First winter's snow

We did not get a white Christmas but that was OK. It made things easier for all that needed to be done for the holidays. So just imagine how surprised we were to see snow this afternoon.

This first thing Autumn wanted to do was go out and play in it. I made her wait to make sure it was going to stick. Of course it is going to stick around she said. She said she had been praying for snow all week! The weather reports just said it was going to rain. When David called from work he said it was snowing there and had traffic all tied up in town.

They played outside for a couple of hours and came in freezing cold. It is still snowing outside a little and looks like at least four to five inches are out there in the backyard. I just love it when it does this and there is no where or anything important I have go do. Chad was so funny. He did not want anyone to "mess" it up with footprints or play in it. He says he just loves how fresh snow looks when it is so clean and white. I don't blame him. The first snow of the season is always magical!

A Very Different Christmas Eve

Christmas eve was very different this year. Don't get me wrong it was wonderful but different. When you are used to lots of kids and lots of chaos and lots of noise, only having 5 of those kids home on Christmas eve is just different. We had a wonderful time. When David got home we went out looking at lights as usual and doing some secret service projects we had planned. (Santa's elves were working over time this year;)) Then home and the making of hot chocolate and snowman donuts. We left one for Santa this year instead of the usual cookies and milk. It was so quiet. The children went right to bed and with no fuss they were asleep in no time. David and I did not know what to do with ourselves as everything had been ready to go for a week now. We watched a movie and then around 12:30 we set the gifts out. At 6:30 I got up to put the ham in but everyone stayed asleep until Ashleigh and Nick got out here. Typically everyone comes home and spends the night together all in one room. That did not happen this year so we had to wait for everyone to come over. The plan was to be here by 7:00 but by 8:00 everyone was finally here.

We opened presents, had a wonderful breakfast and then played and sat around and enjoyed each other's company.

Andrew left to get Luke and by the time he got back all the older children had left. We opened gifts with Luke and then they went home to finish their Christmas and David and I then did something we have never done before. We left to go to a movie! Just the two of us. That was a gift to ourselves. It was fun to go on a date on Christmas but kind of weird at the same time. The children loved it because they could play their new Wii to their hearts content. I don't even think they noticed much that we left for a few hours. It was nice to spend time with David. He has worked so hard this season - harder than past years - so he really enjoyed some alone time with me. But I do have to say it was a very different Christmas. I guess I never knew how it would be when kids were grown. I guess it is a sign of Christmas's to come. I will have to get used to it - but I am sure as more grandchildren come along a new tradition of things will settle in here at our home. I look forward to the change of things - but still no noise and no constant begging of the children to stay in bed on Christmas eve is just weird!

Happy Birthday Noah!

Yesterday Noah turned 14! All he has wanted for two years now is an electric guitar. He has been learning on an acoustic one that is Chad's. I wanted to be sure he was serious about this music thing and he has been. It is amazing how much he has learned from the books I got him and the Internet. This year he has been feeling a little left out as far as birthdays go. He talked to me a lot how he felt that it just got blended into Christmas. I don't blame him and we have tried over the years to make it special for him but he seemed so sad about it this year. I told David we had to do something really special and completely unexpected. I had told him a guitar was out of the question and to quit bothering me about it. He never did quit asking though. We got a great deal on this one so went for it. David did a treasure hunt with clues for him early in the morning during scripture time. He was getting frustrated until he saw what he had gotten! He was so surprised and David said he had never seen such a big smile on his face before. He literally played that thing all day. We had planned to go to zoo lights after dinner with Toshia and her family as part of his birthday. Well, when we got there only thousands of other people had decided to do the same thing. There was no parking and when we went to where the shuttle was there was over an hour wait for the the shuttle. We decided to go to Krispy Kreme and have hot chocolate and donuts. When I told him how sorry I was for not getting to see the lights he said, "What, this is so much better. I am warm, not having to walk all over and I get one of my favorite treats!" I guess sometimes what we think we are doing for them we are doing for ourselves. I guess I wanted the lights - oh well, he had the best birthday ever!!!!

