Tuesday Sept. 30, 2014

Nothing real earth shaking has happened recently, so I decided that maybe I would just write about today. It wasn't a typical Tuesday, but it was pretty close and it was good so here we go.

Today, Gaupo's alarm sounded at 6:00 AM. Gaupo always sets the alarm and turns it off, but I am the one that actually gets crack-a-lackin' closest to when it goes off. Anyway, it was kind of dark this morning, so I had a hard to rousing myself and getting motivated, but around 6:20 (which is doing really good still) I got out of bed and said my prayers. Then I climbed back on top of my bed to read my scriptures. I have been reading them electronically because I wanted something new. Its not that the words are different, but sometimes reading in new scriptures or on a device leads you to new insights. This mornings reading was in Alma when the stripling warriors first arrive to help Antipus (sp?) fight. I also read part of a conference talk. I honestly can't remember right now what that one was about. After ready for about 20 minutes, I heard my girls starting to get restless. I pondered about life for like 5 minutes and then Kylee started saying "Mommy, potty." I got up, took her to the potty and then sent her back to her room to read Tia books until I was "ready." Ready mean I have my hair in a ponytail, face washed, and mascara on. I then went and got my girls up. I got Tia out of bed, then we proceed to pick out the clothes for the day. Kylee was really torn between wearing her white shirt and dress or another shirt. She finally decided on the white shirt and dress. I got to choose Tia's outfit today and it was really cute. It was one of her outfits meaning it had no previous owner. Then we did Kylee's hair which was done in her current favorite, a big bun complete with clips and a crown.

After doing hair, we came downstairs and got Kylee her sippy cup of milk and I settled on the couch to feed Tia. Yes, I know pretty amazing that she waits until about 7:25 in the morning to eat. Shortly after I get started, Gaupo comes downstairs and gets his breakfast of a glass of milk, and then rushes upstairs to brush his teeth. Once he is back down we have family prayers and scriptures. It was kind of chaotic because Tia was climbing all over Gaupo, and trying to grab Kylee's scriptures. However, we did accomplish it. Then we had prayers, hugs, and sent Gaupo off to work.

I then told the girls to wait there for like 2 minutes while I ran upstairs to change into another t-shirt and gym shorts so we could go running. We then stretched, and went on our run. We did our normal run which is about 3 miles long. It was a good run. You can definitely tell fall is in the air because its a little chilly in the mornings. But, I love my run because its just some time to pound it out and to clear my head for the day. After the run, I fed Tia again and got her down for a nap around 9:15. Then I made Kylee and I oatmeal for breakfast. It wasn't the best this morning, but it wasn't the worst and it was warm. After I got breakfast cleaned up, I clean the kitchen floor. It was so bad. Tia's belly was getting quite dirty trying to clean it for me as she scoots all over the floor. After cleaning the floor, I took a shower while Kylee watched "Princesses" aka Frozen. By then Tia was awake, so we came downstairs changed her diaper and headed to the park. I love the park, because most times it is a place where your kids can each have your attention, but also do their own thing. Then we went home for lunch.

Gaupo got home about the same time we did, so he heated up leftovers and made Kylee a Peanut Butter and Jam sandwich. That is currently what she has everyday for lunch. I fed Tia and then made her baby cereal and we all had lunch together. It was fun. It has been awhile because Gaupo has had to cover the lab lately and so he doesn't get off until 1:00 which is when naps are. So, after lunch we got the girls down and then kind of just relaxed. After facebook, blogs, and email , I practiced the piano for a bit. Then Gaupo and I play Yahtzee. It was really fun to play together. Gaupo won 2 out of 3 just in case you were wondering about that. Then we folded laundry (oh yeah that was going on all day). Gaupo took some of his stuff upstairs and came down with Kylee. So, we played the piano with her and waited for Tia to wake up. Around 4:00 she did and I fed her and then we had dinner. I had leftovers. I have been so hungry today. I have had substantial food, but it hasn't  been sticking. Anyway, Kylee and I had leftover Hawaiian Haystacks while Gaupo wasn't hungry so he just had a cheese stick and crackers. Then he left for work.

