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!!

Eating

 watermelon

makes

  me

 HaPpY!

(But I should probably add a face of me scowling at the end for how sticky it makes my floors!!! Somehow, even when it's only an "outside" treat. Kids are magical that way.)

Shaheens

For 6 weeks this summer, Collin went to a "Preschool in the Park" program that the city put on. I would drop him off at a park close to our house and for two hours, 4 days a week, he got to play on the playground, make crafts,  listen to stories, and do other activities. It was WONDERFUL!! Maybe even more for me than for him. He looked forward to it every day (minus the one day that Weston split his head open) and was always upset when Friday rolled around and he had to wait through the weekend for it to start again. For 4 of those 6 weeks, his friend, Lily, was there too and we carpooled with her. On their last day when I went to pick them up I was so mad when I realized I forgot my camera! Bug! So here we are at home with their last creation... rock faces.

*Side note: Since this was the first time I've left Collin in the care of someone that I didn't know personally or wasn't church related (and I know the previous qualifiers don't always mean "safety", but for the most part it helps), we decided it was time for Collin to get a bit of "the talk". While he was taking his bath that night, I talked to him about private parts and how no one should touch them except Mommy or Daddy, and only when cleaning in the bath or using the toilet, etc. There was more, but you get the gist. Well, when I picked him up after his first day, he excitedly got in the car and announced, "Mommy! No bad guys touched my pee pee!!!" My jaw started to drop a little when he continued, "But if they do, I hit them and kick them (all while making karate chop moves), and say "YOU DON'T TOUCH MY PEE PEE! And I go and tell Mommy!" 

"Uhhh....ya, right, OK son, but that probably isn't going to happen. And we don't actually talk about it with people. Did you say that to anyone??!!"

He gave me a slightly perplexed look and responded in the negative. Man, I hope he was telling the truth! But he still came home every day that first week, proud to tell me that no bad guys had touched his pee pee.

Guess I may have not gone about it in exactly the right way, but he seems to have gotten the point. Chalk it up to new parenting! I think I need to go find some books. :)

 The last week of "preschool" was also the last week the Shaheens were here in Farmington. Sadness! So we had Lily over for a couple of hours after preschool each day so Megan had one less child at home while she tried to pack. We also had her over on Saturday and ventured over to the bounce house place for them to get some wiggles out.

On Friday, Megan and the girls came over for some pizza and funnel cakes. I had never tried making them before, and they didn't turn out exactly right, but we still loved them! I'll be doing them again for sure.

On Sunday, we were able to snag Bron too and had dinner together one last time! The kids were so cute together! I just love both their faces in this picture. At one point, we looked out the window and saw Weston and Ruby just pushing the empty swimming pool all over the yard. Just for kicks. It was a joint effort. I couldn't help but think of that famous Funniest Home Video's clip of the dog pushing a rock with his nose and Bob Saget's voice over "Pushin' a rock, pushin' a rock, pushin' a rock"

While blogging this, Collin walked in and saw this picture and said, "What's that picture of Lily and me showin' our cool moves?!" 

He remembered! They were having a good time dancing for us while we watched the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. 

The next day we got just a few more hours with Lily, and went swimming at the Bloomfield Aquatics Center. Then, that night we drove over as they were throwing the last of their belongings in the car to head out. 

I hate saying goodbye! Especially to such good friends. After the fun week we had with Lily, I think Collin thought his sister was moving away. :) Just yesterday, I asked Collin who his friends were (Lily has been gone two weeks now) and he quickly replied, "Gavin. And Lily." And then he was out. Looks like I need to find this boy some friends!

Driving home from their house, I already missed them and felt a little lonely. I wanted to get on Facebook and post something like, "Well we might as well have been military for how often we seem to be saying goodbye to people!" But I didn't. I don't know about you, but daily I think of things I'll post on Facebook, then decide to not bother the world with my thoughts. I'll just bother those willing to read my blog. :)

Needless to say, we miss the Shaheens. At least they are just 2 hours away and we could still potentially entice them to go camping with us! :) 

And with that, I realize it's time for me to reach out to some other people in our neighborhood and ward. But I really just want to go hermit on this place. And I don't know why! I just have no motivation to make friends. In all honesty, it's exhausting to always be hosting things and organizing play dates and get togethers. Its fun to socialize, I just have no desire to initiate. Someone please come kick me in my lazy bum!