Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Welcome Home Elder Walton
This weekend was another crazy one! It was actually quite fun to do a trip with Bryce and the kids after having a trip without them. I seriously missed them. I think living the "single" life (obviously, not completely single, lol) reminded me that I just love my life. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband and 3 adorable children who love me more than anything.
We decided to drive down to San Diego to welcome home Elder Jordan Walton from the New York New York South Mission (I hope that's right). He spent most his mission in Queens and uber ghetto places. I just love and adore Jordan. He's my cousin and since he was a younger boy, we never hung out much... ya know... a 16 yr old girl doesn't hang with 10 yr old boys much. But, as we got older, we've had some really sweet conversations. I've really felt his sweet spirit, even when he told me he was an Athiest or something like that... I adored him every minute.
It was so neat to hear about his mission and to hear his talk in church. He didn't even have notes! And he totally got me wanting to be more obedient and love more. Impressive Jordan! Gosh. He is just so cute!
We drove down Saturday morning. It usually is a 4 hour drive without traffic... I use the term "usually" loosely... as it is only 4 hours if you drive in the middle of the night. We drove on Saturday hoping it wouldn't be too bad... it was. 5.5 hours later, we arrived at the Waltons.
My Aunt Sarah invited us to stay at their home, which was so nice! Because that meant babies could take naps easier and that after babies went to sleep we could hang out with everyone rather than leaving to a hotel for their bedtimes.
Their home is seriously immaculate!! I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. There are like 3 separated seating areas out back by the pool. I wish I had my camera, I would have tried to take some nice photos of our family back there. haha.
Sarah kept everyone fed... she had tons of food. Dylan loved floating in the raft in the pool. We took the girls for their first swim... they loved it! They splashed like crazy. We hung out with everyone and chatted. It was really nice to catch up with everyone. We don't see extended family too often and we definitely don't travel much with baby twins.
Who was there: Grandma Bert, Grandpa Bob, Uncle Bob, Uncle Dave, Aunt Sarah, Cousins Tessa, Christa, Jordan, Devin and his wife Stephanie, Dave's parents, Jordan's friends.
I am so grateful to everyone who helped with our kids. We were the only ones there with little ones. I just loved everyone holding the babies and playing with Dylan. Dave's parents took Dylan out by the pool and played with him for a couple hours, then Dylan was inside playing with the guys (Jordan and Devin and their friends). He seriously thought he was so cool sitting with them. He climbed all over them and just adored them! It was so cute. I loved everyone playing with him. The girls got plenty of love too... which was needed in that huge house, I couldn't carry them both with me everywhere! I think Stephanie gets the award for holding them the most. I couldn't believe how much Dave and Sarah took the girls and even Dylan when they were busy hosting so many people. It was so sweet. I just love my family, and I'm grateful I could be there even though my parents nor siblings were able to make it.
We decided to drive down to San Diego to welcome home Elder Jordan Walton from the New York New York South Mission (I hope that's right). He spent most his mission in Queens and uber ghetto places. I just love and adore Jordan. He's my cousin and since he was a younger boy, we never hung out much... ya know... a 16 yr old girl doesn't hang with 10 yr old boys much. But, as we got older, we've had some really sweet conversations. I've really felt his sweet spirit, even when he told me he was an Athiest or something like that... I adored him every minute.
It was so neat to hear about his mission and to hear his talk in church. He didn't even have notes! And he totally got me wanting to be more obedient and love more. Impressive Jordan! Gosh. He is just so cute!
We drove down Saturday morning. It usually is a 4 hour drive without traffic... I use the term "usually" loosely... as it is only 4 hours if you drive in the middle of the night. We drove on Saturday hoping it wouldn't be too bad... it was. 5.5 hours later, we arrived at the Waltons.
My Aunt Sarah invited us to stay at their home, which was so nice! Because that meant babies could take naps easier and that after babies went to sleep we could hang out with everyone rather than leaving to a hotel for their bedtimes.
Their home is seriously immaculate!! I couldn't believe how beautiful it was. There are like 3 separated seating areas out back by the pool. I wish I had my camera, I would have tried to take some nice photos of our family back there. haha.
Sarah kept everyone fed... she had tons of food. Dylan loved floating in the raft in the pool. We took the girls for their first swim... they loved it! They splashed like crazy. We hung out with everyone and chatted. It was really nice to catch up with everyone. We don't see extended family too often and we definitely don't travel much with baby twins.
Who was there: Grandma Bert, Grandpa Bob, Uncle Bob, Uncle Dave, Aunt Sarah, Cousins Tessa, Christa, Jordan, Devin and his wife Stephanie, Dave's parents, Jordan's friends.
