Trip to Washington

I was blessed to fly out to Washington and visit with my parents for a week.  Rebekah was my travel mate! :) My mom picked me up from the airport and we stayed in Chehalis that evening.  We did some shopping and relaxing. She pampers me well! Rebekah was so tired that evening from jet lag and we couldn't get her to calm down in the hotel room.  Then I thought of having her sleep in the bathtub and it was a great solution! It was dark and quiet.

The week spent with them went way too quickly, as it always does.  We played games with my dad, did some sewing, and just spent time together.  It's so nice to visit them and I wish we lived closer so we could see them more often.  I am blessed to have wonderful parents that teach me by example to love and serve others, rely on faith in Jesus Christ, and to value family above all else.

Grandma and Grandpa's Visit

 It is always heaven when Grandma and Grandpa come to visit.  Our kids wait, not so patiently, for their visits.  They love sharing their everyday activities with them as well as special moments. My folks are always so wonderful at finding times and opportunities to spend one on one moments with them and really connect with each of them.  I so appreciate that because our children know they are loved valued for the person they are...not just for the group of siblings they are.

 Grandma brought some cross stitch things for Mary that she had for years and never used.  Mary loved learning how to cross stitch and she is doing really well with it.  She liked having Grandma sit with her while she was working on it so they could talk and visit.

 I love this picture of Grandpa and Thomas!  Grandpa took Thomas driving a lot while he was here and they practiced at the manuervability course a few times as Thomas is prepping for his driving test.  I appreciated this as much as Thomas did because we just were struggling with finding time to get to the course for him to practice.  The time off from school was really helpful and having Grandpa here was an added bonus.

 Josh wanted Grandpa to help him with his "Adventures in Coins" requirement for Cub Scouts since Grandpa collects coins.  Josh got to stay up really late one night so just him and Grandpa could complete the requirement.  Josh still talks about how much he learned and how much fun he had with Grandpa.

 Grandpa was awesome with Sam as well.  He taught Sam a few card games...some that Sam could play on his own and some that multiple people could play.  Grandpa told me he thought it would be a good idea for Sam to learn some card games so he could have something quiet to do when he was "bored."  I so appreciated this perspective and the time my dad took to notice a need and offer a wonderful solution.  It reminded me that I need to look for a solution to difficulties and not just try to fix the symptom.  Grandpa's approach was much more successful than my many attempts to remedy the outbursts!  Grandpa also played catch  with Sam many times outside which was a highlight for Sam.

I loved having my mom here with us for Thanksgiving.  It was fun to prep food together and visit with each other during that time.  I love the time I get to spend with my mom.  She has wonderful insights and helps me remember to focus on what really matters and to let the little things roll off.  I love to watch her with my children.  She is an amazing mom and an incredible grandma to my children.  

 Jacob was a shadow to my mom while she was here.  He was often on her lap or talking to her.

 Grandma took Mary to choose fabric for a nightgown and then she sewed it for her.

 Spring loved playing games with grandma and grandpa.  She also loved going shopping with grandma.  She loves to talk and visit and laugh and tease.

 Thomas also would take Grandma for drives.  He liked this time to spend with just her and visit together.  He was so cute with Grandma and if he was out on an errand he would come home with a Polar Pop for her.

The kids loved that Grandma and Grandpa would drive them to school or pick them up so they didn't have to take the bus all the time.  Gideon asked  Grandpa to meet him after school at the bus stop so he could see him get off the bus.  Grandpa obliged and it made Gideon's day.  His bus driver later told me that Gideon told her his grandpa was going to be waiting for him at the bus stop and he talked about it all the way home.   It really is the small things that make such a huge impact on their lives.  I'm so grateful for the amazing parents I have and the blessing they are in my life and the lives of my children.  The time always passes too quickly but we sure love and appreciate the time they are here.

Transiberian Orchestra Concert with Grandpa

 Grandpa Powell LOVES the Transiberian Orchestra Christmas concerts.  Grandma doesn't love them so much but she goes with him because she knows how much he loves them.  Last year Grandpa asked if he could take Thomas, Spring, and Sam to a concert this year for their birthday and Christmas presents.  Of course, the kiddos were beyond excited for that!  And, that meant they got to come and spend Thanksgiving with us as well.

