California Trip! August 2012

We had a trip planned to go to California for several months. 

When we found out we sold our house, we debated not going since there was so much to get done!

But we decided to take a break from all the stress of packing, cleaning, moving, stressing.

And go relax and spend some fun, stress free time together as a family.

Two Sundays ago, I loaded up the kids, and Carissa and caravanned to Utah with Tim and Danizza (Devry's brother and his wife). We stayed at Danizza's grandparents that night. 

Devry got off work and flew to Rock Springs, jumped in his car and booked it to South Jordan to meet us. He arrived at 4:30 am. We got ready, packed up and were on the road by 6. Devry and I took our Jetta (that gets 45-50 miles/per gallon!) with Cohen and Kayson, and Tim and Danizza took Payton and Carissa. We drove straight through to Anaheim that day! It went pretty good! A few feeding stops, potty breaks, a little bit of bad traffic, and we made it to the hotel. We went swimming, then crashed for the night. 

The next morning we woke up and went to Disneyland! It was a blast! Seeing Payton so excited about everything was the best! Here are all the pictures from Disneyland. I'll caption them!

Tim, Danizza, the Twins and I on the bus headed to the park. 

Devry, Payton and Carissa on the Bus

At the entrance! Carissa's Boyfriend is serving a mission for our church in Australia right now. So she made a minature Braden on a popsicle stick so he could be in the pictures too!

Meeting our first Character - Pluto. Payton loved him from a distance, but got a little nervous and I had to hold him. 

Devry, Payton with Goofy! Payton was getting a bit better!

Carissa and mini Braden with Mickey!

Payton and I with Minnie

Family Pic. Babies were in the stroller most of the time. They did GREAT!

Payton with Cute mickey ears!

Devry, Payton and I with Mickey

Super Dad Devry! He pushed the BOB most of the time with all 3 kids on it. Payton wearing his new mickey hat and sunglasses!

Carissa, Payton and I on the Dumbo Ride. We took Payton on alot of the little rides. Devry gets motion sick so he volunteered to stay with the babies :)

Me and Cohen! I really didn't take many pictures of the Twins this trip. They were in their stroller, and I rarely thought about taking them out to get pictures. I think I will regret it...but I didn't want to mess with them when they were being SO good!

Devry and Payton in a Car in Mickey's Toon Town. Payton's favorite part of Disneyland!

Payton was in the BOB at this point, so Carissa volunteered to pack Kayson around for a while. She was SUCH a HUGE help to us on our trip and we are SO GLAD we took her!

Carissa and I were waiting for Devry and Payton, who were on a Train ride, so we had some fun taking pictures of braden. I would hold him and make him lifesize. It made for some pretty fun pictures!

Rocketship ride in Tomorrowland!

Buzz lightyear ride. Payton had fun shooting everything!

Pretty much summing up what Payton thought of Disneyland!


We had a blast at Disney! Payton loved the rides, the Characters, everything!  We went out to eat at Outback Steakhouse that night..of course we had to take a picture of Carissa and Braden at Outback! 

After Dinner, we cooled down from the hot day by swimming. Then everyone crashed. 

The next day we got up and headed to California Adventure. 

It was also a reallly fun day!

Payton at Cars Land. I really think this was one of the biggest highlights of his life!  He was in HEAVEN!

Devry and Payton with Lightning McQueen!

Carissa, the Twins and I with Lightning. I was super bummed my eyes were closed in this pic since its the only one we took, and since its really the only one with the twins in it with a character!

Superdad again!

Carissa and Payton outside Cars Land.

Carissa and Braden with a Tractor

We took the Babies on the Little Mermaid Ride. They were just looking everywhere, in awe!

Carissa, Danizza and I left the kids with the guys and hit up some rides!

Devry and Payton with Jessie

Carissa and Kayson with Mater!

Payton with Woody! He Loved him!

Buzz Lightyear! Uncle Tim and Payton!

Carissa and Braden wtih Jessie

Payton loved the bumper cars in A Bugs life...he rode it 3 times

Carissa and Payton on the ferris wheel

Payton and me on the ferris wheel

Payton on a ride in A bigs Life

Tim and Danizza

Payton and me with "Donald Guck" as payton says. 

