Busy in Utah

Hello all. We'll we're in Utah and I don't think I've been alone in a few days. Not only that, but I don't think I could count the number of people in this house at one time with just my fingers. This is just a fact with a large family. This is the stuff we envy when we're clanking around our house alone in Texas. I love it!! The kids are entertained by each other by just playing...and they play hard. There is nothing like a bunch of cousins at Nana and Grandad's house. I think I counted 19 cousins here today!! The house is really rocking all the way up to 11pm or so when the moms finally decide the chaos is too much and the children sack out in 30 seconds or less...it's really amazing.

So we've been busy doing a lot of nothing, but that's what we like to do. We've done the dollar theater, the slip and slide, a swim trip, and a few drive's just to see what's new. We're still planning Seven Peaks and the drive-in!! Then it's up to my side of the family where it's a little less in numbers, but still pretty rockin' with my sister's three kids four and under!! It's all good.

We'll keep you in touch.

Nina

Stalking laws?

Are there rules out there for stalking people's blogs? Ok, I have to admit that since I've started this blogging thing I've been trying to find everyone I've ever known and catch up. So I start with one person who gave me their address and look at their links. I see people there that I know, usually someone from church or a distant family member. It's so much fun. Catching up on people you knew a long time ago. In my mind all their children are the same size as the last time I saw them and they have been stuck in my time warp of whenever I last saw them. So it's quite eye-opening to see their children are growing up as fast as, if not faster than mine. But I feel like I'm intruding into their lives without asking. Of course, I would love for any of them to view my blog and catch up, so I guess it's ok. I'm stalking my old friends, but I'd tell them if I could!!

A right of passage

Ok, so every kids need to go to the zoo, right? At least once, and preferably once a year so you can remember having gone to the zoo "when you were a kid". Once may not cut it...and so I undertook the adventure of taking the kids to the zoo. Now I have in the past made the comment to David (after returning from a hectic day at the zoo), "If I ever say I'm taking the kids to the zoo, remind me not to!!". It doesn't work...I still feel obligated, no commanded, to take my children to the zoo. So yesterday I accepted an invitation from a friend to go to the zoo. She has a season pass and so it was a free adventure (minus the gas to get there). I'm a succor for a good deal and I only had McKinley and Evan since the other boys were finishing up their week long soccer camp.

So we prepared for the zoo. Stroller...check, snacks...check, water...check...camera...check. We're set!! We even had the talk, you know the one: "Now you HAVE to listen to mom and STAY WITH ME!!" I'm sure that will do the trick this time.

As you enter the zoo and venture in towards the animals it becomes increasingly unclear which are the animals and which are the children. There is something about the zoo that says you have to run to every exhibit, try to get the animals to do something, stay hydrated and cool in the 98 degree weather, and HAVE FUN. This trip was actually not too bad in the whole spectrum of zoo trips. We did have some fun moments and no one got lost or left behind as a donation. Who knows...I may even go there again someday.

Cowgirl Cleaning!!

This is what happens when you turn the music up full blast throughout the house on the intercom to get yourself revved up for some cleaning. McKinley appeared out of nowwhere with this outfit and a fitting dance to go along with it. We love Dora and cowgirls and she found a fashionable way to combine them both. Isn't she sweet!!??!!

Evan's surgery

Evan had to have an outpatient sugery two days ago. Any time your child goes under anesthesia you can have the weirdest, most horrible thoughts, "what if something goes wrong", "what if this is the last time I see him awake", "why does he have to go through this", etc. All the worry and the waiting is just horrible...but you have to go through with it. Once it's over then you are good to go and back to worrying about the kind of parent you are!! Guilt...does it ever stop???!!!

Howdy friends

Ok, so I finally figured out how to get a template for this blog. It was so simple, but I swear it wasn't there when I first started the idea of blogging. Way too easy for me to have missed.

So I've been pretty good about updating through emails, so now this is a new format for keeping everyone informed of our family. I'll learn how to post pictures and more of the day to day things that I wish we could share with you. I hope I'll inspre some of our family to do the same (hint, hint!!)

Of course I started this 5 days before I go on vacation for three weeks. So either there will be lots to post and share or I'll be so busy having fun that I won't blog at all. You'll have to check back to see.

See ya in cyberspace...