I am so grateful to everyone who helped with our kids. We were the only ones there with little ones. I just loved everyone holding the babies and playing with Dylan. Dave's parents took Dylan out by the pool and played with him for a couple hours, then Dylan was inside playing with the guys (Jordan and Devin and their friends). He seriously thought he was so cool sitting with them. He climbed all over them and just adored them! It was so cute. I loved everyone playing with him. The girls got plenty of love too... which was needed in that huge house, I couldn't carry them both with me everywhere! I think Stephanie gets the award for holding them the most. I couldn't believe how much Dave and Sarah took the girls and even Dylan when they were busy hosting so many people. It was so sweet. I just love my family, and I'm grateful I could be there even though my parents nor siblings were able to make it.
LA Weekend with Sara
Two weekends ago, April 12-14, my best friend from high school, Sara, flew in to LA to meet me for a weekend just for the girls! LA is about 2 hours south of Bako. It was just so much fun. Here's why...
Thursday night, I drove down to my Uncle Bob's place to spend the night and then pick up Sara first thing in the morning. I didn't want to wake up at 3AM to get ready and drive down to get her at the airport at 8:30... so, I came down the night before. On my drive down, I was getting really sad. I may have shed a few tears. I can't remember the last time I was in a car by myself for that long... and I couldn't believe I wasn't enjoying the peace and quiet. I got really homesick. I came prepared and had my new bluetooth all set up so that I could make calls while I drove. The car is a little louder on the road than our van, so it was kind of a pain, but it still really helped kill the time. I really did keep sinking down to tears if I wasn't on the phone. I called Bryce, heard some cute little baby sounds and Dylan said, "Hi Mommy! I love you! I miss you so much!" That did me in.
My little girls are both momma's girls. I literally cannot walk by them without picking them up... or else they just cry. I'm not kidding. I felt so guilty for leaving them without their mommy for 3 days. They are 8 months old now. So, I may have cried a bit on the drive.
Then, I arrived at Bob's house (neighbor to Justin Bieber - I heard he spit on someone, what a kook - I'm sad we didn't go find his house though, haha - something about famous people is fascinating that they have normal lives and homes). Bob wasn't home from work yet, so I was a bit out of sorts... it was so quiet. It is NEVER quiet like that in my home. Even if kids are all asleep, there are noisemakers going and I'm at my computer typing away... ahem... like now.
I survived a night alone. lol.
Then, I had to get up uber early, sorry to Sara, I didn't want to get up before 6:45, so she had to wait a bit at the airport... LA traffic is awesomely not awesome.
OK... now... HERE's why the weekend was so much fun...
Friday - we headed to Santa Monica Pier. Chilled on the beach. Couldn't believe Mexicans set up shop right in front of us to sell things on the beach. Ugh. Saw the place where my siblings and I will be trapezing in a few short weeks. Eeek!
Then, we headed to Hollywood. Checked out the stars and prints at the Chinese Theatre. Went to Rodeo Drive, took photos with the Hollywood Sign and a Beverly Hills sign. Got yummy smoothies... spent awhile picking all the blueberries out of our teeth. Megan (one of my besties from my mission) came to meet us for a Tour of the Stars' Homes. So much fun. I love her. We saw Michael Jackson's place, the Bewitched stars' place, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air home, a bunch of other names, I can't remember. ha. It was cool.
We topped off the evening at The Cheesecake Factory with Bob and his ex-girlfriend (he was very clear she is his ex). So fun. Thanks Bob!
Saturday - we went to Time Out for Women in Pasadena. At the end of our trip we both felt like this was by far the coolest part of the whole trip. Which is just crazy for my mind to grasp because we were all over LA doing fun things... but TOFW is just soooo inspiring, motivating, uplifting, etc. I just loved it. I would go back this weekend if I could. I laughed, I cried, I left feeling so blessed and feel so much clarity about my life and where I want to be. They also gave a shout out to Women for Decency, which was awesome!
Saturday night we went back to Bob's, ate our leftovers and made our shirts for the next day to be spent at The Price is Right.
Sunday - woke up early, again! 3 days in a row... seriously, what kind of vacation is that?? We had to be at the Price is Right by 8AM, or so we thought. We got there on time. We had priority tickets, so we got in right away. We stood in line for awhile. Chatted. We were pretty boring. My eyes just wanted to close, I was tired. Finally, we got our nametags, they took our picture... but, we had to buy it... and I didn't want to pay for that... but, I promise, that picture was awesome. :)
We went to a new line. I thought they would release us for a bit... but no such luck. They watch you from about 8-12 deciding who they will choose. They file about 15 people in line to interview at one time. They ask, "What do you do?" and I believe they don't really care... they just want something crazy and to see how fun you are. Then, you go back and can get food. Still stuck in the cbs studios... well, out. It was cold. Better than hot, I guess.