Family Pic at California Adventure

Devry and Me

 After that day, we were exhausted! We drove to my Aunt Phyl's house in Carlsbad, stopping at In & out on the way. We got there, visited with her and her son Alan for a bit, and crashed for the night. 

The next day (Thursday) was a really fun, more relaxing day. We got up, and headed to the beach! We enjoyed playing in the waves, building sand castles, getting buried in the sand, and Carissa even surfed for the first time ever! We stayed all morning and into the afternoon. About 1:30 we went and ate fish n chips and a local seafood restaurant. So Yummy! Then we headed to my Aunt's timeshare where we had access to the awesome pools (kids splash park area and pool), hot tub, sauna and showers! It was SUCH a blast and So generous of her to offer it to us!! That night we went out to eat at Round Table Pizza, and headed back to my aunts to sleep. Here are lots of pictures from Thursday!

Devry and I with Cohen and Kayson at the beach. 

Family Pic at the beach. 

Carissa Playing in the water with Payton.

Carissa in the waves

They had so much fun! Again, we were SO glad she was there!! Devry and I were holding the twins most of the time, so it was great to have lots of ppl to play with Payton. 

Carissa with her surf board! It was like twice her size! She impressed us all (and the lifeguard and guy who rented it to her) by getting up and actually surfing 3 times! Most ppl don't get up that quick. She's a champ!

Aunt Danizza burying Payton

Covered in Sand!

Carissa headed in from surfing.

She was EXHAUSTED

Building Sand Castles with Uncle Tim

He had SO much fun!

More Sandcastle building

At the seafood restaurant for lunch.

Playing in the pool at the timeshare. It was nice and warm so even the babies could get in! They LOVED it!

Carissa and Me with the Kids

Family Pic in the pool

Devry and I at Round Table Pizza. As you can see, we definitely got some son! All of the adults got burnt!

 After a fun filled Day, we headed back to sleep. The next day (Friday) We went to sea world! I think it was my favorite park of the trip! We had so much fun seeing all the animals, watching the shows and riding a few rides. It was a hot day, and we were all sun burned, but it was still a BLAST!

Payton and I with a turtle

Ernie and Bert in sesame street part of sea world

Cohen and Kayson chilling in the BOB

Devry and I at Sea world

Payton and I waiting for a dolphin to come over

We got to touch a few dolphins! It was amazing!

Carissa, Payton and my hands touching a dolphin

Payton in a Shamu hat

Family pic outside of sea world

Tim and Danizza

After Sea world, we ate at In n Out again, and went to the time share again to cool off in the pool and shower. Then went back to my aunts for one more night. 

This picture was just funny :) Payton getting tackled by Payton while holding Kayson. Just wait till they are all big enough to do the tackling!

Here is our Family with My Aunt Phyl. It was SO great to see her!! She was so generous and kind in letting our large group stay at her house! I'm so glad she got to meet Devry and the kids!

Saturday morning We got up early, and got the car packed and ready to go. Then Aunt Phyl's Son Warren and his Wife Lisa, and their daughters Alex and Andy came over to visit. It was great to see them! I haven't seen them in about 6 years!

Lisa, Alex and Andy with Cohen and Kayson!

Warren holding Kayson

After a couple of hours visiting, they left and we got on the road. We decided to break up the driving a bit and stay in Vegas Saturday night. We got there, checked into the hotel, and went out for dinner at The Cheesecake factory. I was so excited to go because I LOVE it...but it was probably the only disappointment of the trip! The food was great, but the kids were NOT. I don't really blame them...long week, and spending all day in the car. Payton was cranky and not listening, and the twins decided they were hungry almost an hour early, right as I was getting my food. So I ate a bit while holding screaming babies, and finally just got up and left. I didn't even get a chance to get cheesecake :( Oh well, another time I guess :)

We went back to the hotel, I fed the babies while Devry took Payton swimming in the pool. That was another adventure. I went down to get Devry and Payton, who had just gotten in the hot tub. Devry got up and was SO itchy and his skin was burning! He must have had a bad reaction to chlorine wherever he had a sunburn. He was on fire for like half an hour to the point he just stood in the shower. Nothing we had helped (lotion, aloe vera, soap). Finally I had Tim go get some anti itch and burn cream. That helped a little bit. He could tell I was getting a little overwhelmed with the kids, so he was adamant that we go out and do something. Luckily the itching and burning eased enough we could. I think he was in a lot more discomfort then he would let on, but didn't want to ruin anything. Tim and Danizza werent feeling great and didn't want to go out anywhere, so we put the kids to sleep and left. Devry, Carissa and I went down on the strip, to the Bellagio. Carissa had never been to vegas so it was neat to show her part of the strip. We watched the water show a few times, walked to ceasers palace, then decided to head back to the hotel. 

