Isaac's Party

Since we are in Utah we took advantage of having cousins around and had a little gathering for Isaac on his birthday.  He woke up to presents, balloons, and special birthday pancakes made by Grandma.

 Isaac specifically asked for a chocolate cake, with blue frosting, and a yellow 4.  

He was happy.

 He had a lot of "helping" hands opening presents, and we had a bit of birthday envy (and lots of birthday melt downs).

 We had fun playing, eating pizza, blowing out candles, and stuffing ourselves with chocolate cake. 

Spencer swiped Isaac's Cars t-shirt and decided to wear it himself.

And by the end of the day...I.WAS.EXHAUSTED!!!  At one point in the day a friend called to wish Isaac happy birthday on the phone.  I called, "Isaac come here." And he replied, "Mom, I think you mean BIRTHDAY BOY!"  (oh brother).  I think he let his birthday go to his head, I guess that's okay when you're a big 4 year old.  He gave me two thumbs up at the end of the day, I'd say it was a hit!

Park City

While out here in Utah my mom came up to Park City.  Every year my mom, grandma, and aunts come up and stay in a time share for a week.  I haven't been up there in a few years.  Living thousands of miles away tends to hinder things like that.  BUT, this year we were all in Utah at the same time.  We took full advantage and went up on Tuesday and Thrusday, spending as much time in the great outdoors as possible (plus shopping)!

On Tuesday we went down the park near main street and played for a few hours.  The kids made friends and loved being surrounded by the mountains.  We ate lunch and then headed out the new splash pad.

 It get a little over cast and chilly but the kids (really just Isaac) didn't let that stop him from getting soaked!

We shopped some of our favorite stores at the outlet and finsihed the day with a trip to McDonalds, the kids request.  It was great to just sit and talk with my mom while my kids were completely engaged in their happy meal toys.

THURSDAY, we came back and road the bus over to Silver Lake where took the kids on the chair lift up and over into Deer Valley.  At first I told my mom NO WAY was I taking Isaac and Spencer on a chair lift.  But in the end I did.  Isaac was terrified at first and then delcared, "Mom, this fun!  Don't let go of me, okay!"  Spencer just hung onto my for the most part like a little koala bear.

Then we were treated to some Cafe Rio and went back to the condo for swimming.  Again it was a little cold, but we swam until lips started turning blue.

Thanks Mom, Grandma, and Aunt Susan for your help with the kids and the great time!

Birthday Boy!

Isaac turned 4!  

I can't believe it.  

4 years ago this little chunk came into our life.  

And he has added such joy and pure silliness everyday since.

You are a sweet little boy, truly a marshmallow at heart.  A stern voice (and moms stink eye)  can set you into instant tears or you give us that big "ah shucks" grin and all is forgiven.  You say your favorite colors are blue and green right now, and your really not all that picky when it comes to what you will or won't eat.  Although lately you've been boycotting hot dogs!?!?  You love tagging along with your big sis...hence all the barbie time you get.  But you are learning to love all thing SUPER HERO.  

You are my soft squishy boy and I love you.  Thanks for some of the best snuggles and kisses around, I am so lucky to be your mom!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBBA

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.