School started in August with James in kindergarten and Emily in 4th grade. James goes to afternoon kindergarten with Mrs. Knudsen and Emily's teacher is Mrs. Brown.
Report cards and Parent-Teacher conferences were last week. Emily got a perfect report card--all 4's and all E's (they are graded on a scale from 1 - 4, with 4 being the best and E's being the best for social skills, behavior, etc). James did well also, earning mostly 3's and all E's. We are proud of our kids not only for doing well and learning in school, but also for behaving well. They are great kids!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
What we do to make a living
Kevin graduated in 1999 from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. While he was looking for teaching jobs, he worked at Intermountain Healthcare as a phone representative. When no teaching jobs were available, he stayed there and was quickly promoted to a trainer. He stayed there until August of 2007. He now works for University Healthcare as a trainer (University of Utah).
Kristin graduated in 1998 from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and History. (That darn math class kept her from finishing sooner). She graduated that same year from Weber State with her teaching license and got a job at Woodland Hills School, an alternative high school. She then went to Bountiful Junior High from 1999-2000. In 2000 she moved to the University of Phoenix to work as an advisor and remained there until Emily was born in 2002. After that she taught at Mountain West College and Lifeline treatment center. In August 2007 she graduated from Utah State with a Master of Education (Secondary Education) degree and went to be the Student Services Coordinator at Stevens-Henager College. In June 0f 2008 she applied for K12/Utah Virtual Academy, and was able to quit other jobs to work full time from home for UTVA. The first year, she taught history. The second year, she was an advisor, the third year, the counselor, and now again, a history teacher.
Kristin graduated in 1998 from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and History. (That darn math class kept her from finishing sooner). She graduated that same year from Weber State with her teaching license and got a job at Woodland Hills School, an alternative high school. She then went to Bountiful Junior High from 1999-2000. In 2000 she moved to the University of Phoenix to work as an advisor and remained there until Emily was born in 2002. After that she taught at Mountain West College and Lifeline treatment center. In August 2007 she graduated from Utah State with a Master of Education (Secondary Education) degree and went to be the Student Services Coordinator at Stevens-Henager College. In June 0f 2008 she applied for K12/Utah Virtual Academy, and was able to quit other jobs to work full time from home for UTVA. The first year, she taught history. The second year, she was an advisor, the third year, the counselor, and now again, a history teacher.
Cool places we've been
Emily has been on an airplane several times, since she was an infant. Her first trip was to San Diego when she was 3 months old. She has a passport, which she used in Canada in 2008. To date, she has been to:
San Diego in 02
Phoenix (several times to visit Nana and Papa in 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08)
Disneyland in 03, 06, and 07
Alberta, Canada in July 08
Washington DC in October 09
DisneyWorld, Florida in November 09
Moab/Arches National Park in 09 and 10
Bryce Canyon, The Grand Canyon, Kolob Canyon, and Cedar Breaks in July 10
Washington, D.C. (Em & Kristin) April 2011
California, January 2011 and November 2011
James has been to:
Phoenix (to visit Nana) in 05, 06, 07 and 08
Disneyland in Disneyland in 06 and 07
Washington DC in October 09
DisneyWorld. Florida in November 09
Moab/Arches National Park in 09 and 10
Bryce Canyon, The Grand Canyon, Kolob Canyon, and Cedar Breaks in July 10
California, January 2011 and November 2011
Kristin has been to:
Canada 88 and 08
Israel 89
Belgium 89 and 95
Japan 93
China 93
Hong Kong 93
Germany 95
Austria 95
Italy 95 and 98
Switzerland 95
France 95
The Netherlands 95 and 05
England 95 and 05
Scotland 95
Chile 06
Mexico 94
Kevin has been to :
Germany twice as a child
San Diego in 02
Phoenix (several times to visit Nana and Papa in 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08)
Disneyland in 03, 06, and 07
Alberta, Canada in July 08
Washington DC in October 09
DisneyWorld, Florida in November 09
Moab/Arches National Park in 09 and 10
Bryce Canyon, The Grand Canyon, Kolob Canyon, and Cedar Breaks in July 10
Washington, D.C. (Em & Kristin) April 2011
California, January 2011 and November 2011
James has been to:
Phoenix (to visit Nana) in 05, 06, 07 and 08
Disneyland in Disneyland in 06 and 07
Washington DC in October 09
DisneyWorld. Florida in November 09
Moab/Arches National Park in 09 and 10
Bryce Canyon, The Grand Canyon, Kolob Canyon, and Cedar Breaks in July 10
California, January 2011 and November 2011
Kristin has been to:
Canada 88 and 08
Israel 89
Belgium 89 and 95
Japan 93
China 93
Hong Kong 93
Germany 95
Austria 95
Italy 95 and 98
Switzerland 95
France 95
The Netherlands 95 and 05
England 95 and 05
Scotland 95
Chile 06
Mexico 94
Kevin has been to :
Germany twice as a child
Funny things the kids say
I have read others' blogs and enjoyed them, and I use facebook and take lots of pictures, but I haven't done much in the way of journals the past few years. I decided to have a private blog where I can write things about my cute kids and our lives.
It's Sunday afternoon, August 8. Kevin is drumming on his new Roland electric drum set. Emily is watching Hannah Montana in the room next to me. James is upstairs playing in his room.
Over the years the kids have said some funny things. Here is a collection of some of them:
Emily:
"Secrets of the Child" (about 2 years old)
"Baby in the World" (a song: there was a baby in the world. He used to cry. And you would give him his bottle, to feel him better.)
"Felicious" (Her word for her toy dishes)
"Fff Fff" (she would do this when she saw a dog, trying to bark like one)
"Walt Disney Disney, Princess of the Joy" (a song)
Stories she wrote in kindergarten:
I lic to rid mi bic (I like to ride my bike) or I lik to rid mi elefat (I like to ride my elephant)
Funny names for stuffed animals:
Monel the rubber duck
Ossia the lamb
Alshista the silk scarf
Adeezja Azeeza, the imaginary grandma of Sally the baby doll
Enine the dollhouse baby
Inksaw the ghost
James:
"I had it but suddenly I barely just loosed it." (referring to a golf ball he found at the Homestead)
"I need a clunger" (referring to needing a plunger for the toilet) (4 years)
"Do pirates resist?" (resist is in place of exist) (4 years)
"My room is a bisaster" (disaster) (3 years)
"Dad, where does the Disneyland come from?" (about 2 1/2)
"Quaking asper" (referring to Quaking Aspen trees) (4 years)
"Hey look, is this a sand trap? Nope, didn't trap me!" (referring to a sand trap at a golf course)
It's Sunday afternoon, August 8. Kevin is drumming on his new Roland electric drum set. Emily is watching Hannah Montana in the room next to me. James is upstairs playing in his room.
Over the years the kids have said some funny things. Here is a collection of some of them:
Emily:
"Secrets of the Child" (about 2 years old)
"Baby in the World" (a song: there was a baby in the world. He used to cry. And you would give him his bottle, to feel him better.)
"Felicious" (Her word for her toy dishes)
"Fff Fff" (she would do this when she saw a dog, trying to bark like one)
"Walt Disney Disney, Princess of the Joy" (a song)
Stories she wrote in kindergarten:
I lic to rid mi bic (I like to ride my bike) or I lik to rid mi elefat (I like to ride my elephant)
Funny names for stuffed animals:
Monel the rubber duck
Ossia the lamb
Alshista the silk scarf
Adeezja Azeeza, the imaginary grandma of Sally the baby doll
Enine the dollhouse baby
Inksaw the ghost
James:
"I had it but suddenly I barely just loosed it." (referring to a golf ball he found at the Homestead)
"I need a clunger" (referring to needing a plunger for the toilet) (4 years)
"Do pirates resist?" (resist is in place of exist) (4 years)
"My room is a bisaster" (disaster) (3 years)
"Dad, where does the Disneyland come from?" (about 2 1/2)
"Quaking asper" (referring to Quaking Aspen trees) (4 years)
"Hey look, is this a sand trap? Nope, didn't trap me!" (referring to a sand trap at a golf course)
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Birthdays
Emily turned 9 on July 8! She was so excited to have her first friend sleepover. She had cousin Emma, and friends Whitney George and Jenna Milner over. They made pillows, watched a movie, and sang out by the fire in the fire pit in the back yard. They stayed up till about 1am. Emily got an ipod touch from us.