Grandpa got amazing seats for the concert...I think they were about 10 rows from the stage.  The kids absolutely loved the experience, as did Joel who also got to go with them.  They talked about it a lot then and they still talk about it now.  The other day I overheard them talking together and they said the best presents they have ever gotten are experiences and times spent with each other.  I am so grateful our children value time spent together more than accumulating things.  Grandma and Grandpa-you touched their hearts and created memories for them that will last forever!

 After the concert they stopped at Quaker Steak and Lube for dinner.  This was another fun treat for them and they had so much fun.

Mary & Sammy's Adventure

Mary and Sammy were able to go back to Washington with Grandma & Grandpa Powell from the reunion.  They flew to Seattle and spent almost 2 weeks there.  Then Grandma flew back to Ohio with them.  Sam and Mary LOVED their time.  They talk about it all the time and keep telling me more and more things they were able to do.  They really loved the individual time they were able to spend with Grandma & Grandpa.  They never even got homesick in the least.  I'm so grateful that it is important to my parents to spend special time with each of their grandchildren and to make the time all about them.  With a family of our size that doesn't get to happen very often.

They were kept super busy by my parents.  They rode with Grandpa in his corvette in the Whaling Days Parade.  They were able to steer a ferry and then go down into the engine room where Uncle Brandon works.  They spent time in the hot tub, went to Dungenus Spit and played in the driftwood improving a fort already started, went to a ball game, and even went to Chuck-E-Cheese.  Sam spent time at the gun range with Grandpa helping out as well as shooting.  He also went to an Outdoorsman Expedition and was able to throw tomahawks and knives.  He LOVED it!  Grandma helped Mary sew a skirt and make a wall hanging quilt.  They spent some time with Uncle Brandon's family as well.  They went to a Children's Museum and to Wild Waves.  Even Sammy mentioned that he got the feeling roller coasters aren't all that safe...it didn't stop him from riding them though!  

They made memories these couple weeks that they will always keep with them.  They said it was one of the best parts of their summer.  

Grandma & Grandpa Come to Visit

My folks were able to come and spend almost 2 full weeks with us.  They were here for Sammy's baptism, Thanksgiving, game playing, Circle K trips, Handle's Ice Cream, and lots of other fun times in between. They spoiled the kids taking them to school in the morning so they didn't have to leave so early to catch the bus. Mom helped me learn how to make pillow blankets while she was here too.  I am slowly learning how to sew...only wish I would have learned from her when I was younger and still at home. Since most of the birthdays in our family my mom had a great idea to celebrate all the birthdays with one big party.  The girls helped Grandma with planning some fun Minute to Win It games.  We all had a great time laughing and trying out the challenges.  Grandma got an Ice Cream Cake for dessert which was a big treat for us all.

I loved the week of Thanksgiving. Joel was off work and was able to be home and it was a very relaxed and fun time.  My mom and I were able to go shopping together, without any kiddos, a few different times.  That was such a treat for us and a rarity in the past few years.  I am so grateful for my mom and for the wonderful relationship we share.  We don't need to be doing anything fancy to enjoy our time together.  I only wish we could be together more often but we appreciate the moments we do share.  

The day before Thanksgiving we baked, baked, and baked some more.  We made pies, pumpkin cake rolls, pumpkin muffins, and also some Thanksgiving dinner things that could be prepped the evening before.  Then we had our traditional pie for breakfast on Thanksgiving morning.  This continues to be a favorite tradition for us and for many of our friends and neighbors.  A quick count came out to a little over 100 friends that joined us in our home that morning.  It was wall to wall people, laughter, food, and fun.  Then, my Aunt Karen, Uncle Scott, and cousin, Tiffany and Teighlor joined us for Thanksgiving.  Tiffany is living in Ohio now and her parents came here from Arizona to visit.  We were so happy and grateful they joined with us on Thanksgiving.  It was amazing to have so much family with us.  This was the best Thanksgiving we have had in a very long time!

We decorated for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving and watched the traditional "Polar Express."  Grandpa joined Thomas and Joel on the youth temple trip Saturday morning.  Thomas has found and prepared 10 family names to take to the temple from the Powell side so Grandpa was able to baptize him and then he and Joel confirmed him fontside for those family names.  That evening Grandma and Grandpa took Thomas, Spring, Sammy, and Mary bowling.  This was a fun time for all.

Sunday we went to Historic Kirtland to look at the nativity display.  Monday evening we were able to go to the All City Orchestra concert in which Thomas and Spring both performed.  Thomas on the violin and Spring on the cello.  Grandma and Grandpa loved being able to see this concert.  Thomas' violin string broke in the middle of the concert just before he was to perform with the High School on the piece he arranged.  Fortunately, it was able to be replaced and the show could go on.  Lots of lessons learned with that experience.

