Monday, August 25, 2008
It was a great first day!
Well, mostly great--after we made it through the morning part. We had a few bumps this morning. The girls got up a little earlier than I would've liked. Then, we had a couple of melt downs over what we were going to wear. I tried to take care of the wardrobe part last night and thought everything was good to go. Had to make a few changes and dry some tears, then moved on beautifully after that. The day of course FLEW by for me. Everyone raved about their first day--best day of school EVER according to all three girls! Hope it lasts......
Saturday, August 23, 2008
We had to squeeze in one more!
Trip, that is, before school starts Monday! One last time this summer we went to my mom and dad's (5 1/2 hours 1 way). We wanted to attend a wedding reception, so as much as I didn't want to get in the car again, we made the trip. We carpooled with my sister and her baby. Short, but sweet, and always great to spend time with Mama Leslie and Grandpappy! Summer is truly gone. Done. Fini. No more. We had a great one!! In less than 48 hours we will be back to making sure everyone eats a good breakfast, packing lunches, homework, etc. I am looking forward to going shopping BY MYSELF!!
The bride is always the star of the show!
It POURED down rain while we were there. No available outdoor activities meant finding things to do inside. The girls got creative--we had a few pioneer children. (I used to play dress up with the SAME shoes that Sam has on.)
Susanna and Miss B.
I think my parents spent about 7 or 8 weeks with my kids, and/ or me and my kids, and/or me, Greg, and my kids this summer. I know they must be sick of us and need a serious break, but they are WONDERFUL parents and grandparents EXTRAORDINAIRE!!!! They are always so gracious and make us feel like they are happy to have us around!
Thanks again Mom and Dad for all you do for us!!!!
The bride is always the star of the show!
It POURED down rain while we were there. No available outdoor activities meant finding things to do inside. The girls got creative--we had a few pioneer children. (I used to play dress up with the SAME shoes that Sam has on.)
Susanna and Miss B.
I think my parents spent about 7 or 8 weeks with my kids, and/ or me and my kids, and/or me, Greg, and my kids this summer. I know they must be sick of us and need a serious break, but they are WONDERFUL parents and grandparents EXTRAORDINAIRE!!!! They are always so gracious and make us feel like they are happy to have us around!
Thanks again Mom and Dad for all you do for us!!!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Our last trip of the summer....
to Pensacola Beach Florida! This is one of our favorite beach spots. Super fun for kids and right on the beach! I mentioned in an earlier post that my parents started taking us to Pensacola when I was 15. They have been back nearly every year for the past 25 years or so. We rented a great condo with room for me and my 3 kids, my parents, and my friend Camden and 3 of her kids. We had a fabulous time! The kids LOVE playing on the beach and spent most of their time doing the following: Playing in the sand and building sand castles over, and over, and over. Playing in the waves. Looking for hermit crabs, shells, and fish. We could hardly get them off the beach to go and do anything else. We stayed on the beach until after dark nearly every night. It was a full moon--so beautiful to see the moonlight on the water. We decided a flashlight was a good idea after the first night! Very helpful when looking for shoes, towels, etc. in the dark. We hope to go again next year and have the dads come too. (My dad kept teasing Greg about him not being with us--he told Greg he was sending an "invoice" for entertaining us while Greg was at home working.)
We like to stay on Santa Rosa island. The Gulf of Mexico is on one side, and the bay is on the other. Many things were wiped out by hurricane Ivan 4 years ago. We love the sea oats and the beautiful, white powdery sand.
Nan especially loved looking for crabs. She also found a great sand dollar almost totally intact.
Samantha and Adyson waiting for the next wave. The kids played for HOURS!!
Sus spent most of her time building sand castles and burying herself in the sand. The salt water irritates her skin so she mostly stayed out of it. (Natalie and Tanner got stung by a jellyfish so I think that was another reason she didn't want to go in the water too much.)
I loved seeing my kids play and run on the beach.
We had a very rainy day on Wednesday. It poured buckets so we decided to take a ride out to Fort Pickens. Before hurricane Ivan, there was a road to drive to the fort--there is no road now. You can walk or bike 7 miles to get to it, or take a "shuttle". Our shuttle was a large cart/buggy (I think they are called mules). It was kind of fun to ride over in the rain. Once there, we explored what we could of the old fort. Geronimo was once held captive here.
