Easter and Spring Break

Friday was a crazy day! We left right when the kids woke up and rushed into town to try and make it to a few appointments with a dental practice "realtor" (I'll just call it that, haha.)

Then we rushed to make it to a temple session before the temple shut down early for the pageant. I was amazed we fit it all in! We walked out of the temple a little after 3pm, and I changed into some shorts in the car, grabbed my sunglasses and a book and headed to the pageant! I was so determined to get awesome seats this year. (It starts at 8pm)

Yeah, I guess all of Mesa had the same idea. The whole front section was already covered in people and blankets. Besides the front, middle which was roped off. Bah! So I settled for the second section back, right in the middle. I made conversation with another lady camped out and read a lot in my new book, A Greater Tomorrow. Oh, and maybe got myself a DQ slushy up the street. :) It was hot!

 

Travis had gone to see another dental practice, then got the kids, McD's, OUR dinner from Asian Café Express, parked far away and hauled all the kids and a box full of food through masses of people to where I was sitting. He's Superdad. My favorite was that the Chinese food was in a liquor box. Perrrrfect. ;)

My dad also came to sit with us along with Josie and Brighton.

Yuck on this picture, but Weston and the dusk sky were too good to not include.

1/2 hour before the performance, the cast mingles with the crowd. Weston was pretty taken by this couple's costumes. He was one of the Wise Men. 

My mom and brother were in it again this year as part of the multitude. It's been such a good experience for them. I hope our family can do it one day.

I am so grateful we had the opportunity to go see it again this year! It's the perfect summation of everything we'd been talking about all week. The boys were really excited to see it. Unfortunately, the time difference and long day did a number on them and they were falling asleep 1/2 way through. Weston went completely out, sitting on my dad's lap. He had been talking all week about how he was going to get to see Jesus rise up at the end. SO elated. (Christ is lifted high above the angels at the very end of the pageant. It really is amazing to see.) Well, right before it happened, we tried to wake him up. I knew he'd be devastated to miss it. We shook him, called his name, patted his face, then REALLY shook him. No go. He was OUT. Poor guy missed it. I was so sad for him! On the long walk back to the car, he woke up and I watched as his face crumpled and he started crying, "I didn't get to see Jesus rise uuupppp!!" Don't worry, he's cried multiple times since then when it randomly crosses his mind again. Such a sensitive soul. Thank goodness for YouTube. Once he finally saw it, we haven't had any more tears. :)



SATURDAY
Saturday morning we drove out to Reddin and Karen's neighborhood EGGstravaganza!!

It's nuts. They have 3 different egg "hunts" for different ages where several women holding garbage bags FULL of eggs just dump them all over this field then let the kids go for it. 

They had face painting and Olive turned into the CUTEST little bunny around!!

Just having eaten blue candy really keeps this picture classy, don't ya think? ;)

 Be still my heart!

That afternoon, Travis let me run around, getting errands and shopping done.

I felt bad not watching any conference. I always watch/listen then read the talks afterward, but it's hard with little ones on a Saturday to do it live. I was in the car when Travis text me that people verbally opposed the sustaining of the prophet. My reaction surprised even me. I wasn't angry at all. I just started crying. It made me feel incredible sadness. It's one thing to have anti-Mormon protestors outside the Conference Center, but to have actual members inside Conference behave that way was really disheartening. Having division within the church is just a sign of the times to me. And here's the thing... I really do think I "see" what some of their issues are. It would be really easy to get caught up in it. But they are superfluous issues. Focus on Christ. I love our prophet and the leadership of the church. I KNOW the prophet won't lead us astray. That is what I hold to. The stances the church takes on controversial issues isn't always politically correct. Not supporting gay marriage doesn't seem fair or right. But it's God's right. I may not understand everything, but that's OK. And I know there are other issues, but I just hope those people are able to resolve them within themselves instead of feeling like they're "standing up for themselves" by being disrespectful.

 

We let the kids swim at my parent's house that afternoon, then Travis left with his dad and brothers to go to the Priesthood session. I took the kids over to the Evans with the other girls and kids for orange chicken and egg dying! How does Paula do it? She is an amazing Mother-in-law! She is always hosting big family gatherings at her house and letting messes ensue! What a saint!