James turned 6 on September 23. He wanted a Cowboy party. He had 11 friends for his party on the afternoon of his birthday. We played games and had a pinata. For months, he was wanted a 'real' cowboy gun from Cabella's, so the night before his birthday, we drove there and got him two play guns he wanted.
James turned 6 on September 23. He wanted a Cowboy party. He had 11 friends for his party on the afternoon of his birthday. We played games and had a pinata. For months, he was wanted a 'real' cowboy gun from Cabella's, so the night before his birthday, we drove there and got him two play guns he wanted.
Fall!
August 22, I started school (teaching at Utah Virtual). August 27, Emily started 4th grade (at the new Fox Hollow Elementary). September 7, James started Kindergarten (afternoon). Emily loves her teacher Mrs. Brown. We found that Mrs. Brown is from Canada (and Emily has been to Canada!) and that she likes hockey (as do we). The first day of school, Emily was assigned to take a brown lunch bag with five items that represent her. She took Bailey, a little stuffed bear, her passport, some earrings she'd made, a picture she drew of a piano, and one other thing we can't remember. :)
James was nervous about school. As we were walking to the line, he said "Oh, this is gonna be bad." When I picked him up afterward, he said "That was fun!" He mostly likes it and likes to go, with the exception of two times -- once in which he scratched me because he didn't want to go, and another when he cried. He is doing well now.
This year, I am teaching US History, US Government, and Geography. This is my 4th year at Utah Virtual, and I still like it. I love the flexibility and the fact that I work mostly from home.
The weather has been beautiful! We have taken advantage of it by having cookouts in our back yard with us or with others (Jeff & Rachel Jensen, Zach & Tatiana Campbell, neighbors Russ & Michelle Sitz, Adam & Heather Milner). Kevin became quite the griller. We have enjoyed our new backyard furniture.
We have also been biking a lot. Kevin and I take turns going on the Jordan River trail, for an average of 15 miles each time. We got a hitch and bike rack installed on our CRV last week, which makes it much easier to transport one to four bikes (before that, we would put one bike in the back and only one person could go). Our first family ride, we went about 8 miles. The kids did great!
James was nervous about school. As we were walking to the line, he said "Oh, this is gonna be bad." When I picked him up afterward, he said "That was fun!" He mostly likes it and likes to go, with the exception of two times -- once in which he scratched me because he didn't want to go, and another when he cried. He is doing well now.
This year, I am teaching US History, US Government, and Geography. This is my 4th year at Utah Virtual, and I still like it. I love the flexibility and the fact that I work mostly from home.
The weather has been beautiful! We have taken advantage of it by having cookouts in our back yard with us or with others (Jeff & Rachel Jensen, Zach & Tatiana Campbell, neighbors Russ & Michelle Sitz, Adam & Heather Milner). Kevin became quite the griller. We have enjoyed our new backyard furniture.
We have also been biking a lot. Kevin and I take turns going on the Jordan River trail, for an average of 15 miles each time. We got a hitch and bike rack installed on our CRV last week, which makes it much easier to transport one to four bikes (before that, we would put one bike in the back and only one person could go). Our first family ride, we went about 8 miles. The kids did great!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Things we liked about our April 2011 trip to DC
"Old stuff"--seen before but still like
Independence Hall (Kristin)
Lincoln, FDR, all memorials
Special capitol tour
White House
Ford's Theater (Em)
"New stuff"--saw for the first time and liked
NY Ave Presbyterian Church
Mt. Vernon (Em)
Lincoln's hat
Independence Hall (Em)
Amish and Gettysburg (Em)
Georgetown (Kristin)
"Funny Stuff"--funny things that happened this trip
-metro alarms/guard/calling grandpa/walking toward Lincoln
-"Crystal City" song (Em & Luke)
-"Unload now!" as grandpa drives away with the van doors open
-Luke's giant cowboy belt buckle at every security metal detector
-Megan's overflowing toilet problem in the hotel
Independence Hall (Kristin)
Lincoln, FDR, all memorials
Special capitol tour
White House
Ford's Theater (Em)
"New stuff"--saw for the first time and liked
NY Ave Presbyterian Church
Mt. Vernon (Em)
Lincoln's hat
Independence Hall (Em)
Amish and Gettysburg (Em)
Georgetown (Kristin)
"Funny Stuff"--funny things that happened this trip
-metro alarms/guard/calling grandpa/walking toward Lincoln
-"Crystal City" song (Em & Luke)
-"Unload now!" as grandpa drives away with the van doors open
-Luke's giant cowboy belt buckle at every security metal detector
-Megan's overflowing toilet problem in the hotel
Washington, D.C.!!!
Man, I am not good at keeping this updated. I am online all the time, why can't I make it a habit to update my blog? There is much to report, going back to APRIL...
I got strep. It is my #1 dreaded illness. I hate it. It was April 18 when I woke up feeling horrible, knowing what it was and dreading the outcome. I got to the doctor (it was a Sunday) and got antibiotics. The next day a friend took the kids while I slept. On Tuesday the 20th, Emily and I were leaving for Washington, D.C. to visit my parents who are missionaries there. I was concerned that I would not be well enough to travel. I knew that if I made it through the flight, my parents would be at the airport to pick us up and I could rest then. The night before the flight, I prayed that I would be well enough to travel and take care of Emily. I felt at peace that things would be ok. I woke up the next day feeling markedly better and being grateful for that.
Kevin took us to the airport where I was sad to leave James. There, we met Tiffany Sowby (Mike's wife) and her kids Megan (age 12) and Luke (age 9). Tiffany and Luke had never been to D.C. before so this was a first for them.
My parents picked us up in their white van and drove us a few minutes away to their apartment located on Pennsylvania Avenue. They live on the 4th floor in a 1-bed/2 bath/1 office apartment which is about a mile away from the White House and a mile away from the Lincoln Memorial. A short walk across the bridge and there is Georgetown. It's a great location!
Our first stop was to see the White House from the Pennsylvania Avenue side. That night we went the national mall where Dad dropped us off at the World War II Memorial. From there we walked to the Lincoln Memorial (Emily's favorite). She was excited to see it again and took a picture of Lincoln. We walked through the Korean War Memorial as well as the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.
The next morning, we went to the top of the Washington Monument. It was fun to see the Martin Luther King Memorial being built, which will be opened this month (August). The reflecting pool is under renovation and will be ready for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington in 2 years.
We ate from a street vendor and spent time in the hot, crowded Air & Space Museum. It was spring break and the crowds were everywhere. We didn't see much there so we walked across the mall to the other side. Later that afternoon we took the circulator bus with my parents to Union Station. We looked around in there then Tiffany, the kids, and I took the metro back...or almost back...to the apartment. Tiffany I and swear they did not stop at, nor did they announce, the Foggy Bottom metro stop, which was the one we were supposed to get off on. Suddenly we realized we had gone to far, as we were at Arlington. We hopped off, intending to get back on going the other way to Foggy Bottom. The metro station was quiet with no one there. We hear an announcement that due to mechanical problems, the next train time was unknown. We decided to exit and go to the street but when we tried to exit, for some reason the alarms went off and a metro security guard came running after us. When he saw we were harmless women with children, he helped us out. At this point, Emily was afraid we were lost at Arlington Cemetery, and she called my dad with my phone. He said he'd come get us. We began walking toward the Lincoln Memorial, which was the direction of "home." Grandpa rescued us (though we would have been just fine).
On Thursday the 21st, we started at Ford's Theater in the morning. We saw a short two-man play about Lincoln's assassination. I had seen it the year before. The Peterson house, where Lincoln died, was being renovated so we were not able to see that.
