Cousins!

Kim and Jeremy came into town for a few days so we got together with Tyler and Kacey for a dinner and a trip to the AMY(Children's museum)

Our kids have so much fun with thier cousins and we can't wait to do it all again at Thanksgiving time.  

That weekend we took a trip to Utah to see other cousins.  Unfortunately we didn't get pics of play time with Kaite and Lizzy, (really we never saw the kids because they were too busy having fun.) We always love playing at their house.  Good food, good movies, good times.

We then got to see Michelle and Ryan's new place and enjoy a gorgeous view on a beautifully warm autumn afternoon.  They treated us to an amazing lunch and we enjoyed spending time with them.

We spent Sunday night with my parents and Doug and Carly with Brinlee.  We love playing the games they bring.  Dave left for a business trip and I got  to stay for a day to play with my family. 

I played racquetball against my dad and was beaten handily, but still had a great time.  My mom and I went shopping.  Sometimes it amazes me how different my mom and I are.  She is able to make decisions so much faster, easier and without stress than I am.  I wish I had that ability.  We bought paint to re-do a nightstand and gifts for my sisters on missions.  My dad was watching the kids and when Mariah woke up she was so mad to be with him and not me, she cried at him the rest of the afternoon, which just breaks my dads heart because he is so fun and good to the babies.  Luckily after her next nap she was back to smiling at him.  

Carly and my Grandma Louine came over and spent the afternoon with us.   

Hallie told Grandma, "I like your face, beacause it is cracked!"  She also prayed. "We're thankful that Jesus can help us be awesome!"  She is so funny!

I then took my first flight alone with 3 kids.  Despite having a stroller to fit 3 it was quite the adventure.  Hallie was alsleep so I needed to carry her through security, but I needed to carry Mariah too.  Jackson VERY rarely holds Mariah and NEVER while walking, but I used him to carry her through and he did great.  He still reminds me of the time he held Mariah.  I put Mariah in one window and the other two kids across the aisle.  I sat next to Mariah thinking she might need me . . .turns out she fell asleep and the other kids were asking me for things for the entire take off and I wasn't able to help because I was too far away.  I'm not sure how I should do things differently next time because I bet if I sat next to the older kids Mariah would cry through take off and I couldn't help her.  How do you fly alone with 3???

By the end of the flight all 3 kids were asleep.  I carried each to the stroller seperately, then carried the luggage and pushed them through the airport to pick up more baggage and then get in the shuttle (also an adventure. . . luckily a kind soul loaded my luggage while I moved each kid 1 by 1)  Finally I loaded each kid individually into the car and we headed home.  I was exhausted by 11 pm, but still had to unload each kid into bed and go to bed alone since Dave was traveling.  Isaid I would never travel alone with 3 kids . . .even with GREAT behavior from my kids, it was still really difficult!

Big Island take 2

Dave needed a break from work and Hawaii was calling.  We tried to go the weekend before, but the rental cars were sold out for the entire island!!  Can you believe that?  Such a remote place :)

After a long, and painless flight (Hallie and Mariah each slept 3 of the 6 hours).  We went straight to A bay for a bit of beach time before the sun went down.  It was unfortunately cloudy, so we didn't get a great sunset.  

Hallie loved the water and jumped around in the waves.  Jackson had no fear either and Mariah wast just fascinated.

The moon was huge and full, but it never shows up as beautifully in pictures.  

WE spent the evening with my friend Chiyo, and crashed a pot luck at her apartment complex.  The food was amazing.  I love Hawaiian food!  We swam and sat in the hot tub.  The kids slept until 4:30 am, which was 7:30 our time.
We headed to the beach (Mauna Kei) early and enjoyed 5 glorious hours.  It was perfect weather, ocean and fun.  Jackson snorkeled and swam with me for nearly an hour.  We finally saw some fish when we got near the rocks.  I loved spending some one on one time with him in the water.  Dave and Jackson boogie boarded, body surfed and in general had a great time!

Mariah slept for the first 2 hours of the beach and then ate sand like it was candy for the next little while.  So funny!  

We went back to Chiyos cleaned up and then she watched our kids while Dave and I went on a "date" to walk along a sea shore trail.  It was nice to be carefree in a beautiful place with my honey.  

We spent out last daylight hours seeing the turtles and checking out one more beach (69)

My friend Chiyo provided a place to stay and all our meals!  She is so gracious and amazing!  She is a great mom and friend.  So glad to spend time with her!

We showered up and packed our things and headed to the airport.  The plane didn't take off until 3 am our time.  I was so exhausted.  I slept the whole way!  The kids did too.  We spent Sunday relaxing.  Dave and I took naps, but the kids still didn't.  They are absolutely crazy about not sleeping during the day, even if they were woken up at least 9 times the night before and only slept 7 hours.  It drives me nuts, but what can you do . . .can't force someone to sleep . . .

Although this was only a one night trip we were glad to have a quick get-away in a gorgeous place.  We love Hawaii!

Rainy Virginia

We flew to Virginia for fall break.  It was a bit perfect for us that the government was shut down because that meant more time with Uncle Rich!  It was fun to get to know Breckin, introduce Mariah to that family and spend time with Rich and Ashley.

  It rained the entire 2 days we were there, so our pumpkin patch plans were foiled.  The kids did get to go to a park for a few hours.  We also ate out at pizza buffet and watched a great BYU game.  We painted and then carved a few pumpkins.  Mariah was teething so she was a bit more fussy than usual.  We also lost her binky so the flight home was very stressful.  

It was super fun to be with family.  We are so glad our benefits help us stay close to everyone :).  Thanks for hosting us!  We always love being at Rich and Ashley's house.
We flew home on Sunday morning in time to attend our church (Starts at 8 am!) This was a very long day, the kids wouldn't take naps!  They are really crazy!  We were exhausted from being up at 1 am our time 

General Conference in Houston

Wow!  My sister in law is absolutely incredible.  She has so many plans for conference for the kids that I actually got to listen to nearly ALL of conference for the first time in 5 years.  Between conference sessions we went to a carnival near them.  The kids loved the train, the games and the bouncy house.  It was HOT!  We aren't use to the humidity!

Hallie and Morgan had fun getting to know each other and playing together

Lori had individual baskets that were filled with paper activities, a couple snacks, and a toy/game for EACH session of conference.  Then the kids also earned play money for being reverent and got to shop at the store after each session.  Jackson LOVED this.  I think he earned the most money for working quietly and listening.  I seriously have never seen this kid so still and quiet.  He continues to talk about conference at Aunt Lori's house.  I don't think I can live up to the amazing things she did for the kids!

We love being with family and Cousins.  Thanks for hosting us Lori and Jim!