The filming was at 12:30, they finally filed us into our places. It's a seating chart. We got right in the center 4th row back. So, at least we made it on camera... sadly, we weren't chosen!! We so wanted to win something!! Dang it. Oh well. At least the annoying guy behind us who was way overzealous in line didn't get on either. They apparently don't like fakeness either.
It was really long, boring, then weird. hahaha. I feel so negative. It was fun. I'm really glad we did it.
My shirt said, "My TWINS want me to WINS!" and Sara's said, "Rub here for GOOD LUCK!" on her pregnant belly.
It was neat, but you're just an actor for them. They tell you to scream louder, they make you shut up, sit down, stand up, yell out prices, etc. It's hard to see any of it because of three huge cameras blocking your view. I probably get way more into from home than I did sitting in the audience. Maybe I'm just annoyed bc we didn't get picked. lol.
We finished off the day shopping at The Grove, which is right next to CBS. We mostly just sat and chatted. I was excited there was a Dylan's Candy Bar, never heard of it before. But, it's filled with all sorts of candy. I got Dylan a shark, frog, and teeth candy. He was in heaven when I brought it home! Plus, he loved that the bag had his name on it.
Fun fun weekend. I seriously love Sara. This weekend could not have been better, so glad we did it together. I know, I need photos.
I feel like blogger has made it more complicated to add photos. I used to be able to write while they uploaded and now I can't... so I just don't have the patience to add the photos.
Thursday night, I drove down to my Uncle Bob's place to spend the night and then pick up Sara first thing in the morning. I didn't want to wake up at 3AM to get ready and drive down to get her at the airport at 8:30... so, I came down the night before. On my drive down, I was getting really sad. I may have shed a few tears. I can't remember the last time I was in a car by myself for that long... and I couldn't believe I wasn't enjoying the peace and quiet. I got really homesick. I came prepared and had my new bluetooth all set up so that I could make calls while I drove. The car is a little louder on the road than our van, so it was kind of a pain, but it still really helped kill the time. I really did keep sinking down to tears if I wasn't on the phone. I called Bryce, heard some cute little baby sounds and Dylan said, "Hi Mommy! I love you! I miss you so much!" That did me in.
My little girls are both momma's girls. I literally cannot walk by them without picking them up... or else they just cry. I'm not kidding. I felt so guilty for leaving them without their mommy for 3 days. They are 8 months old now. So, I may have cried a bit on the drive.
Then, I arrived at Bob's house (neighbor to Justin Bieber - I heard he spit on someone, what a kook - I'm sad we didn't go find his house though, haha - something about famous people is fascinating that they have normal lives and homes). Bob wasn't home from work yet, so I was a bit out of sorts... it was so quiet. It is NEVER quiet like that in my home. Even if kids are all asleep, there are noisemakers going and I'm at my computer typing away... ahem... like now.
I survived a night alone. lol.
Then, I had to get up uber early, sorry to Sara, I didn't want to get up before 6:45, so she had to wait a bit at the airport... LA traffic is awesomely not awesome.
OK... now... HERE's why the weekend was so much fun...
Friday - we headed to Santa Monica Pier. Chilled on the beach. Couldn't believe Mexicans set up shop right in front of us to sell things on the beach. Ugh. Saw the place where my siblings and I will be trapezing in a few short weeks. Eeek!
Then, we headed to Hollywood. Checked out the stars and prints at the Chinese Theatre. Went to Rodeo Drive, took photos with the Hollywood Sign and a Beverly Hills sign. Got yummy smoothies... spent awhile picking all the blueberries out of our teeth. Megan (one of my besties from my mission) came to meet us for a Tour of the Stars' Homes. So much fun. I love her. We saw Michael Jackson's place, the Bewitched stars' place, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air home, a bunch of other names, I can't remember. ha. It was cool.
We topped off the evening at The Cheesecake Factory with Bob and his ex-girlfriend (he was very clear she is his ex). So fun. Thanks Bob!
Saturday - we went to Time Out for Women in Pasadena. At the end of our trip we both felt like this was by far the coolest part of the whole trip. Which is just crazy for my mind to grasp because we were all over LA doing fun things... but TOFW is just soooo inspiring, motivating, uplifting, etc. I just loved it. I would go back this weekend if I could. I laughed, I cried, I left feeling so blessed and feel so much clarity about my life and where I want to be. They also gave a shout out to Women for Decency, which was awesome!
