New Life in The Old Farmhouse

2011 Behind the Scenes

2012-01-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

A collection of several random pictures taken throughout the year of 2011.

Early Spring

Teaching little brother to walk

Like two old men on a porch

A field trip for JR

Feeding brother popcorn with a spoon

Summer

A Concert

Noah's Ark

FALL

Winter

The UP House

We call this new pose for pictures, "The Smolder"

A Few Shots of Christmas

2012-01-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Little Royce Cousins' nativity on Christmas Eve.

Charlie Loving Baby Jesus

Charlie chose not to dress up while Emerson chose to represent a camel.

Robes made by Mimi

Christmas morning wake-up

We keep gifts from Santa simple and it pays off. Do you see how excited he got over this Connect 4 game?

JR's Angry Birds Game. You can see I'm not an avid player with my setup.

Washed out, but unfortunately the only pic together this day.

Christmas Eve at Aunt Virginia's, fondu dinner with small children circling the room and fighting like cats and dogs, a comical yet spiritual nativity, Christmas morning surprises, church with Dad and brother followed by gifts and breakfast, brunch at Royce's with gifts, and a yummy dinner at Mom's. Like every other year, Christmas celebrations flew by and ended before we knew it. Now, on to a new year!

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

It was my first year sending out family picture Christmas Cards. Family pictures. What a nightmare. Bless you photographers that do this professionally. I hope there are children that cooperate better than mine.

This is how everyone really felt about them:

Local Television at its Finest

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

For your entertainment I have embedded a short clip of me on a local television show. I know I am surrounded by friends on this blog and I feel safe showing it. Please do me the courtesy of reading my explanation below if you do choose to watch.

Behind the Scenes:

Sometimes after certain experiences and attempts at certain things I wonder . . . Do I know myself? Do I remember past experiences with my children and have I learned anything? Is my hope so great that I believe in things not yet seen or am I just pretending that I live in a magical world where things happen as I envision them? Sometimes I think I forget that I'm me . . . and me is certainly not perfect and nothing goes according to the envisioned plan.

And now sitting here in retrospect I ask my last-week-self, Why in the world did you think that bringing your not-always-agreeable and unpredictable 3-year-old to a live television show would be a good idea?

Let me give you the rundown: I'm up several times the night before with Charlie who we finally figured had an ear infection (side note- we gave him 50/50 vinegar and water drops in his ears which brought relief in under 1 minute, 1 minute!!! I hope this trick works as well in the future and we can avoid annoying Dr. visits and antibiotics forever).

I get out of bed after not sleeping, but really just coming slightly in and out of consciousness to get ready. I wake Emerson to get ready and bribe him with cookies to wear the clothes I want him to instead of whatever awful and strange outfit he was going to pick out in spite of me.

We arrive at the studio, set up, and find little toys to play with. We have about 5 minutes until we are to go on air. I'm wearing high, high heels, which I feel like I'm just learning to walk in and a lot more eye makeup than normal (because any eye-shadow at all is more than normal). I then hear, "Mom, my belly hurts. I need to go poop!" Super. Of course you do. Right now. The heels come off, I pick him up and sprint toward the bathroom.

My hurrying him along doesn't speed up the process and probably makes him more uncomfortable. He insists that I "Take all this stuff off" until he is sitting there in only his shirt. I'm looking at the time. He feels sick. I'm sweating. Is this really happening right now? I leave him alone on the pot to sprint barefoot through the studio to check the status. News people are staring and wondering. "You have one minute," I hear. I should be setting my stuff up in front of the cameras and talking to the hosts about what I'm about to talk about. I take off back to the bathroom where I redress the 3-year-old, run like a cheetah back to the news room, throw the 3-year-old and his shoes down, slip the heels back on my feet, and stumble out of breath in front of the camera where the segment had to begin without me.

I can't catch my breath, I can't talk. What's going on? This is absolutely ridiculous. I finally catch my breath and begin to speak normally, like I hadn't just run around the block 18 times to gear up for the event. Is my forehead shiny right now?

What now? Oh, the 3-year-old I brought with me doesn't want to come on camera to model the shirt I made. I balance him on my hip as I finish the segment. This is my life, simultaneously balancing a child on one hip while I stir a pot, send a package, teach a lesson . . . promote my humanitarian project on live television.

Oh well, it's over. I don't think many people watch the show anyway. They are probably watching Kelly. Is that all it is now? She kind of reminds me of Barbie's baby sister, Kelly.