As he was leaving, I cleaned up dinner. Then I finished folding the last of the laundry and helped the girls put away there stuff, and moved Tia up a size in clothes. We will see if I am too early on that move. Next, we got ready to go to the pool. Once everyone was changed we head to the Rec Center. We played in the pool which pretty much consisted of walking around, Kylee blowing bubble, and both of them splashing it really is pretty fun. Then we rinsed off and came home. Here I got the girls in the tub for a quick bath, then jammies, and teeth brushing. We then went downstairs where I fed Tia while Kylee picked up her books and toys. We had family prayers. Then I rocked Tia for a bit, while Kylee "fed" kitty (Kylee's stuffed animal), wrapped her up, and put her to sleep. Then  I layed Tia down. Then I asked Kylee if she was hungry and gave her a snack while I read her "The Best Teacher Ever." Then I rocked and sang while she finished eating. Then we used the potty, said her prayers, and went upstairs. Once I had her laying down in bed, I sang to her. Her current song is "I Lived in Heaven" all 3 verses.

After singing to Kylee, I took a shower, put on my pj's and came downstairs. I grabbed a couple of cookies and wrote this. Yep, that was today. Nothing too special, but fun and full of family. I love just filling my day with my kids, and home.

I don't have any pictures from today, but here are a couple I took on Sunday of Tia.

Our smiley girl. 9.5 months.

So excited!!

  

Canning and an Update

This year I canned for the first time. Well, technically I canned last year with my friends, but it is totally different when it is all by yourself. This year I did peaches, apple slices, and applesauce. I did it over the period of a week. I did the peaches first because they were going bad, so they needed to get done before they spoiled. I didn't mind doing peaches and it actually went pretty fast. Except I did something wrong, or something because I had 5 of the 11 jars unseal on me. As in they all sealed just fine, and then after 24 hours and before 7 days I had 5 jars repop and unseal. Oh it made me mad, I didn't lose them because I just finished opening them and dumped them in a bag and stuck them in the freezer, so that should work. However, the process for peaches really went smooth, and Kylee enjoyed it because she got to watch a "movie" while I finished it up.

Next was apple slices. I did seven quarts of those. I peeled and cored those on Wednesday, and then canned them on Thursday during nap time. I learned I need to not pack them quite as tight because you do need to get quite a bit of juice in there. I literally add almost no water to the jars, so I am probably lucky that I only had one jar not seal. It is now in the freezer. So, I learned I need to pack them more than last year and less than this year. I also learned that my jumbo Tupperware bowl will do about 4 to 5 quarts and so if I do like a flour container full of slices that makes about 7-8 quarts and a pie depending on how full I cram the jars.

Saturday we did applesauce. This was definitely the most time consuming of the three, but also yielded the most. Anyway, I had to borrow the apple masher thing from my friend, and hers hooks up to a Kitchen Aid, which I don't have. So, I borrowed that from another friend. I like that I didn't have to turn the handle, but it doesn't have as big of funnel at the top. It was good, but for me (mainly because I don't have a Kitchen Aid) it isn't worth the cost. I will probably go with a hand crank. However, if you have a Kitchen Aid its a pretty slick deal. Anyway, Gaupo and I got started around 9 with this process and it lasted until 4. After which, you have to clean everything. Yep, by the time dinner rolled around I was not in the mood to make anything. We ended up with fish sticks and veggies.

All that hard work yielded 11 quarts peaches, 7 quarts apple slices, and 35 pints of applesauce. We should be good for about a year. I have not sworn off canning forever, but it was really nice to have a break this week and I don't think I will do it again real soon unless someone wants to teach me to pressure can beans or chicken.

The finished bottles.

On a completely separate note my girls are growing up like crazy. Kylee can "read" Duck on Bike and really gets most of the words in there. She loves to run around our loop singing "Let it Go." She even does it with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. It is really cute except it winds her up before she goes to bed. She can also "count" to ten in both English and Spanish. She loves going to the park mainly for swings, but also loves the slides and building "castles" which she promptly smashes. She is a little ball of fire that loves to go, talk, visit daddy and work, ask "Why" or "Why not," and loves being a big sister.

Tia is now 9 months and is starting to embrace this life she has. She is almost always smiling. She has different smiles depending on what she is doing. She has a sneaky on that says "I am not doing anything wrong, and she totally is." She has one that says "I am happy," and another that says "that was funny." This little girl of mine weighed in at 14lbs 13oz putting her in about the 5% for weight. She is 27.75 inches tall (55%). She can sit, but doesn't. She still does a push-up crawl thing instead of actually crawling. However, she has learned how to go up and down the stairs, crawl through the tunnel and go down the slides at the park. She also enjoys swinging, but doesn't sit back in the swing she leans all the way forward. (That is the exact opposite of Kylee) Tia is eating solid food. She loves Cheerios, crackers, fruit, re-fried beans, and veggies. She does not like baby cereal. She likes to play with her sippy cup and drink when she does, but if you try to give it to her she sticks her tongue into it and turns her head. She loves her sister and thinks that everything she does is cool and funny.

