Our Family: June 2009

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Toys, Park, & Water

Some toys are just classic, and I love the fact that my mother has held onto some of those toys from my childhood. Today when I went to the toy self in the garage I found these two beauties! My old Fisher Price playdough piece-thingies (you stick them into the play dough to make different people). And the old Playskool shape sorter mailbox. I still remember falling off my bed as a kid and landing on top of it...ouch! I was magical watching my kids play and imagine with the same toys I had 20+ years later.

(Shocking...Isaac to a huge bite out of the play dough and had it stuck to the roof of his mouth)

After playing with toys we went to the park. We've been there many times already since being here. This time Isaac stood on one of the benches and waved to everyone who came and went from the parking saying, "Hi!" and waving his little "meat hook" of a hand.

We ended the day playing in the backyard with the mini kids pool. Natali loved it and Isaac was rather hesitant. The kid really needs some more water time! Natali kept "watering" the sidewalk with brief breaks to dump water on Isaac's head. "Just another day in Paradise!"-that's for you Ben!

Gettysburg, PA

In an unforgettable afternoon which was the SECOND best way to spend father's day, I embarked on a two-hour journey to Gettysburg. I expected the trip would appease the history buff in me, but I was shocked at how beautiful the area is as well. It has rained quite a bit in Pennsylvania this spring, so everything is intensely green and overgrown. To make matters even better, although it was extremely crowded at the park, there was a general feeling of reverence and courtesy. The best part was not having to fight off intense tour guides at every stop and memorial. I bought an audio tour CD and enjoyed the luxurious confines of my Ford Taurus. It's incredibly ironic that I could spend such a serene and spiritual few hours in a locale known for being the bloodiest and most violent battle site of the Civil War. Thank heaven for unselfish men who sacrificed everything to fight for their families, their country, and their morals. Each American should be required to make a pilgrimage to Gettysburg in their lifetime.

This is the national cemetery in Gettysburg. Lincoln's Gettysburg address was given to dedicate this spot four months after the battle.

This is the monument for the troops from PA who fought in the war.

Little Round Top: the turning point of the Battle of Gettysburg. This pic doesn't even come close to doing it justice.

The Wheatfield: the site of the most violent fighting. Ironically a VERY peaceful and beautiful stop on the tour. Again, this pic doesn't do it justice.

Another shot of a main battle field...Difficult to imagine over 160,000 soldiers strategically amassed to annihilate each other.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!!!

Trying to get the kids to sit still for a quick photo op was not an easy task Ben. Natali would not hold still or look into the camera, Isaac was swinging from the counter top like a monkey, and Spencer just slept through the thing and stuck his hands in the air. Here a some of the attempts we made. I knew you would/could appreciate the chaos.

Happy Father's Day Ben! We sure wish you were there with you to make this day special. Imagine the kids crawling all over you, Natali talking 5 notches too loud, and Isaac wiping food all over your Sunday clothes. We love you so much...only 5 more days!!!

Monday, June 15, 2009

7 States later...

7 states, 6 potty breaks (just kidding there were a lot more but I couldn't think of something for 6), 5 bags of luggage, 4 days of driving, 3 kids, 2 adults, and 1 car later we made it to San Diego. It was an adventure I wasn't sure that I would live through but surprisingly it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. Ben's advice the whole time leading up to it was, "just get in the car and drive!" Thanks genius...was my remark! But now I know what he meant.

Day1: We left Des Moines around 7 am. Filled up our car, got our Diet Cokes from QT, and hit the road. Our final destination was to be Cheyenne WY, with a room at the local Holiday Inn Express. The kids (Natali mainly) were really excited to be off on this "adventure" that we had been talking about for the past few months. We made several stops for eating, feeding the baby, and stretching our legs. This was one of the rest stops in Nebraska. My mom (thanks again) let the kids out and ran around with them to give them a break from the car. Just a few pictures.

Natali sat in the "back back" so that my mom could sit next to Spencer and be back there to help provide entertainment and hand out snacks to the troops.

Spencer sleeping peacefully (which he did most of the trip) on the bed in the hotel room.

The first thing Isaac did when we got into the hotel was find the phone and reek havoc!

Natali lounging around! She loved the idea of staying at the hotel.

Day 2: We ate breakfast (which was actually really nice and FREE), repacked the car, and headed off again. Today we were to make it to Utah, Bountiful to be specific to stay with Ben's folks. We had rainy weather the whole way through WY and even had to pull off the road during a hail storm. Apparently WY didn't get the memo that severe weather season was OVER. (There were also tornado watches and warnings) Again the kids did great, thanks to the DVD player and something we like to call BACKYARDIGAINS. Pretty sure I can quote all 4 episodes by heart (at least all the songs). We made it to Bountiful late afternoon. We had Cafe Rio for dinner (yes I did call and taunt Ben while I drove there to pick it up). And we even got to see Great Grandma & Grandpa Hayes. I tired to get a picture with all the kids but surprisingly only Spencer would cooperate. Thanks Mom & Dad for letting us crash for the night! In just 5 short weeks we'll be back.

