Grandkids

 We got to spend a little time with Harlow on Saturday night.  We had dinner at a restaurant then spent some time at the hotel until Tony got a migraine.  Wendy put Harlow on a non dairy formula and she just perked right up!  She smiled and cooed and made us all feel so good.  Wendy loves her so much and that will be the best thing for her and is a comfort to us.  We wish she had a Dad who could be there for her, and hopefully someday he will be.   She's so sweet and tiny and we love her so much.

When we got home the Arslanians were here and we were greeted by wonderful Walter, Ayda and Zadferd hugs.  Those little kids have been so special to us and we are grateful to have continued time with them.  Zadferd is a chess prodigy and loved playing Tony.  I got a whole afternoon talking with Laiken and was especially happy to know that baby # 4 is coming.  Jon and Laiken are really good parents and I feel inspired to be around them.

On Wednesday Sam, his friend and I went up north for a University of Utah Athletic Department visit.  We know the assistant videographer, Ali Winters and she took the boys on a tour.  After the tour we ent to Sheels then Jake and Callie's.  We got more good news from Callie that baby #3 will be here in October, but that also means Callie is really sick.  It was so fun to see their new house and watch Jake be the leprachaun on St Patricks' day.  Green pancakes, a trail of gold rolos and green glow in the dark bath bombs.  I really wanted to help Jake and Callie and suggested I take the boys home with me for the weekend.  To my surprise they agreed!  

We had a great weekend that started with a hot air balloon landing in front of the house!  The boys watched from the big rock and were thrilled to get the stickers.  We went to the park, played in the sun, ate sugar cereal and churros and took lot of bubble baths.  It was pure heaven for me.  Henry was fascinated by the story of Jonah and my painted toes.  Ollie loved looking at bugs and tormenting Henry.  It was especially fun to have them at church. 

 

Universal Studios

Universal Studios with the nieces was wonderful proof that Tony and I are super fun and our kids are missing out!  We spent two fun days with Kolby, Evalie, Maren and Millie in southern California with the added bonus of Eliza joining us.  The girls made it all so fun with their excitement about Harry Potter (They even dressed up!) their gratitude and their enthusiasm.  Eliza picked up the girls and took the to the hotel where Tony and I met them.  We stayed at the Sheraton right next to the park and it was totally worth the money, although quarters were a little cramped with 5 girls and Tony and I (Eliza stayed the night).  All the girls were good sports about sleeping on air mattresses and tiny Kolby stayed on the couch.   As is inevitable,  Kolby and I were recovering from terrible colds.  Thankfully Tony didn't get it until we were headed home, but he ended up taking a couple of days off of work-it was a bad one.  

On Friday morning we were first in line at the gate.  This was the best part of the trip for Tony!  We headed straight to Harry Potter rides and got to go twice without even using our fast pass.  Our next stop was wand shopping.  This was my favorite part.  It was so cute to see the girls pick their wands and really labor over which one fit their hands and personalities.  

After a full morning of Harry Potter rides, butterbeer, and eating lunch at the "Two Broomsticks," we rode the Jurassic Park rides, Transformers, Mummy's Revenge and ended the day with the Universal Studio tour.  That was my favorite!  We had In n Out burgers for dinner and Eliza was our expert on that.  Back at the hotel, the girls swam in the pool and we watched a movie and were crashed asleep by 11:00.

On Friday we had a yummy breakfast at the hotel, then headed for the beach.  It was Evalie's first time at the ocean.  We started at the Santa Monica pier and loved the fun vibe.  Everyone got in the ocean, especially Tony.  We had a picnic in the park and played, "Whose Dad is most likely to..." and lots of stories of the girl's dads growing up.  We found a yummy icecream shop and then spent some time burying ourselves in sand and walking the beach.  Late afternoon it was time to head to the airport.  The girls were tired and sunburned and happy.  We got them Panda Express and sent them off!  

Compared to last year's Spring Break trip from Hell in Florida with our boys, this trip was a dream.  

 

More hiking and snow!

When the weather predicted a snowstorm we took advantage and braved the terrible roads to get to the temple.  Then we had a quick burrito and rented cross country skis at SUU.  It was a hard workout making our own tracks, but so fun! Gorgeous day

One Wendesday we picked a Zion hike.  I packed some tuna sandwiches and off we went.  We got all the way there and discovered it was closed!  After a quick narrows hike, we went next to Kolob Canyon and explored the Subway hike, and finally Lambs Knoll.  We got to hike through the snow, the sun the wind and the rain.  It was a glorious day.

 

No work Wednesdays

 To celebrate Mom's birthday we enjoyed a yummy lunch with the Rippy Sibs at Maglebys (Such good Macaroons) and then spent a few hours at the art show at Dixie.  

Se spent one Friday night at the Urgent Care getting an xray for Sam's dirt bike wreck.  Thank goodness no broken bones