A Visit!

This past week, Travis's parents came for a visit! Collin was so excited to see Grandpa and Grandma.

Their "excuse" to visit (not that they needed one), was to bring us their old TV, that they just replaced.

It was a 52'' flat screen, and I dare say Trav was a bit excited.

It was previously broken, but had been taken to a repair shop and was in working condition before the drive over.

They took everything off our entertainment center... a process... and hauled the beast into our room. New TV was rolled in and turned on. About 10 min. of 52" glory played. And then it shut off. Never to work again.

Haha!

Ohhh, poor Trav. I mean, I was excited for a new TV, but in all honesty, it's not at the top of my priority list. 

Trav on the other hand.....

Well, he was looking up deals on flat screens the rest of the night.

No decision made (probably didn't help that I wasn't on board), and our old, trusty 32"??? , is back in place.

Someday, Trav. Someday.

I feel bad, we didn't do the most exciting things while they visited.

Farmington doesn't exactly have what Buffalo had to offer.

Went to church, saw Trav's office, ate out, etc.

The boys sure loved playing with them though.

Tuesday night we got a sitter and drove up to north Durango for something we had heard a lot about.

The Bar D Chuckwagon!!

(At Trav's office that morning, Martin met Wayne and Paula and asked what fun things we were doing. I had to choke down some pride and try to worm around the word "Chuckwagon". Haha. We are so glamorous.)

But really, we had heard lots of good things about it, so why not?! It's a lot like the experience you would have at Rockin' R Ranch. Dinner and a show. 

It turned out to be pretty funny. The food was good and the weather was perfect. And you couldn't ask for better company. :)

By the time Wednesday rolled around, we were sad to see them go! Lucky for us, it will just be a couple short days til we see them again! Thank you, Labor Day weekend!!

Dr. Dada

On Tuesday, Collin and Weston had their first dentist cleaning/ check- up!

(Sad... Collin's 3 1/2.... probably should have had one by now, huh?!)

It was weird to sit in the office and fill out paperwork for the boys. A formality, I guess, but some of the questions were weird to answer, given our circumstances.

For example: "How did you hear about our office?"

A list of options were given and then "other" with a blank line was last.

At first I didn't select anything, but then I went back and checked "other" and wrote "a really cute dentist referred us" on one form and "a really hot dentist referred us" on the other.

I told Trav about it later and asked if he thought the girls had noticed. He laughed, and said, maybe not, but corporate sure will!! Perrrfect. :)

Collin was so excited to see {the dentist}. In the waiting room, Paula asked Collin who the dentist was and he said "Dr. Dada".

Here he is, getting ready for the panoramic x-ray.

 He had to bite on something and hold really still. We kept saying a spaceship was circling him.I thought for sure he'd move, but he proved me wrong!

The second he got in the chair, he was opening real wide, like a good patient!! Haha!

Pretty excited about those glasses.

He got a tad nervous when the assistant came to clean his teeth, but got it together fast.

No cavities!!

Whew. 

That would have been embarrassing! :)

Weston watched on very carefully as Collin got his teeth cleaned.

I'm not so sure about this!

What a champ! He never fussed once. 

Granted... not the first time he's been in this chair! I'd say a check up is a heck of a lot easier than shots and stitches in your forehead!

I seriously can't get over this cute face! Can I eat him for breakfast??!!

He is such a sweet boy.

Showing him the mirror. 

No real cleaning for him, just a check up and brush with the "vitamins". 

After your first visit, there is a whole room filled with legit toys that you get to pick from. After that, you just pick a little toy from a pirate chest at the check out desk. Collin took a look around the big toy room, then ran for the pirate chest, completely happy with a basketball key chain. Okayyyy.

Weston did a little better with a light up, song pad that will be great for car trips!!

Hooray, we sure love our dentist!

Collin's First Day of Preschool

On Monday, Collin went to his first day of preschool.

And this isn't a twice a week, 2 hours a day kind of place. We're talking EVERY day from 12:15pm- 3:15pm. He may as well be doing 1/2 day Kindergarten! 

I really would have liked him to go to a someone's house for preschool, a couple times a week, but no one out here does that! It's so weird. There really aren't very many options for preschool.

So he is going to Casa Montessori, which is just like two blocks away from our house. 

I'll admit, when I heard {Montessori}, my traditional teaching background did cringe. But I have to say, I was blown away- impressed at the parent orientation meeting. His teacher, Ms. Teresa, is the director, and she's been doing this for 21 years. She is a really cute, spunky looking lady that totally has it all together and you can tell how much she loves her job. 

