Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Button Rock Preserve

This year I have a real yearning to get out and see the area that I live in. So, I am trying to visit as many of the City of Longmont parks as I can. So far we have been to Centennial Park, Kensington Park, Colleyer Park, Stephen Day Park, Dawson Park, Rocky Mt. Park (it has another name, but I can't remember it, and I think that is it. It has been super fun to see some of the new parks the city has put in and it is really fun to see how my kids do all the different toys at the parks. We love the park and being outdoors.
Kylee has turned into quite the climber. She will climb almost anything.
Tia loves slides.
Kylee and Tia on the spinning globe.
 Besides going to parks and seeing what is around here in Longmont, I have also really wanted to get out and go hiking and maybe even try our hand at camping. The weather is just finally starting to get warm enough for camping, so we haven't been yet. Plus every weekend previous to this last one it has been raining, so needless to say my outdoors-ing has been kind of limited. 

That said last weekend was perfect weather and I have had an itch to go see Button Rock Preserve since I knew it existed (which is only like 3 weeks). I knew nothing about it except that it was a walk in preserve and that it was sort of close to my house. Gaupo said he wasn't super interested in going, so I decided it was an adventure I would go check out on my own. However, Kitt called and wanted to come visit us, so I was more than willing to oblige and also take her with us on what turned out to be quite an adventure. 

We left my house almost as soon as Kitt arrived which was around 11:15ish. We started out later than I had hoped, but I was just going to roll with it thinking that there would be a little something we could do and we would just get back a little late for naps. Anyway, our lunches are all packed up and ready when she got here, so we all grabbed our bags and got in the car. We drove the thrity-ish minutes out there. Luckily we didn't miss the turn off because it would be easy to do. There is a random turn off place and a bunch of construction is going on, on one half the turn-off and the other side of the turn-off you can't see very far. Our directions required us to go through the construction. It was kind of weird to be heading into the wilderness through construction, but we got through and finally reached the parking lot. The girls are of course so ready to get out of the car, so we get out and use the restroom. Which, I was afraid Kylee would say was too stinky to use, but she didn't and we didn't have a problem; although, Tia did learn if she had to go on the trail I would let her, so when she started getting tired we had a problem with her pulling down her pants to let us know she needed to go potty. Good thing no one was following us. Anyway, we got to the preserve around 11:45 and started walking in. The girls wanted lunch right away, but we were able to hold them off until about 12:30. This was a pretty difficult task, but mainly because Kylee kept whining she was hungry and Tia kept wanting to veer off the trail to go the river. The whole hike she would point at it and say 'river, river.' Honestly, Tia's love for water, muddy puddles, and the outdoors I can't blame on her dad. Anyway, after coaxing the two girls along we finally stopped for lunch down along the river. The both thought it was awesome and actually did a good job eating their lunch. It was so beautiful to eat in the shade, have the river flowing in front of us, and to be with people I loved. It was so great.
Tia at lunch.
Kitt and Kylee eating by the river.
After lunch, we headed up the road more and eventually reached a sign that said Ralph Price Reservoir 2 miles if you went one way and 1 mile if you went the other way. My kids were already kind of having a rough time, so I was like oh 1 mile isn't bad we will go that way. Oh man, note to self--one mile during your child's nap time is a long way. Anyway, these kids were great, and their Aunt Kitt was so patient with them. We walked and walk for another half a mile and used the potty and decided which course to take (it was another fork in the road). We went left. We walked and walked and heard Kylee whine thing like "are we almost there?" "I am having a blast, but I am just so tired." "I don't want to do this." And then just a lot of talking. Just like Tia's silence is normal and comforting to her, Kylee's talking is I think a form of comfort for her. So really her whining was just talking,  but it had a whiny tone because she was probably feeling tired. Anyway, after about another 1/4 of a mile, so about 3/4 miles from the trail head we saw our first super cool thing--the reservoir outlet. It was shooting water out at a huge amount of pressure. We could even feel a little spray from it, which was quite refreshing on such a warm day. Anyway, we gawked at that for a bit and then headed on with our hike. 
Kitt , Tia, and Kylee at the outlet.
Well let me tell you, the last 1/4 mile of that hike is hiking. Its all switchbacks and skinny trial. Its kind of hard to know where you are going, but the girls actually did exceptionally well on this part. Finally after much steepness we reach the top and say the reservoir. It was very pretty. The water was still probably because there is no fishing our boating allowed. It was quite and beautiful. We took a few pictures, had a water break and then searched for a good spot to dip our feet in. We found a good little spot and cooled off our feet in the water. The water was sure cold, but man it felt good. Kylee was the first one to be done and I am pretty sure Tia could have stayed in there for another hour or more. However, it was getting kind of late so we needed to get headed back.
Kylee, Tia, and Kitt.
A very nice fisherman took this picture for us.

Kylee and Tia drying off their feet.
 So we start heading back and find out the trail we were going to use is closed. Augh. We almost decided to ignore the sign, but luckily we didn't because after a while it was non-existent the flood had destroyed it. We know because the trail we did take took us kind of by it. It was crazy to see where the flood had caused damage and how there is just a teeny-tiny stream there now. Also this trial was a little more in the shade so that was kind of nice to. On the way back we also gave into the girls a little bit and gave them piggy-back rides for short bursts. Finally about four we get back to the parking lot. When Kylee saw the end she was saying "WAHOOO! We are done hiking!" She was so ready to be in the car and on her way home. Both her and Tia were crashed out before we even left the preserve. It was such a great day. It was long and we kind of worried Gaupo because he thought I was leaving at 9:30 and I didn't leave till 11:00 so he was wondering where I was but I didn't have cell service where we were, so he couldn't get a hold of me. We decided I need to text him when I leave, just so he knows forsure what the time is. I am so glad it he let us go because it got out some much needed adventuring energy.

