The Book of Mormon

Today, as I sat on the couch, taking it easy for the sake of my unborn baby, I had the opportunity to finish up the Book of Mormon again.  I have read it before and felt a conviction of it's truth for myself, but I was impressed to do the same again.  As I finished it, I took the time to pray, and to ask for a confirmation of its' truth.  Without fail, that deep burning feeling took a place in my chest, and I once again feel a renewal of faith in what is true.  This book, the Book of Mormon is true!  I cannot deny the wonderful feeling that resides in me right now.  I have had this confirmation before, but a reminder of it is needed, more often than I look for it, and I know that I need to treasure it and share it when I have the chance. The Book of Mormon is true, I feel it and I know it.  And if it is true, then the church which I call myself a member of is also true as it is the 'cornerstone' and rock of the religion itself.  I want my children to know of my testimony of it's truth and I want them to have a knowledge of it for themselves also, so they can feel the Holy Ghost warm their hearts and minds as well.  I know that the difficulties, sorrows and trial of our lives can be soothed and helped by this book as I have used it for such in my own life.  Answers are held within just waiting to be sought.  I write these words in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am excited because our little family has just started reading the Book of Mormon together again.  We did it once before, but it's been a couple of years (we have been reading the New Testament), and my boys are both old enough now that we can talk about some of the truths in more depth, which is exciting.  I am hoping that they can begin to appreciate the book not just for the amazing, triumphant, sad and mournful, exciting and miraculous stories it tells (and they already love hearing about), but for the spirit that can be felt as the words are read.  What a blessing to have it as a part of our daily routine!  I sure do love this family of mine and I hope we can all grow closer as we read the Book together this next year.   

Cub Scouter

Another big first for Asher this year was Cub Scouts!  He was so excited to get to be a part of the Wolf Den and to start earning badges, belt loops and awards.  It's all a little new to me (besides a brief stint I had as a Webelos Den leader when Ash was a baby) but I've learned fast, and Corey is remembering it all from his own scouting days. He especially loves Pack meetings once a month where they get all the awards and sometimes do parties, banquets, etc.  And those cheers!  Well, I admit that sometimes they scare me a little, but the boys love love them. Beckett is also a huge fan of Pack meetings and the leaders are always so good to let siblings participate in all the fun and games. Asher worked on his Wolf badge a little every day in the summer and knocked it out quick, earning it months before he had to.  Aside from the Pinewood Derby, which deserved a separate post, here are a few pics from Asher's year as a Wolf...he's soon to be a Bear!  What a cute little boy in his snazzy blue uniform.

First pack meeting, receiving his Trail to Bobcat award.  He was SO excited to earn this.

 

Blue and Gold Banquet, the Father and Son Cake Contest.  It was a knight theme!  Their cake turned out awesome.  I might have helped a little, especially with the chocolate knight and dragon;)

Beckett, also at the Blue and Gold, trying on some chain mail and armor.

At a Mom and Me Party, eating a cupcake he decorated.

Earning his Wolf Award and some Arrows! Proud moment.

Minding the Bump

Woo-hoo!!  Thirty weeks today is a huge milestone.  This pregnancy has been such a surreal experience for me. It's been nearly 6 years since I've done this, so in many ways it seems like the first time all over again.  While there have been some things that have jogged my pregnancy memory, a few experiences have been all new to me.  Usually by 22 weeks I'm under strict house arrest due to having so many problems while being pregnant.  This go round the Dr's are still check on things regularly, but oddly, bed rest isn't readily recommended like it used to be.  And so, while I am taking it pretty easy throughout the day for fear of gravity doing it's thing, I am still able to be fairly normal, which is so strange!  Nice, but strange.

Things I'm remembering as I go:

• Smells.  Everything is smelly times ten.  Seriously.  For example, I had a lip balm that I had previously loved, but during the first trimester I started thinking it smelled just awful...like a nasty bathroom or something.  I had Corey smell it.  He thought I was a little crazy.  Into the trash it went.