My dad was a great chauffer. He's drop us off and pick us up wherever we wanted. He took us to the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. This is the church Lincoln attended and in it is a draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. We saw the pew where Lincoln sat. This was a nice find, one which regular tourists are not aware of.
That afternoon we went to Mt. Vernon, Washington's home. It is a beautiful drive south of the city through Alexandria. My parents lived in Alexandria 40 years ago when my oldest brother David was a baby and my dad was stationed at Ft. Belvior in the army. We saw where they used to live, which is now a chiropractor's office. There were lines and crowds at Mt.Vernon. We enjoyed the grounds, tombs, and river before going inside the house. The kids really liked it.
Later that night, the kids and I walked through Georgetown with my dad. He gave us the canal tour. We walked back through the bustling streets with shops and restaurants.
Friday was rainy. We drove to Baltimore and stopped at Fort McHenry. This is where the Star-Spangled Banner was written. The museum is nice and the presentation ended with the curtains opening to reveal the flag flying over the fort while the anthem played. We walked around the fort a bit. We continued to Philadelphia where we saw the Liberty Bell. After that we went through Independence Hall, as it is known today. Back then it was just the Pennsylvania Statehouse. I have been there once as a child and once in 2001, but it was still neat to see the place where the Declaration of Independence was written and signed.
My parents paid for us to go on a carriage ride around the main square of Philly. It was fun for the kids, Tiffany, and I to see some of the sites this way. We drove more in the rain to Valley Forge. It was cold and rainy so we didn't spend much time outside or even the visitors center because it was closed. We stayed that night near Valley Forge in a hotel and left the next morning for Amish country.
Amish country was pretty, even in the rain. We spent some time there, shopping in the little stores and the kids took a horse and buggy ride. From there we went west to Gettysburg. I was excited to see this place again. I had seen it once as a kid, again in 2000 with Kevin and my folks, again two weeks after 9/11, and last year when I visited. I like Gettysburg (though Kevin said once "battlefields do nothing for me...). I understand the significance of that battle and can imagine the lives lost there. Emily liked seeing the cemetery, the unmarked gravestones, and the place where Lincoln gave his famous speech.
We went back to D.C. that night and I went to Georgetown with Megan and Tiffany. We had fun shopping at H&M and looking at the upscale stores.
Sunday was Easter. We went to church at the singles' ward in Chevy Chase, MD. My parents attend and oversee this ward. Our group sang the children's song "I know that my Savior Loves me." It was sweet. We went to Arlington that afternoon, to the Tomb of the Unknowns for the changing of the guards. I love seeing that. We went to the Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima) as well, another one I love, and to the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. This is a nice tribute to those who died on the 9/11 flight that crashed into the pentagon.
Monday found my parents, Emily, and at the National Archives. It is so neat to see the actual Declaration of Independence and Constitution. It is amazing to be able to see those documents! We saw the national galleries of art, including the modern east wing, and Emily and I went quickly through the Natural History museum. We also went to the American History museum to see the actual Star Spangled Banner. We walked through a few exhibits and were thrilled to see one on Lincoln, where we saw his tophat. The last time he wore it? The night of April 14 when he went to Ford's theater.
Next we went to the National Cathedral. We spent a lot of time there, wandering through it, looking at things, showing Emily the stained glass, etc. It is massive. Easter had been the day before so it was decorated with beautiful fresh flowers.
That evening we spent time at the WWII memorial and walked to the Lincoln. Emily and I sat above for a long time.
On our final day in D.C., we had a VIP tour of the US Capitol by a young man in my parents' ward. We got to ride the little train underneath a side building to the capitol. We went into the House gallery but they were in recess so it wasn't very exciting. We then went into the Supreme Court. They also were in recess but we got to see the chambers. Emily and I went to the (not hot and not crowded) Air & Space Museum and had a more enjoyable time this time. The two of us sat on the non-mall side in the shade eating our lunch, thinking we should enjoy the sun because when we got home that night, it would be cold...and we were right.
My folks dropped us all off at the airport where we waited more than an hour to board our flight. From there, we sat on the tarmac for another hour and a half because of bad weather in the midwest. We finally made it home and were glad to see Kevin and James.
I love Washington, D.C.! I have been nine times:
8 years old (1983) with Mom, Grandma Williams, and cousin Tim
10 years old (1985) with Sowby family
16 years old (1992(with Mom, Dad, Craig, Rob, cousins Sherry and Justin)
22 years old (1997) to see friend Reina
25 years old (2000) with Mom, Dad, Rob, & Kevin
33 years old (2008) with Utah Virtual Academy/K12
34 years old (2009) with my family to visit my parents when they were on their mission and living in Centerville,VA
35 years old (2010) with brother David, some of his kids Jarom, Spencer, Kate, & Noah to visit my folks
36 years old (2011) with Emily, sister-in-law Tiffany and two of her kids Megan and Luke
Part of my love of history began when I was young and saw the sites. I remember flying over the monuments when I was 8 (2nd grade) on our way home and crying because I loved it so much. Years later, I learned that my mother, before returning from their first mission there (June 2009-June 2010) sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial the night before they drove to Utah and cried because she loved it so much.
I am so lucky to have been so many times and to take my husband and kids as well. I am glad my parents chose to be there twice!
I got strep. It is my #1 dreaded illness. I hate it. It was April 18 when I woke up feeling horrible, knowing what it was and dreading the outcome. I got to the doctor (it was a Sunday) and got antibiotics. The next day a friend took the kids while I slept. On Tuesday the 20th, Emily and I were leaving for Washington, D.C. to visit my parents who are missionaries there. I was concerned that I would not be well enough to travel. I knew that if I made it through the flight, my parents would be at the airport to pick us up and I could rest then. The night before the flight, I prayed that I would be well enough to travel and take care of Emily. I felt at peace that things would be ok. I woke up the next day feeling markedly better and being grateful for that.
Kevin took us to the airport where I was sad to leave James. There, we met Tiffany Sowby (Mike's wife) and her kids Megan (age 12) and Luke (age 9). Tiffany and Luke had never been to D.C. before so this was a first for them.
My parents picked us up in their white van and drove us a few minutes away to their apartment located on Pennsylvania Avenue. They live on the 4th floor in a 1-bed/2 bath/1 office apartment which is about a mile away from the White House and a mile away from the Lincoln Memorial. A short walk across the bridge and there is Georgetown. It's a great location!
Our first stop was to see the White House from the Pennsylvania Avenue side. That night we went the national mall where Dad dropped us off at the World War II Memorial. From there we walked to the Lincoln Memorial (Emily's favorite). She was excited to see it again and took a picture of Lincoln. We walked through the Korean War Memorial as well as the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.
The next morning, we went to the top of the Washington Monument. It was fun to see the Martin Luther King Memorial being built, which will be opened this month (August). The reflecting pool is under renovation and will be ready for the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington in 2 years.
We ate from a street vendor and spent time in the hot, crowded Air & Space Museum. It was spring break and the crowds were everywhere. We didn't see much there so we walked across the mall to the other side. Later that afternoon we took the circulator bus with my parents to Union Station. We looked around in there then Tiffany, the kids, and I took the metro back...or almost back...to the apartment. Tiffany I and swear they did not stop at, nor did they announce, the Foggy Bottom metro stop, which was the one we were supposed to get off on. Suddenly we realized we had gone to far, as we were at Arlington. We hopped off, intending to get back on going the other way to Foggy Bottom. The metro station was quiet with no one there. We hear an announcement that due to mechanical problems, the next train time was unknown. We decided to exit and go to the street but when we tried to exit, for some reason the alarms went off and a metro security guard came running after us. When he saw we were harmless women with children, he helped us out. At this point, Emily was afraid we were lost at Arlington Cemetery, and she called my dad with my phone. He said he'd come get us. We began walking toward the Lincoln Memorial, which was the direction of "home." Grandpa rescued us (though we would have been just fine).
On Thursday the 21st, we started at Ford's Theater in the morning. We saw a short two-man play about Lincoln's assassination. I had seen it the year before. The Peterson house, where Lincoln died, was being renovated so we were not able to see that.