Carissa and Braden in front of the belagio

Devry and I

We found a bumble bee on the strip, so we had to get a picture. 

Sunday morning we got up and got on the road. Devry had to be back in rock springs by 9 that night. We drove to Danizza's grandparents, switched everything back over to my car, and he took off. The week went SO fast! I couldn't believe it was time for him to go again! I can't wait until we don't have to say goodbye so often! It gets harder and harder!!

The rest of us stayed at Danizza's grandparents again, then got up and headed home Monday. 

It was such a fun week and we made SO many memories!! It was nice to get away from all the stress we have going on, and just enjoy some fun things as a family! I hope someday we can do it again when all of our kids are old enough to enjoy it. 

Changes

We have had so many major changes happening lately! My blog has been neglected due to all the craziness. I will give a quick update, then get back to my endless to do list!

About 2 weeks ago, we were called with an offer on our house. The buyers were the very first people to look at the house, right after we listed it, 8ish weeks ago. They had been working on financing, and finally got everything they needed and were able to make an offer. The offer was lower then we were able to go, so we counter offered the absolute lowest we could go. They thought it over, looked at the house again, and then accepted the counter offer. 

They wanted to close the end of August. Devry would only be home once (last week) before the closing date. So I got to work packing. I packed 3/4 of our house by myself (with some wonderful help from family and friends who took Payton for me!). When Devry got home last monday, we got to work  getting everything ready to move. We took several trips to a storage unit, fixed some things around the house that needed done on the inspection, and tried to plan. Some things started taking a bit longer then anticipated, so the new closing date is supposed to be on or before Sept 15. We still needed to go ahead and get most everything moved out since it still would be the last time Devry would be home (He is off the last week of august, but we have a trip planned to Disneyland, that is all booked and we can't change it). So Devry's Dad and brothers came friday night and moved all our big things to the storage unit. We now have mattresses on the floor, one couch, a table, one pot, one pan, paper plates, plastic cups etc. I will continue packing things as we no longer need them. Then after we return from Disney land, we will move everything into storage, and go live with Devry's brother Dan and his family. They are SO kind and generous in offering us their home while we are in limbo between our house and a rental. 

Then.... we will move to Rock Springs by November. Devry will do his 2 shop weeks in Rock Springs. He will still have to fly to North Dakota for his 2 frac weeks, but being gone 2/6 weeks will be a breeze compared to what we've been doing for the last year +. 

We decided not to move right away to Rock Springs for a few reasons. Mostly financial. Although we are selling our house for close to our asking price, we still are taking a large hit on it. The market is not good, and the house just isn't worth close to what we paid for it, or what we owe on it. So when we close, we have to come up with $23000 to pay off our mortgage. Luckily we have been saving tons, and should be able to with maybe a bit of a loan. But it leaves us without savings, without money to move, without money for a deposit on a rental. It would take us months, or a year to catch up. So we decided to stay in Rexburg and save for a few months while Devry continues to work in North Dakota all the time (he makes more up there). After 2 months of saving, we will be in a position to move, find a rental we want, and not feel like we are barely scraping by. When we decided to stay here for a few months, Dan and Rachelle offered their home. We are excited to be able to help each other out, and enjoy a few months together. Our kids will have so much fun! 

So we are so busy planning, moving, and SOO excited to be together again!

I can't write a post about it without expressing how truly blessed we have been. When we met with our realtor at first, we were extremely discouraged. The market was awful, and he looked at all the comparables to our house and it was not good. He was a great realtor, and was very realistic with us about the value of our home in the current market. We listed the house $15000 higher then he suggested, simply because we couldn't afford to take a bigger hit then that. We really didn't think it would sell. Then 3 days after we listed it, a family walked through and it was exactly what they were looking for. They were looking to move closer to family (who live down the street from us), and the house was perfect for them. 

