We had a wonderful time in Utah this past week. Friday we left about 4:30am, thinking we would have the kids sleep for a few hours of the trip. We were sorely mistaken! The kids were wide awake, even though it was dark and Scott and I didn't even talk. Myles took about an hour nap during the 12-hour trip. Fortunately the kids were so good in the car. We even made it to Page without putting a DVD on; that is four and a half hours of just singing and talking, quite a feat in the media-dependent age. That night we were able to meet with all the sisters who served with me in Venezuela (who live in Utah) for a fun pizza/pool party. Saturday we spent the day with Tyler and Shelley before they left on their vacation. Arycca was able to give up her Saturday to be with us, too.
Sunday was a Barnes family reunion of sorts. We loved seeing Aunt Shae from Texas and visiting with my dad's family. My cousins' kids are so cute. Myles had a good time with their boys and I enjoyed seeing my cousins as parents.
Monday and Tuesday we were up in the mountains at my aunt and uncle's timeshare. We were about 9,500 feet up. The view was breathtaking. The cool mountain air was such a nice break from the heat. We were able to hike and swim and go boating with them. We loved having some downtime, since the rest of our trip was over-scheduled and we felt like we were always an hour late to something! Wednesday was Cherry Hill day with the Masons. I have so many memories of the summers that Bailey and I spent swimming at that fun water park.
Thursday was spent with my mom's side of the family. That night we celebrated Pioneer Day with Justin and his family. Judy put on a great fireworks show in their driveway. Bailey and Justin still get along really well and she was able to spend a few days with him. Friday was a long drive home, but the next time we do it I will be nursing a baby, so I shouldn't complain. The kids did great; I was the one dying to get out of the car. I strongly dislike road trips.
We had a great time visiting with so many friends and loved ones. I know we missed a lot of you, but our trip was short and too busy. We are exhausted from all that we were able to do. I seemed to have made the cross-over from living in Arizona to calling it home. This is where we belong, no matter how much fun we have with our friends and family in Utah. I have great memories of our life in Utah and miss the family get-togethers, the great friends and seeing the ladies from my mission. On the other hand, I love Arizona and the life we have here. Even the heat can't keep me from wanting to settle down here. I love it!
Now we are focused on getting Bailey ready for 1st grade; she starts school on August 6th. I am also swamped trying to finalize Super Saturday plans. I loved our vacation and not worrying about real life for awhile (not that my life is bad) but a break now and then is so necessary.

Comments

Mindy Sue O'Bryant said…
It was very nice to see your family. NExt time you can stay longer... and eat our food.
July 27, 2008 at 4:34 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My First Marathon

Image
The famous North Shore Waikiki Sunset Gorgeous Day at the Beach in Waikiki Many people have asked about the marathon and I cannot do it justice with just a summary. If you want to hear, "It was rough but went well" then feel free to skip the long narration that follows. Hawaii was amazing. I needed the break and truly appreciate the opportunity. I have said in previous posts that I know the Lord guided me to this path and despite the many challenges, I am grateful. The week before the marathon I did an 8 mile run which ended badly with excruciating pain in my left knee down to my ankle and foot. I limped home very worried and decided not to run until the marathon. I went to the chiropractor Wednesday night and she told me I needed to take three weeks off for my leg to recover. I reminded her the marathon was in 4 days. Her face went dead pan and simply said, "Do what you can then." I wanted to advise her to never become a motivational speaker but let it go. The nigh
Read more

Rough Day

Yesterday was a really rough day. Both of my boys get bronchiolitis when they get any kind of congestion; basically they wheeze and we use breathing treatments every four hours for a week until they get better. Their breathing isn't too labored, but they don't sound very good. Landon has been wheezing since Sunday so I took him in to the Dr. yesterday. The nurse practitioner checked his oxygen level and it was 99% so he was getting oxygen despite the wheezing. I assumed she would tell me to continue the breathing treatments at home every four hours for the next week. This is the same procedure with each boy every time either one gets a cold and it goes straight to his lungs. I was very surprised when she told me I needed to take Landon to the E.R. immediately. I asked a lot of questions, mainly, “Why am I taking him to the E.R.? Is it really that serious? What am I supposed to say when they ask why I am there? Are you sure I need to go to the E.R.” She told me that he needed t
Read more

Mother's Day

My day began and ended with me facing a sink full of dishes. Because it was a Sunday my kids were crazy and Scott had meetings. I was stressed about my new calling and sustaining as Ward Activities Chair. Why should today be any different, though? Motherhood rarely pauses and that is okay. Before I know it I'll have all the breaks I want and I'll miss my little crazies. Scott and I make sure to do a weekly date and that is a great break. When Myles is at preschool and Landon naps that is a rare break. When all the kids are in bed and I'm sitting with Scott watching and laughing at my favorite show, that is a much-needed break. I love my family and I loved today. I am learning to find joy in the simplest things. Tonight we had family wrestle and hearing my kids laugh and giggle was a reward. Having my kids sing to me in Sacrament meeting was the best present. Without the Lord I wouldn't have all these wonderful treasures and I am truly blessed. Sometimes I feel like I am
Read more