Maine in the Fall

We finally got to take a trip from Dallas. We were suppose to meet up with Dave's parents who are serving a mission at the DC temple, but they decided they needed more time to rest up.  Last minute we didn't know if we should still go, but our car trip bags were packed and our minds were set to head to New England in the Fall.  When we flights were looking worse and worse, we almost cancelled.  I tried every itinerary to Boston, upstate NY and Maine  I could think of.  I finally found one with a night in DC, so we hopped on a plane to DC.  The flight was ROUGH!  Mariah wants to walk and move and yelp.  It is so hard to get her and Hallie to not kick the seats in front of them (we like to get 2 rows so we can sit in front of our own kids and take the kicks).  It was a long flight, and we landed late and took a shuttle to a nearby hotel and crashed, knowing we had to get up really early.  The kids took a long time getting to sleep at the hotel and I was wondering if all the chaos was going to be worth it.

We accidentally slept in and I happen to wake up with only 5 mins to get ready to get to the shuttle.  I checked the flight... and it was totally full!!  I was so disappointed, so we spent the next hour (at 4 in the morning) looking for new options.  We thought of driving from DC (13 hours!) and looked at flights everywhere.  Dave finally wondered if we flew into Bangor, Maine (I had never even heard of this town).  He looked it up and sure enough, we did fly there and there were seats!!

 We decided to spend the day exploring DC.  We took the shuttle to the subway and then took whining and crying kids to the National Mall to have them whine and cry.  This is how it felt anyway.  We only brought a single stroller as we were not anticipating walking much.  We saw the Washington Monument and the Air and Space Smithsonian.  We met Dave's parents for Lunch at the National Art Gallery.

 We were exhausted and worn out of the kids by the time we took another subway ride, shuttle ride and did security again.  Luckily, Mariah managed a little nap in between traveling.  

As we were boarding it was announced that they were under weight restrictions and we were not going to get on!!  We had already checked 3 bags!  Dave plead our case of having 3 small lightweight kids and they relented and we got on.  I was almost in panic mode.  SO glad we made it!  It was a rough flight and we were SO happy the Bangor airport is TINY and the rental cars were SO close.  The kids were quiet and peaceful in the car with the things I had packed for our road trip.  Why oh Why are they so hard on flights?!?  Dave and I enjoyed the peace and quiet in the car and the beauty all around as we drove from Bangor to Portland stopping in Augusta for dinner.  It was amazing and the colors were stunning.   The kids were hard to get to sleep again, so we took baths, watched TV and prayed Mariah would go to sleep without a crib (she did.. . she was the easy one).


Sunday we woke up fairly early and had breakfast and got ready for church.  We spent 3 hours going to church in Cape Elizabeth town.  I love that the church is the same everywhere.  We felt loved and felt the spirit.  We ate lunch at the church and headed to the Portland lighthouse.  I realized that of all the beaches I've ever been to, I think this was the FIRST lighthouse I had ever seen!  It was gorgeous and amazing.  Words don't describe it.  The weather was almost hot! (Turns out this day broke records for heat all across Maine, but we didn't know any different)

We started our drive up the coast of Maine.  We stopped whenever there was something of interest to us, but mostly just ooh and aahed about the gorgeous New England Architecture, colors of the leaves, beautiful scenery and coast and quaint villages. The kids enjoyed the drive because they got "presents" ( $ store toys) and books on CD and music to listen to.  they didn't care about seeing much.  Hallie had a total melt down as we drove, so we moved her to the front row ($30 extra for a 7 seater car.... Best $ ever spent) within 3 minutes she was asleep.

We went to a state park with a beach.  All 3 kids were asleep as we pulled up, but we didn't want to wait it out (the Sun was going down) and wanted to get them out of the car.  Hallie had peed as she slept, so that was a fight to get new clothes on her.   Luckily, Dave took this one.  Traveling with kids is hard.  

We were not prepared for a true swimming beach, but people were in fact swimming and playing as if we were in Hawaii.  We just rock hopped and explored and let the kids play in the tide pools and sand.  It made us wish we could go to Hawaii (and soon!).