When they were showing us a slide show presentation of their methods and activities, I decided I could probably learn a few things here. For example, she mentioned they do a unit on land forms, and the kids will know all the differences between islands, peninsulas, straits, isthmus', archipelagos, and atolls. A mom quipped, "Could you teach US what those are?!"

They have a big playground area with lots of different toys and a huge sandbox. They do get one on one instructional time every day. They do crafts and have story time. Because it's Montessori, they decide which educational activities they want to spend time on, but every center looked very organized and more like learning, than just playing. All I could think during the presentation was, "Collin is going to LOVE this."

And so far, I've been dead right.

He got to go check it out, the Friday before school started, at an open house. He did NOT want to leave. He begged to go to preschool all weekend. When Monday afternoon finally came and I told him it was time to take his picture because he was leaving to go to preschool, he ran to the wall and did a {happy dance}. 

Then I ushered him out to the front door, because, well, that's just {the place} for first day of school pictures. Right, Mom?! :)

Oh, can't contain the excitement!

He continued the happy dance, so I had to encourage it for some video. I hate when I forget, and turn the camera! Sorry!!

(To pause my blog music, the tool bar at the bottom of the screen has all the buttons. It's not on the bottom of my blog, it will always be at the bottom of the screen, if that makes sense.)

The sign doesn't make it look like much, but it's a pretty cool place!

These next two pictures are from the open house.

Weston does about as good with "sun in the eyes" pictures as his daddy. :)

We are doing a carpool with two other girls in our neighborhood, so the rest of this week, he's been picked up and dropped every afternoon. With Weston taking his nap then, that leaves me with about 2 1/2 hours to myself every day!!!!! There could not be enough exclamation points after that sentence!! I start to get the "guilty Mom" conscience when I read on blogs and Facebook about all the Mom's shedding tears about their kids going to school. Heck, if Weston hadn't been in my arms after dropping Collin off on his first day, I might have done a heel click in the parking lot. This is the best thing ever.

Granted, if he had been crying or sad or repeatedly not wanting to go, THEN I probably would not feel good about any of this. But these are the hours every day that I usually dread. Weston is sleeping, Collin is bored, and I'm pulling my hair out because I can't get anything done with a whining, needy, nothing- makes- me -happy 3 year old. He is the child that needs food and entertainment 24/7.

This is a win- win- win. 

Blessings be upon Casa Montessori. :)

Mornings

Weston naps in the afternoon, so I try and find things for us to go out and do in the mornings. 

Sometimes, they are successful, sometimes not.

We just discovered the Riverside Nature Center out on Browning Rd. On Tuesday, late mornings, you can bring a picnic lunch, then go on a "nature hike". This day the guide brought a children's book about snails, then even had a bunch in a jar the kids could look at. She let them take turns picking them up and placing them on leaves around the garden. Then we went on a little walk along the river and finished up by feeding the ducks some corn kernels. This turned out to be a really fun morning. You can see Weston in the background, completely content picking up rocks.

On Wednesday mornings, the E3 Children's Museum does a preschool playdate. Last week they had fun playing with play dough. Sometimes it's painting or a craft. There's a "padded" room they can run and play in, or a number of other activities, like puppet shows!

Sometimes, we pick up Dad for lunch... or bring it in! Cuz Dad loves corn dog grease on his glasses. :)

I have to add, recently when we came into the office, we talked to Martin for a minute, then as I was saying goodbye, Collin happily chirped, "BYE Martin! I LOVE YOU!!". A bunch of the staff heard and about fell off their seats cooing. It was cute. I think he has them wrapped around his finger now.

 Because Collin just has the best faces.

We also recently discovered Music Time at the Farmington Museum on Monday mornings. This day they made sheep masks. Then my kids were out. 

 I tried to convince Collin to stay and enjoy the story and music time, but all I heard was, "I'm huuuuungry" (Mind you, we JUST ATE.) Weston would wriggle out of my hands, shrieking, then run for the door. Sometimes he even made it past the door and all the way to the rocks behind a display case that he would point and shriek at, upset they were without reach. After 15 min. of that, I had had it too. 

You can't help but think, "WHY DO I EVEN BOTHER!!!" 
Especially, when observing an entire room full of other children not screaming, whining, or running away.

(Just look at that pleasant face in the red shirt. His mommy is a lucky gal.)

