Alec's Blessing

The reason we came to Utah this weekend was for the Blessing of our new little nephew Alec. Today he received a beautiful blessing by his father Daniel. We're so glad we were able to be here and take part in such a special occasion. He is such a sweet little boy. He has such a laid back personality, always so calm and peaceful. We sure love that little guy and feel blessed to have him in our extended family.

Alec with his family:
Megan, Hadley, Daniel, & Alec

Papa & Grandma with their newest grandson


Georgia with Grandma and her brother Uncle Bill

After a great lunch at the park with family & friends it was time for us to get back on the road. We drove to Vegas for the night. The kids did really well, once again, and we were grateful. Here's hoping tomorrow goes just as well.

Thanks for such a great visit, Dan & Megan. We are so glad we were able to come and spend some time with you and take part in Alec's blessing. We love that Grandma & Papa were there too. Visiting with family is always such a wonderful treat. We love you all.

**Back at home today I was sustained as the new Enrichment Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. Bishop called me on Friday while we were driving to Salt Lake for lunch and extended the call. He felt bad about doing it over the phone, but I was ok with it. Looks like I am going to be very busy once we get home. But I'm excited to serve.

Hill AFB Museum

The plan for today was to check out the airplane museum at Hill Air Force Base. As we pulled through the gates I got all excited seeing the airplanes and once we got into the museum... I could not wait to check it all out. I was surprised by just how big the place was and how many airplanes they had. I called my dad and asked him a few questions about the planes he had worked on and then went searching. They had an SR-71, an F-15 & 16, but no F1-17. {Yet.}

As I was really getting into the planes I see John hurrying to wipe something off the floor. I ran over to discover that Jake had thrown up. And that ended our day at the museum. We did what we could to get him all cleaned up, went into the children's room where Grandma had Georgie, and then headed back to Dan & Megan's with our sick little boy.

The rest of the day was spent caring for our poor baby boy. And it was a rough one.
We'll have to go back and really tour the museum the next time we're in Utah.

Day in the SLC

Today we met Grandma & Papa for lunch in Salt Lake at Litza's for pizza and the best Ranch dressing around. After lunch we went next door for treats at the Hostess store. {John had to stock up on his Raspberry filled powered donuts since they are only sold in Utah and Washington now}.

Then we headed to Great Grandma's to visit with her some more. Georgie & Great Grandma Buhler {Geraldine DeLores Chapman Buhler}

Four Generations: Great Grandma, John, Jacob, Georgie, & Judith

While we were there, Grandma got out a bucket of the ugliest toys I have ever seen. They were dated in the early 1980's but I don't remember seeing them as a kid at all! But Jake had a great time playing with them. This one isn't that bad, but some of the others were terrifying... and I'm not kidding! At first glance I thought they were He-Man guys, but after a thorough search I knew they were not He-Man. Anyone know what/who they are?

Our evening ended with dinner and dear friends at The Cheesecake Factory. What can beat good friends, good food, and cheesecake?!!? It was so great to visit with Melanie, Tom & Lindsy. Thanks guys for coming. I miss you like crazy & so loved spending the evening catching up. After dinner we got our cheesecake to go and headed over to Lindsy's house to continue our visit. I so wish we all lived closer. I miss my peeps. Remember, you're welcome at our home anytime!! Can't wait to see Mel & Tom in October for our yearly trip to Disneyland. {The rest of ya'll are welcome too!}

The girls: Melanie, Lindsy, me, Georgie

"Uncle" Tom, "Auntie" Melanie, me, Georgie, Jake & John

Strike!

Our first full day at Hadley's house started with stories with Grandma,

bonding with Alec,

getting comfy in Hadley's chair,

and telling each other stories.

Then we went bowling!

Everyone showed off their bowling skills. {Some had more than others}

We had the best cheerleaders!

What a great day. Totally relaxing and fun.

"Are We At Hadley's House?"

Well, the drive to Mesquite went really well. The kids did great. They watched a little "Wow, Wow Wubzy", slept, checked out the surroundings, and slept some more. I don't think it could've gone more smoothly.

Too bad getting a room didn't go as smoothly.

After pretty much getting the 'no vacancy' sign at 3 hotels at 1am, we tried the Best Western. {I wasn't thrilled with the idea... sometimes they don't have very clean rooms.} They had a room... and a breakfast buffet... and it was very clean and well decorated, with comfy beds I might add. It's a shame the kids were wide awake and not wanting to use those comfy beds.

