the Russian ballet Sleeping Beauty. So we decided to pack up and head to Jacksonville (a 2 1/2 hour drive). We got there RIGHT as the ballet had started (only missed a little at the beginning). I was a little nervous because this time we had Gavin with us and I didn't know if he would last through out the whole show. But how can you know unless you try :) This time the theater was PACKED and we were clear up at the back of the balcony....actually the second to last row to be exact, and we were in the middle. So I knew if Gavin started to act up or get loud it would be tricky and disturbing to all the people around us to get out. Well to my surprise he was PERFECT! He was very interested in the first Act, but after intermission he got a little antsy. So I held him in tight and I started to breath deeply (hoping with all my heart that it would relax him...and IT WORKED!) He fell right asleep and we were able to enjoy the rest of the ballet. Emma was sitting on the edge of her seat the whole time. Luke was great through it but fell asleep the last 1/2 hour.


Afterward we went back stage to see Lydia and she showed us some of the beautiful costumes close up. Then we went in a room to visit for a minute and got to see many of the dancers as they were coming in and out. Lydia had told Emma the last time we saw her that she would sew her a dress, and sure enough she made the cutest little dress for Emma. She gave Luke a little whistle that looks like a bird (which Gavin has already managed to break, which practically gave Luke a heart attack!), Gavin got those cute Russian wooden dolls that when you open them up then there is a smaller one inside. She gave us a magnet with a picture of a Russian site, and she gave me the most beautiful pendant that is light blue with flowers on it. It was SO sweet of her! After we visited for a few minutes she asked Matt to give her a blessing. She travels with the ballet clear until May and so I think she misses being able to go to church and have the gospel discussions and fellowship. Matt was a little nervous that he would not be able to speak, but I didn't think it sounded like he was struggling at all! It seemed to flow, although afterward he said he did struggle, but it brought a tear to my eye to hear him speak and see him with his hands on her head. The spirit was strong as I pondered how wonderful it is to have the Priesthood in my home and know that my husband is worthy to give a blessing at the spur of the moment, and bring peace to a sisters heart. I was very proud of the kids because they too felt the importance of the blessing and they sat still as can be (even my over-exhausted little Gavin). What a neat night.


Then we headed to a hotel. This morning we got up and went to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. It is one of our favorite places to go here in Florida because it is such a quaint little city with fun shops, and sites. We walked down old St. George street and window shopped, played miniature golf, and rode the sight-seeing train. We saw the old fort, the old jail, the park where they have "the fountain of youth", and an old mission. We hurried home to go to a friends wedding reception where we ate, danced and enjoyed hanging out with friends! What a weekend!

This is the head piece that the Lilac Fairy wore!!!!!

Lydia is soooooooo warm and loving and is always telling us how cute the kids are and kissing them :)

This is the wooden dolls that I was talking about (I'm sure Matt will remind me of the real name of them :)



Isn't this the cutest little dress for Emma! How sweet of Lydia!

St. Augustine...