Back to the 3-year-old. . . my poor choice of bringing him today created stress, but it's out of my mind at bedtime as we cuddle up on his bed with a Christmas book, surrounded by bears and a stuffed dog. I can't kiss his smooth round face enough and we promise each other to have another fun day tomorrow.

The Humans are Dead

2011-11-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

Affirmative

Babybot

I think I could get them to wear anything if it means taking a sack around to the neighbors to fill with candy. Our neighborhood gives great treats. The costumes were Emerson's idea to begin with, but I had to keep convincing him when the idea kept evolving into the more commercialized and well-known robots.

Watching them walk around made me think of this (if your sense of humor is up for it):

Utah

2011-10-20T16:52:00.001-06:00

This is us. No one in the world we are trying to impress. We don't shop at the mall, drive a big shiny SUV, or frequent our favorite restaurants as we would like. We are by no means fancy folk.

When we experience the outdoors with our growing little family none of that matters anyway. It doesn't matter what handbag you carry or brand of wax you line your eyes with when you spend a night in a tent. Nature holds no prejudice.

Little Cottonwood Canyon:

Up and over Butterfield Canyon:

The little guys were ecstatic about spending the night in the mountains. Emerson loved his roasted "smashmellow", the freedom to mark his territory on nearby trees, and Charlie could hardly fall asleep. I was glad we had an Eagle Scout with us.

The Loveliest Nurseries

2011-09-28T14:56:00.001-06:00

I noticed traffic on my little Etsy shop coming from this site, lay baby lay, and checked it out. It's a site with the cutest nursery combos and designs I've ever seen. You could take away the crib on most of them and they would make beautiful living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc . . . She threw one of my onesies into a room and now I want the room to go with it. It will make you want to put a style board together for your own space.

Camera Obscura

2011-09-22T16:26:00.001-06:00

JR wanted to conduct a "camera obscura" experiment to demonstrate how a camera works by making the entire nursery room function like an actual camera. The first camera obscura experiments, conducted hundreds of years ago, are what led to modern photography. The window was covered and the room remained in complete darkness until a small hole, no bigger than one inch in diameter, allowed for light.

We all sat in the dark room while the light passed through the tiny hole and reproduced the images from outside the window, projecting them upside-down on the walls. These images appeared very faint with slight color to our human eyes, but the camera in the room with long exposure sat and collected enough light to reveal a brighter, clearer picture.

First shot taken without enough light collected. If you look closely, you can see the fence and sidewalk on the ceiling. This is all coming through one tiny little, nickel sized hole cut out from the window covering.

Do you see JR holding Charlie on the walkway? Remember, this is a completely dark room.

Even longer exposure. Do you see the truck or stop sign?

If we had film on the wall to process in a dark room we would have ourselves a picture. And that my friends, is how I had a Magic School Bus experience inside a camera.
Then I got thinking . . .

about how far photography has come (and I don't even know how far because I'm not very educated on it), and technology in general.

*Disclaimer on the following: My thoughts don't provide me with constant, steady stream of information and may not be coherent or agreeable with some readers. I DO reach somewhat of a point by the end.
I am amazed that no matter how far technology advances it has always and continues to follow the same laws and order set in place before the world even was. We are amazed by new inventions and capabilities, yet the possibilities have always been what the aforesaid laws and order set in place and unchanged have ALWAYS allowed. I, with many others believe the laws and order of the universe were set in place by a divine creator or creators.

The rules of the universe have been followed and worked in accordance with enough to give me the capabilities to translate languages, communicate with others around the world, view live images from anywhere around the world, predict the weather, and receive GPS direction, all in the palm of my hand.

These capabilities are now mainstream and ordinary. This lead me to wonder, if ANYONE can have these capabilities in today's world, then why would it be thought of as impossible or absurd for someone of the past to have these capabilities. If it is possible to follow the same laws that have always existed today, then why not 100 years ago or 1000 years ago? Sure, man's level of technology didn't exist, but the laws of the universe have not changed, nor it's allowance for these capabilities. Is it so absurd to think that a divine hand, one that created the order or scientific rules for us to follow to have modern technology, could not work with the same order for someone of the past to receive direction, view events taking place in another location, communicate, or translate the written word? . . . If you ask me, I don't think the Ipad is the first of it's kind. . . just certainly less exclusive now. . .

