Familiar Faces and Utah Fun Friday

Here is the first of several installments about our Utah trip. I decided to leave on a Friday September 5 to make a little more out of the short time we would have there. This meant I signed myself up to flying with three kids with a 2 hour lay over. (Great ticket price). We picked Mia up from school which turned out to be a sad point. Fun Friday at school doesn't start until 1 or so. I tried to console her with thoughts of airplanes and seeing our Utah family, but nothing trumps Fun Friday. She came along. I think that we had more luggage then people coming. I must say traveling with kids means tons of luggage. We had to take all three car seats as well as the double stroller. The amount of clothes could have fit into a carry on. Oh well, such is life. Lucky for us, our good friend and neighbor willingly took us to the airport in her van. We barely fit. I came prepared with snacks and personal viewing devices, but still it wasn't right. We blew through the snacks and no one was interested in the movies I rented to watch on the nano and ipod. They were relatively good. The flights were short which was good considering Tiago was over the whole airplane excitement a few minutes after take off. I was banking on naps that no one took and gratefully we only had a mini melt down for about 20 minutes. What could one expect when we left Texas at 2:45 and arrived in Utah at 9 pm Texas time?

When we arrived, Grandma and Grandpa were ready to take over and I focused on the easy part of finding the luggage. It was way past their bedtime and we still had to get our car rental. I had reserved a full size vehicle. The kind employee of Enterprise noticed the excessive luggage and offered a free upgrade to a mini van or SUV. I actually predicted this since no one these days is really wanting to rent a gas guzzler. I happily took the Sienna and made my way north to Bountiful and my sister's home. My kids were in heaven. Not only did the house have three levels of toy wonderland, Liam was a fun playmate, and Angela had two kitties to play with.






This had to wait for after a good night's rest. I elected to sleep between Tiago and Mia on a queen size bed for various reasons. One, I didn't want them to fight at this stage of the game. It had already been a long day and we didn't need any more delays for sleep. I also remember that one time we slept over at a friend's house and Mia woke up disoriented and shrieking. Hopefully my kids would sense me there and self regulate before waking up the household. Also, Talia was in a nearby pack and play and I really needed to keep feeding times short and sweet. I was able to enjoy seeing everyone get some good sleep.

Happy Birthday TWO Us!

Just like April, September brings birthdays in bunches. September 22 and 23 bring us 'one year older and wiser too'. This year, I had a little more difficulty getting revved up for my special day. No, it isn't because I'm getting older. Please, I almost have a six year old. I hope that I am at least age appropriate for that. I think it just isn't really exciting to have a day all about me. I was really excited for Tiago who has been excited to turn 3 for weeks may be more.

Monday 22 of Sept: For weeks, I have been hoping for the perfect morning. Definition of the perfect morning: I wake up happy and near the point of whistling because of the extensive sleep I got the night before. The kids wake up pleasant and ready to obey. I do my school mom chores and get breakfast and kids ready in time to walk to school. Such was this morning. The walk to school was even better with the crisp morning air. To make matters better, I actually followed a prompting I had, the first time. I saw a fellow church member who was about to drop his kids off at another friend's house since his wife was out of town. I had already done a watching shift for them the Friday prior so I understood what needed to happen. I felt as if I should offer to watch the kids just in case the other person couldn't. I ended up with one of the boys and was happy to have been trusted again with promptings. Also, since Mia has been at school, Tiago lacks and energetic playmate. This boy busied Tiago enough for me to make my new favorite treat for my birthday dinner, Pumpkin Muffins. The best part about my birthday is that Fernando was able to come home early. And even though he was passed out with exhaustion, it was nice to have him there. I had in mind breakfast for dinner with quiche, homemade Jamba Juice and the pumpkin muffins as my "cake". Fernando wouldn't hear of it and even though I had already cooked the quiche and muffins, I was whisked to Carino's to enjoy a heavenly dinner with excellent company. Side bonus is that Monday night is Family Night at the restaurant which meant the family portions meant to feed 3 people (more like 5) were at the price of a single entree. I ordered Chicken Penne Gorgonzola
(Sliced grilled chicken and fresh mushrooms sautéed in garlic and tossed with penne pasta in a creamy gorgonzola cheese sauce and garnished with fresh roma tomatoes) with a Blackberry Italian soda. Mia had a try of the soda, tipped back her head, closed her eyes and breathed out "heavenly". All was true. We had so much extra, I also got the gift of delicious leftovers. After words, I was taken to the mall to buy a new Sunday outfit. I didn't find much I loved except for a cute skirt. (Still nursing so I have limited options.) I also got serenaded by several on the phone, including a Birthday song in Spanish. Now that's awesome.