Saturday night we went back to Bob's, ate our leftovers and made our shirts for the next day to be spent at The Price is Right.
Sunday - woke up early, again! 3 days in a row... seriously, what kind of vacation is that?? We had to be at the Price is Right by 8AM, or so we thought. We got there on time. We had priority tickets, so we got in right away. We stood in line for awhile. Chatted. We were pretty boring. My eyes just wanted to close, I was tired. Finally, we got our nametags, they took our picture... but, we had to buy it... and I didn't want to pay for that... but, I promise, that picture was awesome. :)
We went to a new line. I thought they would release us for a bit... but no such luck. They watch you from about 8-12 deciding who they will choose. They file about 15 people in line to interview at one time. They ask, "What do you do?" and I believe they don't really care... they just want something crazy and to see how fun you are. Then, you go back and can get food. Still stuck in the cbs studios... well, out. It was cold. Better than hot, I guess.
The filming was at 12:30, they finally filed us into our places. It's a seating chart. We got right in the center 4th row back. So, at least we made it on camera... sadly, we weren't chosen!! We so wanted to win something!! Dang it. Oh well. At least the annoying guy behind us who was way overzealous in line didn't get on either. They apparently don't like fakeness either.
It was really long, boring, then weird. hahaha. I feel so negative. It was fun. I'm really glad we did it.
My shirt said, "My TWINS want me to WINS!" and Sara's said, "Rub here for GOOD LUCK!" on her pregnant belly.
It was neat, but you're just an actor for them. They tell you to scream louder, they make you shut up, sit down, stand up, yell out prices, etc. It's hard to see any of it because of three huge cameras blocking your view. I probably get way more into from home than I did sitting in the audience. Maybe I'm just annoyed bc we didn't get picked. lol.
We finished off the day shopping at The Grove, which is right next to CBS. We mostly just sat and chatted. I was excited there was a Dylan's Candy Bar, never heard of it before. But, it's filled with all sorts of candy. I got Dylan a shark, frog, and teeth candy. He was in heaven when I brought it home! Plus, he loved that the bag had his name on it.
Fun fun weekend. I seriously love Sara. This weekend could not have been better, so glad we did it together. I know, I need photos.
I feel like blogger has made it more complicated to add photos. I used to be able to write while they uploaded and now I can't... so I just don't have the patience to add the photos.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Home Again
Just spent the last 3 days in LA with my best friend, Sara, from high school! I have loved this girl since we first met... back when I was 14 and she was 15. So many sleepovers and fun nights out. Tears and laughs. I just loved having those good times again and knowing that we can always tell each other anything and everything and get all the support and love we need.
More on the trip later...
Now, just so grateful to be home. I cannot believe how much I missed my babies!!! Shout out to my AMAZING husband, and to Sara's AMAZING husband who took the kids for 3 full days without complaint for our getaway.
I learned this weekend that I definitely could never be a full-time work out-of-the-home momma. Grateful to those who do that, but I just couldn't wait to come back and smash my face up against their cheeks and rub their soft heads and hear their giggles. I couldn't wait to come and hear Dylan tell me he loves me... now we're already back to the tantrums and tears... but, I wouldn't change it for the world.
I love my babies. So grateful for my life.
One more plug for Time Out for Women!!! It was the highlight of our weekend... and I so did not expect that since we did Hollywood and went to The Price is Right... I just LOVED it. Felt so high and uplifted after it. Highly recommend. It was worth the $60 for sure.
Off to tuck Dylan into bed. I missed that.
More on the trip later...
Now, just so grateful to be home. I cannot believe how much I missed my babies!!! Shout out to my AMAZING husband, and to Sara's AMAZING husband who took the kids for 3 full days without complaint for our getaway.
I learned this weekend that I definitely could never be a full-time work out-of-the-home momma. Grateful to those who do that, but I just couldn't wait to come back and smash my face up against their cheeks and rub their soft heads and hear their giggles. I couldn't wait to come and hear Dylan tell me he loves me... now we're already back to the tantrums and tears... but, I wouldn't change it for the world.
I love my babies. So grateful for my life.
One more plug for Time Out for Women!!! It was the highlight of our weekend... and I so did not expect that since we did Hollywood and went to The Price is Right... I just LOVED it. Felt so high and uplifted after it. Highly recommend. It was worth the $60 for sure.
Off to tuck Dylan into bed. I missed that.
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