 The kids were bugging so people here and it was embarrassing.  Once again, Traveling with kids is hard.  This place was GORGEOUS.  It is called 5 islands and off the coast had 5 little tree covered islands with houses embedded in there.  We didn't have time to wait in the 50+ people line to get fresh out of the ocean lobster, but really wished we could.

 We made it about half way up the coast before the sun went down and we didn't want to miss anything, so we found a little dive right on the road and pulled off the spend the night.  (We were the ONLY people staying in the 20 room inn!  We had a bed for Mariah on the floor (which she fell off in the middle of the night). and the 2 kids share a bed.  It was tight, but it was a quick stop because we were off early in the morning for the rest of the Maine Coast, harbors, beaches, villiages.

 Then the crowning jewel, Bar Harbor and Acadia National park.  We ate Lobster finally in Bar Harbor (I wasn't a huge fan) and got kids meals for the kids (of which we ate most of it) Finally, Maine weather was back and we were COLD!

 We have found that National Parks never disappoint, but after our fantastic drive, I was thinking this might.  But I found it tranquil and beautiful.  I was disappointed that the clouds and fogged completely blocked our view from Cadillac Mountain, but it warmed up a little for a small hike around Jordan Lake.  The kids were in great moods and Hallie was running up the trail most of the way!

 We were cold and tired and hungry.  We opted for a hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub (at mom's request)  This was a great decision.  The kids were so happy to be moving and in a warm pool.  It was great (except poop in a swim diaper... traveling with Kids is hard!) We loved the queen beds instead of the double, and finally a crib for Mariah.  We may never stay at sub-par hotels again (and we may never travel again :) )

We were rested and ready to head home the next morning we took it slow and enjoyed breakfast at the hotel and packed up for a stop-and-see drive back to the Bangor Airport (With a slight change to layover in Philly instead of DC).   Bangor Airport has so many fun things for kids... why don't the bigger airport provide these things?!?

Flights ... oh flights.  The kids made a mess on one flight and were crazy and disobedient on our layover.  Jackson and Dave were butting heads.  Everyone was tired and hungry and grouchy.  I sat with Mariah on the 2nd leg and she fell asleep (as did I) so I was rested a bit.  Getting home from the Dallas Airport is SUCH a long process and sometimes I hate that this is going to be our life now.  I headed straight to a meeting from the airport and Dave took the kids home.  I was worried because we were all worn out and tempers were thin.  But Jackson said something that melted Dave's heart.  He stayed in bed with Jackson until he fell asleep.  As difficult as this child can be, he always has a soft spot in our hearts.  I'm so glad that we have him.  

at 10 pm, I had to go back to the airport to pick up our luggage (the flight we opted not to take... that our luggage was on...was delayed for 6 hours!! thank heavens we went on the other flight that left on time!) I was exhausted by the time I got home and went to sleep knowing I would do laundry and pack everything back up to head back to DC in only 2 more days!

Oh how I LOVED Maine!!  Such a wonderful experience.  I'm so glad we got to go!

Starting school and other adventures

In August, the Dallas Arboretum had dollar days which mean that we went twice!  It was So entertaining (despite the HOT weather).  There was lots of water works and misters and splash areas so we survived.  It was fun to meet with a former roommate from college as well as another friend who just relocated to the area with us.  

We've made friends with several people in the cul-de-sac.  We are excited to have friends around.  the kids were so nice to teach Jackson to play 4 square and be patient as he learned.  They played for an hour and not one car drove by!  Love our location!

The girls and I started mommy school and lunches together.  We love our time during the day, although we miss Jackson. 

I 've learn a few hairstyles, but my skills leave much to be desired.

Hallie had a lesson at church about being thankful for her home and how she can help.  On one side she drew herself vacuuming and the other side is her getting angry because she doesn't want to pick up.  yep, so Hallie.

We let Jackson stay out past bedtime all the time, but esp. if the neighbors were out.  One night they played night games and I LOVED seeing him out playing hide and seek.  It was 10 before he came in an crashed watching bball with Dad.