• Food.  Food is such a funny thing when you're pregnant.  During the first trimester, when I was feeling bleh I ate totally random things...anything that sounded good since the second after I ate it I felt gross again anyway.  Hungry to yuck, then back again.  Lovely little cycle.  Thankfully after 14 weeks I'm good again, so it's not to big a deal.  Random things I was eating during the early weeks:  Microwaved tater tots smashed up with ketchup on top, egg McMuffins minus the meat, and anything salty except for dill pickles which I usually love.

• Baby kicks.  I love feeling my little guy move!  It's like he's doing yoga, running on a treadmill and doing kickboxing all at the same time.  You really do forget what it's like to have an itty bitty human bopping around in your belly.  It's amazing.  My boys, and Corey have had fun feeling kicks, watching my stomach jump and even feeling the baby's hiccups! Ash and Beck love to sit with their hands resting on my stomach trying to feel anything at all.  "Mom?  Is the baby kicking right now?" are words I hear any day, any time.  They love it. 

• Leg Cramps.  Ew. I'd forgotton about these until one morning when I stretched out my legs and WHAM!  Your leg painfully seizing up once is enough to get it all coming back.  Now I'm careful to flex my feet before getting out of bed.

• The changes in my body.  Holy smokes.  Things are getting bigger over here... I mean everything.  I'd forgotten how dramatic it can be to watch it all change!  We have been taking some pics this time to document it all better...Corey thought it would be fun, and I'm sure I'll enjoy seeing them later on:) I have to step back and stare at the craziness that has become my stomach sometimes after slathering my belly into a greasy oblivion (thank you belly butter).  And I know too well it will only get bigger!

• A super sweet hubby.  Corey has been a gem through this whole thing. I know it stresses him out and that he worries after all we've been through, but he's been a rock through it all.  A sweet and understanding rock.  He's also nice enough to go all the way downstairs when we are sitting in bed and I'm thirsty or hungry to grab me a drink and a snack.  What a sweetie.  Love him so much!  We are both in awe that this is happening.

• Buying baby stuff.  Yep, after getting rid of most of our baby things (prompted by last year's almost move and Corey wanting to clear some space in the garage), we now need to re-purchase all the clothing and gear.  Kind of a bummer, but kind of fun too.  Things are a lot cooler now than they were the first time around!  It's all very Groundhog Day researching car seats, strollers, etc...even though it was nearly 9 years ago (didn't need as much with boy #2 close enough behind).  I always wait to buy things until I'm further along, but just last week the boxes started coming in and I'm getting excited!

Things that are new:

• Headaches.  I know a lot of people have issues with these while pregnant but I never had before.  I'm not a fan, and they do seem to be easing up lately thank goodness.

• Going out and grocery shopping, etc with a bump.  I've had a few funny run-ins with people I know but not well, and when I was around 20 or so weeks, people started doing this thing where they glance from my face to my stomach, repeatedly, while trying to carry on a conversation.  It's hilarious, and I wonder if they even know they are doing it!  One person obviously didn't want to straight up ask me if I was pregnant (big no-no, ha ha), so kept asking what was new.  I finally told her, but her eyes going back and forth made it completely obvious that all she wanted to know was what was up with my burgeoning belly.  Too funny.

• Lower back pain.  What in the world.  It must be that pregnancy sciatica I hear about.  Little pains where my hip/back/leg meet up on the right side.  It goes a way after a few minutes, but when I get out of bed I feel like I need to be really careful not to fall down!

• Belly button watchers.  My boys are completely fascinated with the change happening with my belly button...I mean in awe.  They often ask to see it, just in case it has finally disappeared.  For the record, I still have a tiny bit to go until it flattens out, phew!

• Beckett becoming a nurses assistant.  Once a week a nurse comes by to give me a 17P shot (Progesterone) to help things along a bit.  He just loves to watch, pump the blood pressure cuff for her, and hand her the 2x2's when it's over.  The needles don't bother him I guess (Corey would be leaving the room for sure).