A few catch up thoughts

Catching up on the last few weeks is something I have been meaning to do for a few days now. I have been very busy since the end of November. I flew to California for my niece's wedding on Thanksgiving. I went with Toshia and Jonathan and at the last minute Autumn got to go with us. We had a great time. The wedding was wonderful - the only exception I guess would be that it rained the day of the wedding. She had planned an out door reception but that got cancelled and moved to the stake center. For all the hurrying around getting things moved I felt it all turned out beautiful. We got to spend some time with family and catch up a little with nieces and their families. I had a great run with Kelly the morning of the wedding. I miss being closer physically to all of them but I am grateful for the time of technology and that I can keep up with everyone that way as well. Still nothing is quite the same as a face to face visit. After getting home I have been working on lots of projects and things for Christmas. I had aprons to make for a friends granddaughters. Five in all. Then the Relief Society progressive dinner to get ready for. A cookie exchange party to bake for and shopping to get done before the Weitzel family Christmas dinner. That will be held here this year. So on top of all of the trying to decorate the house (and clean) so it will be ready for all of the events of the season.

Two Saturdays ago we went to get our tree. We got a twelve foot one and put it upstairs this year. We have vaulted ceilings so I have to say it looks marvelous. The children did a fantastic job of getting it decorated. I seem to always let them do it - they have so much fun. I have stopped trying to go back when they are done and "fix it". It is their tree so I let it be. I get a couple of other trees to decorate the way I want so I am happy to let them have those memories.

David and I got most of the shopping done last Saturday. We made a day of it. We ended up getting just about all of it done and so now I have just a few presents left to get the the older kids. I have a couple nightgowns left to make and few presents for friends left to get or finish up. Hopefully all will be done this week. I have a few lunches planned with friends so some of it might have to happen next week when the kids are out of school. Last night for FHE we talked about our "service" for Jesus. The kids really took to it with very cheerful attitudes. Lots of secret service was going on last night before bed. Next week we will be giving out our "Christmas Jar". David, myself and all the children have been putting all of our loose change and bottle money in a jar to give away this year. The kids can hardly wait to see how much they have collected and who we will give it away to. It has been a fun project that we have worked on all year long.

This weekend is the ward Christmas party and our family has a big role in that. I think it is big - the kids are excited to dress up and be the nativity. Or should I say "activity" as Autumn calls it. Then Sunday night is the Weitzel family party. December has turned into quite the "activity" month for us. I love that the weather has been cold but not icy and snowy. I feels so much like Christmastime when it is cold. Although there have been some really hard things going on within our little family I am excited for this time of year and have a peaceful and hopeful attitude as I remember the birth of Jesus Christ and the great gift of love he gave to all of us. I am so excited for the next couple of weeks and the fun we are going to have!!!

Happy Birthday Autumn

Saturday was Autumn's 6th birthday! I have a hard time believing that my baby is 6 years old! But 6 she is and boy was it fun to share not only her birthday but our Thanksgiving dinner with the whole family. On Sunday all the kids (with the exception of Paige) came to the house for the celebration. Saturday was my "Super Saturday" so we decided to have her party on Sunday. We had a wonderful time together as we celebrated her birthday and Thanksgiving. It was the least amount of stress I have had ever doing Thanksgiving dinner. I don't know what made it different other than I let the older children help with some of the dishes. It was nice also to have Ashleigh and Nick come to church with us while Chad was ordained a Priest. The day seemed to go by way to quickly as soon it seemed everyone was leaving and returning back to their busy lives. Autumn loved all the attention and especially loved that Jonathan helped her open her presents. She loves that little boy and was thrilled he payed a lot of attention to her. Happy birthday little girl and I hope you have a wonderful year being 6!

The Lord does answer prayers!

I have been working on Super Saturday projects for a while now. It is time now as I have gathered all the $$$ to start collecting the materials for the ladies to make their cute crafty things. Yesterday I went to buy the pizza pans from the dollar tree for the advent calendars. Well, there were none to be found. The nice lady at the store said it is an item they usually carry so I could probably buy them online. Well, there were no pizza pans online. So I called stores around our area. No pizza pans. I called Toshia in a panic. This project was the most popular - a lot of ladies wanted their advent calendars. She and I looked up other places online to purchase pizza pans. No luck. I went to bed with lots on my mind - Paige, church stuff, and pizza pans. I woke up at 2:30 in the morning worried. I hate it when I do that. It usually is an indication I am doing to much. I prayed. I mean really prayed hard. I prayed for the family that just lost their sweet baby girl (that was one of the church things) I prayed for Paige - and then at the end of my prayer I just asked that the sweet ladies in our ward be blessed with the pizza pans they needed for Super Saturday. Don't laugh - I know with the other more personal requests I was making I should not bother Him with pizza pans. I went back to bed about 3:00. Just as I was drifting off to sleep "Rite-Aid" popped into my head. That is funny I thought and then fell asleep. This morning I needed to go purchase the wood for the other project we are doing. While driving to the lumber yard I called Toshia and asked her if she thought Rite-Aid would have pizza pans. She looked up online and did not see any and said she did not think so. As I was on my way to presidency meeting I drove past the Rite-Aid store and thought I should stop. What could it hurt. I walked up and down the isles - where would they keep pizza pans in a store like this? I found them - not only the pizza pans but the exact ones that the dollar tree was selling. (I know because I even tried to order direct - I am not a business so could not order) I found out I could order the amount I needed even though they are a little more (not a dollar of course) I ordered them. I am trying to work a deal with the manager. As I was driving to my meeting I just kept thinking - with all I was worrying about and all that the Lord has to do - the one thing he could give me was the pizza pans. I know I have to work on the other things - I have lessons to learn and He is guiding me there as well, but what a tender mercy for me to know that pizza pans are worth an answer from the Lord!

