We had a long and wonderful weekend with lots of family and fun in Kanab! Originally we scheduled the trip because the date made the most sense. We were thrilled to find out that was the same weekend as the hot air balloon festival!
Grammy and papa had driven to our house on Thursday night, Getting a head start on the long drive. Then in the morning, We made a last-minute decision to send Z and E with them! I'm sure their drive was much louder and chaotic than ours! But this meant they got some one-on-one time with their grandparents and had a lot of fun. They arrived early enough to go to Grandma great's house and play with her for a while before settling into the hotel for the night.
Husband and I waited to get in a full day of work and dance practice before we were able to leave. So we arrived around midnight and snuck the girls into the hotel putting them right to bed.
On Saturday morning, Grammy and Papa were able to go watch the air balloons launch! Our girls could not be roused after our late arrival so we missed that unfortunately. But some of the cousins went and it sounded amazing. Once we got our kids up and had breakfast, we drove around town looking for balloons and especially Z was ecstatic! He would squeal and point them out every few minutes, bouncing up and down and his seat begging to go look closer.
We went to the park to meet up with cousins and make a plan for the day. The cousins were thrilled to play together. L and mimi helped watch the babies. A led the way in a fantasy imagination game that involved lots of exploring and dramatic scenes. E liked burying her cousins in the foam. Papa, husband and my brothers disappear to help fix a plumbing problem at Grandma greats house. I am so grateful for their talents and willingness and eagerness to help. Then we joined them for lunch at the pizza buffet. All the kids loved it but the winner of the meal was definitely Z! I can't believe how much that kid can eat!
The afternoon at the Sand Dunes was my favorite part! We took a snowboard and the two ski bikes and all the boys and the cousins took turns riding them down crazy steep hills. There were plenty of wipeouts and definitely tons of cheering watching these daredevils, including my own miss E! It was such a blast and the kids loved it.
We grilled hot dogs in the park for dinner and from there we got to watch the balloon glow. All of the hot air balloons were parked only a few yards apart from each other, lining Main Street. And they took turns lighting their fires up to keep them inflated. But they effect is incredible. I loved watching them light up, seeing all the different colors. We hurried back to the hotel and we're able to walk right up to the balloons and get a closer look.
The kids begged to go swimming, despite the broken heater. So I declined joining them but was happy to watch them play with cousins. From the pool we got to watch the lighting of the lanterns and see the sky filled with their glowing lights. So magical!
On Sunday we attended church with Grandma great. And then went to her house afterwards to have dinner and the girls played piano for her. Then we went to the cemetery and got to show the girls different headstones and tell stories. And then back at Grandma's house again, we started asking for more stories about her life. We even took a walk down memory lane as she opened up one of her to Cedar Chest and told us stories about every item in it. She found a box of handkerchiefs that she received for graduation and let L and mimi each pick one to keep. She gave me a beautiful white crocheted shawl to use at the temple. And we even found an apron that I crocheted as a gift for her when I was a little girl!
Eventually we made our way back to our hotel where we spent the evening watching figure skating on one channel during the commercials and Guardians of the Galaxy on another Channel 😆
Monday morning, the girls slipped back down to the pool to play for a while before we started our long drive home.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
February
L competed with her dance Duo for the first time! After auditions last year, she was placed on Pack again for her dance team this year. I was really grateful, she has been the youngest on the team every year for the past 4 years. I think it's been really great for her to have the experience of being the oldest, and have a self-confidence building year. She was originally placed automatically in level 2 for her technique classes, since then they have moved her to level three. Her teachers agree she is a very gifted dancer and her technique is excellent. She needs some time to build more confidence and maturity. Since this is her second year on Pack, we decided a new challenge for this year would be doing a solo routine. She decided to do a duet with her best friend and they have had such a blast. They got to work with their first choice favorite choreographer and are dancing to the song Imagine. It's a lyrical routine with lots of beautiful extensions, turns, long poses and interaction with each other. Most of their rehearsals have been Saturday morning at 7 a.m. For a girl who loves to sleep in this must have been a big challenge! But she's been really good about it and has loved it. They competed with their Duo, and took second place in their division! We arrived on time, but the competition was running an hour ahead of schedule so the girls only got to rehearse it once before they were hurried onto the stage. I think that flustered them a bit. Despite that, they still did great and I'm excited to see them get another chance at it.They will perform this duet again when they go to Team competitions in March and April.