The fort is just across the bay from the naval air station in Pensacola. The Blue Angels were scheduled to practice this day and the fort would have been a perfect place to see them. I was very sad that they could not fly because of the rain. We did have an exciting moment at the fort--as we were crossing over a grassy/weedy area to a path, my dad spotted a snake RIGHT where we were stepping. He didn't THINK it was a poisonous snake, but the sight of ANY snake makes my heart skip a few beats!
The girls played in the rain while we waited for our "shuttle".
I just thought this picture was so cute of Sam and Mama Leslie!
The kids like to ride go karts at this place near the bay. This is really a job for Greg, but since he was not with us, I stepped up and drove the girls around and around the track!
We all enjoyed an ice cream cone at Alvins Island before we ended our beach adventure. it was very fun! (Sus added this in the blog--glad she thought it was fun--that's why we do these things!)
We like to stay on Santa Rosa island. The Gulf of Mexico is on one side, and the bay is on the other. Many things were wiped out by hurricane Ivan 4 years ago. We love the sea oats and the beautiful, white powdery sand.
Nan especially loved looking for crabs. She also found a great sand dollar almost totally intact.
Samantha and Adyson waiting for the next wave. The kids played for HOURS!!
Sus spent most of her time building sand castles and burying herself in the sand. The salt water irritates her skin so she mostly stayed out of it. (Natalie and Tanner got stung by a jellyfish so I think that was another reason she didn't want to go in the water too much.)
I loved seeing my kids play and run on the beach.
We had a very rainy day on Wednesday. It poured buckets so we decided to take a ride out to Fort Pickens. Before hurricane Ivan, there was a road to drive to the fort--there is no road now. You can walk or bike 7 miles to get to it, or take a "shuttle". Our shuttle was a large cart/buggy (I think they are called mules). It was kind of fun to ride over in the rain. Once there, we explored what we could of the old fort. Geronimo was once held captive here.
The fort is just across the bay from the naval air station in Pensacola. The Blue Angels were scheduled to practice this day and the fort would have been a perfect place to see them. I was very sad that they could not fly because of the rain. We did have an exciting moment at the fort--as we were crossing over a grassy/weedy area to a path, my dad spotted a snake RIGHT where we were stepping. He didn't THINK it was a poisonous snake, but the sight of ANY snake makes my heart skip a few beats!
The girls played in the rain while we waited for our "shuttle".
I just thought this picture was so cute of Sam and Mama Leslie!
The kids like to ride go karts at this place near the bay. This is really a job for Greg, but since he was not with us, I stepped up and drove the girls around and around the track!
We all enjoyed an ice cream cone at Alvins Island before we ended our beach adventure. it was very fun! (Sus added this in the blog--glad she thought it was fun--that's why we do these things!)
Friday, August 1, 2008
Nan's visit to the farm
I realized I never posted any pictures of Nan's solo visit to my mom and dad's. Like her sisters, she also had a great time! Again, I am so grateful to my mom and dad for treating her so well and making her feel so special! (I am also grateful that my mom worked with her on reading and math each day, although I'm sure Nan would not feel the same!)
She played at the cabin....
Went swimming....
Saw Big Al....
Went to Dale's farm and saw Humphrey, along with many other very fun farm animals....
Did lots of puzzles........
Played with her new toys......had a terrific time!
She played at the cabin....
Went swimming....
Saw Big Al....
Went to Dale's farm and saw Humphrey, along with many other very fun farm animals....
Did lots of puzzles........
Played with her new toys......had a terrific time!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Trip Update 3 (don't worry--it's the last one)
Idaho then back to Utah.
After our hike last Tuesday, we headed up to Idaho. My sister in law owns a gym, so Wednesday evening she took us after hours to jump and play on the gym equipment. The kids had a great time!
Thursday morning we loaded up for Targhee and Jackson. Once at Targhee, we got the lift/lunch ticket and rode up the mountain. WOW! What a view! We ate our picnic with an incredible view of the Tetons before us. We were so happy that we made this stop!
Susanna had been BEGGING to ride horses on the trip. Everywhere she saw horses she asked if she could ride. SO, at Targhee, the kids rode horses. Targhee had better prices and times than over in Park City.
Susanna with her cousin Blake--one of only two boys out of my parents 16 grandchildren.