My dad was a great chauffer. He's drop us off and pick us up wherever we wanted. He took us to the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. This is the church Lincoln attended and in it is a draft of the Emancipation Proclamation. We saw the pew where Lincoln sat. This was a nice find, one which regular tourists are not aware of.
That afternoon we went to Mt. Vernon, Washington's home. It is a beautiful drive south of the city through Alexandria. My parents lived in Alexandria 40 years ago when my oldest brother David was a baby and my dad was stationed at Ft. Belvior in the army. We saw where they used to live, which is now a chiropractor's office. There were lines and crowds at Mt.Vernon. We enjoyed the grounds, tombs, and river before going inside the house. The kids really liked it.
Later that night, the kids and I walked through Georgetown with my dad. He gave us the canal tour. We walked back through the bustling streets with shops and restaurants.
Friday was rainy. We drove to Baltimore and stopped at Fort McHenry. This is where the Star-Spangled Banner was written. The museum is nice and the presentation ended with the curtains opening to reveal the flag flying over the fort while the anthem played. We walked around the fort a bit. We continued to Philadelphia where we saw the Liberty Bell. After that we went through Independence Hall, as it is known today. Back then it was just the Pennsylvania Statehouse. I have been there once as a child and once in 2001, but it was still neat to see the place where the Declaration of Independence was written and signed.
My parents paid for us to go on a carriage ride around the main square of Philly. It was fun for the kids, Tiffany, and I to see some of the sites this way. We drove more in the rain to Valley Forge. It was cold and rainy so we didn't spend much time outside or even the visitors center because it was closed. We stayed that night near Valley Forge in a hotel and left the next morning for Amish country.
Amish country was pretty, even in the rain. We spent some time there, shopping in the little stores and the kids took a horse and buggy ride. From there we went west to Gettysburg. I was excited to see this place again. I had seen it once as a kid, again in 2000 with Kevin and my folks, again two weeks after 9/11, and last year when I visited. I like Gettysburg (though Kevin said once "battlefields do nothing for me...). I understand the significance of that battle and can imagine the lives lost there. Emily liked seeing the cemetery, the unmarked gravestones, and the place where Lincoln gave his famous speech.
We went back to D.C. that night and I went to Georgetown with Megan and Tiffany. We had fun shopping at H&M and looking at the upscale stores.
Sunday was Easter. We went to church at the singles' ward in Chevy Chase, MD. My parents attend and oversee this ward. Our group sang the children's song "I know that my Savior Loves me." It was sweet. We went to Arlington that afternoon, to the Tomb of the Unknowns for the changing of the guards. I love seeing that. We went to the Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima) as well, another one I love, and to the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. This is a nice tribute to those who died on the 9/11 flight that crashed into the pentagon.
Monday found my parents, Emily, and at the National Archives. It is so neat to see the actual Declaration of Independence and Constitution. It is amazing to be able to see those documents! We saw the national galleries of art, including the modern east wing, and Emily and I went quickly through the Natural History museum. We also went to the American History museum to see the actual Star Spangled Banner. We walked through a few exhibits and were thrilled to see one on Lincoln, where we saw his tophat. The last time he wore it? The night of April 14 when he went to Ford's theater.
Next we went to the National Cathedral. We spent a lot of time there, wandering through it, looking at things, showing Emily the stained glass, etc. It is massive. Easter had been the day before so it was decorated with beautiful fresh flowers.
That evening we spent time at the WWII memorial and walked to the Lincoln. Emily and I sat above for a long time.
On our final day in D.C., we had a VIP tour of the US Capitol by a young man in my parents' ward. We got to ride the little train underneath a side building to the capitol. We went into the House gallery but they were in recess so it wasn't very exciting. We then went into the Supreme Court. They also were in recess but we got to see the chambers. Emily and I went to the (not hot and not crowded) Air & Space Museum and had a more enjoyable time this time. The two of us sat on the non-mall side in the shade eating our lunch, thinking we should enjoy the sun because when we got home that night, it would be cold...and we were right.
My folks dropped us all off at the airport where we waited more than an hour to board our flight. From there, we sat on the tarmac for another hour and a half because of bad weather in the midwest. We finally made it home and were glad to see Kevin and James.
I love Washington, D.C.! I have been nine times:
8 years old (1983) with Mom, Grandma Williams, and cousin Tim
10 years old (1985) with Sowby family
16 years old (1992(with Mom, Dad, Craig, Rob, cousins Sherry and Justin)
22 years old (1997) to see friend Reina
25 years old (2000) with Mom, Dad, Rob, & Kevin
33 years old (2008) with Utah Virtual Academy/K12
34 years old (2009) with my family to visit my parents when they were on their mission and living in Centerville,VA
35 years old (2010) with brother David, some of his kids Jarom, Spencer, Kate, & Noah to visit my folks
36 years old (2011) with Emily, sister-in-law Tiffany and two of her kids Megan and Luke
Part of my love of history began when I was young and saw the sites. I remember flying over the monuments when I was 8 (2nd grade) on our way home and crying because I loved it so much. Years later, I learned that my mother, before returning from their first mission there (June 2009-June 2010) sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial the night before they drove to Utah and cried because she loved it so much.
I am so lucky to have been so many times and to take my husband and kids as well. I am glad my parents chose to be there twice!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
PRK
On March 16, Kevin got PRK surgery on his eyes. This is an elective surgery to correct astigmatism and eliminates the need for glasses. Kevin has been wearing glasses since he was a child. He looked into getting this done previously, but the costs prevented him from going further. He found out about a study being conducted by the Moran Eye Center at the U of U. The study produces the same results, but the cost was significantly reduced.
I took him to the Moran. Emily was at school and James was with us. Reviewing charts, preparing, etc. took longer than the laser surgery itself, which took only seconds per eye. Everything went well. I brought him home, where he slept off and on for the next few days. He took lortab for pain and was very sensitive to light. Even on a cloudy day, with two pairs of sunglasses on, he could not stand the brightness.
Day 4 post-surgery, he woke up feeling good and not being sensitive to light. He says he sees well though there is a haziness to it (which is expected). He should be able to go back to work tomorrow.
In 2009, I had Lasik vision correction on my eyes. This is a different procedure but produces the same results. Mine was to correct nearsightedness. I had it done on a Saturday afternoon and woke up Sunday being able to see clearly. It was amazing.
My dad had this done about 15 years ago, when it was still new. At the time, I recall him saying it was a miracle. For those who depend on contacts or eyeglasses to see well, it IS a miracle! Others in my family have had it done (David, Mike, Taralyn), and have been pleased and amazed with the results.
I took him to the Moran. Emily was at school and James was with us. Reviewing charts, preparing, etc. took longer than the laser surgery itself, which took only seconds per eye. Everything went well. I brought him home, where he slept off and on for the next few days. He took lortab for pain and was very sensitive to light. Even on a cloudy day, with two pairs of sunglasses on, he could not stand the brightness.
Day 4 post-surgery, he woke up feeling good and not being sensitive to light. He says he sees well though there is a haziness to it (which is expected). He should be able to go back to work tomorrow.
In 2009, I had Lasik vision correction on my eyes. This is a different procedure but produces the same results. Mine was to correct nearsightedness. I had it done on a Saturday afternoon and woke up Sunday being able to see clearly. It was amazing.
My dad had this done about 15 years ago, when it was still new. At the time, I recall him saying it was a miracle. For those who depend on contacts or eyeglasses to see well, it IS a miracle! Others in my family have had it done (David, Mike, Taralyn), and have been pleased and amazed with the results.
Straight 4's, Straight E's
We are proud parents! Emily brought home a great report card. She got all 4's (the best possible scores) and all E's (Excellent for behavior, etc). She really is a good student and we are so glad. In Parent-Teacher Conference, her teacher went on and on about how well behaved Emily is, what a good helper she is, what a great reader she is, etc. She reads on a 5th grade level. We are proud of our girl!
I took her to get some new earrings as a reward for her good work. We made sure Grandma and Nana knew too. They are proud of her also.