Tuesday 23 of Sept: Not so whistely, but still a good morning. Mia and I sang Tiago awake and he didn't stop smiling for the rest of the day. I had a quiche and muffins uneaten from last night which made me feel like I was making his day special. Presents from Mama Clara, Papa Juan, and the Tias had to be opened so we ended up driving quickly to school just in time for class to start. The day was spent reading and rereading the truck books the Tovars sent. Fernando came home early again, but rested and ready to take Tiago to his namesake restaurant. That's right 2 miles from our house one can find a Tiago's Cabo Grille. We all felt pretty cool about that. Mia had a school assignment to take this class fish (a stuffed Nemo) to a place and write about it. She insisted that Tiago's restaurant would be the best place. The food was over priced for the quality. I would say it was like the Mayan, but burnt. We got free dessert that was heaven. . . A chocolate cake with a hint of cinnamon smothered in gooey chocolate sauce and served with a side of cinnamon ice cream. In the words of Rachael Ray, "Yum-O". He opened some Disney car movie paraphernalia and we called it a night.

Thanks to all who wished us well and for the rest, thoughts do count even if they were delayed.

Pretty amazing phone!

Awhile ago, I decided to keep one of my promises and get Fernando the new 3G iphone. After days to waiting and looking and hoping, some black phones became available in our state. (YES, our State) Unfortunately, it was several hours drive away. Fernando contemplated the trip, but realized that was slightly and only slightly ridiculous. Finally it arrived a mere 30 minute drive from our home. With love in my heart and 3 kids, I headed to the store imagining a smooth walk in walk out $200 transaction. In reality, I found a seemingly short line to get into the store to talk with a blue shirted Apple employee about getting a phone. I walked to the back of the line and tried to entertain the kids. The first 20 minutes made me question my plans. The next 20 toyed with my will power. I heard several people talk about the craziness of the line and those standing in it, but I persevered. The next hour and a half was sheer determination to get that phone at all cost. The real cost came to the poor remote controlled super toy kiosk worker. My kids were highly entertained and eventually peeled away kicking and screaming to finally go inside the store. In the end, we got a great phone with lots of perks. Commonly used features:

3G wireless technology: because we are internet junkies and love to look up whatever whenever we want

GPS: sometimes we use this for kicks while driving even if we know exactly where we are and where we are going (best time used was finding Antelope Island)

Phone: this combined with the internet look up allows for lazy calling and email sending

Camera: as you can see not too shabby

Fall is Here

Fall brings many good things. Cooler weather, football, animal migrations, and school. Our fall has been fantastic on all points.

The start of school brought lots of emotions, but not the ones you'd think. Mia started kindergarten, full day kindergarten none the less. Knowing that kindergarten would be the starting point of full day away from home education, she never went to preschool. I was very apprehensive knowing how slow to warm up she can be and sometimes allowing people to walk all over her. I was nervous about friends or the lack there of, school lunch, recess, and bathroom successes. (Not that she isn't potty trained just doesn't ask until it's a little too close for comfort). Such fears have been handled well and aside from a few accidents, she's loving it.

She loves it so much that when we surprised her at lunch, she decided to stay with her friends at her table. Fernando was worried that it bothered me or made me sad she didn't want to sit with us/me. On the contrary. I was so glad that she felt included and confidant.

We had decided to walk in the mornings and bus home after school. Several other moms in the neighborhood had the same idea. I wonder what it looks like to all the people seeing this mommy crew pump up a ridiculous incline in order to get their school children and younger siblings to the school. This same hill is used frequently for the near by High School's track team for intense workouts. I am by far the most out of shape mom. Mind you I am pushing a weighty Graco DuoGlider Stroller with Tiago in front asking if I'm sweaty and Mia holding Talia in the back. The kids alone weigh almost 100 pounds! Still, it hurts the pride when I see a fellow mom who is pregnant leaving the school before I get there with a loaded stroller. I take it in stride. What I am lacking in cardio capacity, I have made up for with petitioning the school's transportation system to change the bus route. Many phone calls brought the bus stop much closer to ours and our friends' homes.


Mia's thoughts about school "I like fun Fridays. We do fun stuff like catch gingerbread mans. On fun Fridays i have a bessert at lunch. (Bee-ssert= dessert). I am learning how to sort by color and other things. I can write my name from head to toe. Sibley is my friend. She plays with me." I also love fun Fridays. They seem to have a hat for the kids to make with each theme. She's always wearing her hat on the bus ride home. This last Friday nearly took my breath away as Mia descended the steps of the bus with an Uncle Sam like hat. Where is the camera when you need it.

Tiago is doing ok. Mia and him are best friends. It becomes very apparent when he starts wanting to eat because he is bored or when we go to a Library Storytime and he won't budge from my leg. If Mia were there, they would have found a spot together with good view of the book. He has taken a new role as oldest in the house. He often talks about how Talia will one day grow older like him. Meanwhile, he is my big helper. Since I can't rely on Mia and Tiago keeping each other busy, I just add Tiago to whatever chore I am doing. He helps me weed, clean, and cook in exchange for book time and singing church songs. His favorites are "I am a Child of God" both verses (meaning the 1st and 2nd) and When Jesus Christ was Baptized. Every time we are doing yard work, he finds a new friend. One day it was a slug in need of a home. Tiago made him a comfortable place out of recent grass clippings from the edger. Shown here:
Lightning McQueen is Tiago's side kick usually.