I am so grateful for this world God created for us. I love how every place has its own unique beauty. I l love water and flowers and the smell of the Ponderosa pines as the sun warms them. I just love this earth and think it is so pretty. I am so glad I could get out and enjoy it. Hopefully my girls enjoyed it too because it was a long hike. I didn't know it would be that long or I definitely would have tried to get out earlier.

Kylee
Tia

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Mother's Day

This year Mother's Day weekend also happened to be our first weekend out of school!! It was great. We started of with a little sleeping in and Gaupo made a fantastic breakfast of breakfast burrito's and muffins. It was so good, and perfect because no complained about how they didn't like it. (This is getting to be kind of a problem lately.) Anyway, it was so good and it made you feel full not like Thanksgiving full, but like you have enough nutrition in you to make you happy full. Then we got all that cleaned up and went and did grocery shopping. It is so nice to go together mainly because we can help each other be good and a little naughty. We can tag team things like getting the free balloons while the other one buys the grocery's, or I can do some price comparing while he entertains the kids. Plus I LOVE being with Gaupo. Sometimes I wish he could be around, just to have him around, but the reality is he needs work, and I need him to work. So, it really is kind of treat when we get to go together.

After grocery shopping, we quickly changed our clothes and headed to the rec center. Kylee and I went rock climbing and Tia and Gaupo went swimming and then when we were done climbing we went swimming too. Kylee is turning into a really good climber. She is still a little uncertain of mom not helping, but she does really good and this time she even took the ride down. She actually really like that part, and said "Mom, I don't want to climb. I just want the ride." I had to be the bearer of bad news and tell her that in order to get the ride she had to climb. It was also fun to have her watch me climb. I kind of like it when I can impress my kids, which I know is totally lame, but I seriously love it when they think that I am so good at something. I am going to soak it up while I can, because I have heard it doesn't last forever, but maybe it will. Maybe my kids will always be in awe of what I can do. It was fun for me to climb, though I must be getting weaker, or something because I fell like twice, but I kept going and it was still fun to climb. Like I said once Kylee and I were done climbing, we went out to the pool for swimming. Tia was super excited to see us. Both girls did an excellent job of showing of their 'tricks' to their dad. He doesn't always get to see them, so they feel pretty special showing dad their tricks.

  • Kylee's tricks: Back and front float with help. Roll-over from front to back with help. Going under under for actually quite a while. Retrieving a ring, balancing on one foot, and being silly.
  • Tia's tricks: Front float and Back float with help. Roll-over from back to front and front to back with help. Going under under. Retrieving a ring, supermaning (jumping off the side belly flop fashion) into moms arms, and having mom throw her in the air land in the water going under and pull her up. 
They are both doing really well for themselves. Then we all went and got in the hot tub. While there Gaupo and I took turns going down the big slides and I took a dive off the diving board. Tia was sure she wanted to do that too. I was going to let her, but she had to do it in shallower water first and one she did that she was good. Thank goodness, because I really do want to put off the day we try that because my fear is not that she wont do it, but that she will and I wont be able to catch her. Oh well, after that and a short ride in the lazy river we went home.

At home we had baths and lunch followed by naps. When the girls woke up we did some of Tia's OT tricks and her work system, which then led us into building towers with duplos. It was so fun. We built a huge one with all of our little pieces. It was bigger than me. It didn't stand up on its own, but it was super tall. After playing for a bit and waking up Gaupo we made cookies. Kylee has been begging for the chocolate chocolate chip cookies that were at Oma's house since we left. So, we made those together. Then we experimented with making potato salad with noodles instead of potatoes. It wasn't so good that night, but after the first day it was really good. Then we got to have a picnic. The weather was pretty yucky, so we couldn't have it outside, so we did it in the basement. We had egg salad sandwiches, chips, special drinks (Gatorade), pasta salad, and of course cookies. Then we came upstairs and had baths, did a few OT tricks, and then sent the girls to bed. 

Me, Kylee, and Tia at our picnic.
After the girls went to be we watched the Mighty Ducks 1. I really wanted to watch a sports movie and Gaupo is not into sports movies except the Mighty Ducks, so that is what we agreed upon and it was as funny as ever. Then we talked for a bit and went to bed. 

Oh such a great day, and something that Gaupo would allow to happen because it was a special day for me. If Gaupo had his kind of day it would involve movies, playing games, and heavy meals like steak and potatoes. I prefer doing things and after a hearty breakfast (my favorite meal of the day) I like stuff like sandwiches. So, it was totally my kind of day and actually enjoyed by my family as well.