James is doing great in preschool. He goes to Miss Joey's school. This is his 3rd year there. He also does a program on the computer. He does well at both. James is learning to read, reading cute little books called "See It" or "Sam." The words are simple and he reads with enthusiasm. It is so fun to hear him read and to see him do well with letters, numbers, etc. He will do well in kindergarten.
We are thankful for our smart, healthy, funny kids. They are the joy of our lives! We are very blessed to have twoof the very best children! Love to Emmers and Jamesers! LuLu and BooBoo.
I took her to get some new earrings as a reward for her good work. We made sure Grandma and Nana knew too. They are proud of her also.
James is doing great in preschool. He goes to Miss Joey's school. This is his 3rd year there. He also does a program on the computer. He does well at both. James is learning to read, reading cute little books called "See It" or "Sam." The words are simple and he reads with enthusiasm. It is so fun to hear him read and to see him do well with letters, numbers, etc. He will do well in kindergarten.
We are thankful for our smart, healthy, funny kids. They are the joy of our lives! We are very blessed to have twoof the very best children! Love to Emmers and Jamesers! LuLu and BooBoo.
Moab, Solo
The end of February, I went to Moab and Monticello, UT for a job assignment. I went to test students, as I have done there the previous two years. This time though, Kevin couldn't come and my usual travel partner, my Mom, was unavailable. So, I went by myself.
I left Monday morning around 10 and got to Arches National Park around 2. It was a great drive, with clear skies. It was nice weather while I was there. After a stop at the visitor's center, I went right to Delicate Arch. I made the 1.5 mile uphill hike in about 30 minutes. Once I was getting close, I got excited. I knew that around the bend I would see the Arch. It was exciting to see it again. The family and I saw it for the first time in 2009. When we went in 2010, it was too snowy to hike. I was up there by myself. Not another sole was there. I tried to take pictures with me in it, but decided to focus on the arch instead. I walked around to the other side and saw a view I had not seen before. It was windy, but nice to be up there.
On the way down I passed some hikers. I drove into the city and checked into the motel, did some work on the computer, then got some dinner. I watched TV and went to bed.
The next morning I went to the Moab Library to administer the test to 4 students. They got done within an hour, so I packed up and headed back to Arches. It was another gorgeous sunny day and the contrast between the red rock and blue sky was amazing. I hiked the Park Avenue trail, an easy one-mile hike. As I hiked and looked at the towering rocks and blue sky, I wondered how people can think God does not exist. It was evident to me there, that He does exist and that Jesus created this beautiful world.
I had to drive an hour south to Monticello. Along the way I stopped at Hole-N-the-Rock, a real eyesore. It is a "museum" of a house some guy carved into the rock in the 1960's. I bought some cute earrings for Em and a cowboy play set for James, so it was worth it.
As I continued to Monticello, I was really low on gas. I prayed I would not run out. I was happy when I saw a gas station over the hill. I filled up, got some lunch at the Juice Tree, and went to the library for the next round of testing. Again, they finished fairly quickly. I left around 3:30 with Dead Horse Point in mind. I had read about it and heard about it, and wanted to make it there. To get there, I drove a little bit north of Moab onto a side road where people enter Canyonlands National Park. Along the way there were cattle in the road. The drive was not very scenic and I was wondering when I'd get to the point. I didn't pass any other cars and when I pulled into the Visitor Center parking lot at 5pm, no other cars were there. I ran in and paid the entrance fee, then took a look. It was neat, but as the Ranger told me, it was not "the famous" scene. She directed me a mile up the road to the lookout point. Again, I was the only one there. The lookout was amazing. It was like the Grand Canyon. I was there as the sun started to set. The scenery was gorgeous. I cannot believe I have live in Utah my whole life and never seen this place. I spent several minutes up there taking a lot of pictures. I used the self-timer to get some shots of myself. It was neat and strange at the same time, to be there all by myself.
I left DHP and drove to Green River. By that point, I had 3 more hours to go and knew I would not be good to continue home. I had a previous reservation in that town. There is nothing there, really. I checked in, got dinner at the gas station Subway, and showered and went to bed. I left around 8:30 am and made it home to get James from the babysitter at 11:30 am.
I enjoyed this little trip. Though the main purpose was for work, I am glad I planned ahead and made time to see some of Arches and to see Dead Horse Point. It was worth it!
I left Monday morning around 10 and got to Arches National Park around 2. It was a great drive, with clear skies. It was nice weather while I was there. After a stop at the visitor's center, I went right to Delicate Arch. I made the 1.5 mile uphill hike in about 30 minutes. Once I was getting close, I got excited. I knew that around the bend I would see the Arch. It was exciting to see it again. The family and I saw it for the first time in 2009. When we went in 2010, it was too snowy to hike. I was up there by myself. Not another sole was there. I tried to take pictures with me in it, but decided to focus on the arch instead. I walked around to the other side and saw a view I had not seen before. It was windy, but nice to be up there.
On the way down I passed some hikers. I drove into the city and checked into the motel, did some work on the computer, then got some dinner. I watched TV and went to bed.
The next morning I went to the Moab Library to administer the test to 4 students. They got done within an hour, so I packed up and headed back to Arches. It was another gorgeous sunny day and the contrast between the red rock and blue sky was amazing. I hiked the Park Avenue trail, an easy one-mile hike. As I hiked and looked at the towering rocks and blue sky, I wondered how people can think God does not exist. It was evident to me there, that He does exist and that Jesus created this beautiful world.
I had to drive an hour south to Monticello. Along the way I stopped at Hole-N-the-Rock, a real eyesore. It is a "museum" of a house some guy carved into the rock in the 1960's. I bought some cute earrings for Em and a cowboy play set for James, so it was worth it.
As I continued to Monticello, I was really low on gas. I prayed I would not run out. I was happy when I saw a gas station over the hill. I filled up, got some lunch at the Juice Tree, and went to the library for the next round of testing. Again, they finished fairly quickly. I left around 3:30 with Dead Horse Point in mind. I had read about it and heard about it, and wanted to make it there. To get there, I drove a little bit north of Moab onto a side road where people enter Canyonlands National Park. Along the way there were cattle in the road. The drive was not very scenic and I was wondering when I'd get to the point. I didn't pass any other cars and when I pulled into the Visitor Center parking lot at 5pm, no other cars were there. I ran in and paid the entrance fee, then took a look. It was neat, but as the Ranger told me, it was not "the famous" scene. She directed me a mile up the road to the lookout point. Again, I was the only one there. The lookout was amazing. It was like the Grand Canyon. I was there as the sun started to set. The scenery was gorgeous. I cannot believe I have live in Utah my whole life and never seen this place. I spent several minutes up there taking a lot of pictures. I used the self-timer to get some shots of myself. It was neat and strange at the same time, to be there all by myself.
I left DHP and drove to Green River. By that point, I had 3 more hours to go and knew I would not be good to continue home. I had a previous reservation in that town. There is nothing there, really. I checked in, got dinner at the gas station Subway, and showered and went to bed. I left around 8:30 am and made it home to get James from the babysitter at 11:30 am.
I enjoyed this little trip. Though the main purpose was for work, I am glad I planned ahead and made time to see some of Arches and to see Dead Horse Point. It was worth it!
California Trip!
We began our much-anticipated trip to California on January 20. We left around 9am and stopped in St. George for a Five Guys Burger. We got to the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas that afternoon. We cleaned up and went to the Venetian for dinner. We ate at the same restaurant we at at last April--the one at the entrance to the Phantom Theater.
Kevin and I surprised the kids by getting Phantom tickets. We sat on the front row of the balcony. We had seen this same production in the Venetian in April 2010 and loved it so much we wanted to see it again. This time we had a different vantage point. Emily saw the Phantom double climb into the chandelier for one of the scenes. We enjoyed the beautiful theater.