Of course we stopped in Jackson since we were so close. The mountains are so beautiful we could hardly get enough. The kids rode the alpine slide there and we walked around the town a little. Greg loves Jackson, but one of the reasons he wanted to go there so badly was because they have a CloudVeil store there and he wanted a new jacket! (which he got)
On Friday we attended the Idaho Falls temple with my sisters, brother and sister in law, and parents. It was great to be together! That evening we were back in Salt Lake.
Playing in the hotel.
Over the weekend, we shopped, swam, and saw many of the sights on Temple Square. Here are the cousins in front of the Beehive House.
My girls loved the visitors centers. Greg and I took a moment to sit while they went around with their cousins pressing all the buttons.
One of the highlights of our trip was going to Music and the Spoken Word on Sunday Morning. I practically get tears in my eyes the MOMENT the MoTab starts to sing. They are truly amazing and it sounded incredible! But as wonderful as the choir is, that is not the only reason this was a highlight. We got there a bit early and got really good seats pretty far up front in the conference center. A few minutes before the broadcast people started standing up--yes, it was President Monson. It was a special treat for the girls to get to see him in person. The Osmonds were performing with the choir that morning and President Monson came to present them a special recognition. We had no idea he would be there but were delighted to see him!
The girls enjoyed the beautiful gardens on Temple Square!
We truly enjoyed our time on Temple Square! The girls enjoyed seeing the sights with their cousins!
We ended our trip with a very enjoyable visit to Greg's long time friends Dave and Karen. They treated us to a wonderful meal and great company on Sunday evening!
We are home now. Apparently it has been over 100 degrees for 11 of the past 12 days. So glad we missed that, however, the heat is still in the forecast. We have to give a big thanks to Mama Leslie and Grandpappy for letting us travel with them! They are always so kind to us and VERY patient with our family. We also want to thank our siblings for letting us stay with them, and/or letting us use their cars during our visit! Thanks so much family--we love you!!
After our hike last Tuesday, we headed up to Idaho. My sister in law owns a gym, so Wednesday evening she took us after hours to jump and play on the gym equipment. The kids had a great time!
Thursday morning we loaded up for Targhee and Jackson. Once at Targhee, we got the lift/lunch ticket and rode up the mountain. WOW! What a view! We ate our picnic with an incredible view of the Tetons before us. We were so happy that we made this stop!
Susanna had been BEGGING to ride horses on the trip. Everywhere she saw horses she asked if she could ride. SO, at Targhee, the kids rode horses. Targhee had better prices and times than over in Park City.
Susanna with her cousin Blake--one of only two boys out of my parents 16 grandchildren.
Of course we stopped in Jackson since we were so close. The mountains are so beautiful we could hardly get enough. The kids rode the alpine slide there and we walked around the town a little. Greg loves Jackson, but one of the reasons he wanted to go there so badly was because they have a CloudVeil store there and he wanted a new jacket! (which he got)
On Friday we attended the Idaho Falls temple with my sisters, brother and sister in law, and parents. It was great to be together! That evening we were back in Salt Lake.
Playing in the hotel.
Over the weekend, we shopped, swam, and saw many of the sights on Temple Square. Here are the cousins in front of the Beehive House.
My girls loved the visitors centers. Greg and I took a moment to sit while they went around with their cousins pressing all the buttons.
One of the highlights of our trip was going to Music and the Spoken Word on Sunday Morning. I practically get tears in my eyes the MOMENT the MoTab starts to sing. They are truly amazing and it sounded incredible! But as wonderful as the choir is, that is not the only reason this was a highlight. We got there a bit early and got really good seats pretty far up front in the conference center. A few minutes before the broadcast people started standing up--yes, it was President Monson. It was a special treat for the girls to get to see him in person. The Osmonds were performing with the choir that morning and President Monson came to present them a special recognition. We had no idea he would be there but were delighted to see him!
The girls enjoyed the beautiful gardens on Temple Square!
We truly enjoyed our time on Temple Square! The girls enjoyed seeing the sights with their cousins!
We ended our trip with a very enjoyable visit to Greg's long time friends Dave and Karen. They treated us to a wonderful meal and great company on Sunday evening!
We are home now. Apparently it has been over 100 degrees for 11 of the past 12 days. So glad we missed that, however, the heat is still in the forecast. We have to give a big thanks to Mama Leslie and Grandpappy for letting us travel with them! They are always so kind to us and VERY patient with our family. We also want to thank our siblings for letting us stay with them, and/or letting us use their cars during our visit! Thanks so much family--we love you!!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Trip Update 2
A day in Park City and a hike to Timpanogos Caves!