We spent the Super Bowl with the Millers. None of us are avid football fans, and I'm not sure how my husband knows so much about football and the teams. I'm pretty sure it's part of his secret man training. But the Super Bowl is always a really fun event. The kids love playing together, we like the commercials and the energy of the game and especially all the fun food 😆.
We saw greatest showman in the movie theater again. I think it's the first time in our marriage that we've seen the same movie twice in the theaters. It is that good! And the girls have loved it!
Valentine's was a great day. I got up early to make a special breakfast and the girls were thrilled with their little box of chocolates sitting at each plate. We had scrambled eggs and pink cinnamon rolls before we heard the kids off to school. At school they exchanged Valentines and treats, coming home full of sugar and smiles. We lounged around watching a chick flick and snuggling for the afternoon before the kids had to head out to lessons. Husband was out of town that evening, but we went on a special date a few nights before. 😉
We took a family trip to Kanab! More later.
And the girls had their first team competition at Thanksgiving Point. I took L down on Friday to compete with her through duo (she was thrilled to skip school for it.) They did even better this time and won first place in their division. They got a participation medal and a first-place trophy. Then we treated them for lunch at Zupas with lots of desserts to finish out that fantastic day.
Saturday was the team competition. We were there for most of the day with both L an E for their team routines. I'm so glad Grammy was there too! L's team, Pack, took first place with their Jazz routine, Uptown Girl. They also performed a lyrical routine, which I had never seen before. I was stunned. L starts the routine as a featured soloist. She is so beautiful! Her long extensions and natural Grace makes it look so easy and elegant. I love to watch her dance. This is her favorite routine and her face just shines. They dance to a Million Dreams from the greatest showman, winning second place in their division. E's team did their Jazz routine, Pippi Longstockings, with lots of smiles and cheers from the audience, with a first-place ranking as well. And then the girls performed together, with all four of the junior teams from our studio in a mini production routine, BEAT, for another fabulous and well done first place. I love my girls, I'm so grateful for their talents and for fantastic teachers. They have worked really hard and I'm so proud!
We spent the Super Bowl with the Millers. None of us are avid football fans, and I'm not sure how my husband knows so much about football and the teams. I'm pretty sure it's part of his secret man training. But the Super Bowl is always a really fun event. The kids love playing together, we like the commercials and the energy of the game and especially all the fun food 😆.
We saw greatest showman in the movie theater again. I think it's the first time in our marriage that we've seen the same movie twice in the theaters. It is that good! And the girls have loved it!
Valentine's was a great day. I got up early to make a special breakfast and the girls were thrilled with their little box of chocolates sitting at each plate. We had scrambled eggs and pink cinnamon rolls before we heard the kids off to school. At school they exchanged Valentines and treats, coming home full of sugar and smiles. We lounged around watching a chick flick and snuggling for the afternoon before the kids had to head out to lessons. Husband was out of town that evening, but we went on a special date a few nights before. 😉
We took a family trip to Kanab! More later.
And the girls had their first team competition at Thanksgiving Point. I took L down on Friday to compete with her through duo (she was thrilled to skip school for it.) They did even better this time and won first place in their division. They got a participation medal and a first-place trophy. Then we treated them for lunch at Zupas with lots of desserts to finish out that fantastic day.
Saturday was the team competition. We were there for most of the day with both L an E for their team routines. I'm so glad Grammy was there too! L's team, Pack, took first place with their Jazz routine, Uptown Girl. They also performed a lyrical routine, which I had never seen before. I was stunned. L starts the routine as a featured soloist. She is so beautiful! Her long extensions and natural Grace makes it look so easy and elegant. I love to watch her dance. This is her favorite routine and her face just shines. They dance to a Million Dreams from the greatest showman, winning second place in their division. E's team did their Jazz routine, Pippi Longstockings, with lots of smiles and cheers from the audience, with a first-place ranking as well. And then the girls performed together, with all four of the junior teams from our studio in a mini production routine, BEAT, for another fabulous and well done first place. I love my girls, I'm so grateful for their talents and for fantastic teachers. They have worked really hard and I'm so proud!
January
Let's do some catch-up, shall we?
January is when the broken arm Fiasco began. But also, when we took our family Christmas cruise! And that was so unbelievable and amazing and incredible in every way!
Also in January...