Travis and the boys were staying there, so I took Olive home for bed and spent the rest of the night making cinnamon rolls. Oi! I was very ready for bed. 

E A S T E R  M O R N I N I N G!!

I woke up with enough time to bake the cinnamon rolls and get them frosted. Then we loaded up the car to eat them at a nearby cemetery.

I brought an Easter book to read there, about Christ's last week of life, his death and resurrection and why we celebrate Easter. I love the setting of the cemetery for Easter morning. A tangible setting to remind us that death is temporary. Because of the Atonement, we will ALL be resurrected. Because of Christ, we can repent of our sins, be clean again and live with Him. I LOVE testifying to my children of those truths. I KNOW Christ lived. I know he died for us. I know his Atonement can take away our pain. It can enable us to change and be who He wants us to be. His grace is sufficient. He paid the entire price. And now we live in a manner to thank Him. To show appreciation for his sacrifice. I LOVE my Savior. I want my children to know that. To feel that. To know for themselves. It is absolutely critical.

I don't know if I've said it before, but I LOVE Easter. And love sharing it with my family. I'm so grateful for this day and time that we focus on our Redeemer.

We brought some flowers for a grave of a friend, but couldn't find the marker. We'll have to try again next year. 

We made it back, just in time for Conference! And a little Easter candy. :)

Phone hack!! :)

I only tease, because it wasn't me this time! ;)

Don't you love Lindi, trying to pick her mom's nose?!

We feasted on ham, potatoes, salad, rolls, and eggs for lunch!  (Oh, how I love picking microscopic egg shell pieces off of boiled eggs.)

Marcie made some killer desserts.

Then it was off to the egg hunt!

 

I wish I had pulled my camera out sooner! It makes such a difference!

Grandma tried putting $20 bills in the eggs! I convinced her to swap for $1's. The kids would be just as thrilled.

(Now I'm wondering why I did that, haha!)

After my mom's, I took Olive to my grandparent's house to visit with some of the family that gathered over there. Then we spent the rest of the evening at the Evans. I'll admit, it was super nice to just go to parent's houses for Easter and not have to host anything myself! Egg Roll included!

Brother's had to face off in the 3rd round! 

I think Brenden was the winner overall!

MONDAY

 

Travis took Monday off work so it was really nice having him around. I did some more shopping and started my week of tanning. This whitey will not be as pale for Hawaii!

But I have to admit. It freaked me out. I haven't gone tanning since college. The second the bulbs flicked on, I was instantly tense. I think I did 6 minutes. When I got out I felt so guilty. Like I had just smoked AND drank. ;)

The next day, they put me in a stand up one. I just stared at it for a few minutes. It looked like a space ship. I was certain I'd get cancer from just looking at it. When it hummed on, a man's voice calmly said, "Attention. Please be sure to have on protective eye gear. Etc. etc. ." It was time for blast off. I really felt like I was on some alternate universe.

 

That afternoon we took the kids to their swimming lesson at Power Road Pufferfish. The lady that I grew up taking lessons from has a sister that teaches and had an opening for just a week. Her name was Celeste and the kids LOVED their lessons. Even Olive was a champ! She didn't cry once and did everything Celeste asked her to do. Her only issue was her face. She kept trying to cover her eyes instead of reaching for the step.

Olive thought that kicking on the kickboard was HYSTERICAL. She erupted into giggles every time.

Getting their obligatory licorice! Even I remember that part!

We said farewell to Travis that night. Insert sad face. It was too bad because his extended family was getting together at a park out in Tempe for "FHE". I guess they do it every other month during the cool months. Pretty lucky that we were there for it! The kids had fun playing. We had sub sandwiches, salads, fruit, chips and cookies. It wasn't until the very end that a cousin brought a hysterical Weston to me. He had fallen off something (he says the sidewalk) and scraped off half his nose and a knee. It was traumatic. I'll say this. Getting the kids home, in the bath, ready for bed and IN BED each night was exhausting. It's just hard not being in your own home and living out of bags. The first night, we tried all sleeping in the same little bedroom. The A/C was broken and the kids were hot and whining and up for drinks and up in general much of the night. I was wondering if this was such a good idea after all.

 

TUESDAY

The next morning dawned bright and shiny with cupcakes for breakfast!! My early morning riser, Collin, got to hitch rides with Grandma each morning as she dropped Craig off at the bus stop. I know he was behind this donut run. But of course he also talked her into a cupcake. 