Sunday was a great day too. I got up and read my scriptures and got breakfast. There was leftover breakfast burritos, so I didn't have to have cold cereal, Yea! Then we Facetimed Oma. The girls love showing off to them. Although we did make a pretty bad mistake of showing Tia Skippy (Oma's dog) and then that is all she wanted. However, Kylee sang Oma a song and we chatted for awhile and then Aunt Kara want to Facetime with Oma, so we did a hangout all together. That was fun because Aunt Kara and Uncle Seth were good sports and helped the girls "hold" baby Ross. It was fun to see him scooting for things. It was fun to talk to Kara and hear what she was up to and some plans she had. It was so great,  but I did eventually have to get a move on it so we wouldn't be late for church. But, I couldn't be done talking just yet because I noticed a missed call from Kitt. So, I called her back and talked to her while I got ready for church. Church was good and our ward gave Cadbury Chocolate bars to the sisters in the ward. After Church we came home and got some lunch. I had a yummy egg salad sandwich. Then everyone took naps except me. I talked on the phone to Jack. It was great to chat with him and see what they were up to and talk about them coming here. Then a little after four I woke everyone up and the girls kind of extended there nap on my lap, but seriously who will turn down cuddles--not me. Once everyone was up and moving we Facetime Grandma. The girls had fun with that and this time Tia kept asking to see Grandpa. It was fun to call and talk to Grandma. Everyone thought it was great. Finally, we had to hang-up, so we could figure out what to eat. We had no idea what to have and ended up deciding to eat leftovers; which consisted of some Navjo Taco, some burrito, pasta salad, and meat and cheese casidias for the girls. Then we played and enjoyed being together until it was time for the girls to go to bed. Once they were asleep, I tired to call my dad, but him and my mom had my cousins over for dinner. So, I gave them sometime to do that while talking to Klaire and then I called them back and talked for awhile. Then when it was all over we went to bed.




I had such a great Mother's Day. I was so grateful I could spend it doing things that I love with people I love. I feel so blessed to be a mom to three beautiful kids. I am so grateful that I have my two girls here with me. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband who sets aside his wants, so that we can do things together. I am also so grateful he is such a hard worker and provides so well for our family. I am so blessed to have a great Mom who loves me, still gives me advice and correction, and who is such a great example of love, service, being family oriented and having fun. I am also grateful for a great mother-in-law who raised such a wonderful boy and then welcomed me into her family. I am grateful for all her good advice and love. I feel so blessed to have Grandma's who loved their kids and grandkids. I feel so blessed by all these wonderful women. It really is kind of like the girl in our sacrament meeting said, "Mother's Day should not be the day we celebrate mothers, because we should be doing it all year. It is the day we should reflect and see if we are then try to celebrate them some more. I love being a mom. I thank Heavenly Father every day even on the bad days for the chance I get to have these special souls with me. Everyday the fill it with a least one smile, one silly thing, and at least 2 hugs and kisses. LOVE IT!

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Birthday Celebrations!

So, I kind of love the fact that Gaupo and I's birthdays are only 4 days apart. Technically we are a few years and four days, but I love that they are close together. One, because even though it is fun to celebrate my birthday I am a mom and so, sometimes you have to make and do most things whereas if its someone else's birthday you feel like you are serving them and it is so fun. I love to think about my family and what they would like and birthday's provide a great opportunity for that.

Our celebrations started on Gaupo's actual birthday. I got up when the girls got up and I helped them wrapped Gaupo's presents. It's true he already knew what they were because we are trying to cut down our expenses, so we had a limited birthday budget and I wanted to make sure we were getting him stuff he would actually like. Anyway, after they wrapped up his presents we went and gave them to him in bed and sang him Happy Birthday. Then we left him alone to get ready. While he was doing that we made his birthday sign and blew up some balloons and wrote notes on them for him. The girls thought it was awesome and wanted to write there own. I was a little nervous because we were righting with permanent marker and we are not the best and keeping colors were they should be, but they did pretty good and Gaupo loved the pictures. My favorite was the one that Kylee drew of her and her dad together. I wish I had a pic, but you will just have to trust me it was cute. Then when we were all done with that (yes, Gaupo took his sweet time getting ready) we made him some chocolate milk for breakfast. The girls were extremely jealous, but loved taking turns adding chocolate and stiring it.

Kylee, Gaupo, and Tia opening cards.
After Gaupo went to work the rest of the day was pretty normal for us girls, but Gaupo's work surprised him with a Thank-you gift that had a gift card to Pie 5 (a new pizza place here in town.)  After some debate and asking the girls what they wanted to do, we decided to go for it and went out and used his gift card for dinner. We ordered 2 custom pizza's, 1 kids pizza, and two drinks. We spent all but like 43 cents on the gift card. We were pretty pleased with ourselves. It was fun to eat fancy and really do something special for his birthday.
Tia, Kylee and Gaupo eating their pizza.
Don't these two look so pleased with dinner?
When we got home we had a cookie cake for him. I made Guapo some "Cherry Yum-Yum" cookies and then arranged them on the plate. We all had one and then sent the girls off to bed.
Riding bikes real quick while waiting for Gaupo to get back from picking his car up at the Library.
Tia, Gaupo, Kylee, and the cookie cake. (Gaupo refuses to not make weird faces in pictures)
After they were asleep, we spent some time together for a bit and then Kitt came. She had called during dinner to see what the weather was like, it wasn't great, but we thought it would get worse, so she decided to come down. We talked with her for a bit, but then since we all still had real life the next day decided to go to bed.

