Back to life, Back to reality

Nelson and I had been thinking it was time to plan a little get away for just our family. It wasn't because we felt vacation deprived or anything, but we don't have the chance often to get away, just the 4 of us. With the help of our sister-in-law we started to research a few vacations we could do. We sat down with the kids and let them chose. Sounds a little scary I know to let our 2 kids pick where we were going to go. They had a few choices including 5 days in Disney world but when it was all said and done they chose a cruise. So our family of four packed up and left for a 5 day cruise (leaving from Tampa FL) headed to Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

The first night we arrived in Florida we headed to our hotel. It actually ended up being a pretty nice hotel and the kids loved hanging out with their dad.












Our first rental car was a Toyota van (we got upgraded). A family of 4 in an 8 passenger vehicle was like heaven to my kids. They did not have to sit by, nor even look at each other and had all the room to do whatever they wanted. They thought it was pretty awesome. It is obvious they did what ever they wanted (don't worry the van is parked)












When we arrived to board the ship we learned the weather was not going to permit us to stop in Grand Cayman. We were a little disappointed but didn't have much choice about it. The second morning on the ship Nelson was a little baffled. He was concerned there was not enough to do on a cruise ship. I explained that you are suppose to just relax. I know that is super weird coming out of the mouth of a girl that does not relax often. As soon as he figured that out, he was in heaven. He was able to actually pick up a book and read (Nelson loves to read but never has time for it.)












Our room was pretty small, It was a king size bed with two pull down twin beds. Asher's feet are actually on each of the beds:










Of course there is always plenty of food on the ship. We loved being able to enjoy all the delicious food. If Asher had it his way he would of just had the cheeseburgers and fries topped with nacho sauce for every meal. That was his favorite.











Asher was always our little dare devil at every meal. He wanted to try the exotic stuff each time. He was able to eat lobster (tail in his hand below), escargot, alligator cakes, crab cakes, calamari and frog legs. We all tasted it all. The least favorite was the snails. The not so great highlight was when with my sushi I did not realize the blob of green stuff was wasabi and shoved the whole thing in my mouth. That was not a pretty sight.











Asher's frog leg










Our little monkeys (I swear they are never pulling normal faces)










The kids in front of the ship in Cozumel. I promise I did not make my kids dress the same so we would not lose them. It is crazy how big the ship really is when you are off on land looking up at it.











The kids hanging out around some of the shops in Cozumel











In Mexico if you have seen one shop you have pretty much seen them all. The workers were trying to sell a shirt to the kids. They were trying to prove that the shirts would fit so we just stuck it on to show it didn't. Asher thought he was pretty cool.










The kids enjoying their pina coladas. It was the only time they got one. Yes I will admit we are way too chip to spend $7.00 for one on the cruise ship.










For our excursion we went out in the Ocean on a trimaran boat. They then had us jump off and start snorkeling. It was super fun. The next few pictures are of the family hanging out getting ready to go.












The family hanging out on the boat. It was super fun and bumpy. The weather was windy so it made for an adventurous ride.











The kids loved snorkeling they got a hang of it pretty quick. They took us out to one spot and let us snorkel for 30 minutes and then took us to a different spot. Max did not go the first time. The workers freaked him out a bit. He did decide to join in the second time and ended up liking it. This is Asher- he was a fish










Max











Took Max a few tries to figure out how to not get your snorkel full of water.










Asher and I. He loved holding one of our hands while he swam and explored:










Of course we found plenty to keep us busy on the ship. Yes we did get plenty of relaxing in but the kids loved going to camp carnival (tons of fun activities for kids only), playing on the waterslides and of course playing golf on the top level

















One of the kids favorite things to do was to take our under water camera with them down the slides to record their ride. If they were not at the slides they were in the pool or hot tub. Our kids sure love water.













Me with our crazy boys. I love looking at our pictures because I know there is going to be a different face in every single one of them.












When we finished the cruise we still had 2 days left in Florida. We looked over and saw a sign for discount tickets to Busch Gardens. So we walked in and bought them. It ended up being a super fun place. It is a cross between a botanical garden, zoo and amusement park. There were a lot of fun things for the kids to do. The only hard part was half of the rides you had to be 53" to ride. Asher is not that tall so it broke his heart when he could not go.











Nelson and Max ended up going on the tallest ride in Florida. It was 200 feet high and came to a stop and then dropped straight down. They loved every minute of it. Fortunately for me Asher was not tall enough so he and I hung out and watched the people go on the ride.










I loved looking at all the fall decorations. Of course my kids did not care as much about that. Good thing the kids are still at the age they will just amuse me and get in the picture.















Nelson and I hanging out in one of the kid climbing areas. Busch gardens had the coolest play areas for kids. You could have spent the whole day just playing in there.










Max in one of the play areas:











Asher and Max posing in front of the tiger










The whole family:










I think this the only time Nelson and I were able to go on a ride together. Luckily we were on the log flume and the kids wanted to get super wet up front.