Last Monday we spent the day in beautiful Park City! Susanna and Samantha are hanging with their cousin Ashlyn. We rode the Alpine slide, Alpine coaster, Legacy Launcher, and some of the kids did a little rock climbing. We had a terrific time!!
I am not sure how Paige and I got a chair to ourselves, but hey, we'll take it!! (Paige is my sister in law)
The cousins had their own chair up to the alpine slide.
My kids LOVED the legacy launcher!! They flipped and double flipped like I've never seen! This is Samantha doing her thing!
Here's Susanna. I wasn't sure if she could get her long legs around on the flips, but she flipped and dipped just fine!
Natalie is our most natural monkey. She climbs and flips like it is second nature!
On Tuesday, we hiked to Timpanogos Caves with Maria's family. Here are the girls taking a break before we enter the caves. Of course Susanna had to use the restroom right when we were in the caves. You may have guessed that there is no restroom inside the caves. I had to hurry out of there with her before the end of the tour!
Our hiking gang! The girls did so well on the hike!
Me and my sister Maria.
Last Monday we spent the day in beautiful Park City! Susanna and Samantha are hanging with their cousin Ashlyn. We rode the Alpine slide, Alpine coaster, Legacy Launcher, and some of the kids did a little rock climbing. We had a terrific time!!
I am not sure how Paige and I got a chair to ourselves, but hey, we'll take it!! (Paige is my sister in law)
The cousins had their own chair up to the alpine slide.
My kids LOVED the legacy launcher!! They flipped and double flipped like I've never seen! This is Samantha doing her thing!
Here's Susanna. I wasn't sure if she could get her long legs around on the flips, but she flipped and dipped just fine!
Natalie is our most natural monkey. She climbs and flips like it is second nature!
On Tuesday, we hiked to Timpanogos Caves with Maria's family. Here are the girls taking a break before we enter the caves. Of course Susanna had to use the restroom right when we were in the caves. You may have guessed that there is no restroom inside the caves. I had to hurry out of there with her before the end of the tour!
Our hiking gang! The girls did so well on the hike!
Me and my sister Maria.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Trip Update 1
Vail Pass Summitt
It is a loooooooong haul from Texas to Utah!! We stopped over in Denver. Greg was born in Aspen and has a special affection for Colorado. We stopped at Vail Pass summitt. It was a gorgeous day and felt great to see the beautiful mountains and breathe the fresh air! We let the girls run around and took a few pictures.
After many hours in the car, we made it to Utah. We were so happy to be able to make it for Anna's baptism! The cousins were so happy to see each other! We enjoyed some great company and food after the baptism at Maria's house (my sister is not really named Maria--it is just what I have called her for years!)
Later that afternoon, we went up Provo Canyon for a dinner picnic with Greg's sisters and their families, and some long time friends of Greg's. The girls absolutely loved playing near the river and being with more cousins! It was a busy evening--of course my camera battery died so I was not able to get any more pictures. I went to a wedding reception held there in the canyon while the kids were still playing, then we met up with Maria's family again to do the moonlight chair lift ride at Sundance. The girls were pooped and fell asleep in the car afterwards.
It is a loooooooong haul from Texas to Utah!! We stopped over in Denver. Greg was born in Aspen and has a special affection for Colorado. We stopped at Vail Pass summitt. It was a gorgeous day and felt great to see the beautiful mountains and breathe the fresh air! We let the girls run around and took a few pictures.
After many hours in the car, we made it to Utah. We were so happy to be able to make it for Anna's baptism! The cousins were so happy to see each other! We enjoyed some great company and food after the baptism at Maria's house (my sister is not really named Maria--it is just what I have called her for years!)
Later that afternoon, we went up Provo Canyon for a dinner picnic with Greg's sisters and their families, and some long time friends of Greg's. The girls absolutely loved playing near the river and being with more cousins! It was a busy evening--of course my camera battery died so I was not able to get any more pictures. I went to a wedding reception held there in the canyon while the kids were still playing, then we met up with Maria's family again to do the moonlight chair lift ride at Sundance. The girls were pooped and fell asleep in the car afterwards.
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