Grandma went to transformer school held by Josh and Gideon so she could learn how to be a transformer and play with them.  After a while of Joshie trying to teach her Joshie decided, "Grandma, maybe you should just be a person because you're not so good at being a transformer!"  We laughed about this all week!  Grandpa, however, passed transformer school!

Yesterday, the fun came to an end as we had to take them back to the airport.  Looking back I wonder where the time went.  We wait so long for the time to come and then the time just flies by while they are here.  It was a wonderful time together.  It was great that the kids were off school so much and we could just enjoy the simple pleasures of being together.  I am so grateful for the time they took to come and spend with us.

Surprise Package

Grandma & Grandpa Powell sent the kids a very fun 4th of July box.  It was full of red, white, and blue treats.  They all had so much fun looking through all the treats and enjoying some each day since Monday when they opened it.  Spring LOVES her nightgown Grandma made for her.  She gets her PJ's on early in the evening now and takes her sweet time getting dressed in the morning!  Mary is counting down the days until Sunday when she gets to wear her new dress that Grandma made.  Sammy has been playing his game they sent him each day.  He and I play a couple rounds together at night before I tuck him into bed.  Thomas is still trying to decide which book he wants to take to scout camp.  Joshie and Gideon love their squirters and have been anxiously awaiting tomorrow when we are going to a pool so they can use them with water!  Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa for sending love and fun to the kids.  We love you and miss you more than we can express.

Grandma & Grandpa Biggs' Visit

We were fortunate to have Grandma & Grandpa Biggs come to visit us.  It was fun to show them around a little and have them spend time with us.  The kids all enjoyed being able to spend some special one-on-one time with them.  Games were played, cookies and treats baked, stories read, piggy back rides from Grandpa, hiking at Ledges (our favorite place to go hiking), climbing up ropes tied to trees, kites were flown, campfire and roasting marshmallows, storytime attended, and visiting Kirtland.  It was a week of memories and fun.  Thanks for coming to visit us.

Niagra Falls State Park

On our way home from Palmyra we stopped at Niagra Falls and spent most of the day there.  In the morning we went on the "Maid of the Mist" boat ride down to the base of the falls.  It was amazing and so worth the trip to see these powerful waterfalls up close.  We got soaked but had a great time.  My mom and dad took Thomas, Spring, and Sammy with them into Canada since they already had passports.  They tell us the view from the Canadian side is even more spectacular.  The kids loved the idea that they were able to be in a different country...something I have yet to do.  We were also able to explore much more of the State Park and see the falls from so many different views.  It was an amazing day spent together.  I'm so grateful we have been able to see these different places and that our children are having these opportunities to do this as well.  It was great to have my parents join us on this event packed and fun weekend.

Palmyra, NY

We were able to go to Palmyra again this past weekend, this time with Grandma and Grandpa Powell.  It was wonderful to be near these sacred places again.  I loved seeing the Sacred Grove in a different season from the last time we went.  It was absolutely beautiful and so calm to walk through the Sacred Grove.  I love the peace that I feel as I walk through the Sacred Grove.  I was so impressed with Spring's desire to pray and reflect on her own while in the Sacred Grove this time.  She wanted to be sure she had a testimony of the First Vision.  She took the time to be alone in the Grove and gain the confirmation by the Spirit of the reality of Joseph's First Vision.  I hope this is something she will always remember.

Shootin' with Grandpa & Dad

 Thomas really enjoyed his time in Washington. The first week he went with Grandpa to Day Camp because Grandpa was the rangemaster for BB Guns. He loved being able to help Grandpa and being able to shoot whenever he got the opportunity. The following week Grandpa, Joel, and Thomas went to the gun range. They even let Thomas shoot trap for the first time. He loved it and loved the time with Grandpa. All the practice must have paid off because he shot nothing but bullseyes at Day Camp here last week!