• Saying really stupid things.  I've read recently that it is an actual thing that you lose brain cells while pregnant.  I'm counting on it, because otherwise I am really losing it.  Lately I do things accidentally, say things that aren't quite right and forget simple things or names I really should know.  It's awful.  I'm sure this happened before, but it is so much more obvious to me this time that it seems new.  A few weeks back Ash wanted to know what a mortuary was...I told him it was where they sell coffins.  What?  That didn't sound right.  Corey looked at me and said, "Yeah, if you're a vampire."  Oy.  The right word was caskets, but I couldn't for the life of me come up with it.  I had the right letter though...bonus points?  There have been many other examples to share, but of course I can't remember them.  Pregnancy brain, ack! 

We are all getting excited for our new little buddy to come in the not so distant anymore future!

Thanksgiving Week 2014

The boys had the entire week off from school this week!  I would normally have tried to get out and do fun things, but in my cautious pregnant state, I felt it best to take a more mellow route and we stayed around the house and had some fun instead.  The boys grocery shopped with me, played the Wii, read books, and played outside, played Star Wars and played Harry Potter. It sort of seemed like summertime only colder!

We were lucky enough to have TWO Thanksgiving dinners in a row this year.  Our friends, the Kingston's had us over for a delish dinner on Wednesday night before they headed out of town for the weekend, and then we had Thanksgiving at our place with Meagan and the girls on Thursday (Aaron had to work...boo).  The food was great, thanks to Corey, Meagan and myself and of course we indulged in the obligatory Thanksgiving stuffing of ourselves, talked, and hung out until we could fit a little pie in too.  The kids played their hearts out too.  Great day!  This year I am thankful for so many things....my husband and boys, our home, family and friends, health, a new baby coming (hopefully not too) soon, my faith in Christ, and a good life.  There are too many things to name, but my heart is full of thanks for so many things!

Thursday morning, Corey and the boys headed out to our annual 5k run.  They ended up doing great, with Corey taking 4th place in his age group, and Asher taking 3rd (although actually 2nd place due to a mostly jogging stroller propelled Beckett taking 2nd place, thus bumping him up to his actual place).  GREAT job boys!

As far as Black Friday goes, we are not really participants, except for online shopping, in which we are well practiced!  Corey scored a couple of items, and I perused a bit, and am excited to say that I am almost 100% finished Christmas shopping, whew! With only a few weeks til Christmas, I want to be sure to enjoy the rest of the month to the fullest.  We put up our tree, and stockings on Friday too, and we are ready to go for the holidays this year!  All we need is a little snow (which most people here would lynch me for saying) and everything will be perfect!  Let the Christmas music play and bring on the month of December!

Halloween 2014

Fall!  Glorious fall.  It's been beautiful and fun around here, and Halloween was all about Avenger super heroes this year.  After going through several ideas of what to dress up as this year, the boys made it easy on me and liked the ones at Costco just as well as anything else.  Yay for easy costumes!  They were really excited, and although they haven't actually seen the movies, they love the characters and I showed them a bunch of movie previews to get them psyched. 

The ward trunk or treat was simple and nice. The boys had fun, and as always they came home with loads of candy.  Our trip to the pumpkin patch was filled with pig-petting, games, slides and rubber duck racing.  We carved our pumpkins a couple of nights before Halloween and this year we actually let Asher do his own, knife and all.  They all came out really great, and one of the pumpkins was even grown in our backyard (the one Corey is holding)...our little pet pumpkin we'd check on every day, now all grown up and carved on the front porch.  Ahhhh.

On Halloween night, Kayla came over to hang and help us out with trick or treating.  We did the annual chili and cornbread and had some pumpkin cake after trick or treating. The King family trick or treated with the kids too, so our little band of boys was off and running for the loot as soon as they had the chance.  I can't believe how big my boys are getting.  I still have flashbacks of Beck's little bobbing lion head and tail from a few years back as toddled from house to house.  Too fast...they grow up too fast!  I'm glad they're still small enough that we can go out with them and watch it all.  I just love my little super heroes.