Jonathan turns one and other ramblings

Jonathan turned one last Friday. We had his party yesterday. What a cutie pie! I cannot believe he is already one! He sure has brought a lot of joy and love to our family. Toshia and Andrew are such cute parents and I love how hard they try to do what is right for their children. We are blessed to have Andrew and the boys be part of our family. I have been thinking a lot lately of all that I am thankful for. Mostly because I knew what we were going to be talking about today in Relief Society and partly because of the time of year it is.

This is the time I usually reflect on all my blessings. Family is on the top of my list. I am also thankful to live in this great country of ours. The freedoms we have that seem to under attack are a great blessing to all of us. I have been studying a lot of things lately and a recent talk by Dallin H Oaks really reminded me of this. I did not realize that as recent as in the 1990's there are still countries that people are fighting for the freedoms that we take for granted every day. We are so blessed to have leaders that remind us of the wonderful blessings we have! I am very thankful that this little man will get to grow up and learn and become whatever he wants to! Little people like Jonathan being raised by righteous parents will do great things for our country!

I know yesterday was halloween and that being my least favorite holiday I did not remember to take pictures of the kids. They did go trick or treating with Toshia and Andrew and Chad and I handed out candy. Hayden was sick so she was very sad she did not get to go out but Jonathan being the charming young man he is gave her his bag of candy (or was it that Toshia did not want all that candy around her house to tempt her????) Speaking of sickness - I hope the older kids do not get what the little girls have had - as a matter of fact I hope I do not get what they had. Well, hope next week will be a better one and that I will get all the things done on my list that is already too long!

A creative weekend

What do you get when you put a small white vase and a cool looking pink plate together?

You get a cool looking cake plate!

This last Friday I hit some thrift stores and for about $5 I got some really cool things to do some projects with.


I found these hurricane lamp parts for 25 cents each. I make these cute pumpkin candles with them. I also purchased a couple more vases and plates to do other projects with. I have been wanting to make some things for a long time and finally decided this weekend would be my "get some projects done" weekend. I did just that and finished some letters for banners I have been working on. Finished my fall sign -

I am making a sign for all the seasons to hang by my front door. I started with my patriotic one and have my Christmas one done. I have a snowman one to do for January and I think I will do one of hearts for February and then a spring one and maybe a summer one. I have finished all my pay it forward projects and just have to finish delivering those. I am so excited to be creating! Fall does that to me - I just like to stay home and be by the warm fire and make things. I guess it helps that around here the rains come and it gets too cold to be outside so staying inside is bearable when I can make things!

Happy Birthday Chad

Happy Birthday Chad my dear. I cannot believe you are sixteen years old! I know I keep saying how I cannot believe how old my children are but when you are living in the moment with them the time just slips by. This young man has such a sweet heart. He is not perfect by any means and has made his share of mistakes but along with that he also has learned many lessons that have helped him grow and become a better person. I love his love of learning. He loves school or at least the learning part of school. He is a fantastic writer and I only wish I could someday write with the same use of language as he does. Chad is good at sports and he really loves and cares for his brothers and sisters. I love you Chad - Happy, Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Seth

Seth turned 22 today. I just love this boy of mine. He works hard - well when he has to - and is such a funny guy. He loves to tease his sisters and he also protects and watches over them. He got his first paid vacation and decided to take his birthday week off. Wish I could take my birthday week off - oh wait, I don't work so I guess I'm off all the time. I really am blessed by this young man and he always surprises me with his wit and sense of humor. Happy Birthday little man - I love you tons!