For our family,  a lot of the celebration is in the food and people. So, Friday the celebration continued. I kicked the morning off by doing a workout with Kitt. We both said it was good the other person was there because we wouldn't have done it if it was just us. But, we did it and it really does feel good to get your blood moving in the morning. After getting cleaned up and sending Gaupo and Kitt to work (Kitt worked in Gaupo's office all day), I started Gaupo's cake. The girls really wanted to help and so we made it work. Sometimes I wish I could just make something all by myself, but then again it might not taste quite as good, because Kylee and Tia put a lot of joy and love into their cooking I am sure it tastes better when they help.
Tia and Kylee reaping the rewards of cooking great food.
Anyway, we got the two layers in the oven and out. Then put the third layer in and it was baking by the time my visiting teachers arrived. So, we visited and one of my VT has kids pretty close to my kids age and so the kids love playing together. Then when the left we went to a potluck Birthday Party for a lady in our ward Angel. It was fun to get together with a few sisters in my ward and eat and let the kids play. Honestly it is so nice to have kids that are willing to go play with other kids. Kylee has not always be like that, so I am glad it has finally happened. It was really fun and we accidentally stayed until about 2:00. Kitt and Gaupo only had about 30 minutes of lunch left by the time we got home. Plus Gaupo had been trying to call me, but my phone was off. Ooops, don't know how that happened. Anyway, we got home and got the girls down for naps, and Kitt and Gaupo sent back to work. Then I started frosting the cake. It was so fun. I had a great time trying to decided how to decorate it and luckily Gaupo has an imagination and enjoyed what I thought of. The cake had his name and a picture of a computer all made out of chocolate chips and M&M's.

A close-up of the cake.
By the time the cake was done the girls were awake, and I went and registered Kitt and I for the Try-a-Tri that is the first weekend in June. Then by the time we got home I was like, 'ummm what about the real food.' Finally, I decided that beef Fighitas would be good. So, I sort of thawed a London broil, sliced it and made beef Fighitas. They were good. They probably wouldn't have been Gaupo's choice, but we were celebrating my birthday too, so why not pick something I like and he thinks is good too. So, when Gaupo and Kitt FINALLY got home--they took forever, Gaupo was doing something and then Kitt was, oh man they took WAY to long to get home--we finally had dinner. It was good. We got the cake out and were taking pictures, and Gaupo had the girls on his lap and it was just more than Tia could take, and she stuck her hand in it. Luckily it wasn't too bad, but oh man! Oh well, the cake was good. After all that partying, we watched a short show and then got the girls to bed. Then Kitt and I went shopping.

Me, Tia, Gaupo, and Kylee around the cake.
Kitt with the fam and cake.
Oh it is so nice to have a second opinion and not have to chase kids around while shopping. We went to JC Penny. We looked at everything and both took a whole slew of clothes into the dressing room We finished trying on everything about 10 minutes to closing. I found some jean shorts, swim shorts, and a shirt I liked. I had a couple of coupons and so I got that stuff for like 20 bucks. It was pretty awesome. Then we went to Sprouts and Lucky's for a couple of food things I wanted and then got home. Gaupo wasn't too please when we got home because he had tried to call both of us and neither of us answered. My phone was on this time I just didn't hear it. Luckily, we got home before he got too worried. However, he was supportive of the clothes I bought. I have worn all of them and am really enjoying them. Once all the showing off of the purchases was through, we chatted for a bit, but we were all so tired that we hit the sack pretty early.

Saturday dawned. Saturday's are so great. I love that Gaupo has a couple of days to be home with us. We don't always use them to their full potential, but I just love having him here. Anyways, we had a scrumptious breakfast, plus I got to sleep in a little. Gaupo made breakfast burritos, bacon, and smoothies. It was so good. Then we went grocery shopping. Kitt is such a trooper to do these kinds of things with us. We got that done and came home there was a giant box on our steps. It was Gaupo's present, so he opened it and then gave me mine that had come earlier.
Gaupo with the cool chest.
Me and Tia pulling out a camping kettle.
Kylee and I with my new immersion blender.
Then we started making a dutch oven feast. We had dutch oven potatoes, lemon garlic dutch oven chicken, and birthday cake. Luckily we were smart enough to give Tia a sandwich while she was still happy and then she was full and we put her down for a nap after she joined us for a bit. It really was pretty amazing.
As you can tell she was pleased too, and thought it was amazing to eat on the floor.
Also, while Gaupo and I were doing food, Kitt and Kylee built an amazing tower out of Gaupo's new cooler, the box, and other stackable things they found. It was quite impressive.
Kitt and Kylee building their tower.
After good food, good times, and during rainy weather naps were had by all. When we got up we dinked around for bit, but then we had to figure out what to have for dinner. No one was really that hungry, but with fast Sunday being the next day you have to have something for dinner. So, after much debate and ideas we made homemade teriyaki sauce, fried rice, chicken, and some oven roasted veggies. It was a great meal. The teriyaki sauce made the chicken really good and it was just great. Then we had baths and sent the girls to bed. Once they were in bed Kitt ran out to get some sour cream she forgot she needed and Gaupo and I got cleaned up. Then when Kitt got back we decided we would watch a movie. We watched Sahara. It is a movie that we really like. We bought it for Kitt, but she hasn't watched it yet, so we decided to watch it so then if she was ever in a group she could recommend it. Oh man, I probably shouldn't like that movie as much as I do because it does have swearing, but its really good. After the movie, we talked and then it was time to go to bed.