These two girls are a funny pair. They crackup at each other. Kylee loves "reading" and talking to Tia. Tia loves listening to Kylee and following her around. I am so glad they love each other.

If you care what Gaupo and I are up to then keep reading. Gaupo is still working at the Library and loves it. He has had to work in the computer lab a lot which isn't his favorite of responsibilities, but he doesn't mind it too much either. We had our fence run into, and we are apparently in violation of city code with how big our weeds are on our side yard, so we have to get both of those things fixed. Other than work Gaupo teaches the 9 year olds in primary, plays with his kids, keeps our yard looking nice, and grills up some delicious food for us. I spend most of my time playing with my kids. Almost every morning I go running. Then after putting Tia to bed make breakfast, and dance to at least one song of "Let it Go" complete with blanket wrapped around my shoulders. I play with my girls and the park. I am the beehive adviser and Young Women Volleyball coach, so that takes up Wednesday and Thursday nights. I spend most of my time being a mom. Though I did read "Eldest" the week I canned and that was really fun. I love being a mom, wife, and YW leader. Everyone of those titles has challenges, but also great blessings and fun. That is kind of it for here. Maybe I will update this post with more pictures or videos soon.

Money Thoughts

This is about debt, so if you aren't wanting to read about money just stop right here. Gaupo and I have tried really hard to do the best we can with what we have and manage our money well. It started when we first got married and Gaupo was unemployed and I was going to school. To make matters even tighter Gaupo had spent all his money getting to our wedding, buying my ring, and paying for school, so we were living on what I made the summer before. For me, this was terrifying. So, I made us sit down and start making a budget. Oh boy, we were way off on what it would cost to survive. However, we learned adjusted and talked a lot about it. Gaupo got a job and about 2 months later got what we were sure was the dream job. It payed amazing (as in more than any job until our current one). It had benefits and still allowed me to go to school. At this time, we had FASFA (not sure how you spell that buy it equates to government help, and I was on full tuition scholarship. Both were tremendous blessings because it allowed us to save half of Gaupo's pay check. However, after 6 months are dreams were shattered as Gaupo was fired from his job. So, we went back to living super frugal and counting our blessings that I had stocked up on a lot of food while we had a big budget and were going to Idaho Falls often. We were unemployed from end of  August to right before Thanksgiving. It was a tough time, but Gaupo luckily found a good part-time job. Then we were blessed with the job out here in Colorado and we received tuition reimbursement for Gaupo's masters.

Now, I know your thinking  "What does that have to do with debt? You stayed out of it." It has everything to do with it because it had never really occurred to me that even if people used all the help they could, that school could still cost a small fortune. (I know I am dense) Anyway, I was talking to my home teachers on Sunday and he was talking about how his wife has to work. Honestly the first thought that went through my head was "No, she doesn't. You choose that." However, as I listened it dawned on me that they really had done all that they could and they had to go into a lot of debt, like not one or two semesters but like almost a whole bachelors degree so that they/he could go to school. They are also trying there best right now to get out. They have a modest home and cars, but he just doesn't make enough to cover the bills for school, home, food, etc.

So, my thoughts have just really been turned to how grateful I am for the miracles that were placed in my life so that I could be a stay-at-home mom. I know that  if we had more debt than just our home we might not have the option either. However, I have been blessed with miracles. Some I can see and others I am sure I don't even really know are happening except that it all works out. It is truly amazing. As a side lesson, I learned never judge a working mom you don't know her story, and even if you do it doesn't matter. Its her and her family's choice, so don't judge.

Labor Day Weekend

I totally meant to blog about labor day just after it happened, but it didn't happen obviously. Anyway, it was a fantastic weekend and I hope I can remember it all. Sorry in advance for no pictures, I was too busy enjoying it all.