Mariah continues to be a shining light in our life.  she is really growing up.  No more baby.

Our ward had a fun yoga relief society activity.  I love getting to know people better and better.

 Jackson started school at green valley elementary.  He was so excited to start and got an amazing teacher.  We are really happy with a neighborhood school.

We went swimming with a family in our ward on Labor day.  the kids love swimming and the water.   

Saw this crazy car out on the roadway...

Las Vegas Girls trip

Thanks to an amazing husband, friends with the drive and desire to have fun always, plus a friend with hotel points, and US airways, I was able to get together with girlfriends from Mesa and have the most wonderful weekend!  Because of the flight loads, I worried I would miss the trip altogether, but I headed to the airport with my packed bags (packed days in advance in excitement for this!) I got on the first flight I tried, which was to Phoenix, which means I got to make the LATE night drive with my besties to Las Vegas.  I thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing airport experience and reading a book the entire 3 hour flight.  Heaven!  I thought I would be so tired and boring on the drive to Vegas, but the conversation started and I woke right up.  I'm pretty sure we didn't stop talking for 3 straight days.  Just what a momma needs!

We finally settled in at fell asleep around 4 am my time!  Luckily and surprisingly, I was able to sleep in until 10 am my time!  Yeah, I still got it!

We worked out, ate a crappy breakfast to make up for the work out and then headed to the pool where we parked ourselves for the rest of the day.  We thought we would sleep, but never got around to it(didn't want to miss anything!)  We slide down the water slides, sat in the hot tubs, had some swim races, sucessful dodged a bee in the water.... 4 times, and just enjoyed the sun and relaxing by a pool Because I am always with kids I don't know when the last time I 'relaxed' by a pool.  When I talked to Jackson, he said "I wish I was there!" I said honestly, "I kind-of wish you were too!" To which he replied, "You ARE there mom!"  

After an amazing dinner of pina coladas and fajitas, a movie and cleaning up, we spent the evening playing games.  I am way to competitive, but being super tired slowed me down a bit.   

The next morning was spend primping.  I don't know about the other girls, but I loved spending time in the bathroom with other girls.  I loved the new hair tips I got and enjoyed getting dressed up with only girls! 

 

We made it to the temple and enjoyed a session (beside the lady full on snoring next to me).  So peaceful and full of love and joy.  I really love the temple. 

We then made it to the strip in stark contrast to the temple.  We shopped in Ceasars Palace, enjoyed the flowers at the Bellagio.

 then went to eat at Pampas... a Brazillian meat grill.  It was so delicious!  It was funny that 6 mormon girls ended up here... we don't drink, smoke, gamble, or participate in any of the crazy, lewd, and crude aspects of Vegas, but still found a way to be entertain and have a great time.  

We headed to our show "Recycled Percussion" With all the years I've lived close to Vegas and driven through, I have never seen a show.  It was not to be forgotten.  Pure entertainment from the moment before it started to the end.  It was mostly clean and the boys were from our generation, so they made all sorts of references to 'the good ol' days' which we could relate to.  Pretty sure the other girls turned into 8th graders pining after the 'hot performers'.  I couldn't get THAT into it, but enjoyed the entertainment immensely.

Yes, they are drumming while hanging sideways being dropped from the ceiling, the fact that is turns completely upside down just blows me away. 

We finished up with more time on the strip and headed home. 

I love these ladies.  their example of faith, devotion to motherhood, encouraging each other, helping and service each other and drive for fun and laughter is amazing.  I feel so blessed to have had the chance to be friends with them.  

We were exhausted and the thought of getting up at 4 am to go for a flight was horrible.  I ended up waking up around 6 and headed out to see if I could make the flights.  I missed 2 but I made the next one.  I should've slept in and gone forward with the plan, but honestly I was just glad to be heading directly home (and so was Dave!) I was exhausted at home, but it was well worth it.  I felt like I was a much better mom after getting a break and perspective.