This morning we were up bright and early -- after hardly sleeping at all -- and back on the road by 9. Again, the kids did really well. We were completely impressed with them. They played together for awhile, took naps, watched more Wubzy, and Jake repeatedly asked, "are we at Hadley's house?"

We stopped in Nephi for lunch.

Jake was a sweet boy & shared with his sister.

We stopped in Midvale to visit with Great Grandma Buhler, Grandma & Papa.

Georgie was done sitting!

Then we made the final leg of our journey... to Hadley's house.

Jake was so excited to see her. He ran right up the stairs, went in, and started to play. She must've been pretty excited for his arrival as well. When we pulled up she was waiting at the window for us. As soon as I opened the car door she was asking for Jacob.

We got to meet Alec. He's adorable and so tiny. Georgie loves to point at him and make a little noise. Jake keeps saying, "he's so cute". They're all pretty darn cute, if you ask me.

We're looking forward to our days together.

Pirate Play

While I packed & got things ready for our road trip to Utah this evening, Jake & Kyle went in search of pirate booty.

I love their imaginations at this age!!

Thanks to Heather for coming and keeping Jake & Georgie entertained for a little while.

Tonight we leave for Utah. We plan on stopping in Mesquite for the night, hopefully helping the kids from going crazy in the car. ;)

Sacrifice

Today we honor those who have sacrificed for this great country. Thank you for your service and dedication. Because of you we live in the Land of the Free.

~~~~~

Today we also honored & cheered on a few dear friends who ran in the LA Marathon. Their sacrifice was much different, but a sacrifice none the less.

26.2 is grueling.

And I am so proud of their accomplishment.

At mile marker 15 we cheered as Kiersten & Nathan, Jessica, and Phil ran past. Seeing them was inspirational.

But being there as they rounded the last corner at mile 25.5 was absolutely amazing. Seeing their faces light up as the saw the finish line brought tears to my eyes. They had arrived. The end was in sight. They had completed the gigantic feat that is 26.2.

I am so proud of them.

What an accomplishment.

It was such an inspirational day.

Congrats to: Kiersten & Nathan, Jessica, Phil, Belinda, Janet, Briana & Bret, Frank, Oscar & James... completely in awe of your dedication and sacrifice today.

Atlantis Arrived.

When I woke up this morning and learned that the Space Shuttle Atlantis would be landing at Edwards Air Force Base I got all giddy with excitement. I felt like a kid again and was excited to share this special moment in history with Jacob and Georgie.

First, we hopped online at NASA.com and tracked it's arrival.


Then, MSNBC started its coverage and watched as it grew from a puff of smoke to an "airplane" right before our eyes.


I opened the front door and living room windows so we could hear the BOOM as it breaks the sound barrier. I also prepared the kids so it wouldn't scare them.

As soon as we heard it, tears welled in my eyes.
I pulled my babies close to me and we snuggled as that amazing ship touched down.

Once it was home, safe & sound, Jake & I talked about how it flies in space near the moon and stars. I told him how it's a rocket ship that blasts into space and comes home like an airplane. We talked about the astronauts and he asked if they were space aliens. He was shocked when I said no. I used a ball as the earth and explained the sound barrier and how they fly around in space. He was intent on listening. He was fascinated and amazed. Just like me.

I grew up with the Space Shuttle. It's part of who I am. That Sonic Boom is familiar and reminds me of home.

I get excited every time it lands, but especially when it lands so close to home.

Next year the Space Shuttle program will retire.
It makes me sad already.

Shopping for Essentials

Heather & I have been talking for months about needing to buy new nursing bras, but haven't acted on it because it means a trip to Nordstrom and that means big bucks. But... today was the day! With all four kids in tow we headed to the Galleria {hoping to take advantage of Memorial Day sales}.

The boys had a great time pushing elevator buttons, playing underneath the dressing room doors, and riding on the escalator.

{Georgie & Drew just hung out in their strollers the whole time}

Thankfully we both found what we needed.
Although they weren't in stock.
At least Nordstrom will send them straight to us.
And... of course in our size... No sales.

Since we were right across the street, we went to Robins Brothers to get my wedding ring inspected & cleaned. Everyone got a little crazy in there... until the receptionist finally showed us the kids play area. {It took her about 10 minutes of kids jumping up & down on the couch, arguing over chairs, and yelling... um, yah, thanks. You could've saved us all a little sanity by telling us when we walked in. Oh well. It worked out anyway.}