Saturday was a great start to our weekend. We started it off with breakfast on the griddle. Oh man that meal is just so good. We had hash browns, pancakes, and bacon. After breakfast and Tia's morning nap we decided to take the girls on a bike ride to a 'new' park. In other words it was a park we have never taken them too. We rode our bikes there and for the most part the girls enjoyed that. Honestly they tend to fall over on one another and so they get kind of grouchy after a bit. Anyway, the 'new' park aka Lanyon Park was super fun. It had swings and slides. We swung first because that is Kylee's favorite thing to do at the park. Then we played on the slides. Tia actually really enjoys going down slides and so she loved this part. Lanyon Park has a very tall tube twisty slide. It was fun to watch the girls go down. Tia looked like a little frog in there, and she even stopped herself a couple of times, so Gaupo had to climb up there and pull her down again. Once we got home from that we had lunch and naps. Then we started dinner. We had Chuck Wagon Casserole for dinner. We love using our dutch oven and alternative forms of heat (camp chef burners, coals, and fire.) It was so tasty and it was fun to play outside with the girls while it was cooking. As soon as it was done, we cleaned it out and started baking a cobbler. We made peach cobbler with a white cake mix and cherry 7UP. It was pretty good. After the girls went to bed Gaupo and I watched 'Hook.' [You see Kylee had the book 'How I became a Pirate' and it really got me in the piratey mood. I was originally going to watch Stardust because its kind of piratey, but Hook was definitely a better choice.]

Sunday was fairly normal. Although we did drive to church for fear of rain, but of course it didn't until after we were home. It was the 5th Sunday, so I didn't have to teach and just kind of got to enjoy the day. Oh yeah, and Kylee and I did go on our morning walk. I think it is so funny that we always go to the same spots, and she always wants to climb on and 'jump' off (this usually involves sitting first or holding my hand) everything. It is so fun to watch her play and I really do enjoy the fact that she loves spending time with me. Also, it has developed a nice habit for her because now she will 'rest' (that's what we call it instead of a nap) before church.

Monday was the actual holiday. Gaupo and I decided that we really needed to get moving that morning, so I went on a "long" run and he took the girls for a bike ride. I say long run because my normal run is about 3 miles long and I would like to run a little longer route but I am always afraid that Tia will fall asleep in the stroller on the way and then I will lose her morning nap. Anyway, with Gaupo home I decided to do the longer one which is only about 4.25, but it was fun to go a little longer and push a little harder on the way home. After that invigorating workout we decided to have a breakfast of bacon, eggs, and muffins. While we were doing that we cleaned out deck, and washed it so that on Tuesday we could paint it. After breakfast, we finished up the deck and made a picnic lunch. Then once Tia woke up Gaupo and I decided to take them to another new park. We rode our bikes out to Sandstone Ranch. (That was a little crazy because it is four miles just one way, but actually it was a fun ride) Once we got there, we visited the 3 playgrounds, had our picnic lunch and headed home. Gaupo biked the kids most of the way home. I started doing the last leg of the journey (the trailer is really heavy and hard to pull) and everything was going well. I even had Kylee in the back cheering me on saying "Go mommy, Go!!" So, I was going pumping hard to get to the top of the hill, so I could sail on home, and then all of the sudden the gears slip, I can't pedal, it throws of my momentum and steering and I wreck. I bailed off the bike, luckily the trailer managed to make it over the curb without tipping. Oh man, I was rattled. Luckily no one was hurt. I was just really shook up and consequently kind of mad at Gaupo for not telling me exactly what he meant by sometimes his gears slipped. Anyway, we all made it home. I took a nap and felt much better. After my nap, we got ready for company! I love having people over. We had the Jacobson's over. They have a little girl Kylee's age. We had a wiener roast with baked beans, potato salad, chips, and somore's. It was so good and the company was great. It was so fun to watch Kylee and Tory play together. They had a good time which left time for us adults to visit. Once the party was over, we got the girls ready for bed. Then we showered, and watch some Hogan's Hero's.

Tuesday morning was still part of the weekend because Gaupo didn't have to work. We painted out entire deck during Tia's nap time. We let Kylee help. I told her that her paint was on the lid and they she could only paint the deck. She listened and it was the cutest thing ever. She painted a 'door' (slats on the deck sides) for Ryker, Matthew, Issac, and Aubrey. (kids from nursery) She would run back and forth dipping her brush and painting. It was so fun. Eventually the weekend ended and Gaupo went to work. That night the girls and I went to the rec center. We played in the big pool because the kiddy pool was still getting new toys installed and then we played in the 'bath tub' aka the hot tub.

Like I said a great weekend. Sorry I don't have any pictures. I meant to take some, but as you can tell it didn't happen.