"Yet, the conflict can only be apparent, not real, for science seeks truth, and true religion is truth. There can never be conflict between revealed religion and true science. Truth is truth, whether labeled science or religion. All truth is consistent. There is no conflict—only in the interpretation of fact" (President Ezra Taft Benson).

You there? A little long-winded for a blog post, sorry.

"Where's the boat?"

2011-09-10T11:57:00.000-06:00

That is what Emerson asked us when we pulled into Steamboat Springs, CO last month. It is the namesake of a bubbling natural hot spring's sound. We never found a boat, but we did find plenty of recreation and fresh mountain air.

We stopped in Vernal on the drive home to visit the dinosaur field museum which turned into a dream-come-true for the little boys.

We shared the whole museum with a couple of burly oil drillers. Emerson made sure they didn't miss any details of the exhibits. They taught him a thing or two about geology as well.

Is it sad . . .

2011-08-31T10:25:00.000-06:00

that this is the best family picture we have?

I think we should get some taken. Then again, coordinating outfits, making sure everyone is happy and at least not crying, and making time for them sure sounds like a hassle! For now Lupe's work at the Benihana will do.
They have even given me the option of putting the image on a mousepad or mug.

This is what I got for my birthday:

2011-08-08T16:48:00.001-06:00

Lost.

In the mountains.

I was "leading" a group of four 13-year-olds back down to our girls' church camp after a morning hike. After spending a couple of frustrating hours hiking back and forth down several different trails, all involved learned a very valuable lesson: that it only takes one wrong turn to veer away and become far from the right path. Luckily I had another great friend "leading" with me to share the embarrassment, humiliation, terror, panic, and (later) tear-inducing, ab-tightening, all-you-can-do laughter.

We sped too far ahead of the rest of the group behind us and ventured far from camp. It was a humbling experience after that morning I dug into my fruit and granola parfait and listened to the survival lesson thinking it was for the most extreme cases and probably not very applicable. I'm usually pretty confidant and feel like I have a decent sense of direction, but things change when you have four young girls entrusted by their parents and one is starting to experience symptoms of heat exhaustion under your wing. The looming dark clouds weren't close, but still a threat to consider.

While running to retrace our steps down one of the trails I heard the mysterious rattle sound that a couple of girls complained about at a certain spot. Here is where I realized the potential danger of situations such as this with particular unmentioned reptiles who make particular rattling sounds. I learned that I need to be better prepared next time I want to go off on a mountain and play Jim Bridger.

Meanwhile back at the camp, four wheelers were sent out searching for our small group, an impressive set of speakers and sound system were set up to blast music calling us home with what I think I remember playing "The Eye of the Tiger" upon our return. One of the other leader's husband flies for search and rescue and was about ready to hop in the copter to come spot us for his worried wife when we made our way up the hill.

Although an embarrassing situation and thankfully not too dire, it was still nice to see the forces at work who cared enough to bring us home. So many parallels can be drawn from this experience. All of the girls included their own interpretation in their testimony around the fire that evening. One was grateful for the atonement which makes it possible to return, another for how difficult it was so she remembered the lessons learned. One said, "This was the hardest, most difficult . . . and coolest thing I've ever done."

The Next Big Thing

2011-07-28T16:51:00.002-06:00

This week I was introduced to two new things making advancements in different areas of my life. One is the example of just how great technology can be when it is so readily available. Literally at my fingertips. The other is a practice new to me, but is as old as the great mountains surrounding me.

First, have you heard of Spotify? Wow. It's any music any time that you can actually make your own playlists with (for free) and sync to your ipod and listen offline (for a small fee). You can also add your Itunes music to it once you download. I'm really excited to make my perfect running playlist. Do you remember when YouTube or Facebook was new? Now Spotify is new. I just hope it doesn't go away.

The second advancement (which you will not find quite as exciting) I made this week was visiting a cannery. I purchased 25 pounds of red wheat for $11 and a large can of dried apples for $5. I will go back for beans, rice, and other staples. Different locations provide wet or dry products that you can sign up to can, or show up anytime to pick up certain items that are already canned. The concept is wonderful for making healthier changes for my family's diet while saving money.

All of the workers are volunteers and ever so kind and helpful. They fed my rambunctious boys apple slices while a couple of ladies took the time to educate me on different health food, cost savings, and home storage ideas. I learned how to substitute oil and butter with white bean puree, about powdered honey, and which stores to find the least expensive items. The facilities function to package food for humanitarian aid around the world as well as to help the locals be prepared with home food storage. I kept thinking, this is really how the world should work.