Fun costumes, fun food, fun night, and now lots of candy to try not to eat:)  Happy Halloween!

Balloon Fiesta 2014

I can't believe it's already time for Balloon Fiesta.  This fall has come so quickly and this annual event means we are right smack in the glorious thick of it!  It was extra fun this year with my sister Jen and her fam here for a visit.  My boys were in heaven with cousins in the house for a few days...all the kids had a good time together and played well.  Asher became Ella's official shadow for the weekend, following her around and playing whatever she wanted. We definitely ate too much (Dion's, Gardunos, Blake's Breakfast Burritos), slept too little and enjoyed every second we could with them.

The Fiesta itself was great.  This year's fave new balloon was Yoda. The kids loved the balloons, breakfast burritos, and loved acting like crazies on the field equally as much.  When there was a lull in the balloon action, they'd use their ingenuity and grab each other, swing around and then do a pile on.  Josh also occupied them by taking them to a few balloon crews on the ground and collecting cards.  The daytime weather was amazing, and we did get to go to a Mass Ascension.  We tried to go to a Balloon Glow also, but the winds were too much for the balloons, and aside from a few brave ones inflating around us and failing to stay upright, it was a bust.  Such a bummer!  Still a beautiful weekend, and an amazing time with family.  Fall in NM, is as always, the best!!

 

Birthday Fun!

Ah, yes.  Another year, another birthday!  I have so much more fun celebrating with my boys than I ever did without them.  They get so excited about it all, I can't help but join in.  This year I even got to blow out my candles...twice! We went out to dinner to Buca di Beppo with the boys then picked up my cake at Flying Star...a muy delicioso Rio Grande Mud Pie.  Yes, we came home with a whole pie.  We decided we couldn't wait til the next night(when we'd decided to actually celebrate) so we ate some on both nights...and a few nights after that.  It was pretty much awesome. I was curious to see what card the kiddos picked out this year as it has become something to anticipate.  It had us all laughing with some joke about how they both thought I was great and one of them was always right.  Very cute. They spoiled me and it was so fun.

 It was a great weekend, a great year, and OH what a year this next one will be with more surprises to come.  Thanks to Cor and the boys for making it fun and special!  Love you guys so much!

Reinforcements

From the minute I knew I was pregnant, I also knew that surgery at 13 weeks would be imminent.  It's just part of the deal for me.  If I want to make it past 20 weeks, I have to have a cervical cerclage.  And so, the date was set a couple of weeks ago and I knew it was coming.  I put it out of my mind, which wasn't difficult since we've all been so busy getting the boys back to school.  There has been plenty to distract me right up until the day prior to surgery which was the first day of kindergarten for my 5 year old, Beck.  That day is always an emotional milestone day for me...my baby growing up and being gone all day long is an adjustment for both of us.  Only that night after the kids were in bed did it really start to sink in that in less than 12 hours I'd be done with my surgery.

Corey's brother Adam saved the day by coming over in the wee hours of morning (literally...around 4:45) so he could get my boys off to school.  I felt an extra twinge of guilt when on my way out I handed him a bottle of hairspray and sheepishly asked him to try to do the boy's hair, or to just flatten it out with some water.  I'd forgotten about that small detail, but then again, little boys go to school with crazy I-just-woke-up-and-came hair all the time so I wasn't too worried. In the end, Asher said he sported a fauxhalk and was happy.  Bless Adam's generous lil' heart for even trying. Honestly though, knowing they were in good hands for the morning was a huge load off.