We had a fabulous weekend with my brothers and all their kids. Everyone came down to join us at the ice castles in Midway. They are so beautiful! We bundled all of the kids up since we went in the evening. But the lights were gorgeous and the icy snow drifting through the air made it particularly magical. The kids lovedthe slides and the fire dancers. Even Grammy conquered the slides! Afterwards, everyone came to our house for hot chocolate. One of my brothers took his family home. My other brother decided to stay and my girls were thrilled to spend the whole day with cousins. Even Grammy Concord the slides! Afterwards, everyone came to our house for hot chocolate. One of my brothers took his family home. My other brother decided to stay and my girls were thrilled to spend the whole day with cousins. They played in the snow and we took everyone to see the greatest showman at the movie theater. L and her cousin twin particularly loved getting to have their sleep over. The two of them stayed on an air mattress and the toy room and spent half the night talking and giggling. I have such great memories of staying up late with my cousin twin and I'm so glad she's getting that experience too. A feels left out sometimes and really wants that same connection with her one of her cousins as well. But really she bounces around and loves playing with all of them and has a great time no matter who it is.
The kids got to go skiing a couple times. Even E, starting with a full day lesson through the ski school. She has a great start and all three of the kids have a blast game with Daddy. L and A are already asking when they can try snowboarding!
I love, love my calling at church. I love planning activities, teaching the songs, and being involved with my own kids. This is been so much fun and I'm very grateful that the Lord needed me here.
January is when the broken arm Fiasco began. But also, when we took our family Christmas cruise! And that was so unbelievable and amazing and incredible in every way!
Also in January...
We had a fabulous weekend with my brothers and all their kids. Everyone came down to join us at the ice castles in Midway. They are so beautiful! We bundled all of the kids up since we went in the evening. But the lights were gorgeous and the icy snow drifting through the air made it particularly magical. The kids lovedthe slides and the fire dancers. Even Grammy conquered the slides! Afterwards, everyone came to our house for hot chocolate. One of my brothers took his family home. My other brother decided to stay and my girls were thrilled to spend the whole day with cousins. Even Grammy Concord the slides! Afterwards, everyone came to our house for hot chocolate. One of my brothers took his family home. My other brother decided to stay and my girls were thrilled to spend the whole day with cousins. They played in the snow and we took everyone to see the greatest showman at the movie theater. L and her cousin twin particularly loved getting to have their sleep over. The two of them stayed on an air mattress and the toy room and spent half the night talking and giggling. I have such great memories of staying up late with my cousin twin and I'm so glad she's getting that experience too. A feels left out sometimes and really wants that same connection with her one of her cousins as well. But really she bounces around and loves playing with all of them and has a great time no matter who it is.
The kids got to go skiing a couple times. Even E, starting with a full day lesson through the ski school. She has a great start and all three of the kids have a blast game with Daddy. L and A are already asking when they can try snowboarding!
I love, love my calling at church. I love planning activities, teaching the songs, and being involved with my own kids. This is been so much fun and I'm very grateful that the Lord needed me here.
Z's birthday
Our little man is TWO!
He stayed up late the night before and yet still woke up in a great mood the second he heard the shower turn on. He raced in to jump into the shower with Daddy, splashing and playing in the water. Then per his request, we had fried eggs for breakfast. We put two candles in his slice of banana bread and sing to him. He has been practicing for weeks. Every time he sees a flame of any kind, candles or even the grill, he sings "happy to you!" So he blew out his candle, devoured his eggs, pushed his bread away, and begged for his favorite: popcorn! Which of course, daddy obliged.
The morning was pretty lazy, I had a doctor appointment and it threw off his nap schedule. So we spent most of the day cuddling and lounging through his grumpy moods. But he did get a kick out of having candles in his mac and cheese. And candles in his pizza for dinner as well. And then the poor guy was so grumpy he crashed an hour before bedtime.
Don't worry kiddo. I'll make it up to you. We will do a birthday dinner combined with sister' 10th birthday next weekend. But for both of them, they're big birthday celebration is a special trip next month...
He stayed up late the night before and yet still woke up in a great mood the second he heard the shower turn on. He raced in to jump into the shower with Daddy, splashing and playing in the water. Then per his request, we had fried eggs for breakfast. We put two candles in his slice of banana bread and sing to him. He has been practicing for weeks. Every time he sees a flame of any kind, candles or even the grill, he sings "happy to you!" So he blew out his candle, devoured his eggs, pushed his bread away, and begged for his favorite: popcorn! Which of course, daddy obliged.
The morning was pretty lazy, I had a doctor appointment and it threw off his nap schedule. So we spent most of the day cuddling and lounging through his grumpy moods. But he did get a kick out of having candles in his mac and cheese. And candles in his pizza for dinner as well. And then the poor guy was so grumpy he crashed an hour before bedtime.
Don't worry kiddo. I'll make it up to you. We will do a birthday dinner combined with sister' 10th birthday next weekend. But for both of them, they're big birthday celebration is a special trip next month...