Happy Birthday Ashleigh

Happy Birthday Ashleigh! It was so fun to have our family birthday party today on your birthday! How special was that. I am so proud of how hard you are working and all the time and effort you are putting into your school. You are going to be awesome at your job when you graduate. I can't believe that it is just around the corner. You are an awesome big sister and I love that you help me out so much with the children. You are beautiful and I love you baby girl! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Chloe

Happy 18th Birthday Chloe! Wow - I cannot believe you are 18. This year it has hit me hard at how old all my children are getting. I have always been the mom of all these little kids. Now over half of them are young adults. Something is wrong here - they are not supposed to grow older like this and make me feel older. Back to Chloe though - it is her birthday:)

I am so pleased with all that you have done so far with your life. You are an awesome daughter and such a great friend to me when I need to have a shoulder to cry on. I really appreciate your listening ear and your wisdom. Plus I really enjoy your beautiful smile. Thank you for being you and have a great day!

Happy Birthday Chelsea

Today she turns 25! I cannot believe that I have three children 25 and older. With so many still left at home and little ones around me all the time I do not feel old enough to be her mother. Let me say in my mind I don't feel old enough - sometimes my body lets me know how old I am;) Happy Birthday sweet child of mine. I hope you have a wonderful 25th year and all your dreams come true. I am very pleased with your goal you set for yourself as a birthday present to yourself. Running your marathon and completing it in 4 hours and 45 minutes is quite an accomplishment for anyone. I love that we have both set lofty goals and completed them. Now we need to run together! Love you Chelsea - thank you for all you do!

Why did I have kids?

Can someone please remind me why I had children? Just putting it out there - not having the greatest day today and really it will all be alright but for the first time in a very long time I have wondered all day what was I thinking? If I had stopped at the two to four children like most people have they would all be gone and out of the house and David and I would be living a completely different life. Why did I keep having them? This has seriously gone through my head all day. But then of course, when I least expect it I get the answer right dab square in the face. Yesterday Autumn shared with me a drawing she made.


I was very busy getting everyone out the door for school yesterday and she kept wanting me to read her a book. Well, long story short the picture was inside the book, she didn't want me to read to her but find the picture. I said it was nice and then off with our day we went. Well, today at the worst possible time of the day for me I found this picture again. Look at the smiles. Look at how happy we are! This is why I had children - this is what it is really all about. Who else could love these guys like I do? Who else could handle all the ups and downs with them if not me? They were given to David and I to teach, love and help through this life. I need them as much as they need me. I know everyday is not going to be easy. There are many challenges when raising so many young people. My prayers once again answered through an innocent child - Heavenly Father has a lot to teach me still with these kids. I am grateful for everyone of them even on days like today!

Another New Blog

Check out my new blog. I know another one - but like I said a couple of months ago I wanted to do an "Everyday Matters" project. This is what I have come up with. The link is under "My Other Blogs" on my side bar. I am trying to update my food storage blog with the new direction we have been given. I am working on it and that will soon have a new look and things to check out. And I am going to continue my personal history one. I hit a question that has me still thinking believe it or not! Anyway, just letting people know that I have lots to say I guess:)

Paige's meeting

Tonight I went with Paige to one of her "AA" meetings. It was the first one I have gone to with her. She was celebrating her 30 days mark. It meant a lot to her. For the first time in a very long time I believe she really wants to get better. She seems to be trying harder than I have ever seen her try before. It has not been easy. She is physically a mess still but each day seems to be getting stronger. Her addiction has been so hard on not only her but our entire family. (Hers isn't alcohol but drugs) As I sat in that room filled with people from all different backgrounds and circumstances I wondered how did she ever get to a place where she even had to be there? What caused her to choose to take such a different path than the one I imagined for her when I held her in my arms as a new born baby. What caused her to make choices that have led her to so much misery and heartache. As I observed the people in that room and heard some of their stories I was sorry for them. They had had such hard lives - broken homes - abuse - alcoholic parents - I could see how they could end up there. But what made Paige end up there? I realized that addiction does not have one face. I could have passed any of those people on the street and never recognized that they had addiction problems. They looked like some of the people I associate with and know. There was not a specific look to an addict. I guess I thought for some reason they would all look a certain way. I did see years of abuse had taken its toll on them but still their faces looked like most peoples. Beautiful Paige was right there in the middle of them all. As they spoke of a "higher being" who was helping them get through each day I realized that God knows each of their names. He knows their hearts and their circumstances. He knows their faces. I was taught a great lesson tonight. As I realized that I had been blessed so much - with a great knowledge and the power to be able to say no when presented with certain choices was a gift. This gift is something that some people have to learn and work for. I have other things in my life that I struggle with but I don't struggle with that. Paige will have to struggle the rest of her life with that issue. When things get hard for her she will always have to make a choice and decide not to turn to her addiction. I hope she can feel the power of God in her life and learn to cling to that. As people spoke tonight that is what ended up helping each of the people who have been sober for any length of time. In the car ride home she said she was grateful I went. It meant a lot to her. She said she was grateful that she did not have to worry about our home - that it was a safe place and clean place. She then shared some of her living conditions over the last year and my heart just broke. She said that even though this has been very hard for her she is grateful that she didn't spend years on the street trying to get to this place. I pray she is strong enough and will find a the good place inside her. I pray she will come to know how God looks at her and sees her beautiful face. I pray I have the strength as her mother to always remember who she is and that Heavenly Father has placed her in my care to watch over and love. That I can give her what she needs to work through this hard time. I am realistic. I know that relapse are always around the corner. But as someone said tonight "You have to get to day 30 to get to day 31!" I just loved that thought!