Check in time was at 5:30 at the hospital, and after that was the usual waiting game from the lower level that has zero windows.  Enter the time warp that is the hospital.  Each stage is similar, but is punctuated with a big event, first they check you in and you get to wear the drape with holes everywhere that might be convenient for some type of tubing, next you get an IV, then you meet the anesthesiologist (who doesn't reappear again until it's time to poke you), then you wait a little more and might meet another nurse who will be with you for 30 more minutes, next there is talk of it being time to wheel you back at which point you tell them you are taking one more potty break for comfort's sake since you KNOW it'll be a ridiculous amount of time until you can actually do that again. And there it is...the time to go back for the big event.  Cozy warm blankets get piled on as they wheel you down one cold hallway after another and finally put you into a room with silver walls and big floodlights.  You get the big shot, they warm you up some more and then while the stuff is sending tingling sensations through your lower half you get to put your feet into 'the candy cane stirrups'(what a happy name for something that puts you in the most awkward position of your life). Then its a few tugs and pulls and twinges and voila...the dr. says we're done.  The whole thing takes about ten minutes!  That is the awesome part.

What is not so awesome is what comes next.  More waiting.  Waiting for the  anesthesia to ease it's way out of my system which for some reason always takes eons longer than promised.  My anesthesiologist, who was by the way very nice and did a great job, assured me that he didn't give me too much and that I'd be un-numb in an hour forty five. Tops. Once I could fully wiggle my toes, I got to graduate from the post op area with all of it's incessant monitor beeping to the upstairs short term care area with a lounger and Corey too.  I was very sore and couldn't quite stand yet, but was using all the positive juice I had and just knew it couldn't be long til all my feeling was back! Wrong again.  First of all, they won't let you leave until you can pee, second of all, you are way too numb to pee.  To cut to the chase, I waited a total of SEVEN hours form the time I received the anesthetic until the minute I was able to leave. People in waiting areas next to mine came and went.  In my pregnant state, complete with an aching abdomen, the need to eat a meal not just more ice chips and soda,  and the stress of my boys needing to be picked up from school clear across town, I was close to tears. It all worked out ok, but barely, and I mean we had exactly ten minutes to spare.

Phew!  It's over now and baby boy Reitz if safely stitched in.  Even after all of my whining and reluctance to embrace the surgery, it is all worth it, every second.

But I am glad it's done.

I

Kindergarten Bound

 

It finally came.  The big day.  This 5 year old has been waiting for this day all summer long...and was a little miffed when he found out he didn't get to start for several days after his big brother!  It just wasn't fair!  For breakfast, this boy wanted Lucky Charms and eggs, an unlikely combo but just what he requested. After a few quick pics at the front door, we were off!

Corey and I both were able to drop him off for the big first day.  He was chatting to Asher about playground rules on the way in and couldn't wait to get to class.  He ran in, found the desk with his name on it, then found his spot on the floor, all smiles.  When one little girl was brought in crying and sobbing he just looked at us and shrugged.  He just didn't get it:)  I, on the other hand, had to leave quickly after that.  The emotions surged up and I started tearing up.  I said good bye to Beck, put on my sunglasses and headed out the door with Corey.  I did ok after crying for a minute, and even toughened up enough to go to the Kinder meeting the school does every year.  Then after I came through the front door, the first thing I saw was 'Bubba' tossed onto the couch.  Beck, now a big boy at school had left his favorite stuffed animal on the couch right before walking out the door, and it made me cry all over again!  What a baby.

After school, the boys came home happily.  Beck proudly told me of how a little boy had tripped and fallen down and how he went back to help him get his lunch box and ask if he was ok.  I love stories like that.  Beck also confessed to me that he'd had a hard time with raising his hand when answering questions (because he will answer them all), but that lots of kids had that problem too.  It was sweet. He let me know that he ate ALL of his lunch too, which was truly astounding since they never seem to have enough time to do that...he must have really worked up an appetite! The boys had some rice krispy treats, and talked about their day, recess, other kids and teachers...all the fun stuff.  Then, we hit the homework, which for Beck, is really not much but seemed mountainous to him after such a long day at school.  I forget how tired they get after a full day at only 5 years old.  That's just one reason of several why full day Kinder is not my favorite thing. Not long after the homework struggle began, he fell asleep on the counter, with his homework next to his head.  Poor kid.