After 7 weeks of waiting, we were given the offer. Everything has worked out so perfectly. I am excited to move, and to be close to Devry. We are ready for this exciting new adventure. We both feel so good about it all and know that everything works out how it is supposed to. We really see the Lord's hand in our life so much, especially lately. Being apart for a year + has taught us so many things, strengthened our marriage, made us appreciate each other more, and helped us grow in ways we wouldn't have any other way. It was important for us to have that year. We both know that. But lately it has gotten harder. Harder to say goodbye. Harder to be apart. And I have felt an incredible need to be with him. And I knew that what we needed to learn we have. And it is time to move to be together, and start our life in a new town. Rock Springs may not be the greatest town ever...but I really feel like we can live anywhere if we are together. We are just renting there, because I don't think we will stay more then a couple of years, but you never know!

Now Im getting back to work packing and getting things organized and ready!!

Happy Birthday Payton!

 Payton Turned 3 today!

He is getting so big and so smart!

I can't believe how quickly he learns, how much he talks, how much he understands, and how funny he is! He is always making us laugh. I need to be better at writing down the funny things he says. Like, lately if I say "Payton, I said no!" he says "Well then say YES mom!"  haha

This little monkey has been spoiled with several Birthday Celebrations.

First, we celebrated with my mom and trent before they left. 

I have more pictures to post of their visit, but they are all on my camera, so I am just going to post the ones I had on my phone.

Here is Payton with his thomas the train Ice cream cake we had with my mom and trent. We also went out to eat at Costa Vida to celebrate. So yummy!

Then, last Saturday, all of Devry's family was here. So we had a giant birthday Party for Payton and 2 of his cousins (although alexa got sick and wasn't actually there to celebrate her 2nd birthday..poor girl)

It was a blast with lots of family and friends! I will post those pictures another time as well.. 

We gave Payton his big birthday present last week while Devry was home. 

He got a Power wheels 4 wheeler. It was a wonderful purchase, and keeps him entertained for HOURS (and would be longer, except it has batteries that don't last 24/7).

He LOVES it! 

Payton and Daddy putting together the 4 wheeler. 

Such a big boy!

Then Today was his actual birthday. We celebrated all day. I let him choose whatever meals he wanted. So we had grilled cheese for breakfast. Mac n cheese for lunch, and chicken nuggets and fries for dinner. And about 20 cups of apple juice.

Some of Payton's friends came over this afternoon for a little party.

He loved the goggles I bought him

He opened a few little gifts, and had a BLAST playing on the waterslide and in the pool. 

The waterslide we got for the family reunion..This thing was as much as renting one, and WELL worth the money!

Payton with his cupcake, showing me how old he is.

 He is such a wonderful little guy! He is sweet, funny and so much fun! He is getting so big (weighed 38lbs at his check up and is 3 ft 3 inches.) 

We love you Payton! We are so lucky to have you in our family! 

My three boys celebrating paytons 3rd birthday

cutie, snuggling with the quilt grandma made for his gift. 

4 months old!

The twins were 4 months old on the 18th! I simply cannot believe it has been four months since they  arrived! 

They are such wonderful, happy babies. I couldn't ask for anything better!

They had their well checks on tuesday.

Cohen weighed 12 lbs 2 oz and was 24 inches long.

Kayson weighed 12 lbs 4 oz and was 23.5 inches long.

Both boys are healthy, eating great and growing tons. They are sleeping fantastically, usually 7-10 hours straight a night. They are on the same schedule and eat and sleep at the same time. They are developing their little personalities, and I am loving seeing more and more differences between them.

Cohen has changed in personality a lot. At first, he was quite a bit more vocal, and a little more needy. Now, he is as content as can be. He just hangs out, watching everything going on around him. He still is more vocal with babbling. He coos and grunts much more. He is rolling over a lot, laughing, grabbing for toys, lights up when anyone looks at him, and loves both of his brothers!

Kayson, who was very quiet at first has discovered his voice. He babbles, grunts and laughs a ton. He also cries more then before, but is still the happiest baby ever! He is always smiling...unless he's hungry or has a tummy ache. He has rolled over a few times, but always seems so content where he is, he doesn't move a whole lot. He smiles at everyone. He loves to be sitting up, or standing while I'm holding him. He wants to look around and see people. 