Now excuse me while I go listen to the latest music and grind some wheat.

Everyone Gets a Trophy

2011-07-10T19:57:00.000-06:00

Except for Charlie. And in our case they were medals, not trophies. Charlie really deserves one though because he has been such a good sport supporting the rest of us in our activities this summer.

Charlie wasn't very good at staying off the soccer field. He wanted to kick the ball where it belongs- on the field. His small Woody doll has been glued to his hand this last week. He insists that this little doll go everywhere he go: bath, bedtime, church, the zoo,

etc. . .

The Freedom Half Marathon. This is at the start at the top of Emigration Canyon. Such a pretty run and great way to begin the Fourth of July celebrations. The finish line was at the capitol building. We met family at Ruth's Diner for breakfast/lunch after the run. Ruth sounds like she was a bit hard around the edges, but that place sure is great.

The weather on the Fourth was perfect. I wish it would top out at 80 degrees and be overcast every year! I have also been LOVING the short and refreshing summer rain showers we have been getting lately.

JR's brother provided a great BBQ, entertainment, and a spectacular firework show.

In other news: These Instagram pics stand as evidence that my iphone is alive! After sitting at the bottom of a kiddie pool for who knows how long, it sat in an air-tight container of rice for a week and now works perfectly (for the old model it is)!

I hope you are all enjoying backyard BBQs, wearing out your sandals, and eating plenty of popsicles.

Castle Week

2011-07-03T15:18:00.002-06:00

It all began when Emerson thought that the only thing to make life bearably continue was to have a castle for his two toy knights. He begged to go to Grape Grandpa's house to play with his castle and then begged for me to buy one at the store. After explaining that neither of those desires would be immediately met he got really excited about the idea of making one out of a box. After remembering that the brilliant wife of my cousin does educational theme weeks with her kids, I decided to make last week "Castle Week."

The knights were housed in a castle painted by Emerson. When I gave him beds to put inside he informed me that, "Knights can't sleep, only princesses sleep!"

We loaded up on books to read about medieval castles, towns, and knights.

Next Emerson decided he needed his own knight outfit and began gathering supplies around the house. I enhanced the box he put on his head. This costume made for an afternoon of fighting dragons and saving the damsel in distress (mommy) and her "little fluffy dog" (Charlie). During play he whispered, "Take your sandals off, princesses don't wear sandals." The teaching has been mutual.

We watched The Sword in the Stone. It's always interesting to watch movies I haven't seen since I was a child. I didn't remember Merlin's robe flying up a few times to reveal his pink boxers underneath.

Castle week concluded with a castle dinner. Emers noticed that the meat had bones in it on The Sword in the Stone, so that was a must.

Too bad he doesn't remember this:

Or this:

He was actually so loud we were kicked out of this castle.

Maybe next will be dino week, or we can wait and see where the wind blows Emerson's imagination.

Bi Phone.

2011-06-23T16:05:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Charlie. He is, however, loving his new blow-up pool.

One Year Ago . . .

2011-06-09T16:54:00.001-06:00

I was connected to this little belly. I brought Emerson home a brother named Charlie. I learned I had a greater capacity to love.

He got rain for his birthday.

Charlie, I love watching you walk around pointing to things saying, "Eeewwwww" with your mouth making an o shape. You remind me of a little monkey climbing and eating everything in your path. You are fascinated by everything and we are fascinated by you.

Your family is glad you were born.

We Went to California

2011-06-03T09:28:00.000-06:00

Nancymom took us on a road trip to California. When I was a wee one I called her this. We stayed in Encinitas, which is a laid back, great-for-vaca town with a nice beach.
I like these pictures JR took on the beach in the dark. It's amazing what cameras can show us that our human eye cannot.
Above is a bonfire beach party. I wasn't invited. Will someone please invite me to one of those some time? They just sound like the epitome of a coastal summer to me. I grew up in Utah and attended camp fires in the mountains, but no sand, no cute beach attire covered in hoodies, and certainly no crashing waves to serenade the friendly chatter around the fire. . . back to the trip:

This is the family.

This is Emerson in San Diego pretending to be a pirate.

Grandma felt bad that he had to use his hand for a patch and we later found him like this:

We spent a day at Disneyland. Walt Disney. What. A. Dreamer.

Emerson will tell you that Buzz Lightyear was his favorite ride, but he didn't stop smiling and laughing during It's a Small World. Toward the end he said, "It's beauiful, It's so beauiful!" Charlie got a kick out of it as well.