I am happy to say that this little boy had a great first day of kindergarten. I just love (and miss) my little school boys:)

Little Fish

We had a fun first this summer...SWIM TEAM!!  Asher decided to take the plunge this year and give it a go, becoming an official Sea Monkey (our pool's team name).  It was a great experience for him and he really took to it.  It was every morning for an hour and he was genuinely disappointed on the mornings we didn't go.  The cold morning pool water didn't deter him either (he does not get that from me).  He absolutely loved competing in the swim meets on Saturdays too, mostly for the stack of ribbons he came home with each week.  He had quite a stack of silky ribbons by the end of the season.  The city runs things with lots of positivity which I love;  every competitor gets a ribbon whether they are in first or 12th place.  Asher had many different colors of ribbons of his own, some of which were blue, red and yellow (1st, 2nd and 3rd).  His best events were the backstroke and butterfly, neither of which I can actually perform myself so I was very impressed with his 8 year old skills. The extra energy he burned through was a bonus too!

  Beck ran around with all the other little buddies with siblings doing swim team too...finding roly polys, chasing rabbits, building imaginary fires, shooting water guns and eating snacks.  We also signed him up for a few weeks of tennis lessons since they're at the same place. Tennis was fun and something different and he looked so cute with a little racket in hand.  Beck also did some swim lessons right after swim team for a few sessions.  We are thinking next year might be Beckett's year to try swim team too...we shall see!  He's not sure about it yet.

At the end of the summer, Asher qualified for the City Meet.  He loved competing in it and came home with a second place medal for the relay!  He tried his best and swam his little heart out.

 

 I'm so proud of my little swimmers and all the progress they made this summer!

Third Grader

 
Wowsers.  Asher started 3rd grade today!  Third grade is one I remember and it was a fun one. I just can't believe my boy is that old already! He was really excited to go back and couldn't wait to get going.  His pick for breakfast was bacon, eggs and toast, we packed up lunch and backpack, took a few fun pictures by the door, and off we went!

My confident, handsome little guy excitedly headed to class.  I love that he loves to go to school, and he does so well.  It definitely makes a mom proud.  I walked him to class, gave him a hug and home I went with my buddy (only for a few more days) Beck.  This is the first year I didn't cry on the first day!  Big step!

After school I picked him up and heard all about his first day...what he did at recess and who he played with, what the teacher said, etc.  I had cookies and milk waiting for him and the boys gobbled down enough of them that dinner was definitely threatened.  His first day had been great, and I am so glad he likes his teacher, friends and school.  Here's to a great 3rd grade year!

Familly Announcement

On Sunday night, we gathered the boys together for a "family meeting and announcement." They came down and sat on the couch, awaiting what they thought would be an fhe lesson or a new prize of some sort.  Nope on both counts.  Corey and I (both anxious and a little giddy) told the boys that we would be having a baby!  I am now 12 weeks, feeling at least a smidge less bleh and starting to feel that this is happening. Asher's first response was great.  He assumed we were talking about a family friend, and started getting excited about that when we stopped him and told him that OUR family would be having a new baby.  WHAT? REALLY?! in a high pitched voice. He looked straight at my stomach then to my face, then back to my stomach in disbelief.  Beckett just didn't see how that was possible and, stifling a laugh, said to me "but mom, you're tummy's not fat!" With eyes wide and a huge smile across his face, Asher was beyond excited, definitely surprised and genuinely very happy about the news. So sweet.  Beckett just stared at us smiling.  After a few minutes, his comment was, "we need to be careful of our little Legos." Yes, we agreed.  That was a good idea. He also thought a baby brother would be good, and that babies cried a lot which was not so good.  Asher's mind was racing with ideas of all the things we need to do.  He thought Corey should quit work and stay at home, and that we should get a new car.  Then he started thinking of things we might need, and was concerned with where the baby would sleep.  Little comments kept coming up all evening that made it obvious that the wheels in their curious little minds were turning like crazy. Corey told them they could talk to the baby, so they both took turns at that too.  Beckett thought we might be teasing and kept asking if we were really having a baby and when I tucked him in to bed, he looked at me and said, "are you really having a baby?"  Yes, we really are having a baby!  Then he wanted to tell the baby good night, so he put his head within and inch or two of my tummy and told the baby good night:)  I think this whole thing will seem like an eternity to these two excited brothers, but they'll just have to patiently wait with the rest of us to meet our newest little Reitz.