Day 3: Today we drove to St. George to stay at our VIP only resort...aka Grandma Dove's. On our drive down the Wasatch front (which brought back many memories from my Utah days) we stopped off in Cedar Hills to visit with Hollie and the kids. It was so good to see her and the kids, and Natali LOVED being with Grace. The girls got great cousins! It was nice to have a short driving day and the kids loved staying the night at another grandma's house. We ate dinner on the back deck, soaked up the view of the temple, and sang Happy Birthday to Natali with her special birthday cupcake that Great Grandma Dove bought just for her. Isaac & Natali both took turns pounding on the organ, and I did my best to keep Mr. Sticky Fingers Isaac from breaking anything or jumping off the deck.

Day4: The last and final leg of our epic journey. With children strapped in, baby fed, gas tank full, and Diet Cokes in hand we were off for sunny San Diego! One thing I knew for sure was that we would be eating at IN-N-OUT somewhere today. We stopped at Stateline next to the Primm hotel for a feeding break (and due to the time change some Mc Donald's breakfast). Our next stop was in Victorville outside of Barstow (0r is it Baker) where we stopped for lunch and ate some IN-N-OUT. It was as good as I remembered. We then preceded to wait in line for 30+ minutes to let Natali use the restroom! Hello IN-N-OUT...please have more than one stall for the women's bathroom. That was a nightmare, but I guess the food made it worth it. Finally we made it though the traffic, up the INCREDIBLY windy roads (yes, Isaac did BARF...and yes, we were only 4 minutes away from being home), and arrived safe and sound at Grandma's.

Now we are all unpacked and into our new routines. The kids love it here and so do I except for the whole not having Ben with me part (and all my dear friends)! I have a feeling the time will fly and before we know it we will be packing back up and heading up to Utah for that part of our adventure. But while we are here you can bet I'll be eating lots of Mexican food, enjoying family, and spending a few days at the beach!

Our 4 year old Natali

Natali Lynn turned 4! Sunday was her special day and we had lots of fun. We started the morning off calling Dad back in Penn. so he could give his birthday wishes.

Then Natali was off to play with all the toys at Grandmas house. Natali requested birthday waffles and Grandma whipped up a tasty bunch.

Spencer was really into this whole birthday thing as you can tell!

We baked and decorated cupcakes. Chocolate with white frosting and pink sprinkles...exactly what the birthday girl asked for (this girl loves her chocolate...I am more of a vanilla girl myself...she must of got it from her dad).

We went to church. Then we came back so everyone could have their naps and then the countdown started until the cousins would arrive. That by far was the most exciting thing for Natali...the cousins were coming! We ate pizza, played, and then blew out the big 4 candles! Can you see the excitement in her face!

Time to finally eat those cupcakes!

Isaac, Allison, & Natali sitting around the table.

Dan, Ruth, Sandy, Grandma, Natali & Courtney

Next we opened presents! Isaac couldn't wait to be a help. Isaac the destroyer!!!

Natali opening her Belle Barbie from Uncle Greg & Krista

Natali and the girls! Courtney helped read Natali's birthday cards for her.

Haley & Krista

Cute Bubba and Grandma. I think this is one of the few times during the party that he sat still.

It was a great birthday spent with family. We were so lucky to be out here in California to celebrate with my family...a first. Natali I swear is 4 going on 16. She has the sweetness of a 4 year old mixed with the sass of a teenager. I often forget that she is only 4 because of the things that come out of her mouth. She keeps me on my toes and makes sure there is never a quiet moment in the house. She wakes up talking and goes to bed talking. Needless to say she has a gift for gab. She loves her brothers and is usually a big help. She loves anything princess and all things "girly". Thanks to her dad she also loves Star Wars & Spiderman (not so girly). She loves ANTYHING chocolate and until recently would refuse to "dip" fries, nuggets, or any thing into any kind of sauce. She is a dynamic singer and dancer and has a deep love for ABBA! (that's my girl) She cries when other kids have to go to time out and spends her fair amount of time there as well. She has her dad's blue eyes and my red hair...a perfect mix! She is my pride and joy! I love you Natali...Happy Birthday

Day at the Park with Dad

Today was one of those beautiful Iowa days where you just can't sit inside. Dad was home and with a park just down the street we got out the double stroller loaded the kiddos and made our way for some fun! Nobody pushes the swings quit as good as Dad!

Preschool Graduation

Natali successfully completed her first year of Preschool. She loved every minute of it and developed some new skills along the way. The beginning was a little rocky, but due to some wonderful (and patient) teachers Natali got the new routine down and never had another melt down (yeah right!!!). But is was a great year and I wish that she was going there next year but due to funding the preschool is closing and she is going to a different one. I wish I had the picture of her first day to post because I can't believe how much she has grown this year. This is her last day of school, the program, her teachers, and her carpool buddy Austin.