The next day we got breakfast at McDonald's on The Strip. (Before our trip, James and I ran into a neighbor at Target. James excitedly told them we were going to eat at McDonald's in Vegas). We drove through the ugly desert to the town of Barstow, CA, and continued on through the desert and mountains into Riverside County. My phone has a GPS and maps on it, so we used that as our guide. Our destination was to Westminster, CA to visit with the family of Marie Como. Marie is Kevin's God Mother and lifelong family friend of Hank and Rene. She died the week before and her memorial service happened to be on the day we were to arrive in CA. We had fun visiting with Angel and other family members in the same home Kevin spent so much time in as a child. Our kids had fun outside and with the dog. We later heard that they were very well behaved and very cute kids.
From there, we drove about 5 miles to the Pacific Coast Highway, where we got our first glimpse of the ocean. We knew a different route would get us to our destination faster, but we wanted to enjoy the scenic and historic highway. We drove through Newport where we saw lots of expensive cars and had a close call. Kevin nearly hit a Bentley. He hit the brakes hard enough to lock our seatbelts and scare us.
Our destination that evening was Oceanside, where my parents had rented a beach house. We followed the directions which took us to Pacific Street, where we saw the ocean again. We arrived just as the sun was setting and I snapped a picture of the sunset with my phone. We found the beach house and my dad directed us in.
The beach house is one my mom found through a vacation rental website. It had two levels, 2 kitchens, 2 bathrooms, and slept 10. We had the upstairs and they had the downstairs. The house was probably built in the 50s but had some remodeling done. The back yard had some grass, then sand (fire pit, lounge chairs, tables, etc). then the beach! It was literally in the back yard. It was night but we enjoyed the sounds of the ocean.
The next morning was Saturday. Kevin, the kids, and I went to San Diego Zoo Safari park. We took a tram tour and saw several animals. The kids particularly liked the baby elephant we saw after the tram ride. The park was nice, but it was hard to find our way around. We were there about 3 hours total.
The kids wanted to get to the beach house and play at the beach. It was very nice weather--in the 70s or low 80s. Of course the water was cold, but we enjoyed in nonetheless. This was James's first time at the ocean, and Emily was too small to remember (she was 3 months when we went to San Diego and 15 months when we went to Seal Beach in Orange County). They were thrilled! They loved running in and out of the waves, carrying buckets of sand and water, collecting rocks and shells, and having fun. Kevin and I had fun watching the kids and had fun ourselves lying on the beach. We all took a walk a mile away to the pier and back. There were lots of people on the beach enjoying the day.
When the sun went down, it got cold. We went inside and got showered. We had dinner with my parents.
Sunday, we had took some pictures on the beach. We went to Sacrament Meeting at an Oceanside ward. The kids just wanted to get back to the beach to play. We first went to San Diego where we went to Old Town. We ate at a good Mexican restaurant outdoors and enjoyed the Latino music and dancing there in the square. We left to get to the beach before the sun went down. We played for a couple hours then went inside.
The next morning, we went to Sea World. We got there right as it opened at 10am. My parents met us there later. We saw the Shamu show twice, a dolphin show, and a pet show. We rode the Shipwreck Rapids ride, which James declared he did not like--as it was over. Sea World closed at 5 so there wasn't a lot of time to do much.
Tuesday morning was the time Kevin was most looking forward to: Disneyland! We drove (with my phone's navigation) to Anaheim and checked into Hotel Menage. We walked on Harbor Blvd. to the Magic Kingdom. We kept in the tradition of riding Pirates of the Caribbean very first. We all rode Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain (both the kids' first time), Thunder Mountain Railroad, Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, Finding Nemo Submarines, etc. We also went to Disney's California Adventure for my favorite ride (Soarin' Over California), Grizzly River Rapids, and our new favorite, Toy Story Mania (we liked this in Florida too!). At night we saw "World of Color" which is in DCA. It is a show akin to "Fantasmic" at Disneyland, but different.
Wednesday was another Disney day. This time, my parents met us there. They had not been to Disneyland since 1995 when my brother Rob was 9. Ours were the first grandkids they have enjoyed Disneyland with. We did many of the same rides we could all do together, and we got Grandpa on Indiana Jones and Thunder Mountain Railroad (his hat blew off and someone caught it!). We rode the train and saw Asimo the robot. The crowds were light and the weather was nice.
James got chosen to be a part of the Jedi Training Academy in Tomorrowland. Kevin and James went to watch it while Emily and I did something else. From a distance, we could see him jumping up and down with his arms in the air, wanting to get chosen from the crowd with other kids. He got a light saber and a jedi robe. Along with other little kids, he got to be trained as a jedi and even got to fight Darth Vader. He was thrilled.
My parents went back to Oceanside that night. They were flying out Friday morning.
Thursday 1/28 we made our way to Universal Studios in Hollywood. We passed the famous Hollywood sign and LA skyline. Universal is a park Kevin and I visited on our honeymoon, but not since. The highlights of this visit were the tram tour (twice), Jurassic Park (which we waited in line for 2-3 hours in 1996), The Simpsons ride, and seeing the views. The tram tour was fun because we got to see the new King Kong 3D attraction. It is a 3D experience while on the tram, with a movie screen surrounding the tram. Kevin loved it; James did not.
Our last day of the vacation was Friday, when we went back to Disneyland for one last hurrah. This day, James was sick, so he and I didn't get there till around noon. Kevin's friend, Cory Wilkin, and his wife and two daughters met us there. We spent the afternoon with them. Kevin took Emily on Tower of Terror this day. We finished our day in the gift shop, getting Mickey Mouse earrings for Emily.
Saturday morning we packed up and checked out. We ate at Mimi's Cafe then made the boring drive to Las Vegas. We once again stayed in the Excalibur Hotel. We went to a nice outdoor mall south of the strip where we did a little shopping and ate a nice Italian dinner. During dinner, Emily said she didn't feel well. When we were walking to our car, she threw up in the bushes.
Emily got sick during this trip. She had a fever and cough. It would come at night and in the morning, but she managed to keep it away during the day. Kevin made a few different trips to local stores to get medicines. Later in the week, James got sick also, with croup and a fever. He did OK and had fun anyway.
Sunday we headed toward St. George and ultimately home. We stopped at my parents' first to attend their setting apart for their mission. They left on February 1 to drive to Washington, D.C. The whole family was there (minus Craig and family, who live in Kentucky). We were tired, but it was nice to be with our family for this occasion. We got home around 9pm.
The next day it was windy and snowy. It was kind of a shock to come home to cold temperatures after being in sunshine and warmth for 11 days.
All in all, our vacation was great. We loved being away and in the warm sunshine. It was a great time of year to go--after Christmas and in the dead of winter. We are grateful to my parents for sharing the beach house with us. We got City Passes at Costco, which allowed us to have 6 days of park admissions for a low price.
Kevin and I surprised the kids by getting Phantom tickets. We sat on the front row of the balcony. We had seen this same production in the Venetian in April 2010 and loved it so much we wanted to see it again. This time we had a different vantage point. Emily saw the Phantom double climb into the chandelier for one of the scenes. We enjoyed the beautiful theater.
The next day we got breakfast at McDonald's on The Strip. (Before our trip, James and I ran into a neighbor at Target. James excitedly told them we were going to eat at McDonald's in Vegas). We drove through the ugly desert to the town of Barstow, CA, and continued on through the desert and mountains into Riverside County. My phone has a GPS and maps on it, so we used that as our guide. Our destination was to Westminster, CA to visit with the family of Marie Como. Marie is Kevin's God Mother and lifelong family friend of Hank and Rene. She died the week before and her memorial service happened to be on the day we were to arrive in CA. We had fun visiting with Angel and other family members in the same home Kevin spent so much time in as a child. Our kids had fun outside and with the dog. We later heard that they were very well behaved and very cute kids.
From there, we drove about 5 miles to the Pacific Coast Highway, where we got our first glimpse of the ocean. We knew a different route would get us to our destination faster, but we wanted to enjoy the scenic and historic highway. We drove through Newport where we saw lots of expensive cars and had a close call. Kevin nearly hit a Bentley. He hit the brakes hard enough to lock our seatbelts and scare us.
Our destination that evening was Oceanside, where my parents had rented a beach house. We followed the directions which took us to Pacific Street, where we saw the ocean again. We arrived just as the sun was setting and I snapped a picture of the sunset with my phone. We found the beach house and my dad directed us in.