As a side note as of late Tia is still scooting and get quite upset when Kylee runs off without her. Tia has also learned how to climb the stairs though I am not so sure about her ability to get down. I try to help her, but she grabs onto the carpet and so I can't. She also loves any food we will give her. We have recently started fruits and she LOVES them. She can also pick up cherrio's which makes her much  happier at dinner time. Kylee is still a little ball of fire. She has learned to go potty all by herself although she doesn't really like to. She loves trying to teach Tia to sign "more." She also want to help Tia dance, walk, climb the stairs, and give her any comfort she can when she is upset. These two girls are so funny. I love them and their dad. My family brings me so much joy.

The Michael Bryce Family Reunion 2014

Yes, so August 9-12 was the Michael Bryce Family Reunion and it was GREAT!! Gaupo and I started out trek to Idaho on the 8th. Gaupo worked until one, and then we headed out. We traveled by way of Cheyenne which I guess is faster, but it is super boring. Anyway, we spent the night at Little America in Little America, WY. It was fun to stay in a hotel. We splurged a bit and got a two room suite. It was nice to just go halfway and feel rested and ready to go the next day. So, we left around 8:30 and went to Swanlake. We got there in time for lunch. Then we I let Kylee stay up for a bit and play. We don't see Gaupo's sister Heidi and her family very often or for very long, so I decided to let her stay up and play with Arlin and Gary. She had a lot of fun. If you ask her about her day and what we did that day at Grandma's she would say "Big Tractor." Then she would proceed to tell you how she was "stuck with dad." Then how she rode with "Arlin, and Grandpa on a a BIG TRACTOR!!" It is really funny to hear. Needless to say we had a great time while we were there. Next stop was Arimo to visit Gaupo and I's friend Matt Johns. I was kind of sad we didn't get to meet his wife and son, but it was nice to catch up with him for a bit. Finally, we got to Reunion in Virginia, ID. We were the last ones there (of course), but it was fun. We threw a Frisbee, talked, and had dinner. It was really fun. That night we had a "Sorry" tournament and it was so fun to play. Of course, Grandma and Grandpa Brady won.

Uncle Gary and Kylee on the Four-wheeler. She willing went with him to get this ride.

Sunday, started bright and early. Gaupo and I got all ready and headed back to Swanlake because Melanie and Aaron were blessing their son Blaine in church and we wanted to participate. We left a little earlier than needed to get there, so we could get some family pictures taken while we were all there. I hope I can get one of those soon. Then we went to sacrament meeting in Swanlake. Then we left and went to Priesthood and Relief Society in Virginia. I wanted to go to Virginia so bad because that is kind of one my wards and so I wanted to see all my friends and the people who love me. It was really fun. After church, we got some family pictures. I really like them even if my girls are being silly (what else is new.) Then we had lunch, took naps, had a family meeting, and read our time capsule. Way back in 1999, our Uncle Jim's family buried a time capsule and we put something in it. It was a bunch of questions my mom asked us. So, we answered them according to our now favorite things and compared them. It was really fun and funny to read them. That night we just played games and hung out.

All of us together.

Our Wonderful Parents.

My siblings. (Kara, Me, Jack, Kitt, Klaire)

Monday was lake day. We headed out about 8:30 to go to Bear Lake. Gaupo and I picked out the spot and saved it for everyone. We had some of the John Brady's, and Vawdrey's join us there. It was fun to meet up all together again. I wish I could have visited more, but with two kids by water I kind of had to keep and eye on them, and I wanted to play a little in the water too. We had a ton of fun at the lake. My parents rented paddle boards for us to play on, we had a picnic lunch, built hot tubs, played in the water, and lounged around. Gaupo and I headed out around 4. We got home and got our kids bathed, us showered, and dinner started. That way when everyone was ready, we had dinner. It was kind of late by the time everything got put away and dinner finished so, family home evening got pushed off a little bit.

Gaupo and Kylee.

Gaupo in the background digging a whole. Tia, Me, and Kylee playing in the sand.

Grandma-Great with Tia. She didn't know I was taking this otherwise she might have smiled.

Tuesday was heritage day. We had a great breakfast cooked on the griddle by Seth and Gaupo. While they were cooking. I took Kylee and Betty on a tour of the farm. I let them run circles in the old milk barn, "drive the tractor," and walk on top of an upside down water trough. They thought it was great. Next, we had Family Home Morning. We had a simple lesson, songs, and an activity. The activity was "Don't Eat Pete" Kylee didn't like everyone shouting "DON'T EAT PETE" but Betty and Tia loved it. Then we went to Arimo Cemetery to look at my family's graves. Then Grandpa showed us where his grandfather (I think) built his home. Then we went to Arimo park and played on the new toys and the old toys. It was a lot of fun. Then we went home and had lunch. The kids went down for naps, and the bigger kids watch some video footage, and played reverse charades. Then Kylee work up played play dough with Oma. Then we went outside for awhile. We visited and played and just enjoyed Grandpa's yard. He seriously has the best yard EVER! That night we had advice from my dad and Grandpa. It was really cool to be able to sit down in that personal setting and hear these men that I look up to and trust so much talk about what is really important. The things we got out of the advice were

•  From Dad: Couple Prayer have it everyday. Family its important do what it takes to stay close.
• From Grandpa: Save money. Family is everything.