I am still absolutely loving having twins. I had played it up in my mind to be so difficult and miserable, so every single stage so far has been a pleasant surprise of easy! They are GREAT babies. I adore them so much! I have loved the last 4 months with them. I love seeing them grow and learn everyday. 

Smiley boys!

when next to each other, they always hold hands or link arms. It melts my heart. 

holding hands.

Me with Cohen.

I still have them in the same crib....they are so content next to each other its hard to move them!

Updates and Picture overload!

It has been so much harder for me to keep up with blogging lately! I am always so SO busy, helping, feeding, fixing, holding, hugging, disciplining, loving, playing with my kids, EVERYTHING else has taken a back seat. 

So here is a bit of a summary of our life lately:

• We miss Devry. A lot.
• We spend most days outside.
• I took a quick trip to Utah with the kids for Haley's mission Farewell. SO wonderful to see the Brooksby's again (family I nannied for). Kids did great! I managed going down and back alone with them no problem!
• My mom and Trent have been here off an on the last 2 weeks! LOVE IT!
• Payton is so funny! He calls everyone a Gomer (thanks to Grandpa). Talks non stop. Is so sweet (and also can flip a switch and be Not so sweet :), plays hard, loves swimming, loves being outside. Loves playing with friends. Will do anything to have apple juice and watch curious george.
• Cohen has not lost any hair. He sucks his fingers..no matter how many times I replace them with a pacifier. Is a "bashful smiler," and always looks embarrassed when he smiles at us. Has adorable dimples. Looks exactly like his daddy. Loves to be held. Loves to be rocked. Sleeps 6-8 hours straight at night. 
• Kayson is Mr chunky monkey! He has such adorable chubby thighs, face, belly,everything! He lost all of his hair on top..and its coming back in..still blonde. is bald in the back. Is the happiest baby I have ever seen. Smiles non stop. Laughs, coo's, and smiles some more. Has adorable dimples. LOVES people, but especially his mommy. Also sleeps 6-8 hours straight at night. 
• Devry - Works. A lot. During his weeks in the "field" he has worked between 110 and 130 hours a week. His shop weeks are "slower"....and he gets about 100-110 hours a week. ugh...its exhausting for me to even think about. He loves his weeks off. Adores his boys. Is an amazing dad and husband. Treats his wife like gold. Is positive, happy and fun. Had surgery on his wrist on his last week off. Went back to work and was so tough about it all!
• Me - busy. LOVING being home with my kids...besides the 3-4 shifts I work a month to keep up my nursing skills. Adoring my two wonderful babies. Trying to have patience with my very independent almost 3 year old. Trying to stay busy with activities, play groups, projects and more to help Devry's work weeks pass quicker. Stressed...but happy!

Thanks to my I-phone, I DO take tons of pictures. I realized although most of them get posted on Facebook, I don't put them on my blog. So...here is a HUGE overload of pictures of what we have been up to! Sorry they are out of order, and very random. I'll try to describe them!

Taken by a local photographer named Amy. 

Devry's wrist post surgery. 

Kayson...always smiling.

We cut out nap time to make bedtime easier....some days resulting in Payton crashing on the couch.

Or in the car

Payton "working like daddy" on his lawn mower

Loves his brothers!

Happy boys!

Bathtime has become an every day event...because dirt time has too.

Starting to really love toys!

Love these boys!...poor Kayson, still content even though his head is being smooched into a concrete wall. 

Have I mentioned i ADORE these 4 !

Church clothes

Bumbo time! SO grateful for Melissa for lending me her bumbo!

BOB time. I LOVE MY BOB!

More dirt 

Payton's turn in the bumbo

Ready for a morning run with mommy.

Sleeping great during nap time. Still love to be next to each other. 

Washed the car with mommy

Happy Kayson..

Serious Cohen...still makes us work hard for smiles. But man they are adorable when they come!

See!?

A typical dinner time....

Can you see his bashful look when he smiles ?

Sucks his fingers...little stinker!

Life is good. I am loving this precious time with my boys, and wouldn't trade it for anything. We are hoping and praying for some changes to come that will allow us to be together as a family again. Its been a year this month that Devry's been working away. A long year. I'm ready to see him more. He is missing so much with the kiddos. We need a change. Hopefully soon.