 

More swimming!

Maybe my favorite picture ever.

This girl floated on her back unlike anyone I've ever seen! Just completely relaxed. Dead weight. Like the pool was her oyster. 

Shelley invited us to Rusty's T-ball game at 5pm which was fun! Minus the herpes grass that gets everywhere. We all went to Red Robin afterward and waited an inordinate amount of time for fries and burgers. Oh well. Camp sauce makes it worth it.

That night, we tried having the boys sleep in the living room instead. They got to listen to Grandma play Primary songs as they fell asleep. So sweet! I really wish I played the piano. It's a fond memory I have of growing up with the Mom I had. 

WEDNESDAY

For some reason, I was up at 5am. At least I got to exercise and shower before the day started. Even still, I was hustling to get us all ready and out the door by 8:30am to meet Karen at the Phoenix zoo when it opened at 9pm. I borrowed my mom's stroller, and when I pulled it out of the back of my car, out flew a scorpion with it!! I was so surprised! It landed and tried to crawl under my car, but I got it with my flip flop. Evil bugger!!! Take that!!!

It was a really nice day, but the kids had ADD and just wanted snacks and to go to the petting zoo. 

And Olive just wanted to swing from every wire fence that was just... everywhere. 

How inappropriate is this picture??! Milking the cow suddenly feels R rated, haha.

Weston's happy place... the petting zoo.

We stayed at the zoo for 3 hours. It flew! It was really nice of Karen to invite us. Olive fell asleep on the way home and took a good nap before swim lessons. Grandma went with us this time to check it out. She took kids to Carolyn for lessons for 20+ years. I think she wondered what her sister would be like. :)

We were just puttering around at lunch time when David told Weston to run to him and put his hands on his shoulders. We laughed knowing what he was trying to imitate. But then Olive wanted a turn! She didn't even need to be told what to do. That girl nailed it! Haha! Having the time of her life!

I think she became David's best friend that day. :)

After swim lessons, we ran a few errands, picked up some skirts from Shelley's friend that I ordered, stopped by the Evan's to put updated pictures in their grandkid frames, then got dinner at Nielsens. My grinder was good. But it was one of those nights that I messed up what everyone wanted and I had 3 crying kids while I was trying to eat. Then two needed to poop and just couldn't wait til we got home in 10 min. I tell ya what.

I put on a movie for the boys while I gave Olive a nap and they both fell dead asleep. Tender mercy of the day. After I transferred them to their beds I noticed later that they still couldn't get enough of each other, even in slumber, :)

 It was fun chatting with my mom and Marcie at the kitchen table all night. Dad, Jefferson and Craig had spent the day at the dunes!

THURSDAY
I have to record this, even though it won't do it justice. It was always a challenge taking a shower each morning without Olive flipping out or the kids needing/wanting something from me. This particular morning, I thought I had gotten them all situated, but seconds after locking the door, the handle was being jiggled. I called out, not knowing which child it was, "What do you want?!"
Weston: I need to show you something!!
Me: Sorry, I'm taking a shower!
Weston: But I really need to show you something!! Open the door!
Me: I can't! I'm taking off my clothes.
Weston: (no hesitation) I won't laugh!

I. was. DYING.
Definitely not expecting that response.
 

I don't know why we couldn't get our buns in gear, but we didn't get to the Children's Museum until 11am. It kind of worked out good though, because within 1/2 hour, the masses cleared out to put kids down for naps and we pretty much had the run of the place!

♫  It's a hard knock life... for her! ♫

Collin intrigues me. He is so obsessed with drawing, coloring, crafting, you name it. He spent at least an hour making Ironman and I'm not exactly sure what else. He says he's going to be an artist when he grows up.
Hmmmmm. 

What does the Beaver say?!

Germs! ;)

After we left, I was starving and Mangos was calling my name. It had been WAY too long. That strawberry fresca HIT THE SPOT. And I had forgotten that their chips beat the pants off of every other tortilla chip in the world. The. world. I don't know how I didn't take a picture. My belly was so happy.

 

Floater baby had her last lesson. The boys were so sad. They loved them. And I think I observed enough to hopefully do a few lessons of my own now.