They said other things and I know the spirit was there, but those things above are what Gaupo and I both picked up on and are trying to do better at.

Wednesday was a sad day. We all had to leave to go to our various homes. We had such a great time all together, but the best thing about good-bye is there will always be another Hello. I love my family and I am so glad that we can be together forever. I am so grateful for my relationships with my siblings and parents. They mean the world to me. I love that my family loves being together and really tries hard to make it happen. Love family, it is so very important.

Before Reunion

Yes, this year we had our family reunion August 9-13, but before that the party started. It started August 2.

My Brother's family came to visit us from Texas. I went to pick them up by myself at Denver International. I wish I could have taken the girls, but I just don't have a car with that many seat belts yet, so I had to get a babysitter. Anyway, I went to DIA to pick them up, and WOW you can tell I always do curbside pick-ups because I honestly had the worst time finding a parking spot, then ended up in the wrong terminal, then took a while to find them, oh man, I am just not good at that. Hopefully, I can get better, but if not do curbside pickup, that I am a pro at. Anyway, I picked them up at 2-ish and we headed home. When we arrived my girls were up and ready to play. It was fun to watch everyone get acquainted with each other. Kylee and Betty haven't seen each other in over a year and then Tia and Allen had never met. We adults visited while the kids played. I love having guests because it also gives me someone to talk to all the time. So, we visited until Gaupo got home and then we had dinner. We got a box buster pizza from Smack Daddy's. I have been wanting to get this pizza for awhile and Jack convinced me to do it, and that it was a slightly better deal then getting two larges. Anyway, it was really good. I really enjoyed it, and the fact that it was huge definitely made it that much cooler. That night I don't know what we did except give the kids baths, but I am sure we had fun.

Sunday went well, unless you ask Jack he thought it went terrible. However, I am use to 1-4 church so that may have something to do with it.

Monday, we did a couple of fun things. The first thing we did was ride the city bus to Gaupo's work. It was kind of interesting trying to navigate where to get off and how far we needed to walk and things, but we made it there and back with only slight mishaps. Not too bad for my first time on public transportation. Then that night for Family Home Evening we went to the Boulder County Fair which is usually really fun unless its closed. (Seriously here, who closes a fair?) Anyway, parts of it were still open and the girls got to play in some goofy carts, and  we took some fun pictures. Then Jack and Lindsay treated us to Menchie's. It was really fun. We had never eaten there and Kylee thought it was great to try all the different flavors, have her own spoon, and eat her daddy's ice cream. It was a super fun day filled with firsts.

Waiting for the bus to come. (Allen, Lindsday, Betty, Kylee, Me, Tia)

Jack waiting for the bus.

Kylee, Tia, and I on the bus.

The two girls loved these carts. They thought they were so fun.

Goofy pictures. Me and Gaupo.

Tia and Kylee,

Tuesday was kind of crazy. So, Jack and Lindsay had to go get there rental car and do some shopping, so I stayed home with all four kids. It went pretty well, while two were asleep. However, I was so done hearing "stop touching me," "Mommy, scared of Betty," and other such nonsense that I need to get out. So, when Tia woke up, I checked on Allen and he woke up, so we went to the park. I put three kids in my double stroller, and strapped Allen to me and headed out. It went really well and was better than being home, but I still don't know that I could do two sets of twins that close together. OH BABY, that would be crazy! After, the park we came home had lunch and put the kids to bed. Then we picked up the babysitter, and us adults went on a date. We went to the rec center. It was really fun we played on the slides, the diving board, the lazy river, and swam. It was really fun. Then we went and got ice cream for later and came home. Then we had dinner, and sent Gaupo back to work. Lindsay and I then took the girls to the pool. It was fun. We even took them on the big slides. Oh man, they both loved that especially Betty. After we got home, baths taken, and kids to bed. It was time for ice cream, so we did and played some games. It was a fun day.

Wednesday, they left. It was sad, but not too sad because we were meeting up again at reunion.