Legoland

The ride of terror. I can't remember what this ride was called but for a good scare enjoy. It has 5 levels of terror. Abbie could only go on level 1 or 2. Abbie laughed the whole time.
I think this is the best shot of the day. I did not turn the camera sideways. That is truly how Chris and Abbie were.

This car was made of legos. The kids were in awe. Preston was in Heaven.

The kids got to drive. They loved it. There were stop signs and traffic lights and they had to obey the laws of the road. Madi had a blast. She has always acted 16 now she could be 16 for about 5 minutes.

Abbie was going all over the place. She did quit well. I loved watching her.

Let's just say that Preston drives like a 60 year old man. The kids behind him kept hitting him. (And they are not bumper cars, they are go carts.) Gas Prest, gas.

Luke loved driving. He had so much fun, and afterwards they all got a Legoland drivers license.

Here we come! But please pray for Prest.

In about 4 hours we will be leaving for California. I am so excited. We sold the Jeep Wrangler and took the money to go on a trip. So tonight when we were tucking the kids in bed Preston was very warm. He had been coughing all day and complained of throat pain. At about 5pm Saturday he started to complain he was cold, and had the chills. So at 10pm I loaded him up and off we went to the ER. I figured he had the swine flu due to the outbreak around town. The doc listened to his chest and ordered an x-ray. He checked his ears and Prest has an ear infection. X-ray came back and he has bronchitis. They suctioned his nose to test for swine flu and it came back negative. Yeah for him. We can go. So we are off to Legoland, Sea World, and Disneyland before Chris leaves. The doc said we should be good to go just need to keep a mask on Prest while out and about. Wish us luck.

I'm hooked and will keep Tri'n

Labor Day morning I spent my time doing a tri. It was great. This time it was swim, bike, then run. I absolutely loved it. Swimming was longer so I added a minute to my time for the swim. My transition also took a little longer 'cause I was getting socks and shoes on a wet body. Not easy. My bike time was awesome. I took six minutes off. Chris got me an awesome road bike for my birthday and I had a blast pedaling faster than ever. My run time stunk. I added six minutes. My time overall was about the same as my last tri. Three minutes slower than the last, but I had a longer swim. Now if I could just get into running, maybe things would be better. Next year my goal is to knock of fifteen minutes. Maybe too big a goal. I would be happy with five minutes off my time. It was an awesome way to spend my morning. I had a blast and can't wait for the next time. Here is my time sheet. I think I did pretty well when competing with both sexes and almost 300 people combined.
http://milliseconds.com/participants/detail/805720877

We are blessed.

Last night Chris and I went out to dinner. We decided to go to Chilis for the 2 for $20 deal. We finished dessert and were waiting for our waiter to bring us our check. It took him a few minutes and then he showed up with no check in hand. We had a very interesting conversation with him. By the way Prince was the name of our waiter. Not kidding his actual real name.

Chris: "Can we get our check?"
Prince: "You guys are taken care of."
Chris: "What do you mean we are taken care of?"
Prince: "You're military, right?"
Chris: "Yes, I am."
Prince: "Well someone wanted to take care of you, they paid your bill. It's taken care of, don't worry about it."
Chris: "Are yo serious? Someone paid my bill?!"
Prince: "Yes."
Chris: "Well who was it?"
Prince: "I don't know, someone."

Chris and I sat there totally stunned and humbled by this experience. Someone we don't know who knew that Chris was leaving and saw us there. They picked up our tab to thank Chris for his service. I think I know who it was. I saw someone there from our ward. All I have to say is thank you for your service, support, and especially your love. We will always be greatful for that wonderful gesture.

Luke got his laugh back.

Today Luke had to go to the dentist and have a cavity filled. Actually three. He has deep grooves and it is hard to get his teeth clean. So in order to fill these cavities he needed to be numbed. So Dr. Dastrup put Luke on laughing gas. Boy was he lovin' life.

I asked him as we were leaving how he felt. He responded by telling me he had his laugh back. He said the laughing gas made him laugh again.

Next time you see him ask him to laugh. He does a totally different laugh. His laughing gas laugh.