The beach house is one my mom found through a vacation rental website. It had two levels, 2 kitchens, 2 bathrooms, and slept 10. We had the upstairs and they had the downstairs. The house was probably built in the 50s but had some remodeling done. The back yard had some grass, then sand (fire pit, lounge chairs, tables, etc). then the beach! It was literally in the back yard. It was night but we enjoyed the sounds of the ocean.
The next morning was Saturday. Kevin, the kids, and I went to San Diego Zoo Safari park. We took a tram tour and saw several animals. The kids particularly liked the baby elephant we saw after the tram ride. The park was nice, but it was hard to find our way around. We were there about 3 hours total.
The kids wanted to get to the beach house and play at the beach. It was very nice weather--in the 70s or low 80s. Of course the water was cold, but we enjoyed in nonetheless. This was James's first time at the ocean, and Emily was too small to remember (she was 3 months when we went to San Diego and 15 months when we went to Seal Beach in Orange County). They were thrilled! They loved running in and out of the waves, carrying buckets of sand and water, collecting rocks and shells, and having fun. Kevin and I had fun watching the kids and had fun ourselves lying on the beach. We all took a walk a mile away to the pier and back. There were lots of people on the beach enjoying the day.
When the sun went down, it got cold. We went inside and got showered. We had dinner with my parents.
Sunday, we had took some pictures on the beach. We went to Sacrament Meeting at an Oceanside ward. The kids just wanted to get back to the beach to play. We first went to San Diego where we went to Old Town. We ate at a good Mexican restaurant outdoors and enjoyed the Latino music and dancing there in the square. We left to get to the beach before the sun went down. We played for a couple hours then went inside.
The next morning, we went to Sea World. We got there right as it opened at 10am. My parents met us there later. We saw the Shamu show twice, a dolphin show, and a pet show. We rode the Shipwreck Rapids ride, which James declared he did not like--as it was over. Sea World closed at 5 so there wasn't a lot of time to do much.
Tuesday morning was the time Kevin was most looking forward to: Disneyland! We drove (with my phone's navigation) to Anaheim and checked into Hotel Menage. We walked on Harbor Blvd. to the Magic Kingdom. We kept in the tradition of riding Pirates of the Caribbean very first. We all rode Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain (both the kids' first time), Thunder Mountain Railroad, Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, Finding Nemo Submarines, etc. We also went to Disney's California Adventure for my favorite ride (Soarin' Over California), Grizzly River Rapids, and our new favorite, Toy Story Mania (we liked this in Florida too!). At night we saw "World of Color" which is in DCA. It is a show akin to "Fantasmic" at Disneyland, but different.
Wednesday was another Disney day. This time, my parents met us there. They had not been to Disneyland since 1995 when my brother Rob was 9. Ours were the first grandkids they have enjoyed Disneyland with. We did many of the same rides we could all do together, and we got Grandpa on Indiana Jones and Thunder Mountain Railroad (his hat blew off and someone caught it!). We rode the train and saw Asimo the robot. The crowds were light and the weather was nice.
James got chosen to be a part of the Jedi Training Academy in Tomorrowland. Kevin and James went to watch it while Emily and I did something else. From a distance, we could see him jumping up and down with his arms in the air, wanting to get chosen from the crowd with other kids. He got a light saber and a jedi robe. Along with other little kids, he got to be trained as a jedi and even got to fight Darth Vader. He was thrilled.
My parents went back to Oceanside that night. They were flying out Friday morning.
Thursday 1/28 we made our way to Universal Studios in Hollywood. We passed the famous Hollywood sign and LA skyline. Universal is a park Kevin and I visited on our honeymoon, but not since. The highlights of this visit were the tram tour (twice), Jurassic Park (which we waited in line for 2-3 hours in 1996), The Simpsons ride, and seeing the views. The tram tour was fun because we got to see the new King Kong 3D attraction. It is a 3D experience while on the tram, with a movie screen surrounding the tram. Kevin loved it; James did not.
Our last day of the vacation was Friday, when we went back to Disneyland for one last hurrah. This day, James was sick, so he and I didn't get there till around noon. Kevin's friend, Cory Wilkin, and his wife and two daughters met us there. We spent the afternoon with them. Kevin took Emily on Tower of Terror this day. We finished our day in the gift shop, getting Mickey Mouse earrings for Emily.
Saturday morning we packed up and checked out. We ate at Mimi's Cafe then made the boring drive to Las Vegas. We once again stayed in the Excalibur Hotel. We went to a nice outdoor mall south of the strip where we did a little shopping and ate a nice Italian dinner. During dinner, Emily said she didn't feel well. When we were walking to our car, she threw up in the bushes.
Emily got sick during this trip. She had a fever and cough. It would come at night and in the morning, but she managed to keep it away during the day. Kevin made a few different trips to local stores to get medicines. Later in the week, James got sick also, with croup and a fever. He did OK and had fun anyway.
Sunday we headed toward St. George and ultimately home. We stopped at my parents' first to attend their setting apart for their mission. They left on February 1 to drive to Washington, D.C. The whole family was there (minus Craig and family, who live in Kentucky). We were tired, but it was nice to be with our family for this occasion. We got home around 9pm.
The next day it was windy and snowy. It was kind of a shock to come home to cold temperatures after being in sunshine and warmth for 11 days.
All in all, our vacation was great. We loved being away and in the warm sunshine. It was a great time of year to go--after Christmas and in the dead of winter. We are grateful to my parents for sharing the beach house with us. We got City Passes at Costco, which allowed us to have 6 days of park admissions for a low price.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Funny Sayings
Our kids have said some pretty funny things over the years.
JAMES
At Disneyworld in Florida, after riding Dinosaur, James screamed/cried "I did not have fun!" (Age 4)
Also there, while seeing the Hall of Presidents, James asked "Did President Lincoln come back alive?" (Age 4)
While listening to an instrumental piece by Duran Duran while we were in the car, toward the end of it, James asked "Is this guy every gonna start singing, or what?" (Age 5)
"Where does the Disneyland come from Dad? (Age 2)
"Do pirates resist?" (Exist) (Age 3)
"This room is a ba-saster (disaster)" (Age 3)
"I make apple juice" or "it's working!" while being potty trained
"Light-ming" (Lightning)
EMILY
"Secrets of the Child." (Age 2)
"Felicious (dishes) (Age 1)
"Arbitration" (age 1.5)
"Fff--ffff" (Woof, when she saw a dog) (Age 1.5)
"Dovel up Supterstar" (Double as a Super Star, Hanna Montana song), (Age 4)
Song: "There was a baby int eh world. He used to cry, and you would give him a bottle to feel him better." (Age 3)
JAMES
At Disneyworld in Florida, after riding Dinosaur, James screamed/cried "I did not have fun!" (Age 4)
Also there, while seeing the Hall of Presidents, James asked "Did President Lincoln come back alive?" (Age 4)
While listening to an instrumental piece by Duran Duran while we were in the car, toward the end of it, James asked "Is this guy every gonna start singing, or what?" (Age 5)
"Where does the Disneyland come from Dad? (Age 2)
"Do pirates resist?" (Exist) (Age 3)
"This room is a ba-saster (disaster)" (Age 3)
"I make apple juice" or "it's working!" while being potty trained
"Light-ming" (Lightning)
EMILY
"Secrets of the Child." (Age 2)
"Felicious (dishes) (Age 1)
"Arbitration" (age 1.5)
"Fff--ffff" (Woof, when she saw a dog) (Age 1.5)
"Dovel up Supterstar" (Double as a Super Star, Hanna Montana song), (Age 4)
Song: "There was a baby int eh world. He used to cry, and you would give him a bottle to feel him better." (Age 3)
Cool Places
I thought I'd make a list of places/destinations I love. Here they are in random order:
Disneyland and Disney World. I have enjoyed Disneyland as a child, teenager, young adult, newlywed, and with my own children. I have great memories of going there with different people--the Sowby Family, the Hilmans when Hank was alive, on my honeymoon, and with high school or college marching band friends. It helps that my husband was born and lived close to Disneyland as a child and and loves everything about it. We went to Disney World for the first time as a family in 2009 and loved it. I was amazed and how huge Disney World is--several miles between parks.