Excuses
I actually have a legitimate excuse this time. For going months between blogging.
I broke my arm.
Technically, I broke my arm 23 years ago. or whenever sixth grade was. And then broke it 5 more times in the next 6 years. So it's kind of fragile. I broke it at the growth plate so the broken ulna bone stopped growing and the healthy radius bone kept growing. It wasn't particularly attractive but only had a minimal impact on its range of motion. So we moved on.
It finally caught up to me. It's always gotten sore easily. Or hurts whenever the weather is changing. But around Christmas it got particularly bad. So I took 2 weeks off from weight lifting and from doing cakes thinking the rest would help. My first day back was so painful that I thought I had a stress fracture. The doc thought I had a torn ligament. The Specialist concluded that the bone deformity had become so bad, it was causing all of the ligaments to give out. So we started with immobilization for 8 weeks to give the ligaments time to heal. Unfortunately it didn't help as much as we hoped and I ended up in surgery anyway. That was two weeks ago. I've been wearing a full brace plus a super fun bright purple foam Lego to help elevate, immobilize and protect it. also good for stashing snacks in it.
The good news is that the bones are healing nicely. The bad news is that I still can't use it.
oh, and that I'm allergic to percocet.
I'm learning patience. I've had to ask for help a lot more than I would have liked. Especially with my super adorable sweet little toddler who is so ridiculously charming and fun and yet easily the most difficult thing to manage one handed. But more on him later. In the meantime I've gotten a lot of help from my amazing and generous friends and family. My daddy came down the night before surgery to help me get ready, take me in and watch the kids. My mom came and spent almost every weekend the past few weeks helping me juggle the kids, catch up on housework, and help with all the fun stuff like dance competitions and plays. My amazing husband has been incredibly patient and sweet and understanding. despite his busy travel schedule and demanding work hours, he does so much for us every day and take such good care of us. My sweet girls have been so good, trying hard to pitch in with chores, go get stuff for me and keep me company. I've had friends bring us dinner, a friend that picks up my daughter for kindergarten everyday, and my best friend has come nearly every day especially during the week to help entertain baby Z, keep me company and help me take care of my family. I am so very very blessed and grateful to all of them.
And, grateful for voice text. Which is how I'm writing this entire blog now.
Please forgive any typos.
I broke my arm.
Technically, I broke my arm 23 years ago. or whenever sixth grade was. And then broke it 5 more times in the next 6 years. So it's kind of fragile. I broke it at the growth plate so the broken ulna bone stopped growing and the healthy radius bone kept growing. It wasn't particularly attractive but only had a minimal impact on its range of motion. So we moved on.
It finally caught up to me. It's always gotten sore easily. Or hurts whenever the weather is changing. But around Christmas it got particularly bad. So I took 2 weeks off from weight lifting and from doing cakes thinking the rest would help. My first day back was so painful that I thought I had a stress fracture. The doc thought I had a torn ligament. The Specialist concluded that the bone deformity had become so bad, it was causing all of the ligaments to give out. So we started with immobilization for 8 weeks to give the ligaments time to heal. Unfortunately it didn't help as much as we hoped and I ended up in surgery anyway. That was two weeks ago. I've been wearing a full brace plus a super fun bright purple foam Lego to help elevate, immobilize and protect it. also good for stashing snacks in it.
The good news is that the bones are healing nicely. The bad news is that I still can't use it.
oh, and that I'm allergic to percocet.
I'm learning patience. I've had to ask for help a lot more than I would have liked. Especially with my super adorable sweet little toddler who is so ridiculously charming and fun and yet easily the most difficult thing to manage one handed. But more on him later. In the meantime I've gotten a lot of help from my amazing and generous friends and family. My daddy came down the night before surgery to help me get ready, take me in and watch the kids. My mom came and spent almost every weekend the past few weeks helping me juggle the kids, catch up on housework, and help with all the fun stuff like dance competitions and plays. My amazing husband has been incredibly patient and sweet and understanding. despite his busy travel schedule and demanding work hours, he does so much for us every day and take such good care of us. My sweet girls have been so good, trying hard to pitch in with chores, go get stuff for me and keep me company. I've had friends bring us dinner, a friend that picks up my daughter for kindergarten everyday, and my best friend has come nearly every day especially during the week to help entertain baby Z, keep me company and help me take care of my family. I am so very very blessed and grateful to all of them.
And, grateful for voice text. Which is how I'm writing this entire blog now.
Please forgive any typos.
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