My BIGGEST PET PEEVE

Okay, so one of my biggest peeves are people who leave their Christmas lights up all year long. I can't stand it. It looks so tacky and I especially can't stand when they are falling off and no one does anything. So with that being said we are the tacky people this year. After I found out Chris was leaving and that he would not be home this fall I asked him to leave the lights up. It just doesn't feel like Christmas unless we have lights. I love the glow and feeling of coming home to a house lit up. Well the year has been hot and the lights have not lasted. Unfortunately they are coming down.


So today they finally fell. So sad to see them go.

I was hoping they would last. I guess we will have to put lights in the windows this year.

There is no way I am going up there and fixing them. Chris will be taking them down today.

SO much for being festive. I wonder if I could staple them in place?

Lukeisms

Okay, so I am still trying to figure out how the brain of a 4 year old functions. Sometimes the things this kid says are so far out we are laughing with tears rolling. For example tonight at dinner was some serious drama of a very tired little Luke.
Chris: Madi would you please say the prayer?
Madi starts to say the prayer.
Luke: (crying through the prayer) I wasn't ready! You can't say it. That's not fair. I want to say it!
Madi is done and Luke has tears streaming down his face. Yelling at Chris that he wanted to say the prayer. So here is the conversation between Chris, Luke and Fam.
Chris: Luke, did you want to say the prayer?
Luke: Yes, but you didn't ask me.
Mom: Can I help you say the prayer?
Luke: No, my dragon friend is going to help me.
Mom: Well get him to help you.
Luke: You have to call him.
Mom: Dragon friend come here!
Luke: No you have to call him by any name.
Chris: What's his name?
Luke: Any name.
Chris: Well can you call him?
Luke: No, you have to call him on the wall.
Prest: What's his number?
Luke: 801


To say the least dragon friend never showed and Chris helped Luke say the prayer while the rest of tried to keep kool-aid from coming out of our noses.


Dani: Hey Luke why aren't you laughing?
Luke: I can't laugh
Dani: Why not?
Luke: (With serious face) My shadow stole my laugh. It is now gone and I can't laugh

I was laying on the couch one day and Luke came and put his head on my belly. Here is what he had to say.
Luke: Mom do you like lions?
Mom: Yes, why?
Luke: Your tummy sounds like you ate a lion.
Mom: Why?
Luke: Your tummy is growling.

To say the least we love this kid and he has been a great addition to the fam. We have had some wonderful laughs together as we go through life looking through the eyes of a 4 year old.

One last thing to say. Every Monday we go to the nursing home and help the elderly play bingo. All the residents get a kick out of the little boy who never stops. His poor mom has her hands full.

I wouldn't want it any other way.

First Day Of School

I don't know who is more excited. The kids or me. I am ready to get back into a routine and have some time with Luke. The three older kids are now in school all day. Yeah! Abbie is so excited to be at school all day long, to get two recesses, eat lunch there and make more friends.

Preston is so excited to make friends. He is in class with his friends this year and is thrilled. Preston with the boys in the neighborhood walking to school.

Abbie ready and waiting for the kids so she can walk.

Madi and her friends Ashlynn and Brooklynn. I am so excited for her. She has two friends that live behind us and she is loving life now that there are girls her age close by.

Overall the first day was great. Luke loved it because he and I got to play the Wii uninterrupted. Abbie was excited to have friends in her class and make new friends at recess. Madi loves her teacher and is excited for a routine. Preston is happy to be with his friend Josh and Bryson in the same class. May that poor teacher have the patience for these boys who are very imaginative.

Newest Edition

About a month ago my friend called and asked me if we would like a dog. It took a little convincing Chris that the kids would be able to take care of her. Besides she will be a great addition while Chris is gone. Her name is Sadie. She is a pure bred Chitzu (SP?) and the most mild, patient dog I have ever seen. Luke absolutely adores her. He is always trying to pick her up and carry her around. I never thought I could care for a dog this much but I do.

