California (Part 1)

We had so much fun at my parents' house. My mom and I left on Wednesday, the 3rd of August, and drove from Utah to California. It took us 13 1/2 hours with the kids. They did quite well on the drive, but we were so glad to finally make it and go to bed. We were exhausted.

The weather was perfect.

While there, we played, played, and played. Parker loved driving the Power Wheel. It looked just like Grandpa's 4x4 Ranger.

Addie loved going for rides. My mom took my dad's belt so we could belt her to the seat.

They got to help Grandpa do some work in the tractor. This is Parker.

Staucie in the tractor.

The tractor is carrying a big branch.

Bensen was nervous because he hadn't quite warmed up to Grandpa, but he wanted to go so bad, so he did.

Addie and I watched.

After bath time the kids had popcorn with Grandpa. Addie is making her funny "cheese" faces.

If you have ever wondered why my kids have dark skin, just look at my dad :) I am thankful for skin that tans well :)

The kids LOVED riding in the Ranger with my mom because she went FAST. They did not like me driving. They said I was too slow.

"Addie, rocks don't taste good."

Addie loved being pulled in the wagon and the kids liked pulling her most of the time.

They played in the kiddie pool too. They are trying to splash uncle Shea.

Staucie is helping now too.

Addie and Shea. Shea is talking to our sister, Tyne on the phone.

(So, look, Tyne, you are in the picture too!!!! But we really, really missed you.)

 Shea was spraying all the mud and leaves off the driveway and the kids wanted to have a turn.

I think he is just making the kids work so he can play. He he.

 We made my mom ride the little, funny bike too.

Shea's funny bike is really fun to ride. (Made by Razor, if you have never seen one.)

 Throwing water balloons!

It looks like he wants to hit me with it...

To be continued...

Family (& pics of 8 grand kids)

I am so grateful for family. I was so grateful for our trip. It was exhausting but it was just what I wanted.

I got to see my sister and her baby. And I was so excited to go to Utah to see family I had not seen for two years. I met 3 new nieces, Riley, Summer, and Hayley. I spent time with my grandparents, my aunt and uncle who live behind my grandparents, my brother and his family. I was even able to stay long enough to see Daniel's brother, Jared, and his family. They left on a trip the day we got there and came back the day before we left. So, the kids and I stole my mom's truck and drove down to see them. I was so glad they could see us after traveling. I also really hope they come for Thanksgiving! (just putting it out there. hint. hint. wink. wink.) We were also able to say a quick "hi" to Daniel's grandparents. I saw a couple cousins who snuck over to Tyne's house the night before we left. It was all so fun. Just wish it could have been longer, of course.

There was LOTS of family I didn't have time to see, but maybe next time. There is never enough time.

Taking pictures of a group of kids is always so funny. I love all the pictures and their wiggly bodies and sad faces and happy faces. Adorable.

All 8 of my parents' grand kids.

 Bensen, Addie, Parker, Staucie, Riley, Abby, Hayley, Bella

 Look at Parker in this last one.

And look at everyone else...

Summer Vacation - Part 1 (Utah)

I braved a flight, a plane change, and another flight by myself with my 4 cute kids on Monday, July 25th. I really wanted to go see my sister and her new baby! The kids were excited about our trip and did quite well. Addie had the hardest time and threw some fits on the airplane when she wasn't aloud to get down. I also had to have people move around so I could sit by my kids on our flights.

The hardest part was getting ready in the morning ALL by myself to drive downtown to pick up Daniel at work so he could drive us to the airport (and drop us on the curb, good thing I know how to pack light and Parker was willing to wheel one of the suitcases while I wheeled the other and pushed the stroller, no sky cab).  I got lots of looks and comments throughout or traveling.

Bensen passed out on the 2nd plane. Addie got mad when she saw that I had propped him up on her blankie :)

We stayed at my grandparents and Tyne and her baby stayed there too. We did not all fit in her basement apartment, and she was getting ready to move that weekend. We were quite busy during our Utah stay. I wasn't able to see all my family there, but got to see some. I was so glad that we could spend a few afternoon/evenings with my brother, Austin and his family. The kids had so much fun playing.

I got to meet my niece, Hayley, for the first time. She is 8 months old.

Eating dinner at the kiddie table with their cousin, Bella. You can still see Bensen's black eye in these pictures.

At my grandparents...

Brothers.

Sisters.

After we moved Tyne and her family into their new place, we spent one morning out and about while they had the place professionally cleaned. The weather was wonderful and the grass was so SOFT with NO fire ants or other scary insects. I did a lot of rolling around on the grass at my grandparents' house while everyone thought I was crazy. My kids didn't know what to think about ants that didn't bite.

And the babe.

Tyne's sweet baby, Riley. I wish I could have held her more and that the days we were there weren't so busy and crazy. But I am SO grateful that we could go and spend time with Tyne and her family and see a few other family members. I miss this baby.

I also wish I got more pictures of family we saw, but I was too busy to think about it all.

And then we drove to California...