Asher and Max










So the last day we were in Florida we took the kids to Disney World. We know only one day in Disney World is not enough but it is all we had time for. We wanted to hit the place that would be the funnest for the whole family. So we chose Magic kingdom. I felt myself even getting giddy when we were getting ready to go in. I was super excited










Nelson and the boys sporting their pins indicating it was the first time there. We often joke that we are surprised our kids have not accused us of child abuse. Yes this is the first time ever that they have been to a disney park. I know I know. But all I have to say is it was so worth it. The whole time we were there I sounded like a broken record. Our kids were just at perfect age so we were able to enjoy everything together. They loved everything about it (excpet for it is a small world. Max thought that was creepy)










The family jumped in for a picture with buzz. He was hanging outside the buzz light year ride so we figured why not.










There were only two rides I had to limit myself on. They were the tea cups and space mountain. After 5 times of space mountain my neck and back had had it and one ride on the tea cups with my family that loved to spin was enough for me.










We had to get a picture of Max and his maps. He was our little guide where-ever we went. For some reason he loves that stuff and had to direct us everywhere. He is a good little navigator










Of course Max had to get a picture of this:










Max & I on splash mountain. This was another favorite of the families.










Asher and pirate goofy. Of course we had to get a picture of this after we rode Pirates of the Carribean










Max trying on one of the many hats he had to admire at the park










Nelson got the family together for a nice pose at the "happiest place on earth"















Our Family at the front as we were leaving. Super sad to see that day end we had a blast.










Asher with his purchase from DisneyWorld. That was his most prize possession, he would not take it off. I remember being the same way when I went to Disney land when I was 8. I even had my name put on my hat. Such memories.










And unfortunately here we are again, back to life and back to reality. It sure does stink having to be responsible again. We had one of the best trips ever. It was super nice to just be able to spend time with our family with no distractions. Super nice with no cell phones while we were on the cruise. The boys got along well. When the church calls started at the end of our trip I just gave Nelson a big hug and said " we will chat again on our next vacation".

Few Oct Family Highlights

Asher Randomness- The one thing about Asher is that he is pretty confident with himself. If he has something he wants to do and it is not within the "norm" he does not care. He usually just operates to his own beat. But the awesome thing is he never goes into it worrying what people will think about him. I love that about him and sure hope he stays that way.
The last few days he has begging me to put his hair in ponytails. He would wear them everyday if I let him. the funny thing is he is specific and knows exactly how he wants his hair fixed. Here is a sample of one of his requests.













This weekend we were able to enjoy maybe one of our last mountain bike rides for the season. Makes me grateful my kids still love to hang out with us, that they are pretty active and for the wonderful things we have so close to us. We had a great time. Not sure why I am standing the way I am- I look as if I have to pee.










Last but not least we were able to go spend sometime with our friends. Nelson has a great group of friends from high school that we still get together with. I am so grateful for our friendship with them. There are some pretty awesome people in that group of friends. We always have a great time getting together with them and chatting.
Max & Asher working on their pumpkins. The other picture is Nelson and Kent being silly. Of course I am in the background chatting like always.








The whole group

Max's first Triathalon

Occasionally up at Hill Air Force base they hold different races or triathlons. We try to participate in as many of them as we can. Most of them are free so that even makes it better. This weekend they had a sprint Triathlon (5K, 12 mile bike and 400 meter swim). Nelson and Max decided to participate in it.

I have to be honest but we have not had time to work with him Max on his training so he did not get in much swimming our biking. Asher had a soccer game so I was not able to go. It made me feel bad because Max said "Mom make sure you are there at the end of my race to cheer for me." I wish I was because this is huge accomplishment for him. Nelson was next to him the whole time.
When Max got home his update was that the swim and bike were super fun but the swim was brutal. He said it was fun and he is glad he was able to do it. We will have to work with him more next time so he is a little more prepared.

Here are a few highlights from the TRI- I am super proud of how well he did. Nelson was swimming under him with the camera and we thought it was cool because you can see his number so well.

Asher is 7

I am not sure how it happens, how my kids just seem to be growing up way to fast. It seems not long ago they were so little. I feel super blessed to be a mom. I am so grateful for the two boys I have been blessed with. Our home is filled with joy and a mixture of craziness.
No matter his age Asher has always hated that we call him our baby. I am not sure if he just wants to be grown up and can't stand the thought of being a called a baby. Whether he likes it or not he will always be my baby.
Our home has been blessed to have Asher in it. He is a great kid and definitely has a lot of personality. He is confident with who he is and is not embarrassed with anything. He is brave, friendly and loving. Here are some highlights from his fun 7th Birthday:

Asher was so excited he has been counting down for weeks until his birthday. He was up before 6 am because he was so excited. He opened his presents, we had this cute birthday shirt made up for him to wear to school. He loved it and instantly put it on.

Asher sitting under his birthday sign with his presents (it is a tradition to make a sign for everyone birthday and hang it on the fireplace)

Asher really wanted me to come to lunch with him but requested I bring McDonald's. I guess a birthday is a good day to break down and by McDonald's. He wanted to play red rover at recess but they banned that game and won't let the little kids play it. Red light green light had to do this time.