Finally we made our way to In-n-Out for lunch. Yum, yum, yum.

Thanks Heather for making the trip with me! Hopefully the things we ordered actually fit when they arrive, otherwise another trip is in order.

Later in the afternoon Heather called to say they were heading to the pool. We joined them once Jake woke up from his nap and the dishwasher repair guy left. {Our dishwasher has been out of order for 3 weeks.... it's been awful!!! Hopefully it is finally fixed correctly!} When we got there all Jake did was whine & cry. Georgie jumped right in and played. Not Jake. It was frustrating. He wanted to be held. He wanted to eat. He wanted to go home. He was upset when anyone would talk to him. Eventually we packed up and came home.

And then he whined that he wanted to swim.
Seriously?

No more naps for him.
Because after all that... he was awake until 11 o'clock tonight.

That does not work for me!

Family History Friday

The Brothers, Part 2: John's brother

George Scott was born on 23 October 1975 in Murray, Utah. He was the second son, just two years younger than John. As a little guy Scott was always trying to keep up with his big brother. One time when he was just 18 months old he was chasing John through the kitchen in his footie-jammies, slipped, and ended up in a cast with a broken foot. It didn't slow him down... not one little bit. He continued chasing John and enjoying the life of a toddler. He was a very good natured kid, he'd hardly ever get mad at anything.

Scott was always involved in extra-curricular activities. When he was younger he played soccer and basketball, in high school he played the trumpet in the band and wrestled. He is also good musician, he's a self-taught guitar player, plays the piano, ukulele, as well as the trumpet. Scott has also taught himself to juggle. {With all his talents, who needs to hire entertainment for birthday parties?}

After spending a year at BYU, studying hard and playing in the marching band, Scott was called to serve the Lord in the Japan Kobe Mission. Another of Scott's talents was learning the Japanese language. He loved the two years he spent in Japan and when he returned to BYU he continued studying the language and culture with a minor in Japanese. During his junior he met Gretchen and they were married shortly after they both graduated in 1999. This summer will be their 10th anniversary.

They may have thought their time in Provo was over after graduation, but about five years later they found themselves back there, as students, all over again. Scott returned to his alma mater to complete the MBA program. This time their Provo experience included two little babies and another on the way. Together they made the best of their time, Scott excelled in school and Gretchen through herself into the MBASA.

Today they are living across the country from Utah {& us... boo!}. Their family has grown a little bigger, now they have one beautiful little girl {Abigail} and 3 boys {Sterling, Miles & Ashton} who keep them very, very busy. Scott continues to be the laid back, good natured guy John grew up with. He's even picked up a new hobby... ham radio.

breaker, breaker, niner, niner...

Refreshing

Headed to the pool this afternoon to cool off with friends.

It was so refreshing!
I'm loving these summer days.

more support for why I do things the way I do.

Childbirth: Can the U.S. Improve?

I say not unless there's a massive change in the way women {& men} view childbirth.

It's not an illness.
Our bodies were created for it.

I'll do mine at home.

Keepin' Entertained

This afternoon while Heather & I caught up on the Bachelorette, Jake & Kyle made mud pies in the backyard. We didn't mind, it kept them entertained... a mom's gotta do, what a mom's gotta do sometimes. {and, i'm pretty excited about this season... there are a couple of good guys to choose from. although i am a little disappointed in a few she chose to keep, especially "hot tub harris & you little minx" guy. yuck. he would've been the first guy i eliminated.}

~~~~~~~

Every night before going to bed I check on the kids. Tonight I had to laugh when I found Georgie.

Thankfully she hadn't tried to turn over yet!

Too Cute

Georgie is obsessed with shoes right now.
All day long she's going through the shoe basket looking for the perfect pair to match her outfit. Sometimes she wears Daddy's shoes, sometimes Mommy's, but most of the time she chooses Jake's. Tonight she found his rain boots, slipped them on, and was the happiest {& most matched} little girl around!

A Day of Play

After a morning at the park, where Jake has decided it's lots of fun to use the tree as his own public restroom {if only he'd learn how to pull up his own pants!! he walked all the way across the park with his pants down around his ankles so I would help him.}, we headed to our favorite place with Kiersten & Henry.

Those boys sure love trains.
And they're so cute together.

We had a great afternoon at Mickey's house.