Things We Want to Remember

Our kids have been full of funny things lately. I'm already forgetting, so I figured I better take a minute now to document them:

 While in Yosemite:
--we attended a Junior Ranger Program that the kids loved! (more of Yosemite to come later).  During the presentation the Ranger was talking about using our senses and had asked the kids what senses do we have and how do we use them.  Someone said, "we can feel" and the Ranger said, "How do we feel?"  And Eliza raised her hand and when picked said, "with our heart".  The Ranger was so taken aback.  He said, "you are absolutely right. We can feel with our heart. I think I need a minute/let's take a minute and be quiet and think about it."  Yes, Eliza, we can feel with our heart.

--while on our hike to Vernal Falls, Ben & I had to keep Xander going.  When we were on our way down the rock stairs (a very narrow part of the trail, on the edge of a cliff) both Ben and I were getting nervous because Xander wasn't being as careful as we'd like.  There was a rod. And Ben asked Xander to keep hold of it. And he said, 'Oh, just like the iron rod in the Book of Mormon Dad?"  Yes. Exactly.  As we continued down we had to keep encouraging Xander as he was getting tired.  Ben kept saying, just follow Mom's footsteps, she's got good footsteps.  Exasperated Xander said, "Why is Mom so perfect?"  Ahhh, thanks bud!

Back at home:
Ben has been gone this past week and things haven't been going as smoothly as I'd like. Yesterday was the worst day (luckily it was also the day Ben was coming home).  As I was trying to get the kids ready for bed we experienced something we NEVER have before. You see, I've been waiting all year for Xander to use a swear word having heard one in kindergarten-he never did and I've been grateful. So imagine my surprise when Eliza, smiling and playing, says "F-it".  WHAT?! Did that seriously just come out of her mouth? I tried to not freak out and asked her if she had made it up or heard it. She said she'd made it up and so I explained it was a real word and that she should never use it again.  As we then sat for our personal prayers, Xander so humbly said the prayer, "And please bless Eliza to never say "F-it" again." WHAT!? So we had to have the talk again about NEVER using that word.  Oh boy was it time for Daddy to come home!!!!
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Xander Date to 6 Flags

Xander's school did a reading program where the kids were awarded 6 Flags Discovery Kingdom tickets if they completed the challenge. You better believe that we did! We decided that it would be best to do a parent/kid date and I got the lucky spot! We ended up getting a friend from Xander's class to go with us and we had a FANTASTIC day! Where else can you ride an elephant, feed a giraffe & pet a sea lion all in one day?!

It was a seriously pleasant day-it was a little chilly but there were NO lines and so Jenni & I could just sit and watch the boys go back and forth between the rides they were big enough to ride. (Turned out Xander was .5in too short for the BIG rollercoasters). I am definitely a supporter of this program though and will do what I can to encourage it to continue at his school!

Best. Day. Ever!

Visitors!

We arrived home from Yosemite and 24 hours later--my 3 sisters arrived with their kids in tow. There was fun to be had by all! We got to meet Tara's baby Kaitlyn (who is 2 wks younger than Abby), have soccer camp (the 4 big boys got to go every day from 9-12!) and enjoy lots of girls nights out (we ate ALOT and shopped a little).

The best part though was being together. It wasn't always super smooth growing up with 3 amazing sisters--she was the tall one, she was the smart one, that one was the pretty one--but I think we all turned out ok and I LOVE the strength I get from being with MY sisters. They have each become amazing women and even more amazing wives and mothers.

And on the last day, our little brother came to visit. My kids were especially excited to see Uncle Jake. I seriously can't wait until the BIG brothers wedding this fall when we get to all be together for a day or so! Seriously-nothing can replace family and I hope that I teach my children the importance of such an amazing unit.

Yosemite-Lower Yosemite Falls & Campfire

Eliza was really sad that she didn't get to participate in the Vernal Falls and so we all took a bike ride (or bus ride) to Lower Yosemite Falls.  Once there, the big kids bouldered over and up until they reached a little lake where they could swim.  Fun was had by all. 

Abby, Violet and I stayed back but I did take Violet down to the water while Papa & Grandma played with Abby.

Later that night, we had a potluck dinner and campfire.  Ben & I learned that when group camping, you really have to get campsites super close so that you can put your kids to bed and visit as the embers die...But, we had a nice visit and the kids told some stories they'd heard around the valley.

Yosemite-Night Out

Not only did my folks take our girls but they invited us to pizza in Curry Village.  So as soon as we got back from our hike we walked to the pizza store.  The pizza was very yummy! And not just because we were camping-it was really good pizza. Mom & Dad also treated us to showers (since they were staying in Curry Village, they don't have to pay, so we took their key and took showers).  A shower never felt so good. It was a great way to end the day.  The kids had a blast taking the shuttle back to our campsite too. 

Yosemite-Vernal Falls

 

We are so grateful that my parents volunteered to take the girls so that Ben & I could go on a real hike with Xander.  We chose to do the Vernal Falls/Mist Trail hike.  It's a straight up 1.5 mile hike (3 mi round trip).  The last half mile or so are mountain stairs on the edge of the cliff. We had So. MUCH. Fun!  Xander got a little whiny on the trail and then we ran into Uncle Aaron who told him that his cousin Megan was at the top.  That got him going.  And then we ran into them on the trail and Megan told Xander how awesome it was at the top--that helped him too. It was hands down my favorite part of Yosemite.  I love all my kids but I love them so much more when I get to spend time one on one with them. 

Yosemite Jr. Ranger Program

 The kids were super excited about participating in the Jr. Ranger Program as soon as their cousins told them about it.  They learned a lot during the program and were good at reminding us of the rules of Yosemite throughout the week.  As we drove out of Yosemite, we stopped and both Xander & Eliza were sworn in as Junior Rangers-they got badges and everything!

Yosemite-Back at Camp

Keeping cool w/ wet hair

Hanging Out

So glad we brought the exersaucer!

Keeping camp clean!

Yosemite-Swimming

Thankfully the water was low, so the river was very kid friendly during the high heat of the day!

Yosemite-Day .5 & 1

What can I say?  Yosemite was the best of the times and the worst of times.  It brought some great memories and some not so great. Camping with kids is difficult (to say the least), camping in 100 degrees in awful and mix those together and it's...well, difficult.  And to all those who are venturing out with their kids--just know that the first 24 hours will be rough.  But in the end...fun will be had!

The worst part: driving to Yosemite. We had VERY fussy kids and so I got super agitated having to ride in the back.  We arrived to a welcoming party though--Papa, Nana & Grumpy were all waiting at our campsite.  We enjoyed dinner w/ the Websters that night and after much debating and crying decided Abby would sleep in the van...finally every one was asleep.  (I will spare you any details about having to get up in the middle of the night and the realization that technically I am the Mom and so "I cannot be scared of bears and boogie men and I have to take my daughter to the bathroom even though I am FREAKED out!")

Breakfast went well the next morning (fresh blueberry pancakes!!) and the kids were so excited to be with all their cousins and our friends from church.

Everyone loaded up right after breakfast and went on a bike ride.  I stayed behind with Abigail & GG--Eliza & Violet went in the bike trailer. After Abby's nap, GG and I took a hike to the valley shuttle and took a ride to the general store.  Not knowing where the bike riders were going, we were surprised to find them there.  We all enjoyed an ice cream and then headed back to the campsite for lunch.