A similar scenario erupted last Friday when I took them to the Farmington Aquatics Center. They were bored almost immediately. While other kids of similar ages were content to splash and swim or just be in the water, Collin was running to parts he wasn't allowed in or crying he was hungry (again, JUST EATEN) or the like. I had met a friend there and after observing them for a minute, she looked at me concerned and asked, "Are they tired?" Nope. This is just them. All kids are high maintenance, but most times it feels like mine are a cut above. What gives?!

At least we've taught our kid to say thank you. After both the Museum and the Aquatics center, Collin cheerfully walked out of each building and gushed, "That was SO FUN MOMMY! Thank you!!" 

Sigh.

You're welcome.

Shorts

Last week, at Target, I found some cute basket ball shorts on sale for the boys.

That night, they were SO excited to be putting on their cool, new PJ's.

Seeing their giddiness, I thought, "Oh, I'm going to have to take a picture."

Right then, mid step into the shorts, Collin exclaimed, "MOM! You can take our picture?!"

Haha! Their training is working! :)

"Oh sure, Collin, I think I could oblige."

 I'm glad he shares my enthusiasm for new clothes. :)

Additional

I got a calling a few weeks ago to be the "Additional Relief Society Meeting Coordinator".

No, I did not make that up. It's a real calling.

I guess it's what they call the Enrichment leader now. Why must we constantly be changing names??! Should that be addressed to the General Presidency? I'm sure they read this.

This is the first calling I've had in the Relief Society since I've been married. Seems pretty low key, so no complaints there. I'm just not sure how to get people excited about "additional Relief Society meetings". I know I'm not. And after glancing at the projected calendar for the year (which included "Jello Night" Bring jello to share. Jello judging." I. kid. not.), I think I need to get some creative juices flowing.

We had our first activity last week and I think it turned out fun. A lot of new people have moved into the ward so we had a Get To Know You BBQ in someone's backyard. 

I was in charge of the grilling. 

"Hi, my name is Stephanie and I've never turned a piece of meat on a grill before."

True story.

But I did it. 40 pieces of chicken and one hour later, I'm a grill chef. :)

And I actually got compliments. Lots of them.

I attribute it to the amazing marinade and lots of lots of sugar therein. 

Now, if only the ridiculous heat emanating from the grill could tan you as it burns you ... we'd be in session.

Afterward we played some games. Everyone brought a shoe that told something about them and we sat in a big circle and shared what it was.

I, and the lady in the presidency that I work with, were obviously the first people there. Can you guess which one is my shoe?

I had to chuckle when I put mine next to hers.

Clearly, we might be polar opposites, but we get along great. :)

(And really, I don't think that shoe necessarily represents me, but it's definitely my favorite. My pair of black flip flops that never leave my feet should have really won a place here.)

So now, my plea for help! I need to plan some more fun activities. Please share with me your favorite "additional Relief Society Meeting" idea! I'd appreciate it! :)

Money Pit

A couple of Saturdays ago, we were looking for something to do as a family. We had heard the fair was in town, so we thought we'd give it a shot. It was $8 a piece to get in, but the kids were free. Score... so we thought.

Then we walked into the carnival part and drop $20 on tickets. It costs $3-5 per child for each ride. We thought they would both like the carousal. However, Carnie #1 said I couldn't take Weston unless I paid as well. $9 later, we are enjoying a 2 min. merry- go- round ride. Scratch that, THEY were enjoying it. I was stewing over paying $3 to just TAKE my infant on a ride. 

We tried to walk around and amuse them with the sights. I guess stands of Indian jewelry and hot tubs didn't quite do the trick. 

The barn full of animals covered in glitter, being auctioned off by their 11 yr. old 4H rodeo queens didn't really hold their attention either. Maybe just their noses. 

Then we found one last diversion.... the fair's saving grace..... a building full of booths giving away free stuff. Collin had no problem moseying up to a counter with jolly ranchers or popcorn and taking, without showing any interest in their cause. That's when I stepped in to usher his full hands away with apologetic looks conveying, "Man they just are so hard to keep track of". 

In one corner, a science center must have been to thank for quite a few activities. 

Collin loved the bubbles and even got one to completely circle him before popping.

Another booth took advantage of the "free" atmosphere and coerced children over for a balloon animal or character, then asked $3 for each.

Collin requested "The Hook".... The Hulk.

 And Weston got a cute doggie.

Both additions to the family didn't even last the night. Money well spent.

We ended by going back to the carnival and spending the last of the precious tickets. I had the pleasure of accompanying Collin on this slide. I think it scared me, more than him. (At least Carnie #2 didn't make ME pay.)

I guess it turned out to be a fun family afternoon. I just don't know if I we couldn't have found a better use for $43. I guess someone has to feed the Carnies.