The smell and sound of summer

Last night was our final trip to Lagoon-A-Beach. What a blast. I love the smell of chlorine, sunscreen, and chocolate. The sounds of water rushing, kids screaming with excitement and moms yelling at their kids because they splashed them. Actually I think it's hilarious. Why do you go to a swim park to not get wet? Let me know because I can't wait to get soaked and run around with my kids.
Luke went on the twisty slides and laughed the whole way down. He loved showing his Aunt Amy how you lay on your back cross your legs and arms and go. He loved getting wet and having adventures in the sand with his new friend Jace.
Abbie loved being able to walk around the lazy river and touch the bottom. Such a big accomplishment for a cute girl who loves to sink in water. (Two times at Lake Powell she fell in and had to be pulled out as she was going under.) Her excitement as she goes under the waterfalls and gets soaked.
Madison is such a social butterfly. She would go up to groups of girls and ask their names and then start playing with them. She loved the tube rides and trying to beat Prest.
Prest I am so sorry but Ladies First! I beat him three times down the outrigger ride. It's a waterslide you ride on with tubes. I kept catching up and then passing him the pools on the ride. He loved every minute of it. He is so like his dad and very competitive.
Chris thanks for coming with us and laughing with us. Thanks for lugging the cooler around and making sure the kids had a good time. It was great. I loved watching you on the drop slide. What a great time.
The sounds and smells of summer are great and I am sad to see them come to an end but we will do it again next year, and the year after. What a great time. Thanks family for making it a great summer.

We TRI'd and Liked It

Today Lala and I did our very first full tri. It was awesome. I had a blast. Although it was backwards. Here we are at the start getting ready to run.
Dad and mom brought the three kids and cheered us on. Thanks Dad for being my cheerleader. You have always cheered me on. Mom thanks for bringing the kids.
Abbie and Luke were so excited. It was great to have them there.
Still waiting to start. They started 10 minutes late because of the rain earlier. They were waiting for the roads to dry a little before the start.
I love this shot of Lala.
Finishing the run. Ran 3 miles in 31 min. 24 seconds. Took 30 seconds off my time. I am so proud. I ran the whole time.
Next was the bike. Ready set pedal.
They are so cute.
Almost done. Can't wait to swim.
The swim was the best. I loved it!
And now I'm done! YEAH!

Congrats Lala. WE did it!
Madi hand in hand with Lala. She loves her so much.




P.S. When you swim make sure to take your phone out of your bra before you get in the pool. I didn't and now I have no phone.Overall it was a great success. I am hooked for life now and can't wait for the next one.

I am seeing GREEN!

Isn't it beautiful?! I absolutely love it. Jake and his crew did an awesome job. I am amazed at all the work and preparation that goes into getting a yard ready. It looks so green.


I have had sooo many comments from neighbors about my trees. They look so good. I can't wait for a couple of summers when we will get really good shade from them.

The back looks wonderful. We have to give it one week and then the kids can play all they want. For now they will just have to wait.

I am all ready waiting for spring and getting to plant in my garden boxes. We will have a great crop of corn and beans and peas. What fun it will be.

Mom and Dad gave me their peach trees and I can't wait to pick fresh peaches and enjoy. Thanks you guys. They will be perfect with the strawberries and raspberries I am going to plant. Yummy!

Overall, Jake did a great job. I can't wait for Chris to see. He will love it. Thanks Jake for taking care of us. For getting the job done right and done fast. Thanks for the hard work you and your crew put into this. I really do appreciate it. We are lucky to have you as part of our fam. What fun we will have.

Happy Birthday to ME!

Okay I know it's a little cheesy but I just have to brag. Today I am getting the best birthday present ever. That's right I am spoiling myself and getting... are you ready? You may want to sit so when you find out you don't pass out and hurt yourself. I am getting


GRASS


Yeah! I am so excited. No more growing weeds. No more mud pies in the kitchen, on the carpet or on my toes. Thanks to a wonderful sister who happens to know the best landscaper in Utah things are going to be greener. I couldn't have done it without you Jake and D. I love you guys so much.

FREEDOM!

Free! I am free.

No more training wheels. No more little baby toys, no more depending on mom and dad to get me around. I am able to go wherever I want, as long as I don't go past the stop sign one house down.

Luke asked Chris to take his training wheels off. He kept getting nervous so we bought him a new bike helmet hoping that would motivate him to ride. The next day he got on and has not stopped since. Porter came to visit and tried out Abbie's motorized scooter. Every time he came he would go straight to the garage and start riding. Those two would not stop.

I couldn't get a decent pic because they would not stay still long enough for me to try.