Sunday happened early, but Sunday is also a great day of the week. We all got ready for church. Kitt and Gaupo took care of the kids while I got ready. Then when it was time to go to church Kitt left to go home too. Boo, seriously I wish she didn't have to work and could just play with us all the time. It is so fun to play with her. Anyway, church was really good. I had to give the lesson in R.S. It was a little on service, a little on looking outside ourselves, a little on getting to know your sisters, and probably a little on something else. I actually didn't quite know how it was going to play out because when I was preparing I got to a point where I just felt like that was all I should do, and I was like WHAT? I kind of need to know how to start this lesson, but I trusted and just went with what came and I thought it went well and I felt the Spirit there, so I think that makes the lesson a success. After church we came home and got the girls some food. Then it was naps. Then we had a dinner of leftovers from the night before. Then we got the girls ready for bed and I let them stay up a little bit, so they could visit on the family hangout. Just Oma and Aunt Kara were on, but the girls love Baby Ross, and they loved singing and saying hi to Oma so it worked. We had a good hangout and when it was over, Kitt and I talked for like another 30ish or more minutes and then decided we had better go to bed.

Monday was my birthday. To be honest it was kind of a hard day. One because as a mom with a birthday on a Monday you don't have breakfast made for you, you don't get to sleep in, etc. And yes, I know I had all that stuff in the weekend, but I am not perfect okay and I would really like it ON my birthday too. Also, I don't know what else was up but it was kind of an emotionally rough day. That being said it was still a pretty good day. We went for a run. I made myself a good breakfast of pancakes, but I was accidentally read the muffin recipe, so even though I tried to take out some of the sugar they were still pretty sweet. The day was perfect weather. My mom, dad, and Klaire called me first thing in the morning. The girls and I had fun going to the park and playing. I got some birthday texts. (see I really should not have been emotionally struggling, but hey its the way it was.) Anyway, after our fun morning it was time to get to work. I made white bread which takes FOREVER, and then I made my birthday cake of vanilla cinnamon rolls. It was a lot of baking and my kids did pretty good, but were also getting pretty naughty by the time I was done. About 4:30 I decided what I wanted for dinner. Gaupo had been asking me all day/weekend. I was so full or busy nothing had sounded good till then.

So, I called him up and said I wanted a party sub from the grocery store. He thought that was great, so when he got home he surprised me with linking onto a bike ride. That bike ride was so what I needed--a little space, a little fresh air, good food, and company. We went to the store and got the sub and some chips and then we went out to the bikes to go to the park and the hitch to the bike trailer broke. I was like oh man, what are we going to do? Well what we ended up doing was using the safety strap and tighting it as best we could and going to a park a lot closer than originally thought. It worked okay, but not great. Made weird noises, and hit the tire and stuff. Anyway, we get to the park and we find Kylee's friend Tori and her dad and brother their. The girls had a blast playing with them. They climbed all over the toys, picked lettuce (weeds), and ran from the monster that was in the basin drain. Finally, we made the girls come eat dinner which was very good. Then we had a short lesson, and started home. Gaupo biked the kids up the hill, but decided it best to walk them down the hill. It looked so funny, because he was leaning all weird trying to keep the trailer from sliding forward and at the same time hold his bike up. He was literally trying to walk perpendicular to his bike. It looked so awkward. Anyway, we get home and get settled. While I am getting the cinnamon rolls out, Gaupo glues the hitch back together. Then we have cinnamon rolls, and get the kids to bed. Then I talk to Kara and Heidi. Then we play games and call it a night. I was so tired. See looking at it I don't know what the heck my problem was a great day, but oh well.

Me, Tia and Kylee with our picnic dinner.
Kylee, Me, Tia, and my birthday cake.
Since one day is not enough celebration I decided to elongate it in to Tuesday. Gaupo got up with the girls, so I could sleep in. We had a good breakfast and then went swimming. We came back and got Gaupo off to work. I believe we played outside and then had lunch and naps. During that I made dinner of tequitos. They were pretty good. Then Gaupo came home and we had dinner. Then we were going to go in the bike trailer, but it broke again, so we didn't, and instead stayed home and rode bikes up to the high school. If you haven't been here it is a pretty good climb up and a pretty crazy down hill on the way home. The girls had a tough time going up and just about made me have a heart attack several times on the way down. Oh man, but they both thought it was great, especially Tia. She loves going fast, but she is not the best driver because she gets distracted and tends to steer toward what she is looking at and not where she is going. AUGHHH, so scary, but fun and funny at the same time. Then it was time for bed. Then I called my mom for a bit and while I was doing that my Visiting Teacher stopped by with cookies. That was super fun. Then after awhile Gaupo got home and we chatted and went to bed. You see this day as I write doesn't seem as birthday-ish, but in the living of it, it felt like a much better day. Oh well, they were both good.