Little Men

I think we ran 8 miles in the park that day. I was actually yelled at once to "Stop running, just slow down a little," by an employee. It completed the sensation I had that day that I was a little girl again.

Now What?

This is my little boy

2011-05-24T11:52:00.000-06:00

Just look at this little guy pause for a second for me from his pretend play of fighting dragons and tigers in his outfit of choice: hand-me-down shirt, homemade pants, rain boots, and a "cowboy hat." I don't oppose. It's good for his fair skin, our budget, and confidence or fortitude . . . or something.

We recently celebrated his third birthday with balloons, breakfast at a bakery with a big cookie courtesy of the baker, a couple of gifts, my attempt at a lego cake, and a viewing of Born to be Wild (which was darling).

His words: "I'm so essited for my bertday today!" I also got a, "Thanks for making me that ego cake, mom."

He loves books, tigers, dinosaurs, being told the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (with multiple alternate endings), and when I just asked him he responded with, "pancakes, balloons, meat . . .no, no pencils or crayons, um . . . pictures, capes . . . what else me like? . . . Emers likes you hair and your mouth. . . I like dragons too." I love him.

A Road Show Apology

2011-05-15T20:21:00.004-06:00

I would like to apologize to the babies whose mothers I pulled away for various tasks and practices, to the little girl I made cry during the performance after poking her eye while frantically grabbing a laptop that was needed on stage, to the girls I lost patience with for not getting their act together before the show, and to anyone who witnessed my weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth during production of the performance.

The past few years have given me some personally stretching and unexpected responsibilities in the religious aspect of my life. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers all members opportunities to serve in various responsibilities to teach and strengthen the lives of others. Such "callings" have allowed me different titles such as "counselor", "teacher", and "advisor." Just when I thought that "coach" was probably the most surprising of my titles, "director" was added to the collection. Road Show Director. . . yeah. Have I ever participated in a road show? No. Have I ever seen a road show? Hardly.

My experience felt somewhere between completing a task on The Apprentice and approaching people with multilevel marketing. After I finished weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, I realized that the purpose of activities such as this is to help others increase in their talents and give opportunities that might not otherwise be given. I was taught patience.

Our viewers were given a package complete with a deadly chess game, cross-dressing, and a Burt Reynolds mustache.

Our Bishopric

You can find me dead in the background here.

Do you see the raw talent?

JR really took his roll and ran with it.

He revealed to me that he had actually had some experience playing the part of Solinus, Duke of Ephesus in an elementary school production of The Comedy of Errors. And I thought there wasn't anything more to learn about each other.

After a few hiccups and not very much time to throw things together, I am thankful to everyone who participated.

Looking for a Mother's Day Gift?

2011-04-28T23:48:00.002-06:00

You're sure to find something at this weekend's Art Market in Sugarhouse. I will have a table there with screen printed items. Check it out!

Spring Art Market Starts Tomorrow!
Don't miss the perfect Mother's Day gift.
April 29-30, 2011
Sugarhouse Garden Center

www.artmarketutah.com

He is Risen

2011-04-24T12:57:00.004-06:00

These are images of the Via Dolorosa, or "way of suffering" within the Old City of Jerusalem. It is believed to be the path Jesus was taken down carrying the cross to his crucifixion. Looking at them reminds me that there was a trial . . . an atonement . . . a crucifixion . . . death . . . and resurrection. . . that we might live.

"I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: 'Ye shall obtain.'
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men."

-4th verse of the Hymn "I Believe in Christ"

Having a small child to teach has given me a new set of eyes with renewed focus. Teaching him about Easter has made me reevaluate the surrounding celebrations. To make my own explanations and teachings to my children easier, I declared the day before Easter the official "Bunny Day" in which all festivities involving baskets, eggs, and giant white bunnies will take place. Do any of you do this already? I'm hoping the separation will work well in the future.

Also, wouldn't you be proud to have a son like THIS? Watch for a true Easter message.

We Love the Mountains

2011-03-30T16:04:00.006-06:00

If it was feasible I would move the Old Farmhouse to a new resting place at the foot of the mountains. Comfortably settled in its bed of pine bedposts, a canopy of trees, and a headboard of granite, it would spend each evening taking in an open view of the sunset from the west. I love the Wasatch mountains and everything they have to offer. We are forcing that same love upon our children at an early age. It might also have something to do with JR's desire to experience fulfillment of olympic aspirations vicariously through his boys.

