Rx: SUNSHINE

Winter is hard for me living in WA. There is rain and spritz and grey and less than ten hours of daylight. If this lasted only three or four or five months, maybe I could cope but I don't.
October
November
December
January
February
March....When February hit my hubby made a decision. "We gotta get you to some sun!"
Thankfully he knows.
Unfortunately we couldn't go until April!
Fortunately, I have a sister who agreed to take the kids and the dog while we were away.

In our search for affordable sunshine we went to Cabo San Lucas. Although it is VERY touristy we had a car and traveled around the southern end of the Baja Peninsula.

The best part was spending half a day fishing on the Pacific Ocean. Ryan was fly fishing- that is no easy feat! I was spin casting. I landed a Sierra, had a Yellowfin Tuna on, but it spit out my hook just as I was about to land it.
Ryan's best experience was while reeling in a fish when an enormous seal jumped out of the water bearing his teeth at us then the seal ripped the fish in half leaving Ryan to reel in the remaining head of his catch :(

Although the day was not a win- as far as fishing goes- it was a ton of fun and I look forward to fishing more with my hubby in the future.

We snorkeled and visited Cabo Plumo National Marine Park in the Sea of Cortez. We saw the Hotel California in Todos Santos and chased the sunset. We visited La Paz and San Jose del Cabo.

                                      

No matter how much I think I know how important spending time with my spouse is somehow I am always surprised by the fact that we actually still enjoy each other. After 16 years together life can get in the way but these trips are necessary!

Ryan at L'Arco, Lands End!

Sunset Todos Santos

Ressurection

I just re-read my last blog post and realized that it was a little too hopeful. I Can Do Hard Things was like a cry to God that if I believe hard enough I'll be OK.
I wasn't but that's fine. Who can be OK all the time?

Anyways I will give a brief recap of what I have neglected and then proceed. With friends and family all over the country I think that this is the only way that I can stay in touch. I won't be perfect with posting but it will be better than before. Also if you care to see there are a few posts I neglected to post after putting in my draft folder.

Christmas in Disney World

Christmas 2013

For our Christmas we were afforded the extremely unique opportunity to meet with the Norris family in Orlando, Florida. It had been years since we had all been together and it was indeed a blessing to spend time together. We are extremely grateful to Mom & Dad Norris for this opportunity.

For our portion of the clan it was so nice to see the sun again. We desperately needed to get out of the grey as it so negatively affects us all.  It was also great to just have time to relax with Ryan and the kids. Not that we really relax though. We got up early everyday and were in the parks right after opening or at opening to beat the crowds and to get the most out of the experience.  I just want to do as much as possible when given the opportunity as I will never have this opportunity again with my children at these ages. CARPE DIEM!!!!

This was my first Disney experience, and although I am not a HUGE convert I will say that I would go again. It was thrilling and just  great way to spend time with the kids and each other.

We also visited Univeral Studios, Orlando and that was so fun too. The older kids had fun on the thrill rides and the little ones loved Suessville.

The only thing that I would have done different for my clan is that I'd do mre Christ and less mouse. But there is always next year to improve.

I Can Do Hard Things

* Inspired by this talk

     As I was once again contemplating life, the universe, and everything I remembered a phrase that has become popular recently...I CAN DO HARD THINGS.  At first I pushed this phrase to the side thinking, "I don't do anything that is HARD."  But then I remembered how many of those with whom I have the privilege to be acquainted with have given me so much perspective on my hard things.  I have not suffered any major "tragedies", as I deem them, and so I often feel that there is nothing hard in my life. Again, I remembered that once I was wisely counseled to not diminish my troubles because someone else's may be bigger.

     So finally I decided to  recognize one hard thing that I did today. My thing, getting out of bed.  Sure it's not earth-shattering to get out of bed but most days it's down right hard. Some days I don't do that hard thing or if I do the pull to return is just too great to resist.  But today I did it.  I got out of bed!

     Sure I didn't end poverty or cure a disease. I didn't write a thesis or build  a house but I did conquer my hard thing.  Of course this isn't the only hard thing that I have- there are loads- but right now it's one of the hardest.  

    I guess that the take away is this. Don't compare your hard thing to someone else's. Your hard thing may seem all together insignificant in the grand scheme of things but if it's hard for you then embrace that. 