A few days ago, he found a grub. I was less then excited to even approach it with gloves, but Tiago didn't mind. He even asked if he could eat it. I gave the green light, but luckily, he decided to carry it around for quite sometime and opt for licking our tree in the back instead.

We have already run the gauntlet of miscreant behaviors (mostly on account of me) including being tardy twice, unexcused week of absence, parking illegally in a handicap spot because it was the only one available and barely missing a police officer, forgetting homework, grumpiness, unkempt hair, and BO. The learning curve is steep, but I will master the morning routine. Goal is to have worked out, showered, prepared breakfast and school lunch all before 7am then walk with the kids to school as we recite motivational scriptures and notice the beauty of the earth. I'll let you know when it happens.

The unexcused absence was due to a family vacation up to Utah for family and football. Intern year brings limited time off. Two weeks to be exact. The rules are quite strict about when you take the two one week vay cay. After careful meaningful discussion we requested September in order to catch a game. The week we got happened to be the fantastic BYU UCLA game. This section deserves its own post so you'll have to wait.

Olympic Influence

Talia and Fernando watching the games together
Though the Olympics are gone, our family has noticed several residual influences. Our DVR allowed us to record and fast forward hours of events in order to capture the unique and entertaining. Some favorites are: Race Walking with its swaying hips and incredible heal toe action, Rhythmic Gymnastics showing us all that hula hoops and ropes can be graceful appendages, Synchronized Swimming ok actually synchronized anything to name a few. Martin Short clip is funny but the "I know You" part doesn't compare to the flips and lights coming from the real deal.

Some fun family moments:

To feel more apart of the host country, we went to Panda Express. Nothing says China like Americanized gooey "Chinese Food".

We held our own mini Rhythmic Gymnastics with a children's lawnmower and inflatable sprinkler ball. You can judge for yourself the quality of performance. (Tiago is singing Life is a Highway from Disney's the Car Movie and Mia is making up something fun like she often does.)

Caverns

With an ad boasting temperatures of 68 degrees year round family fun minutes from San Antonio, one wonders why we took so long to get to the Caverns. The ad was misleading in several ways. The temperature was 68 but living caves are loaded with water and its natural offspring of humidity. No bother, it still was refreshing to be out of the sun and active.
Family fun? Well, Fernando and I really enjoyed learning about the intricacies of living caves like the fact that constant dripping water helps the cave to grow with minerals and such. Or the water in the cave is fairly clean dripping from the rocks and well all took a risky sip. The kids on the other hand were bored and were confused why we drove and waited almost an hour for our tour of a cave. Talia was equally unimpressed and slept most of the time.

I only now realize the frustration of my parents when they dragged us off to some "exciting" place and we didn't even try to enjoy it. I guess frustration isn't the word. The feeling is one of "next time we'll just pull out the hose and run around the backyard for good, cheap fun". I also want to point out that our new high school graduate tour guide was sporting the latest fashion and was apparent every time she bent over which felt excessive. Whomever decided that thongs should be visible any other place besides one's feet was mistaken. Even the one young and single guy turning away in disgust.
Complaints aside, I am glad we went. This earth is too amazing to miss. Besides, how often can you see a waterfall underground?

Not Slippery When Wet

A few days ago, I made a ridiculously long trip up to the San Marcos outlets in hopes of buying some school clothes for Mia. Unfortunately, most of our options were spasmodic tie dye wonders and too short of shorts. I wasn't about to let the funky trends ruin my trip. We stopped in at toy store and purchased some exciting water toys: A large beach ball that shoots water from three separate holes and the classic Slip and Slide. We managed to waste several hours perusing other stores and eventually made it home. Side note. Fernando usually comes home around dinner time everyday. The outlet day he some how was magically off at 2 pm. Bummer. I did have my cell phone, but I don't think it has been charged in weeks. End of note.

We have had many opportunities to utilize the ball of wonder including in some spontaneous "Olympic Events" (to be posted later). Today though, we pulled out all the stops and the slip n' slide for some crazy fun. Determining the front yard to have the greater slope, we busted out the slide to find no instructions, and only 4 of the necessary 8 pegs. I say necessary, but without the instructions, how could one really be sure. At this point, there was no turning back. While setting it up, I got a strong whiff of poop. I took some investigative looks and sniffs to discover cat droppings very near our site of slipping (and on my big toe. . .I am somewhat to blame since I didn't have my contacts in). I attempted complete removal using a jimmy rigged, short noticed, my kids need to get on the slide pronto technique. Didn't work. I hosed it off as best I could and tried to think open thoughts.

Time to slide or so you would think. The water was spraying everywhere but the slide and even I couldn't muster enough speed to get a good slide (yes, I did try a few slips which wasn't a modest idea with my white BYU shirt!) Did that stop anyone?