Fueling up in the lodge

And yes, he is tied to that chair.

If you have seen one picture of me skiing in the last eleven or twelve years, you have seen them all. I have worn the same North Face jacket for over a decade and I don't even care.

Don't worry, I didn't allow him to go on the lift papoose style. We made great use of the free rope tow.

Emerson on the leashes

This is JR adapting to having children.

Do You Remember

2011-03-21T21:30:00.003-06:00

when it only took a swing to make you this happy?

Before

2011-03-12T21:50:00.002-07:00

I thought I was ready to commit and yet I find this large white space staring at me continuously. What would you paint if you had a canvas competing with your own height in the front room?

This Old House

2011-03-07T16:22:00.013-07:00

I decided to give my blog a facelift and a new name that gives a little more intrigue to the page. My place of residence, my proud domain, my workspace for raising my family, my life, is in an old turn-of-the-century farmhouse. It all started when two young and ambitious newlyweds decided to renovate a 100-year-old structure of history.

Ugh, I want to cry for my past self.

I admit I was quite naive about the undertaking, thinking that after a few months of pounding a few nails and buffing the floors I would be basking in the sunlight of the large livingroom window enjoying a cup of sweet satisfaction and a good book. Little did I know that I would spend the next five months holding a crowbar, tearing into walls, filling up dumpster after dumpster, and welcoming my husband home at all hours of the night to help him scrub such things as 100-year-old soot from his body after tearing down the old flue.

While school and work took up most of our time, we pulled on our thick leather work gloves and warm layers to ward off the winter cold with any spare time we had to spend working on the house. The project continued to grow, and it seemed that every day another wall needed to be torn down and problem uncovered making our project seem without end.
During the following few years, the house would see certain walls torn out, others put up, an entire new plumbing system, new air ducts, new electrical and wiring, updated with a/c, new windows, 100% new sheet rock to replace the old plaster walls, a new staircase, ceilings brought back their original height, all new flooring, fixtures, doors, and kitchen cabinets and appliances. Boy, I'm glad that is behind me because even writing that makes me exhausted. JR did 95% of the work himself and even taught his wife to use a miter saw and a nail gun.

Room completions took priority as needed, first just a bedroom for the busy newlyweds we were, then a kitchen, the rest of the main floor, then two years later the upstairs was completed when expansion was needed for a baby on the way.

I wrote about living without a shower and heat for several months HERE.

At times when the world feels unstable and that things might just come crashing down at any moment, I think about the 12"-deep brick walls surrounding me in the Old Farmhouse and what they have withstood over the last century. Unwavering through World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, and four generations, they give me hope and security that spring WILL come again!

Pickled Herring and Tapioca Pudding

2010-12-28T13:38:00.015-07:00

On my mom's side of the family, which contains Dutch heritage, long lives the tradition of including an imported jar of pickled herring along side the Christmas ham and turkey. Long before I was born the family gathered every Christmas Eve to the basement of my great grandparents' home to enjoy dinner, exchange gifts, and eat pickled herring. The home today, which is the residence of my Great-Aunt Virginia, has had some updates and touch ups, but enough of the original retro furniture and artwork pre 1960’s remains to make you feel back in the presence of Great-Grandma and Grandpa, and every other Christmas Eve of my childhood. I wouldn't want the setting any different. The growth of the family and addition of a new generation with my two sons doesn't change our tradition of meeting up in the basement lined with vintage couches and antique books. We continue to enjoy the feast laid out on the pool table, unwrap gifts, laugh at gag gifts, and watch the children's anticipation build for the approaching dawn.

On our way home JR and I had a conversation about tradition and change. What is better, tradition or something new? In an ever-changing world with high speed internet, high-def television, and high fructose corn syrup, the traditions and rituals of the past can be stabilizing, comforting, and remind us of the important aspects in life. They ground us to family and good friends, and help us practice generosity and sentiment. I certainly benefit from new tastes and ideas, but don't want to forget the old and abiding.

On Christmas Eve I scooped myself a serving from Aunt Virginia's large bowl of tapioca pudding, not only to satisfy my sweet tooth, but to partake in the time-honored taste of Christmas. On Christmas day I made "Santa Cookies" with my dad and thought about his mother who began making them decades ago. After Christmas fondue at my in-laws, we read a little out of Grandmother Lova's compilation of Christmas stories, songs, and pictures she handed out before she passed away.