Seeing some of our Country's History

We had the wonderful opportunity to meet up with my parents for a couple days this past weekend in Washington DC. We went to Arlington on Friday. We were able to go on a tourmobile of Arlington National Cemetery. We learned a lot of the history of this wonderful place. We were able to see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This was an incredible experience. How grateful I am to the men and women who have served our country and given their lives for the freedom we enjoy each and every day. These grounds are hallowed and the reverence they expect and receive is well deserved. We also saw the Iwo Jima War Memorial. After a few hours in Arlington we went to downtown Washington DC. I never thought I would ever be this close to these places. We didn't get many pictures but we were able to see the Capitol building, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Monument, Jefferson Monument, and many other landmarks and buildings in downtown DC. Thomas and Spring especially loved seeing these places that they have learned a little about in school.

The following morning we went to Gettysburg. We went on an auto tour of the battlefields of Gettysburg. My mom had done a lot of reading and researching of this time period so it was great to have her teach us and tell us so much about what had happened. I only wish I had paid more attention when I was in school. I was in awe of how large this area is and as we learned of the thousands of citizens that died in this great battle I was again full of gratitude and respect for these wonderful people who were willing to give their lives for a cause they believed in. We really are so blessed to live in this great country.

It was a fast weekend as we headed back home Saturday evening to be at church Sunday morning but how grateful we are to have been able to spend this time with my parents and with our children. I am grateful we have the opportunity to see some of these places that I have always thought I would only see in photographs.

Fun times with Grandma & Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa Biggs came to be with the kids while we were in Ohio last week finding a place to live. The kids had fun with them playing games, watching movies, going to a 3D movie, having ice cream at Superior Dairy, and other fun times. Grandma was able to go to school with Spring for her "Mother's Day Tea." I was really sad that I missed this but so happy that Grandma could be with her. Grandma even recorded the little poem the kids recited so I could hear it. We were so happy the kids were happy and had so much fun for the week.

Surprise Visitors

Grandma & Grandpa Powell, Aunt Alanna, and Uncle Eric surprised the kids by coming to visit the Monday following Christmas. Mom and Dad thought they were going to be here Tuesday morning and they scared me half to death by banging on our bedroom door just before 11:00 at night. It was so great to have them here for the week. We enjoyed sharing gifts with each other on Tuesday afternoon. We played lots of games, went shopping, watched football, and just had a great time laughing, talking, playing, and making memories. We enjoyed New Year's Eve together. Just before 7:00 on New Year's Eve Sammy came to me and asked, "Is it New Year's Eve yet? I'm tired!" So, we all went outside and celebrated New Year's so that Sammy, Mary, and Joshie could go to bed. Then the rest of us stayed up playing games until we rung in the New Year. We are so blessed to have wonderful family. I love them all so much. I am grateful for the time they take to visit us and to make so many wonderful memories with our children. It was very sad to see them go after church on Sunday. I am incredibly grateful they stayed for church to help ease my burden during Sacrament Meeting. It was so nice for all the kids to have someone giving them individual attention and I actually was able to listen to the meeting. We all relish the memories we made and look forward to the next time we are together again.

Grandma Biggs' Birthday

Last weekend we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Biggs for Grandma's birthday. We got there Friday evening and were able to stay until Saturday evening before driving back home. We had a good time visiting and spending time together. We also got to spend time with Tammy, Ty, and Bryce. The kids were so happy and excited to see "Baby Bryce." On Saturday we went to lunch for Grandma's birthday. They also told them it was close to Thomas' birthday too so they both got a dessert with a candle in it.

Early Birthday

Grandma & Grandpa Biggs, Aunt Tammy, and Bryce stopped by on their way home from Southern, California this afternoon. Sammy got to open his birthday present from Grandma & Grandpa. He loves his new pajamas and sidewalk chalk. They went outside before dinner tonight and made some masterpieces on the patio. Thanks for stopping by to visit with us!

Grandma's Funeral

My Grandma Spring passed away on Tuesday, June 2nd.  The kids and I were able to come to Utah for her funeral.  We left on Thursday afternoon right after the kids' last day of school.  We got to my sister's house in Salt Lake around 1:00 am.  The kids really did well on the drive and Thomas and Spring were my big helpers!  We then headed to Smithfield, Utah Friday afternoon. We enjoyed the time to visit with family and share memories of Grandma.  She is an amazing woman.  We attended the viewing on Saturday morning.  Sammy kept wanting to "see Grandma Skipper" again and again.  So we would walk over to the casket so he could see her.  He would just quietly look at her.  I wondered what he was thinking but unable to express.  The funeral was a wonderful opportunity to remember and reflect on the life of my Grandma.  It still doesn't seem real that she has passed on.  Thomas was able to accompany for a special musical number, "A Child's Prayer" at the funeral.  He enjoyed being able to do that.  After the funeral we stood as the casket was rolled out and we followed behind.  Sammy kept asking me, 