So, I am officially one year older. It is crazy to think that I am 27 years old, but I am. I can't believe all that has happened in the last year and years. I am totally growing, changing, living, and overcoming everyday. Life is funny that way, no two days are really ever the same. So grateful, that i get to be a year older and I really can't wait to see what this year brings. It has already been great. I have great kids who are silly, crazy, funny, smart, loveable, and fun loving. I have a husband who is so supportive, kind, funny, silly, and a great dad. So, it looks like it will be another great year. Truly so blessed.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Kicking it Off in Arizona a Novel

Arizona just makes you feel like summer is around the corner. It wonderful warm sunshine. I mean that thing is HOT. I LOVE it. It just warms you skin and makes you feel cozy. It is awesome. Not to mention Arizona is my home and where some super awesome people live, so we decided to kick-off the Spring and hopefully soon summer off in Arizona.

The girls and I flew out on Monday. We left at noon. Gaupo went through security with us. We used the best kept DIA secret of the bridge security. It was great. The lines were so much shorter and it still leads to all the gates. I was really glad Gaupo was with me, because I was able to explore with more confidence. Anyway, we arrived at our gate and then we had to say good-bye. I really wish he could come with us. I hate leaving him here alone, but so glad he supports me in wanting to go home. So then we waited around for our plane to leave. Tia found the wheelchairs and was playing on those, plus we found a little friend to play with for a bit. That is always fun. Then we used the potty and waited for them to call 'zone 3.' I had no desire to board early as that just meant we had to spend more time in our seats. However, the flight went well. Tia sat by the window and had a great time moving the window shade up and down over and over again.
Us on the plane. Tia totally all about seeing what is out the window.
I also made the girls wait till we were on the plane before I gave them lunch, so they thought that was pretty fun too. Kylee took a little rest on me and Tia just did whatever she could think of in that tiny space until we got to AZ. As a side note, we paid for three tickets and so we had the whole row to ourselves. That was so nice because I didn't have to worry about them bugging the people right next to us. Anyway, we get to AZ and meet Papa. WAHOOO! It was so great to see him. He helped us get the carseats and suitcase and to the car we went. Getting the carseats in is such a pain. I kind of cant wait until we don't have to do those anymore, but its awhile a way, so I guess I will just have to hang on. And I digress.

 Anyway, we headed out and Tia feel asleep, so we got Papa some lunch at In-and-Out Burger and then went and parked in the shade and let him eat it. I did get some fries and Kylee and I shared those. They were so good. Then we went to my Aunt Liz's house. My cousin Michayle was visiting with her 3 girls, so we let the girls just run around outside and play with them. It was a much needed break from travel. After playing for a bit, we headed out to pick-up Klaire from the airport (she was flying in from Ogden after being at BYUI for the year.) Her flight was a little late, so we had to wait. But she got there and we got hugs and her luggage and got in the car to go to Distribution to look for a temple dress, but forgot they close early on Monday's and so we missed it. Good thing the temple has clothes she can wear, and she bought a few garments in Rexburg. So, then we hit Sams Club for some fruit and dinner and then went home. The drive home seemed like FOREVER! We had to stop once because Tia totally had an accident in her seat, so we had to stop and take care of that, but we got it taken care of (put a diaper on for the rest of the ride.) Finally, we got home around 10:00. Oma was so glad to see us, and Kylee was more than willing to cuddle with her. After a few minutes of stretching our legs we put the girls to bed, visited for a short bit and then went to bed.

Tuesday started bright and early as did almost everyday we were in Arizona. My kids just don't switch times easily, so if they made it till 6:00 or 6:30 I could not have been happier. Anyway, one good thing about getting crack-alackin' in the morning is that we get to have scriptures and prayers with Papa before he goes to work. Then Oma made us her delicious breakfast casserole. It is like an omelet, but she cooks it in the oven. It was so good. Of course, my polite little Kylee took one bit and then said, "I just like my eggs plain." We kind of need to work on our manners of not saying stuff like that out loud. I guess I should just really count my blessings that at least she didn't "yuck, this is disgusting." After breakfast, I took a shower. Traveling always makes me feel kind of gross. Kylee got to watch a show with Oma during that time. Then we went downstairs and played in Oma's super fun basement. Then i am not sure what we did (hazards of not getting this post finished last week 4/26), but I know we had a great time and then had lunch and put the girls down. Oma and I took a little nap and Klaire decided that was lame and went to visit her friend Paige. Well as we promised our naps weren't long and before she got back, Mom had made cookies and I had called Driel about the R.S. Activity that was coming up in a week. Poor Mom had taken the day of the temple and all that happened during that time was naps and me doing RS stuff. Luckily mom is a good sport and we enjoyed each other and chatting after I was done. After naps and before dinner, Oma had a presidency meeting, so we went to Pima park while she had her meeting. That night we just talked and played games and then went to bed.

Tia Climbing up.
Kylee learning to do the bars down. She is scared here, but she got really good at these before we left.
Wednesday was kind of the same thing except for breakfast was something else delicious. I didn't have cold cereal once while I was there and it was AWESOME!! I just haven't liked cold cereal lately, so if I can find a way not to eat it I will. After breakfast, Oma watched the girls while Klaire and I went for a run. Then when we got back we went to the Thatcher Park. Usually that place is empty, but for some reason there were actually quite a few people there. However, we played and had a great time anyway. I think we played there for about two hours it was kind of an impressive amount of time at the park. While there one of Klaire's friends mistook me for her and saw me and was like "Hey! What's up?" I was like "hey." Then she was closer and noticed I wasn't Klaire, but I looked a lot like her and was like, "Oh, I thought you were Klaire." I replied, "I am her sister, she's right over there." Anyway, it was pretty funny. So, after the park we went home and had lunch and the girls took naps. Klaire and I talked during naptime and then when the girls got up we went outside. They loved throwing rocks in the ditch, seeing the chickens, and playing with Skippy. Then we had dinner, and got the girls to bed. Then Oma and Klaire and I played games and talked.