Christmas gave us an opportunity to remember the past, and connect with our loved ones, both living and beyond this life.

I'm sure my ancestors were thrilled that upon his first taste, Emerson enjoyed the pickled herring so much, I had to cut him off.

Smelling his Christmas orange. He really was excited about it showing up in his stocking after asking for one just as the little bear receives in The Sweet Smell of Christmas.

"Super Capes"

His daddy made him some maple, all-natural teething toys. He likes the elephant.

Our attempt at a nativity with the grandkids. Half of the cast bailed. Here you have Mary, Baby Jesus, and a cow. Emerson wanted to be the cow.

Admiring the Christ Child.

Total improv.

"The cattle are Lowing, the poor baby wakes. . .

But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes."

Do You Happiness?

2010-11-29T21:44:00.004-07:00

A couple of weeks ago JR was out shopping with his niece Charlotte and son Emerson. The poor children were getting restless and tired after being carted down aisle after aisle of reasonably priced bulk goods and curbing their appetites with the sample tables at Costco. Our little Emerson is a two-year-old food connoisseur who not only eats to live, but lives to eat. He has tasted and enjoyed plates from around the world and has a great appreciation for all things edible.

At one particular Costco sample table his cousin Charlotte did not approve of whatever it was she was given and handed it back to Zio JR, who then discarded it in the trash. Emerson found this wasteful act to be absolutely insulting and decided right then and there to release the effects of his exhaustion and restless energy into a classic, textbook-style tantrum. The head was thrown back, tears began to stream down the red face, and his mouth remained wide open, blaring out one constant sound similar to a siren with a frequency that only a person under the age of three wouldn't feel ashamed of.

His daddy told him he needed to be happy and that, "I'm happy, Charlotte's happy, and we're all full of happiness."

Emerson immediately stopped crying, looked his daddy straight in the face and with his voice taken up about 100 decibels higher than a normal speaking voice, responded with, "NO DADDY, MOMMY NOT HAVE PENIS, CHARLOTTE NOT HAVE PENIS! DADDY HAVE A PENIS, EMERS HAVE A PENIS, AND BABY CHARLIE HAVE A PENIS!"

I'm sure JR's fellow Costco shoppers wondered what kind of argument he was having with his son . . . and I'm glad I wasn't there for anyone to make their own conclusions about.

In other news:

Charlie is now six months old and I don't believe it even as I write it. I love everything about this sweet little boy of mine. He sits, he's crawling a little, and he started eating solid food. The milestones are bitter-sweet for me as his growth is coming faster than I am emotionally prepared to handle. One day too soon he will be in the back of a shopping cart eating Costco samples and yelling about the family's genitalia. . .

Charlie Visits Chicago

2010-11-18T22:21:00.008-07:00

I am currently not a very exciting person with anything interesting to report about in my life right now. So, all I can say is thank goodness I have friends to vicariously live through like Hailey and Steve, a dancer/teacher and scientist respectively, who are living it up in Chicagoland. I am proud to call these wonderful people my friends and grateful I could spend some quality time visiting their family and seeing their new life. My first trip to the Windy City was also my first time taking Charlie on a plane (which he did fantastic on) and first time leaving Emerson at home. He was able to spend some quality time with daddy, and despite letting him come "work" in the wood shop, dressing him in Santa Clause socks in October, and letting him stay up to watch movies, I think JR did a great job running the household and keeping our son in one peace while I was away.

What a beautiful city. I'm upset that I didn't bring a camera to photograph such a photogenic place, but the baby was enough to cart around without having to also lug the camera.

I felt pretty privileged when Steve got us into the museum and aquarium for FREE. It always pays to have a good scientist as a friend. Their four-year-old son Jack took me on a very thorough tour of the Mummy exhibit. It was awesome.

I took this to send to little Emers, who currently has a dinosaur obsession.

Come visit me soon, Hailey! I want you to make me Navajo tacos and yummy cookies while we stay up late talking until we pass out. Remember, "GET YOUR CAMERAS READY!"

I loved the Leavitts. I loved the view. I loved the architecture. I loved the food. I loved Chicago.

A New Season

2010-11-02T21:31:00.012-06:00

The boys had to celebrate the first big snowfall of the season at the beginning of last week. They said they were going out to build a snowman. They built a "Snow Manny."

His dad took the whole front yard of snow to make him the mammoth he requested, but he cried in the picture because of a cold derrière.