My Mom watched my kids that night so I could go to dinner with the Evans girls. So nice of her!Karen and I indulged in cupcakes afterward.

 

FRIDAY

Shelley and I took the kids to Silvergate Park for a couple of hours in the morning, then I watched her kids while she went to lunch with her sisters in law.

Then it was swim time! We spent all of that beautiful afternoon, poolside.

David was scoring major uncle points that day. And brother points! ;) It was cute to watch him jump on the tramp with them and play in the swimming pool. 

I snuck a picture of Weston playing with these dolls. He's seriously going to be the best Dad. 

We drove over to see Shelley's new house. It's completely torn up right now. They're remodeling everything. It will be so fun to see the finished product! It looks like the perfect neighborhood to raise a family. Lucky Goodmans!

 

We tried out Grace Garden for dinner. It's next to Gecko Grill, so I always felt sorry for it. I mean, how do you beat Gecko? But Shells said it was good, and she was right! As I was finishing up the kids baths, I walked down the hall to this...

How does that not melt your heart?

SATURDAY

My dad went to his usual, 5:30am temple session. (Just the thought makes me cross eyed.)

The boys were begging for a fun breakfast and I was in no mood. Cereal or Eggos, people!

Grandpa heard and took mercy. So he had the boys help him make scrabbled eggs for egg sandwiches. Weston was all about it. Collin just held his sandwich and stared at me. We finally got him to take the tiniest bite. Yeah, Weston finished it off. That child.

Shelley was super nice and watched my kids for a couple hours that morning so I could hit up Nordstrom Rack. It did not put out. But TJMaxx did! Why did I ever think to cheat on my TJMaxx??!

 

Then I took my kids and Rusty and traveled to the other side of the world to Makutus Island. (An indoor, slide/playground place.) The only reason we went was because it was on our Pogo Passes. Well, guess what?! They aren't valid on a Saturday. Offff course.

Olive was pretty happy to do these kiddie slides most of the time. Her trailer park diaper chub is super cute, I know. ;)

I was feeling the frozen yogurt vibe so we stopped in to Yogurtland. And since Chipotle was right next door, I did the right thing and got myself a burrito for dinner. ;)

Then the boys did a little swimming before it was time for the CF carnival. 

There is a family in my parent's ward that has two children with Cystic Fibrosis and just found out that the child they are expecting has it too. Their medical expenses are extensive so the ward got together to help. I didn't take enough pictures to even give it justice. It was incredible. I mean, how do people do stuff like this?! It was set up like a carnival. There was a BBQ dinner, live entertainment, a raffle, blow up, bounce houses, cotton candy, snow cones, carnival games, a "train" ride, dancing- you name it, they had it. I felt a little overwhelmed handling all my children there, but Marcie helped! 

We bought two of the t-shirts, but 10 minutes after wearing them, the boys wanted nothing to do with them. So Olive and I rocked them.

I hadn't noticed at first, but there was a lady sitting near us, eating an ice cream cone. Olive walked right over and just stood in front of her, longingly staring. The lady started nervously laughing and that caught my attention. It was time to get this lady an ice cream cone! ;)

These pictures just crack me up! Especially the first one. She's like, Okayyy, I'll smile if I have to.

Such a doll though!

Aunt Aubrey was doing the face painting.

She took requests.

Weston wanted a pink kitty.

With a gold heart.

Yesssss.

When all three kids were crying, I was covered in snow cone stickiness, had realized I lost all the carnival tickets I'd bought and Olive was missing her shoes, it was time to go. How do people have more children??!!

SUNDAY

I had decided to leave during the day and not risk my exhaustion on the road at night. But first, I needed to do a little Easter shoot of my Olive. You know, with her Easter dress that she didn't wear on Easter. Here's a sneak peek. 

 As we were heading inside, Craig was off to do Fast Offerings. Good little priesthood holder.

With no small effort, I showered, got us all ready for church, packed everything up and loaded the car. We went to Marcie and Austin's sacrament meeting. Collin went with only one shoe because we couldn't find the other one. I didn't even care! After that, we were off! I'd post a video of Olive screaming her head off in he car, but I love you too much. Needless to say, it felt SOOO GOOOD to walk in our door and see our Daddy!! This girl concurred. I really do hate being away from him. 6 days felt like 60. We had a lot of fun in Mesa, but nothing beats home. :)