I have not spoken much about this baby girl of mine - it is a quiet heartache I carry but along beside that heartache is a heart filled with joy because I know and understand the atonement. I know how it works and I know that Jesus Christ bore all and that my baby girl can have that gift in her life if she will only let Him in. The key is to let Him in. I am who I am today because He is in my heart and thoughts. I want to be like Him and I want to see the child of God in everyones face like He does!

General Women's Broadcast

Tonight we got to participate in our stake enrichment night. It was so nice. We had dinner and listened to four women talk about being a positive role model or about the positive role models in their lives. Being in the company of the sisters always makes me feel wonderful. I learn something every time I go. Afterwards, we got to listen to the women's general broadcast from Salt Lake. Every year the week before conference we get to hear from the General Relief Society President and her counselors. Pres. Eyring also spoke tonight. We learned about our heritage as Relief Society sisters. What they left us and also what we are to do with that. We were reminded about the theme of Relief Society "Charity Never Faileth". Each talk had something that touched my heart. I just love that I belong to the largest, oldest women's organization in the world. I love knowing that every Sunday there are women all over the world learning and worshipping along with me. I love knowing that during the week we are all participating in Relief Society activities. We are doing are visiting teaching, doing compassionate service, and fellowshipping with each other. I realize now more than ever that I am important to this group of women and I not only need to take from it what can help me grow and become a better woman but I am to give to it by my service and love. I can be me without this organization but I am a way better woman because of it. I love that part of my life! I don't know what I would do without the companionship of my wonderful sisters! After the meeting I went to have hot chocolate with a couple of these wonderful women and just chat about things for "thirty" minutes. (We set a time so our families would not miss us too much;)) It was wonderful! My "bucket" was filled tonight!

Teeth cleaning

Last evening I got to go to Ashleigh's school and have my teeth cleaned by her. It was such a neat experience to see where she goes to school and meet the people she works with and the teachers. They were all so friendly and I can see why she enjoys what she is doing. I was impressed with how professional she was and her sweet smile. I don't like getting things done to my mouth. I have always said I would have ten more kids than go to the dentist. I don't know why - guess I am just a baby about things. She did a great job on her mom. It is fun to watch these young ladies grow into such beatiful young women. Toshia, Chelsea and Ashleigh have all done wonderful things with their lives. They have each been hard working young people who have set great goals for themselves. Seth has done some amazing things himself. What a great reward it is as a parent to watch your babies become adults. Now we just have seven more to get grown up and out of the house - that seems like such a long way away - but in reality it is probably not that far off. It will be fun to look at what wonderful things they each accomplish as they become adults. Wow, I am so lucky to be able to experience that over and over again. (some might say crazy not lucky;) ) - Thank you Ashleigh for sharing your skills with me and thank all of you guys for sharing life with me.

A new school year begins!