Tia with her prized chicken egg. She begged us all day to go and get it.
Thursday we did a workout inside. That was kind of disastrous, because the girls kept doing things they shouldn't, but we got through. Oma had to to work that day, BUMMER. However, after working out, having breakfast, taking care of a couple fiascoes and taking turns getting cleaned-up it was time to get a lunch together. So, we made special drinks and sandwiches and gathered up some other stuff and stopped for a minute at Oma's work and said hi and my kids were great enough to get us invited back for some ice cream cake. From Oma's work we went to Papa's office were we got to see lots of the people he works with and of course they all thought his granddaughters were just so precious. (As they should) Then Papa gave the girls the choice of going across the street to eat at the park or in the breakroom. Kylee chose the breakroom, so that is were we went. Poor other people that were in there, Tia kept opening and closing the door. That door is very loud and it clicks where you open or shut it, plus the floor in there is all tile, so every sound is amplified. However, they did say they didn't mind and hopefully it is true because the normal quite breakroom was not. Our lunch was good, and it was fun to have it with Papa. Then we all, including Papa, went to Oma's office to cash in on the offer of ice cream cake. It was a fun treat and we totally dirtied that office more that it usually is, but don't worry we didn't leave it that way. It is just what happens when little kids get ice cream. So, anyway we went home and got the girls down for a nap and then Klaire and I took a little snooze and then chatted. When the girls woke-up they wanted to go outside, so we took them out there and then made dinner. Papa and Oma got home and we had dinner and during dinner we got to video chat with Aunt Kara and baby Ross. Then Oma and Klaire headed to the temple and Papa started getting ready. I cleaned up dinner and then the babysitter got there. Luckily she was okay with getting to know the kids while I went and got changed for the temple. Once I was a ready, Papa and I left for the temple.

It was so wonderful to be with Klaire as she received her endowments. It was fun to sit on the very front row next to her and mom. It was wonderful to be in the Celestial room together. It was also really nice to be in the Celestial room and just be able to relax and enjoy the peace and spirit of the temple. I really wish all my other siblings could have been there. It would have been/will be so neat to be in the temple all together. It was such a wonderful experience. I love the temple and the peace and feeling of safety there. Papa stayed to clean, while us girls went home. The babysitters had done great and the girls were in bed and asleep. So, we were chilling and enjoying being home. Then Papa got home and we chatted a bit more and then it was late, so we had prayers and went to bed.

Friday Oma worked at the temple, and Papa went to work super early so he could get a few hours in and then come home. While everyone was gone Klaire and I took the girls to the temple. I was going to do it sooner, but things just kept coming up. Finally, I was like we are going, so we went. Those two were so cute. The loved the temple and it was fun to talk about it and let them be there and answer their questions it was great.
Kylee and Tia at Gila Valley Temple.
We came back home and Papa was back, and ready to play WAHOOO!! The main thing we did was go on a four-wheeler ride. We went to Bryce cemetery and Kylee wanted to know where Derek was. After we explained that, and showed her my Mama Fawn's grave and a couple of other cool things up there we continued on to where there use to be a spring. When we got to where it use to be we climbed down and hiked the creek bed for a bit till we found where it comes out now. That was super fun for me, but you can totally tell my kids are from the city and haven't done much hiking yet. Tia kept wanting to run as if it were flat ground, which it wasn't so luckily we were able to save her from all but one spill. Kylee didn't like that it was hard and uneven, and that she had to watch out for bushes and 'jump' down to Papa. However, we all made it and I thought it was great. I love these treasures my dad can show me. I love seeing the secrets of where I live. Sometimes I wonder how different they were when he was exploring them, but I am so glad he can remember where they are and take me. I love it. Anyway, the girls were so done after that so we went back home. Once there we had lunch and then it was time for naps. After naps we helped Papa clean out the truck and got the carseats in it and all drove up to El Charo for dinner. Klaire and I got a sampler plate thing. It had a bunch of different things on it. It was all pretty good and it was fun to go eat Mexican in AZ. It's been awhile and after going and having my kids with us I remembered why. It is because kids always want to go use the potty like a million times, then they make a huge mess while eating, then when they are all done they want to get down and run around. AHHHHH!! Oh well, we all survived. That night we watched some home videos that Papa had converted to DVD in his class and oh my it was funny. It was like my life right now just with a couple extra kids around. Oma was laughing so hard, I was laughing, and Papa I think was laughing at both us and the video. Oma's comment was "I don't remember living in a zoo." It gave me hope that if us kids were like that at one time and turned out the way we did then there is still hope for my family. After awhile, we turned it off and I went and packed up all my stuff and then we visited more and went to bed.