Dream Vacation

Ahhh, I kind of dreaded doing this post, because it will totally make me pine for the past!! 

I was counting down the days until I got to board this little beaut.

(Btw, this is at Sky Harbor... not the po dunk Farmington air strip)

Then I did and had an immediate panic attack! 

I have been on a smaller plane, but not for traveling purposes! I swear this picture makes it seem nicer or better than it was, but I felt like I had boarded a 20 year old taxi that somehow lifted into the sky. The pilot stood outside as we walked on and I couldn't help but dart glances from behind my sunglasses, evaluating his age. 23, 24?? 

A pup. 

Definitely younger than me! There was no over head compartment, no extra light switch or button for the stewardess. The captain was the stewardess. I don't even think there was a bathroom, but how could that be?!

Before take off, the pup explained the emergency exits and acted like it was way too likely that those sitting next to them would need to be adept at removing them. 

As we took off it was a solid 15 min. of bumpy, stomach lurching drops as the plane ached to get above the clouds. I literally looked to the heavens, closed my eyes and did a series of Lamaze breathing exercises. 

I pictured us crashing. The plane nose diving and all of us screaming for our lives and clutching each other until impact. 

Then I remembered all that {positive thinking leading to positive outcomes} stuff and wondered if the opposite had the same effect. 

Quickly, I countered with peaceful visions of us happily soaring, undeterred to our destination. I kept that up until I decided it would be best to just distract myself altogether. Enter giant sucker and novel. 

I slurped on that thing like it was my last meal and almost one hour later we were descending to Show Low. 

Perrrrrfect. I get to do an extra take off and landing on the death taxi.

By the time we got to Phoenix, I was certain I would do everything necessary to prove to Heavenly Father that my extended life was worth granting.

After managing to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4 via lots of walking and one lengthy bus ride at Sky Harbor (that place has GOT to have it's own zipcode), I was so relieved to board a normal Southwest airplane. 

No bumps, no "fishtailing". A pilot that had gray hair. Well, of that, I'm not really sure because they actually separate the pilot and crew on normal flights! Imagine that!

A drink service. 

Now, THIS was the flight I was looking forward to.

I walked out of the San Diego airport, felt the cool, coastal breeze and felt all my troubles float away! Sounds like a country song, huh? It felt like one!

My dad came to pick me up and I was excited to have an hour to talk to him all to myself! Then I remembered what it was like to drive with my dad... not completely unlike the death taxi I had just escaped from. And in San Diego traffic... I kind of wished I had another giant sucker to calm me. 

We grabbed a ridiculous amount of burgers and burritos from Angelos (waiting a mere 50 min. for it to be made and subsequently, nearly shutting down production for everyone else) and 10 min. later I was walking into the beach house!!!!!! Oh! Can I go back in time?! I cannot even tell you how excited I was to be there!

Just the feel of the air, the ocean smell... it is paradise for sure. Oh ya, and I was pretty stoked to see mi madre and siblings. :)

We ate and talked and probably watched some Olympics. 

Then Marcie and I, who were roomies for the week, talked and laughed in bed waaay too late. Even Jefferson had to poke his head in to tell us to pipe down.

The next morning was Sea WoRLd DaY!!!!

We tanked up on Mary's for breakfast, then drove to San Diego.

Bacon makes my mom smile...

and this picture gives me the giggles.

Yay! I get to be a part of the token {Sea World} "before" pic!

(We have Marcie wear that color so she doesn't get lost.) :)

First up... Journey to Atlantis!

Will we make it?!

Maybe not after all the screaming.

I'm pretty sure this picture captures the only moment when my mom's mouth wasn't open in {terror}.

The cheesy shows are my favorite. Wait... maybe it's the churros, frozen lemonades, Dippin Dots, and popcorn. Toss up.

Waiting in the loooong ride for Shipwreck Rapids.

Totally my favorite!!!

You might get soaked, but you're laughing hysterically trying to dodge the waterfalls and sprays from innocent onlookers (cough, Casey!).

It's completely and totally worth being nasty wet afterwards....

.... although some may disagree. :)

OK, this HAS to be documented. By the time we grabbed dinner, I stood in line and looked at the French fries that normally go with the sandwich I like, and grimaced. The vegetables just looked SO much better. I felt like I was craving them! I wondered when this day would come. Kind of an out of body experience. And now, I'm officially old.

Sometime after dinner, we were standing around waiting, when we decided to go {Ellen} on Sea World. Marcie made the first move... dancing behind a guy walking toward the gift shop. We just died laughing.