    I often do that compare my hard thing to someone else's and because of my personality I often end up at the bottom of that game.  That isn't fair to me. It isn't fair that I look in the mirror and only see the negative to the point that I avoid looking in the mirror. So today not only will I stay out of bed BUT I will try to look in the mirror and not say anything negative or at the very least..."If I can't say something nice I won't say anything at all" 

Glacier National Park

I have wanted to visit Glacier National Park in Montana ever since I was a child. I remember seeing pictures of this beautiful part of the country in magazines and in calendars and I knew one day I'd be there!



With Glacier being closer than almost all of our family it made it to the top of our "Must do while we live here" list.

This park did not disappoint! The views were astounding.

The weather was perfect.

Another great thing about trips like this is that it makes me realize that I love being with my hubby and kiddos.  Sure there are times we absolutely get on each others' nerves BUT for the most part we have a great time.

We love hiking and discovering things together.

The boys fished while the girls went rafting. (Bonnie loved it and Clyde was jealous that he didn't get to raft too.)

Memories were made and we will certainly go back. Maybe not soon but one day.

On the Road again

I am probably insane to leave Washington at this time of year when the Sun is actually out and the rain is a distant memory but I decided a few months ago that it would be a good idea to go to Utah. There we have family and friends and 100+ degree temps. Since the dear hubby could not come I went alone and it was actually quite manageable.

Day 1 (Tues, July 16):
With an early start we made some good time and mad it to Aunt Janeal & Uncle Danny Walton's home to spend the evening. It was a great experience for my kids and I. My children secretly wish we'd move to a farm and raise animals and ride horses but alas that is not the path we have been able to follow.
A visit to the Walton's farm came with loads of second cousins to hang out with. The oldest especially loved this since he has no cousins his age and is often a loner in the family. The rest of the kids loved it too as there were plenty of second cousins to go around.

Day 2 (Wed, July 17):
For the first time ever I was finally able to stop by the BARON WOOLEN MILL in Brigham City, Utah where my great-great grandfather, James Baron, started the mill and eventually his oldest son made Baron blankets and clothing out of wool.
It was amazing that it is still standing but a little sad that there is nothing more than an edifice that stands to commemorate this branch of my family tree.

Baron Woolen Mill
Brigham City, Utah

Day 3 (Thurs., July 18):

Being that we had driven for two days it seemed like we needed a day to relax and so we did. Shaved ice anyone?

Day 4 ( Fri., July 19):

This was a day on the run again. Hairdresser, Bruges Waffles in SLC, Pioneer & Buffalo Soldier encampment and LDS Art Museum with games. Yep off again!

Waiting for her turn :)

Frites! Yeah!

I'm a Scout!

Derp!

That's one cool uncle!

He is gonna make one awesome Cub Scout!

There's the temple....If it were just open.

Before the day was done we were able to go for a swim and then meet some awesome friends at the park near grandma & grandpa's house.

Day 4 ( Sat, July 20th):

This day was one for the record books. My sister, Jeane, accompanied me to meet one of my dearest friends who drove over from Colorado to play with us In Utah. This day started on Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake!

It was great...OK the kids complained about the brine flies and brine shrimp but after they complained they said, "This is Awesome!"
The most awesome part was no one was going to drown without a life vest. But boy was it salty! It took several rinsings ( is that even a word) to get all the Salt Lake out!

Catch me if you can!

After a dip in the water we headed to the ranch located on the island but not before driving through the buffalo herd. It was a great afternoon and even my brother and his lovely bride met us for lunch.

Off we went AGAIN! This time to meet my awesome cousin, Elicia, who made custom TARDIS cupcakes for my boy and my bro's birthday celebration!

Aren't they AWESOME!!!

Once back at the homestead the oldest decided it was time for guy time with grandpa & he went to the temple and did baptisms and ate tons of food. (Love that he can do that with his grandfather!!!)
The remainder of the children accompanied by myself and now my two sisters, Frances joined us, we met the Allen clan for another swim. This time in the hotel pool!
These kids love each other and it was like they haven't been a part at all. So blessed to have friends like these for my children.

Day 5: (Sun., July 21):
No rest for the weary! It's not a vacation until you are sunburned and have a car issue. Well Sunday morning woke me with a nice burn, despite the application of sunscreen, and then the battery on my car died :(
We got a jump and got to church. The kids were angels sitting with Grandpa and me- Grandma was singing with the choir. Maybe they know better finally?
Church was great. My parent's congregation is always welcoming to me and my children, even though I did not ever live there with them.
After church we needed another jump.  This time my awesome brother was on deck. He zoomed over and we got home just fine...But not for long. We switched cars and took grandma's ride to visit Aunt Ellen in Grantsville, UT.