Saturday we got up early and had breakfast and were out the door by pretty close to 7. We left knowing that there were possible weather factors, but I honestly didn't think they would cancel it. But lo and behold, they did just as we got to north Mesa. When they first called they offered me the Monday morning flight, but I just couldn't agree to that without consulting with the people that would need to take me and pick me up. Luckily we decided that Tuesday was best, because by the time I had spent an hour on hold the Monday flight was full. They were going to offer me a flight voucher, but I said 'Whoa, Whoa, Whoa. I need a flight can I get on the Tuesday flight?' Those people are crazy to think I can get a flight at the same price. Anyway, luckily I got the Tuesday flight and we continued with our day. Our day included getting some edging rock for Papa. That was a chore since we couldn't find the place for like a LONG time. Oh man, my kids were so done with the car. When we finally got the brick we went out to Aunt Liz's house to get Oma's hair done. On the way out, we crushed a basketball. It was unavoidable. Papa tried and almost crushed my suitcase but in stead of ruining my luggage he sacrificed the ball. I was grateful but I doubt the kids whose ball it was is. Anyway, while we were at Aunt Liz's house the girls played outside, I figured out the details of not coming back to Colorado until the day of the RS event and got the bonus of getting my haircut. Its a pretty simple cut, but man it it so nice to have it cut. I LOVE it.
I know its blurry, but these two thought the salon chair was amazing.
When that was all done we went to Costco and got Klaire a swimsuit. Then we went to distribution to see if Klaire could get a temple dress, and get her more garments. We were successful on the garments, not so much on the temple dress. Then we headed to Sams for dinner and then on the road home. Oh man, that drive seems so long when you are ready for it to be done. It is seriously a killer almost. However, we got home safe and sound.

Sunday was great. We got up and Oma and Klaire entertained the girls while I got ready. Then they got ready. Then we had a little lunch and went to church. Tia had an accident on the way to church. Yes, the child that went to Mesa and back the day before didn't make it the five minutes to the Church building. AUUUGHHHHH!! It is so frustrating. I wish I could find out what was going on when that happened, but I can't it is so weird. It is just like sometimes she forgets or I don't know she used it right before we left. So yeah, church started off great with me having to clean that up, but luckily things dry in AZ and luckily I had spare clothes. Actually, I am pretty sure that was following the spirit, because I ran back in the house to grab something and remembered I didn't have clothes and instead of saying oh we will be fine, I went and got them. So, I did have them. Thank goodness. So after that disaster, it was time for sacrament meeting. Well I had to take Tia out and then we came back and she fell asleep., which was great. However, when she woke up and needed to go to nursery she wasn't so sure about that. Luckily (I guess), Kylee didn't want to go to her class either and was more than willing to go with Tia to nursery, so not wanting to be stuck with two kids during RS I let them go. It worked out really well I think. After church we came home, and got dinner cooking. We had Papa Ross up for dinner. It was fun to visit with him. I wish I could concentrate more, but with two kids it wasn't happening. Oh well, dinner was good and the company was better and when it was all finished Papa Ross left we got things cleaned up and the kids to bed. Then me and Papa snuck off to Papa Ross's house. While we were there I got to catch up with my cousin Mary Anne and see my cousin James and his two kids. Oh man, it was so good to see them both. James little girl loved me and didn't want to go back with her dad. I think that might have made him feel bad, but boy did it make me feel good. She was super cute and funny I kind of didn't want to give her back, but I did. Then we went home and we visited for a bit and then went to bed.

Monday was a little crazy. Tia was running from one naughty thing to another almost faster than I could catch her it was crazy. So, we decided to get out of the house before anything got destroyed and went to the park again. This time we had most of the park to ourselves. It was pretty fun and we played for a long time. I seriously love that my kids love the park. I wish they would play in our backyard without one, but I love that they will at least play at one. Anyway, about the time we were going to leave a couple of my friends arrived with their kids. One was Jessica Pace, and then the other was Leseli Judd. It was fun to catch up with them and see how they were doing. I haven't seen Jessica in a long time, so it was so fun to see her and her kids. My kids were so done, so even though I wanted to stay a little longer it was time to go. We came home and had lunch and naps. Klaire and I meant to play games, but ended up talking. When the girls woke up we let them go swimming. This consisted of them dipping their bums in the pool and then getting out sliding on the slide and repeat, and done with lots of screaming. To be honest when my kids are having the most fun with a rambunctious activity it usually involves very high pitched loud screaming. We finished up with that and then went inside to help Oma with dinner. After dinner we had FHE. Oma pulled out a prayer puzzle and asked the girls different questions about prayer and then we played happy home and had a treat. It was fun and simple. Then we just kind of hung around and I repacked and went to bed.

Tuesday is pretty much covered on the previous post, but it was a very long and wonderful day. We were off by 7:00 again, we had to be this time or we would have to take the long way around. So, luckily we got off on time and through the blasting zone before it closed. It was fun to talk to my dad, and kind of enjoy our drive down there just us. Well, sorta. Tia and Kylee offered their two cents every once in awhile. Tia with usually going Papa, Papa, PAPA until he answered. She thought that was so funny. We made a pit stop at Jack in the Box and the pool store and then went to the airport. Luckily they let Papa through security with me and then we also scored and found a play area. It was awesome. I think every terminal needs one. It was so great. Then we eventually boarded and flew to Denver. Here we met are dad and boy howdy were we excited to see him and him to see us. Oh it was so good to be together again. I wish I could haven't spent all night together, but it wasn't to be and I did have a great time at the RS meeting, so it wasn't all for nothing. Plus the girls had a great time having some Daddy-Daughter time.

Sorry this is so long and not many pictures, but I forgot my camera and it was a whole eventful week. So hope you enjoy.