Now it was my turn. 

In hindsight, I could have gotten WAY closer to him... but I was so nervous!! As I walked away, Marcie said a bunch of people in the area had watched and were laughing. Well that just encouraged us. Jefferson was next and he did best of all. I need to get that video on here! 

My mom caught the fever, but I think she decided it would be inappropriate to go behind a stranger.. so she kept trying to do it to my dad. Totally cheating! :) I think we could have done this all night. Why is this so fun?!!

FuNnEL CaKeS!!!

Divine. Also a fav tradition.

Then Marcie and I noticed that the guy at the next table, was none other than my dance "partner" from before!

Gotta end the night with Shamu Rocks and a fireworks show.

Before the show, they play some rad music and spotlight those willing to shake their groove thangs.

Oh, were we willing!

The best was when Jefferson, next to me, turned to us sitting down and was like, "Well, lets do this thing then!!" and hopped up, dancing us all to shame! I think he had one too many squirts of the ol'  MiO caffeine. I have never seen him so hyper. 

And yes, we made it on the big screen! Woot, woot!

The next morning it was time for a little shoppin' with my mom and sisters!! 

I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to this. 

Well, I think the bags in my hands in the next two pictures speak for themselves. 

Shelley finally left us, she was tired of being gone so long. 

And how 'bout those cute new purses, courtesy of Mom! OK, and technically Dad. :)

If you have been to Oceanside, but not Johnny Mananas, you are missing out!!!

Just call your order in, or you might be waiting 45 min. in line. 

I kind of can't look at their kitchen, but the food is muy delicioso! 

And now for the moment we've all been waiting for....

laying on the beach without kids!!!

I read. 

I tanned.

 I boogie boarded. 

(Yes, the only sister that will get in the water.)

And ya gotta take pictures!

Even when your sister looks like Marcie, and you'd rather stand next to this guy....

(Bet you're wondering why I even HAVE a picture of this guy. Well, some people thought it was funny that he looked naked. Ya, we're pretty mature.)

The posh {oh they caught us in a candid, laughing moment} pose. 

We crack ourselves up.

Shelley would like new sisters.

Not to forget the Mama!

Right after I found out I was going on this trip, I was talking to Marcie on the phone and she exclaimed, "OH! And you HAVE to buy a wide brimmed hat! Shelley and I are and we'll all have them on the beach and take a picture!"

Guess who was the only one that bought a wide brimmed hat? : /

Eating pizza at sunset.

It was also my parent's 30 year anniversary this day!! Wowza. Go Mom and Dad! Way to stay married for 3 whole decades. When I asked them what advice they had or anything they'd do differently, my dad jokingly (or not so jokingly) said, "Only have 5 kids!"

We were too late to cover Jefferson and Craig's ears. 

Is that not gorgeous?! I'm already ancy for next year.

That night we pulled out a couple family favorites to watch... Harry and the Hendersons and That Thing You Do. Also on the list were Problem Child, Honey We Shrunk the Kids, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Pee Wee's Big Adventure... among others. Dad was appalled to hear us reminisce about Weekend At Bernies. How did we ever get away with watching that one?! Our youthful innocence shielded us.

The next morning we basically packed up, stopped in at Surf N Ride and the T-shirt Mart and then of course to PHIL'S!!!

Best BBQ ever.

I wasn't going to add this pic until I saw how Shelley photo bombed it. Love it.

The ride home was 6 or 7 hours, but it flew by! Why? No children to annoy me! Well, there was the issue of Craig and Griffin. It would have been fun to conk their heads together. They probably would have just laughed. 

But seriously, it was so nice to just sit and visit. Jefferson's friend, Ryker was pretty tolerant of me asking my parents a thousand questions. I might be a tad inquisitive.

And the fun wasn't over yet! 

I had the entire next day to go to church and actually listen.

And Marcie Moo did my hair, and I LOVE IT! Yay for being dark again!

I was excited to see Travis and the boys, but pretty sad to have my dream vacation be over.

When I got to Sky Harbor, this was the desk that greeted me... while all the other airlines were humming along. 

It really is the weirdest feeling to be individually accommodated through security and with your bags. 5 people all seeing to my needs. 

I survived the puddle jumper back to Farmington and couldn't help but smile when my three boys pulled up. I missed them. As fun as it was to be by myself, I often thought of how much fun Collin and Weston would have been having with their cousins or at Sea World. And life is always better when I'm with Trav. 

Thanks, family, for the best time ever!

347 days til I do it again!!