When they were headed in from recess the recess lady had all the first graders sing happy birthday to Ash. Yes he loved every minute of it. He actually went through the line after and hugged every single one of his class mates.

He was lucky enough to go to tumbling today on his birthday. He wanted to make sure I got a picture of the spanking machine. He thought that was pretty fun

Last but not least his birthday outing. For his activity (something that we normally do not do, he picked flow rider). We let him pick 2 friends and took them to flow rider. Every time they got of the water they had the biggest grins on their faces. They loved every minute of it.



Asher, trey and Max (this picture is missing his friend Dax). I was too busy watching that I forgot to get a picture of them all.

We are so thankful for the day we have been able to spend with Asher. It has been busy and super over booked. Now he can head home and and let him actually play.

Absolutely nothing- kid questions

The other day I was doing some work in the kitchen and Max came in to talk to me. I love that he feels comfortable to talk about what ever is on is mind (I hope it stays this way). He says "Mom at my age what does it mean when you ask a girl to go with you?" Of course my head instantly started running crazy with many thoughts such as oh man not this already.

I kept my cool and said well bud at your age you can't date, kiss etc.. so what do you think you really do when you "go with someone" I proceeded to say absolutely nothing. It is more so just a title because as soon as you are "going with someone" you basically ignore each other, never talk and act awkward. We finished our little chat and he went on his way.

Later that night I had a feeling to ask him if he was thinking of asking someone to "go with him" he said "of course not mom, I want them to still talk to me."
Oops I guess I better watch how I explain things to him, but for now it is ok, he is still young. I hope as we get older we can look at this and he will see what it means to go with someone at the age 10- absolutely what I said- nothing!!

September Happenings

For some reason this month seems like it has come and gone. Not sure how it has gotten away from me. I had this perfect picture in my head that when school started a routine would start and life would not be so crazy. Boy was I mistaken. Seems like life has been extremely crazy. I have been asked a few times if I am bored with my kids at school, REALLY? How would that happen, I catch myself dashing through the house trying to get everything done before they get home (that is just working on the things that need to get done, not what I want to get done).

Seems like our month has been filled with biking to school and homework - tons of homework. Crazy that my 1st grader has a lot more to do than my 5th grade. We then jump in the car and are dashing off to flag football, tumbling, Scouts, Soccer etc...
I am embarrassed to mention that this month I even turned into "one of those crazy moms" over sports. Yes we talked to the coach about how things were not going well. All over flag football, man I guess I may need to chill out a bit.
Here are a few pictures of Max and his team. We have been blessed that he has had great coaches. I do not have any pictures of Asher


Canning has been going well and I do love looking at the finished product sitting on my shelf. The only bad thing is I wish the food could wait a day or two for when I was ready, but that will never happen.

For some reason this month I found myself in a bit of a funk. I am 100% sure it was because I had myself consumed in not all the right things. Whatever it was I was not loving my sad, gloomy feeling. One early morning I asked Nelson for a blessing and in it he said many great things I needed. The thing that he said the most was to study and learn about humility. I knew this was something I needed. In my searching here is a quote I found that I really loved:
"to be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord to understand that we have constant need for his support." Humility and gratitude are twin characteristics of happiness. I am grateful we do have the gospel to help us get out of our gloomy days and most of all give us hope and keep us grounded.

Of course here is the biggest sign that school is in and running full speed. I think this is a typical picture of any kid that spends all day at recess on the monkey bars. We have all had hands looking like this:

The Dirty Dash

Nelson's cousin Bryan and his wife signed up for a race called the Dirty Dash. Jen ended up not being able to run and asked Nelson to take her spot. Nelson said he would only agree if the kids an I went with him. We agreed and so it was we spent most the day up at Soldier allow participating in the dirty dash. On the way up Asher prayed that I would not be sad that I was not able to do it (it was sold out). His prayer must have worked, I was perfectly happy just watching them. It ended up being a fun day, who would not love getting as muddy as can be.
Sorry I am having a hard time with this post, it is out of order and the pictures are everywhere. Just bare with me. This is Nelson and Bryan running through the mud. I swear that man can have fun no matter where he is at.












We paid $4.00 extra dollars after for a warm shower. This is what his warm shower turned out to be. I could have done that myself for free.












Nelson after his race was finished, he ran the 10k. While he was racing we took the kids to the top to see if we could see the guys racing- but we missed them. While we were waiting the kids decided to give all the participants high five. That did not last long for Max. He hated how dirty he was getting. Asher on the other hand thought it was cool.
















This is Asher in the middle of his race. It is right after he got off the slide. He could not have been happier. He was so excited with how filthy he was.












Max- just coming off the slide. He had a hard time with that mud. He kept falling down and could not stay up. Because of that a girl passed him to take 2nd place. He was a little bugged- but it is just for fun. He was to worried about hurrying, totally opposite of Asher.












Of Course my goofy, filthy Asher















My cute adorable kids. We had a blast and were so glad we were able to be apart of the race.