Washington, D.C. I first visited D.C. when I was 8 years old and I fell in love with it then. Since then, I have been 8 times. It was seeing D.C. as a child that sparked my interest in history and as I studied and taught history, my interest in the city grew even more. I loved taking our kids there in the fall of 2009 and having them be excited about it. (My daughter now has a poster of Abraham Lincoln hanging in her bedroom). Every few years there is a new monument or something new to see. I am anxiously awaiting the MLK Memorial to be finished. My parents lived there from 09-10 and will be there again from 11-12, so we will be sure to visit more than once.
National Parks: Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Arches. I saw Bryce and Zion a few times as a youth. I saw the Grand Canyon once as a teenager and once last summer with my dad and kids. I went to Arches for the first time in 2009 on a work assignment and loved seeing Delicate Arch with my family. The Utah National Parks are amazing, beautiful, wondrous, and inspiring.
England. In 1995 I lived in London as part of a study abroad program. I loved being immersed in the art, theater, and culture of the city. I also loved the quaint towns, cathedrals, and scenic rolling hills. I got to go again in 2005 when I was pregnant with baby #2. It is a destination I look forward to seeing with my husband and children.
Italy. Italy is one-of-a-kind. I went twice with my mom, once in 1995 and once in 1998. The city of Venice is unlike any other place. It is something one has to experience in order to understand. Rome and the Vatican City are amazing. The art contained in those places is amazing. Again, it is something one has to experience to understand the awe.
Other cool places I've been:
China--it was neat to stand on the Great Wall and in Tiananmen Square, but it was so 3rd world that I have a hard time wanting to go back.
Japan--Tokyo is the most "foreign" city I have ever seen. I know that sounds funny, but the lights, tall buildings, crowds of people, and non-recognizable writing are crazy. Outside the city, traveling a few hours north via train, it was beautiful and green.
Mexico--not the resort or tourist parts. Between Christmas and New Year 94-95 my parents took us to do a service project in a remote village. It was 90 miles by bus from Mexico City and another several miles by cattle truck. The landscape was interesting. It was dry and desert-like with giant green aloe plants. Within view was a volcano.
Europe--Germany, Austria, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland. I had a great time traveling Europe by train with my mom. I turned 20 in Austria.
Israel--I was 14 when we went. My memory has faded, but I remember certain places: The Garden Tomb, the Dead Sea, the Dome of the Rock, and the city of Jerusalem. What an experience for a young girl!
The Oregon coast--I've only been once but I thought it was so neat. I liked how pine trees lead to a beach. It was scenery unlike I've seen anywhere else.
Places I want to go:
The Oregon Coast
New York City (I've been twice but want to go with our kids)
The South--maybe Memphis or Nashville
Boston
New Orleans
A cruise--somewhere warm in when it's winter here
Disneyland and Disney World. I have enjoyed Disneyland as a child, teenager, young adult, newlywed, and with my own children. I have great memories of going there with different people--the Sowby Family, the Hilmans when Hank was alive, on my honeymoon, and with high school or college marching band friends. It helps that my husband was born and lived close to Disneyland as a child and and loves everything about it. We went to Disney World for the first time as a family in 2009 and loved it. I was amazed and how huge Disney World is--several miles between parks.
Washington, D.C. I first visited D.C. when I was 8 years old and I fell in love with it then. Since then, I have been 8 times. It was seeing D.C. as a child that sparked my interest in history and as I studied and taught history, my interest in the city grew even more. I loved taking our kids there in the fall of 2009 and having them be excited about it. (My daughter now has a poster of Abraham Lincoln hanging in her bedroom). Every few years there is a new monument or something new to see. I am anxiously awaiting the MLK Memorial to be finished. My parents lived there from 09-10 and will be there again from 11-12, so we will be sure to visit more than once.
National Parks: Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Arches. I saw Bryce and Zion a few times as a youth. I saw the Grand Canyon once as a teenager and once last summer with my dad and kids. I went to Arches for the first time in 2009 on a work assignment and loved seeing Delicate Arch with my family. The Utah National Parks are amazing, beautiful, wondrous, and inspiring.
England. In 1995 I lived in London as part of a study abroad program. I loved being immersed in the art, theater, and culture of the city. I also loved the quaint towns, cathedrals, and scenic rolling hills. I got to go again in 2005 when I was pregnant with baby #2. It is a destination I look forward to seeing with my husband and children.
Italy. Italy is one-of-a-kind. I went twice with my mom, once in 1995 and once in 1998. The city of Venice is unlike any other place. It is something one has to experience in order to understand. Rome and the Vatican City are amazing. The art contained in those places is amazing. Again, it is something one has to experience to understand the awe.
Other cool places I've been:
China--it was neat to stand on the Great Wall and in Tiananmen Square, but it was so 3rd world that I have a hard time wanting to go back.
Japan--Tokyo is the most "foreign" city I have ever seen. I know that sounds funny, but the lights, tall buildings, crowds of people, and non-recognizable writing are crazy. Outside the city, traveling a few hours north via train, it was beautiful and green.
Mexico--not the resort or tourist parts. Between Christmas and New Year 94-95 my parents took us to do a service project in a remote village. It was 90 miles by bus from Mexico City and another several miles by cattle truck. The landscape was interesting. It was dry and desert-like with giant green aloe plants. Within view was a volcano.
Europe--Germany, Austria, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland. I had a great time traveling Europe by train with my mom. I turned 20 in Austria.
Israel--I was 14 when we went. My memory has faded, but I remember certain places: The Garden Tomb, the Dead Sea, the Dome of the Rock, and the city of Jerusalem. What an experience for a young girl!
The Oregon coast--I've only been once but I thought it was so neat. I liked how pine trees lead to a beach. It was scenery unlike I've seen anywhere else.
Places I want to go:
The Oregon Coast
New York City (I've been twice but want to go with our kids)
The South--maybe Memphis or Nashville
Boston
New Orleans
A cruise--somewhere warm in when it's winter here
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year's Eve and Day
Kevin didn't have to work all week, so we enjoyed having him around. We stayed up late, slept late, ate out, saw movies, etc. It was fun.
On New Year's Eve, the kids went to my parents' house with cousin Emma. They stayed the night there. Emily organized a party, complete with a fancy dinner, games, and balloons. They stayed up till midnight then went to bed.
Kevin and I went to see a movie then drove to Logan to see his cousin Les (Cunningham) play in his band Nervous Les and the Side Effects. They played in a tavern in Logan, where it was -5 degrees! We rang in the new year there then drove to Ogden to stay at the Marriott Hotel. My parents had some rewards points they needed to use so they gave them to us. We didn't get to bed till 2am and didn't wake up till almost 11am!
Later we picked up the kids at David & Shannon's house. We went ot dinner at The Sonora Grill, one of our favorites, then played in the hotel pool. We hung out and watched TV till bed.
It's been a fun round of holidays and it's been fun being off our normal routine, but I think we are all looking forward to going back to "normal," then going to California on January 20!
On New Year's Eve, the kids went to my parents' house with cousin Emma. They stayed the night there. Emily organized a party, complete with a fancy dinner, games, and balloons. They stayed up till midnight then went to bed.
Kevin and I went to see a movie then drove to Logan to see his cousin Les (Cunningham) play in his band Nervous Les and the Side Effects. They played in a tavern in Logan, where it was -5 degrees! We rang in the new year there then drove to Ogden to stay at the Marriott Hotel. My parents had some rewards points they needed to use so they gave them to us. We didn't get to bed till 2am and didn't wake up till almost 11am!
Later we picked up the kids at David & Shannon's house. We went ot dinner at The Sonora Grill, one of our favorites, then played in the hotel pool. We hung out and watched TV till bed.
It's been a fun round of holidays and it's been fun being off our normal routine, but I think we are all looking forward to going back to "normal," then going to California on January 20!
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