Change of Plans...

I had big plans.  I was to see dear old friends from home (the kind that have known me since I was born).  See in a friend from Des Moines.  Go have a big play day with cousins down at Thanksgiving Point.  Go to Park City to see my mom and relatives.  Well...all...that...changed.

Natali started throwing up Wednesday.  She didn't stop.  It was every hour or two.  For almost 48+ hours.  Day two brought severe stomach pain.  Friday I decided it was too much and took her into insta care.  They were concerned enough about her stomach pain that they sent us to Primary Children's in Salt Lake.

 We went to the ER.  We did x-rays, ultra sounds, blood test, etc.  They determinded it was not her appendix.  They got her on an IV, gave her some zoprhan, which bless that stuff, finally stopped her vomiting.  They decided to send us to the observation unit.  By midnight we were there and by 1 am we were settled into our new room.  We slept (a little).  She kept down Gatorade.  We tried solids and it was a success.  By noon we finally got the clearance to go home.  I was EXCITED.  Natali was bummed that she no longer got to sleep in the "fun up and down bed' and order food from the menu.  She thought she was a pretty big deal!  I can't really blame her, movies at her beck and call, nice nursers swooning over her, and pretty much what ever she wanted she got!

We are home.  She is exhausted.  I am hoping a good nights rest will continue us on the mend.  But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that soon, we can continue with our real big plans.

The staff and everyone at Primary Children's were AWESOME.  So great.  I am so grateful for modern medicine.  Just something as simple as an IV & fluids made the biggest difference for her.  I'm so glad my little girls is getting better.

Pioneer Parade

So us moms got a crazy idea.  We decided to get up early and head down to Bountiful main street at 4:45 AM to save an area for hoard of children.  We found a PERFECT spot and sat there for 2 hours until we could set out our chairs, blankets, and rope off an area.  It was worth the sleep deprivation.  The kids LOVED every second of the parade and being together.

Natatli had a lions house roll tossed to her, and a plastic "glass" slipper...she was in HEAVEN. 

Salt Lake Day

While Ben was still here with us we took full advantage and spent the morning down at Temple Square.  We took a tour on top of the Conference Center.

We walked over by the reflection pool.  It was beautiful.  The kids loved the water.  A little TOO much, Isaac fell in, yep that's right...he feel in!

We walked around and smelled and the beautiful flowers.  And we got a bag of Lion House rolls.  They were DIVINE.

We walked over to the temple so the kids could see it up close and touch the outside.  They love to watch the movie, Mountain of the Lord, and we thought this would be special for them.  We also went into the north visitors center to see the beautiful Christus.  

We then went over to the Church History building (I think that's what it was called) to see the art and their new (new to us) hands on children exhibits.  This was a highlight for the kids.  They could be quilters and make designs, they could build parts of Nephi's ship, fish, play games, and dance.  Tears were shed when we had to leave.

It was a great day as a family.  It's nice to create these memories as a family.  I cherish these happy moments we can have together.

Cousins

There are so many great things about coming back to Utah, but on HUGE higlight for the kids is all the cousins.  They all have little buddies and they run a complete muck!  They play, moms talk, it's a win-win!

 These little boys love to play in sand!

 Cute kids

Aunt Anna & Natali

Summer Adventures

After 24+ hours in the car, 5 states, 6 barf sessions, multiple pit stops, and nonstop movies...we arrived in UTAH!  The long awaited and anticpated road trip & vacation had begun.  We left Texas Friday and arrived in Utah Saturday afternoon/evening.  We started the night with an imprompto girls night out to go see the movie 17 Miracles.  Glad I brought my tissues. It helped me get into the pionner spirit with the upcoming holiday.  The kids have been in heaven, loving every second (excpet bedtime).  It's been nice to sit and relax and know that Ben's pager is not going to go off.

 The kids have been loving makeing crafts with Grandma!  

We all have been enjoying the cooler temperautres and playing outside as much as possible.

Pirate Adventure

We had a pirate adventure!  Captain Hook came to our house and stole some treasure, hid it, and left us a message.  We had to walk the plank, follow some clues, fight off the bad guys with water balloons, earn our sea legs, and break the treasure free (sneaky Hook froze it in ice).  

We were pretty lucky that we had some helpers along our journey.  

*Activity inspired by the book, How I Became a Pirate, by David Shannon

HAPPY 4TH of JULY

Happy 4th of July.  I am so grateful to live in a place where we have freedom.  I am grateful for my Grandpa's and father-in-law who served this nation.  I am grateful for those who have and still continue to serve.  I am grateful for the woman/mothers who sacrifice while their husbands are away.  Thank you.  We've celebrated this year with a ward Pancake breakfast and hanging out with great friends eating good food!  And as always I am grateful for these little people of mine.  

 Spencer & his beloved McQueen

 Isaac and his squishy cheeks

 Miss Natali who is clearly entering that...I don't know how to smile for the camera without making a weird face...stage

The cute corker bows I learned how to make.