"Mom,where are they taking Grandma?"  We told him that her spirit is with Heavenly Father and Jesus but her body was going to be buried.  When we got to the cemetery for the burial he asked me, "Mom, is this where Grandma is going to live now?"  Then he asked, "Mom, where's Jesus?  Let's go find Jesus."  He thought since this is where Grandma's casket was going to be then Jesus had to be there too.  Such innocence and yet difficult concepts for him to understand.  I am grateful I could be here for this special time.  I am grateful for my testimony of life after death and my knowledge of the plan of salvation.  Although it is difficult to know my grandma has passed to the next life, my testimony helps bring comfort to me.  I know I will see grandma again and I know she is enjoying being with Grandpa again.

Mary's Birthday...Again!

Mary received a birthday package in the mail today from Grandma and Grandpa Biggs. She was so excited as she was opening it that she started to shreak and jump up and down like she couldn't contain herself! She got a blanket and cute outfit. When she saw the clothes she said, "Clothes!" She started dancing up and down while trying to take her clothes off so she could put on her new clothes. She even went down for her nap right after without a fight since she had a new blanket to sleep with! Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!

Happy Easter

Mom and I took the kids to Poulsbo for an Easter Egg hunt Saturday morning. It was a great event. They had different areas marked off by age group and they only had one group hunting at a time so we could watch all the kids take their turn. It was so fun to watch their excitement. We were surprised by how much Mary really got into it. Later in the afternoon we dyed Easter Eggs. That was fun for the kids as well. We didn't even spill any of the dye!

This morning the kids had a good time hunting for more eggs in the house since it was raining so much outside. We enjoyed being able to go to church with my parents. Joel and I even got to teach the Sunbeam class together.

Ferry Ride, IKEA, Odyssey 1

Today was such a full and fun day! Grandma and I took the kids on the ferry to Seattle. They all loved going on the ferry. Sammy was sure to correct us whenever we called it a "ferry." He would say, "No, ferry boat!" Sammy, Mary, and Thomas liked going on the deck of the ferry. Spring tried once and realized how cold and windy it was so she didn't go out again. The others made many trips out on the deck for short times and then came back in and back out....

We drove off the ferry and headed to IKEA. The older 3 played at the playland for an hour while we shopped around a little. Joel and I have been in the market for a new kitchen table that will accomodate our family. We want a big table with long benches down both sides. So, I was looking to see what options IKEA has. We will have to make a trip to IKEA when we are home. It is about 4 hours from home for us but it is the only place we have found that has tables and benches like we want. After picking up the kids we had lunch in IKEA and did some more shopping. Then we got back in the car to head home.

We met Grandpa in Tacoma at Odyssey 1. It is a big place with lots of play equipment for the kids. While there we celebrated Mary's birthday and had pizza! Mary opened her present from Aunt Alanna...a new outfit and beautiful new dress. Mary immediately started to take off her clothes and put on her new outfit. Then she wanted her dress on too! Thanks Alanna for the cute outfit.

We came home and the kids headed to bed. They were all asleep pretty quickly but Thomas just couldn't sleep so he came down and played Scrabble with Grandma and I. I enjoy the time to spend with him in the evenings like that. He really is growing up.

Low Tide, Spa, & Sugar Eggs

I took the kids to the waterfront park again today for a picnic lunch. It was fun for them to play on the playground after thier lunch. Thomas was disappointed when a big crow came down and snatched up his hamburger and flew off. He had only had one bite of it before the crow took off with it. After being on the playground for a while we went down to the beachfront again. It was really low tide today so the kids were able to walk really far out and find big rocks that had been underwater the day before. They found lots of oysters and shells and rocks. Then they started to discover LOTS of crabs. Thomas and Spring really liked this but Sammy was terrified of them. He started running frantically up the beach screaming at the top of his lungs that the crabs were eating his feet and pants. It was really quite comical and I wish I had captured it on video.

We came home and put the little ones down for naps and then Thomas and Spring got in the spa. They really liked that and they got back in after Sammy and Mary woke up. All 4 of them had a great time in the spa and they were so tired afterwards.

Following dinner Grandma helped them make Easter Sugar Eggs. It was fun to see each of them decorate their own eggs. It was a wonderful end to a great day. And, they were all so tired they fell right to sleep!