Ryan's Aunt Ellen is an inspiration and an angel. She has been an amazing champion of our little family, even before we were married. She is an amazing example of overcoming challenges and inspiring us all! She was so kind to take us to the new DUP museum that she was an integral part of starting.

This kid always locks himself up!

Once we returned we had a little celebration for the soon-to-be seven year old and his Uncle.  It is so great that they nearly share a birthday!
Butch was so sweet too as he asked grandma to make spaghetti for dinner after hearing that his expectant Aunt Adria could only eat that .

Day 6: (Mon., July 22):

This was a whirlwind day. Up early and by up I mean UP!
We arose, ate and headed to Timpanogas cave. Grandpa accompanied the children and I and we met the Allen's and their aunt and cousins. 10 children, ages 12 to 6 months, 3 women without their husbands and 1 spectacular grandpa!

At 9:45am we headed up. We trudged and stopped and some tears were shed BUT we made it to the cave and it was well worth it! The cool temperatures inside the cave were a welcome change from the climbing temps outside. The kids devoured it and my dad and I could reminisce about when we had been there last (me 15 years prior, dad 30+).

Ready or NOT!

BFFs

Once we were out it was like a race to the bottom. Kids were hungry. We were hungry. BUT the day was only half way done. The kids made it record time down with some of the bigger kids helping with the baby and Julie and Mary hauling their guys- ON THEIR BACKS!!! All the while grandpa and I pulled up the rear with the 5 year olds.

Lunch on the river.

We found a lovely spot for lunch, ate and took a beautiful drive on the Alpine Loop.
This is one of the prettiest drives and it made me smile to pop out in Provo Canyon as we went to Bridal Veil Falls for some play time in the water. We used to take Michael here all the time when he was a baby and I wanted the other kids to experience it too. Sharing it with our friends was even better. Plus with temps in the 100+ range it was necessary!

Alpine Loop

Trout pond at the base of Bridal Veil Falls

After cooling off we said adios to our friends and headed down to BYU. I hadn't been to Provo in years and it certainly has changed. We went to the Museum of Art- probably one of my favorite places on campus- and low and behold there was and installation of wool blankets and the kids noticed there were Baron blankets in the mix. Talk about full circle.

Wool blanket Totem!

We drove by the old Tabernacle and saw the construction but I was sad to see that some of our favorite restaurants were now out of business. That's life though.

We found a spot to eat and after we finally had our dinner we headed back to Bountiful.

Day 7 (Tues., June 23):
After getting a new battery there were things to do!
On the agenda:
1. Get new violin bow
2. Recreate picture of Michael at the Salt Lake Temple
3. Meet Cousin Tyler for Lunch
4. Chill
5. Bountiful Handcart Days PARADE

Did it and it was great!

I don't want to be here!

Day 8 (Wed., June 24):
Woke up early for a 1k with the kids. What a great time we had...and by great I mean no one ran into the road and the breakfast was well worth the run. I am out of shape!

The Allens met us for the run and breakfast and the kids were just great but the Pioneer Day celebrations weren't starting for a while. So we headed back and Jeane and I went shopping- retail therapy is always good. While we were out the kids tie-dyed with Aunt Frances and then we all headed over to the Bountiful Pioneer Day Celebration. (I love that my parents live within walking distance because it was HOT!)
We were able to meet up with the Allens for one last time. We ate, we played and we were sad to say goodbye!

One last swim was in order though and the sisters and I took the Butch and Sundance over to the pool for a last swim. (All of my siblings are such great sports when it comes to my kids.) It was a great way to wear them out before we had to pack and get ready to vamoose.

Home we went for one last dinner with the fam and then bedtime and packing for mom.

Day 9 (Thurs., June 25):
After over a week away we were ready to go home. Camp Grnama is fun but it was time to get back to dad.

Someone partied pretty hard!

Someone wants us to know he's taller than grandma ;)

We drove straight through from Utah to Seattle. Without my co-pilot and the occasional dose of caffeine and the prolonged daylight hours I could have never made this haj. There was definitely some angelic helpers watching out for us and I am so grateful. It may actually happen again BUT the temps in Utah in July are not nice and I think I may wait out summer in Washington ;)