OK, so this was not the official first day of school. And this picture is not even the morning of this day of school but after school. And this is not even all the children who started or are in school this year. I know I am way behind in blogging this but really I do have good reason. That to be shared at a later date. But just look at these cute little girls. My youngest three to go to school and this year all the children are in school - a first in 28 years!!! Wow! It really did not hit me until this morning that I have now entered a new phase in my life. I have been anticipating this for a while now and thought I had my feelings all in check with it. With the goings on of last week I guess I am just really emotional and I did feel a little sad this morning when Miss Autumn told me I did not need to show her where to go or what to do and that tomorrow she would be riding the bus with all the other kids. Good thing I had a run to go on with Lynn and did not give myself much time to dwell on it - a six mile run will do that to you - not give you much time to think but just how to finish the run:) Everyone is doing great. They love their teachers and it looks like it going to be a very productive year. I am loving the weather right now and as fall approaches I am glad I am only in the summer of my life. Summer is a time when their is so much energy and fun! That is what I am going to have in this season of my life - energy and fun!! With that said tomorrow will come awfully early as my day starts at around 4:30 in the morning, but with that new day will be all the new adventures and exciting firsts for everyone as they each are enjoying their own firsts of being a senior, a sophomore, an eighth grader, a fifth grader, a third grader, and a kindergartner! Happy school year everyone.

My "praying" mantis

This morning when I went out to my car to take the kids to practice and the high school this little guy was on the hood of our car. It magically stayed on the hood for the whole trip!

I had one of these when I was a little girl. I don't know if I caught it or my dad or brothers. But I do remember being fascinated by the fact that it "prayed". Now this morning Chad tells me it is a "preying" mantis not a "praying" mantis. Whichever it is I like to think of it as a reminder to me that I need to pray. That little fact has been on my mind lately. Being more aware of my prayers and what and when I pray. This morning was very interesting because I ended up saying three different prayers all before 7:00am. Then when I saw this little guy I just knew that Heavenly Father was listening and reminding me of the lesson I learned so many years ago as a small little girl. I remember my dad talking to me about how this insect would "pray", he showed me how it looked when it was folding it's arms and how it stayed real still as if listening for an answer to its prayer. It was a powerful lesson for my little girl mind and one of the few I remember my dad teaching me about a gospel topic. I think I only kept it a few days before setting it free - or maybe it died from lack of food and water, whatever the case that lesson learned so many years ago about prayer was brought back very vividly to my mind as I saw this little guy on the hood of my car. I was glad I had remembered to say my prayers this morning, I was glad that I needed two more opportunities to talk with Heavenly Father again before my day really started - most of all I am glad I got to talk to my little girl about the "praying" mantis and teach her the way my dad taught me. This has been a wonderful, thought filled day!

California trip

We got back from California late Tuesday night. Wednesday I had to be in town most of the day. Thursday and Friday was spent regrouping and unpacking and settling back into our routine. The boys had a campout Friday night and David went to the coast to spend time with his family and golfing in a tournament with all his brothers and dad. Finally, I have a few minutes to write about our trip.

We had tons of fun. It was so great to see all the family. My brothers and sisters and some of their families were all together on Sunday (my birthday). The only exception was my sister who lives back east.My moms house is not really big so with all the people there is was a bit crowded. But they have the most beautiful back yard and the weather was nice so it did not feel that crowded. I think everyone had fun that day and the little children were so adorable. My great nieces and nephews are awesome little people.

But I am starting with the happenings that were at the end of our trip- so let me back up to the beginning....

We drove down in one day. It was a long day and it seemed as if someone had to use the "biffy" every few minutes. I think it felt long for me because I was anxious to get there. Tuesday I got up early and ran 4 miles. We had no real plans for that day, just swimming and playing at the park. I made Hawaiian Haystacks - a first for mom and John - and they loved it! Wednesday we visited Grandpa Marsh at his property.
It was an interesting drive. The road was very curvy and we were high in the mountains.
Melissa went with us and it was great fun! The boys went surfing several times with Uncle Randy and his boys. They were naturals! Both got up and rode waves their first time out. Each night someone spent the night at Aunt Missy's. Thursday we went to the Aquarium. It was one of the best ones I have been to. We had such a great time and saw many, many interesting things.


Friday after the boys got back from surfing, Grandma taught Noah how to make spaghetti and meatballs from scratch. He did a terrific job as everyone really loved the sauce.

I guess I know who will be cooking spaghetti from now on at my house:) Saturday we spent getting ready for the party on Sunday. Sunday many of the family came to my mom's ward for church. Melissa sang in sacrament and I played for her. It was beautiful. Monday we packed the car. My mom sent home some things with me that she has wanted to send me for a long time. So we had to carefully pack the car so the kids still fit in;) Tuesday we got up early and were on our way home. The time sure went by fast. It seemed like it took forever for August to get here so we could go. I am so glad we got to go and spend time with cousins that the kids don't get to usually see. I love my family and I am so lucky to part of such a legacy.