Here's to new adventure, and a new little human to add to our clan. 

Family Vacation

Oh! What fun we had on our recent trip.  We went to Utah to visit family, Idaho for the annual LRP reunion, and even had a lil' couples only trip to Seattle for a few days for me and Corey. Our trip was loaded with family time...even grandparents, which we were thrilled about.

The first night we were there happened to be the reception night for my cousin, Tay.  It was a unique celebration complete with crowns for the kiddos, delicious food, lots of renaissance flair and even a unicorn.  My kids were in awe of that last one.  We were finally able to meet my Grandma's husband...they were recently married and he was so sweet.  The kids gobbled up food, especially Beck, who was near devastation when we told him we were on our way out...they were just serving up the cake.  We stayed a bit longer and he patiently waited for a piece, funny boy.

My dad, now a passionate biker, coaxed Corey into a nice long bike ride on one morning.  He loves the sport and wants everyone else to love it too, to the point of sponsorship if you buy in a little. It's too funny, but I think it's great that he has such a love for something that's great for you too.  Way to go Corey for trying to keep up with him (my dad despises being passed)!

In Salt Lake, we hit up the Discovery Museum with the boys, and then Temple Square.  It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed taking it all in. We spent a day there before heading up to the family reunion in Idaho. We visited with my Grandma and Grandpa Pettit for a bit before driving out of town.  They are doing great, and I love that my boys were with us.  It never fails, my Grandma always has a treat to offer the boys. It was a fun flashback for me as she sat them down at the counter and offered them Fat Boys (delish ice cream sandwhiches), which they readily snagged and gobbled up.  Creamies and Fat Boys always remind me of my Grandma Pettit and I love that she hasn't changed that habit.  So fun for the kiddos.

 After the reunion, Corey and I flew to Seattle for a few days to celebrate our Anniversary (15 years, wahoooooo!).  We had fluctuated a bit with our plans over the past few months, but with several important factors at hand, we decided on something close, beautiful and fun, not to mention the reprieve from the hot weather.  It was a wonderful trip...Cheesecake Factory, Top Pot doughnuts, Ivar's (I was bitten by a seagull, ouch!), P.F. Chang's, Ivar's some more, Museums galore (including the Chihuli museum...amazing!), the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, a Mariner's Game, a Duck Tour (the boys would have LOVED this), Pike Place Market, Harbor Cruise, lots of walking, Monorail rides, shopping.  Whew!  We both love Seattle and lived near it during part of our lives so it has a special spot in our hearts but we'd only been here once together and it was a quick stop off before heading out to the beach.  This was our first time to experience the city together and we enjoyed every second we had. We missed the boys like crazy and talked to them lots, but we also know that these getaways are so good to take!  Thanks a gazillion to my mom and dad for entertaining our crazy boys for those days we were in Seattle, we could NOT have done it without you.  Thanks so much!

When we came back, besides loving on the boys a bunch, we spent more time with my family and all the cousins.  We went to Thanksgiving Point a couple of times.  There's a new museum there called the Curiousity Museum and although it was ridiculously crowded as things in Utah sometimes are, the boys loved it.  We also went to Seven Peaks a couple of times, getting stupidly sunburned the first time and being smart enough to reapply sunscreen and avoid a sunburn the second.  SO, SO much fun.  Cannot wait to come visit with everyone again.  Thanks for making our trip so amazing this year!