Halloween

How many more years do I have left to force my kids to wear the costumes I pick out and make for them? This year I had to work around my desire to draw a little Charlie Brown curl on Charlie's bald head. I was afraid that Emerson would realize his little homemade Snoopy costume wasn't as cool as he originally thought when he saw another child dressed as Buzz Lightyear. He loved seeing several Buzz costumes, but luckily never said anything about wanting to be Buzz. What a good little sport he is.

We went to a neighborhood party for little tikes Friday morning. Emerson was Snoopy and I went as Charlie's little sister, Sally Brown. I wasn't too convincing apparently, as I was asked if I was an 80's rocker and Madonna. When I told Emerson that I was Sally Brown he even said, "No, mommy's pink."

Charlie and his chums:

I LOVE looking at babies helplessly dressed in silly costumes!
Kids on candy:

Emerson was ecstatic when I told him that we were actually planning on walking around the neighborhood to knock on doors and collect candy from the neighbors. He couldn't get enough of it, even in the rain. We all ate more candy than we should have and watched It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. I had to show Emerson the 1960's cartoon characters we dressed as.

Summer Through My Cellphone

2010-10-27T20:49:00.011-06:00

Pretty cheap way to catch up and post the entire summer, right? Oddly, we didn't take many pictures with the actual camera this year. Always having my cell phone with me allowed me to capture a few shots of summer.
We introduced2-week-old Charlie to the beautiful mountains with a family picnic.

Cousin Time:APioneer Day Children's Parade with cousins Chanel and Rori. This picture was taken moments after Emerson was run over by the same vehicle. He didn't press any charges.
Checking out the big trucks at the copper mine with cousin Oli.

Boys hula hooping in Sun Valley, Idaho: my son, my brother, my dad, and my husband. Yes, we did exciting things like hiking, biking, shooting, swimming, and golfing, . . . but I got pictures of hula hooping.

Boys playing checkers.
This is just one of many self-made costumes and props he gives himself. Cousin Charlotte came to town.-

First swim for Mr. Charles

Charlie made some friends.

First camping trip with kids. We all slept in a teepee on the beach.

Can you see how much Emerson loves his younger brother and how

much his younger brother loves him?

Three boys sleeping on the dock at Lake Powell.

JR was proud of himself for doing this.
Charlie at around 2 months. He still loves grabbing those cute toes.

I should've dug these up sooner. I had a whole row of monster carrots like these. Despite the scary metamorphosing appearance these have, we grew 17 different types of fruits and veggies in our garden this year. However, our corn was super tiny and the brussels sprouts didn't really work out. I'm still learning.

We like this guy. I had to take a picture of him feeding the doll, as it was a break from the usual roaring of dinosaurs and fighting of "guys."

I guess I did take a few in Sun Valley:

After seeing his uncle

and daddy-

Emerson found himself here:

then here:

In his words, "I did it!"

Summer, I miss you already.

Little Boy Blue

2010-08-11T14:19:00.011-06:00

This little boy was a newborn baby for about a week. I don't think it's fair that at two months old I already had to pack up all of his clothes up to size six months, which fit him perfectly. He is in the 90th percentile for both height and weight. I absolutely melt at every coo and smile, and enjoy every minute I get to cuddle with him.
He was blessed in church last Sunday by his daddy, encircled by many great and wonderful men in his life.
Aunt Rachael brought little Charlie this linen blessing outfit from Paris. Don't you wish you had an aunt who brought you beautiful clothing from Paris?

The blanket was made by JR's late Grandmother Lova.
What a fantastic day. We are so lucky to be supported by so many wonderful loved ones.

JR may have had a Popeye smile in the picture above, but he makes up for it looking so good in this picture!

If I may:

I know it's probably annoying, but I do love to brag about cheap finds and improvements. I think it's part of being a Royce. And let's be honest, Blogspot should really be called BRAGspot as it really is a place to brag about one's impressive achievements, skills, and children.

That being said, my dress in the previous pictures was an inexpensive DI find refashioned with my sewing machine.

This is the flattering before picture. My husband was a little nervous.
I also recovered these stools the night before Charlie's blessing for about $2! I couldn't find just the right fabric, so I painted some I already had and covered them with clear vinyl. It's inexpensive and I don't have to worry about the daily splatters of tomato sauce and smeared chocolate. Sure, JR built literally everything from the walls and plumbing to the cabinets in the kitchen, but I stapled some new seats together as my contribution.

Nothing Sweeter in the World

2010-06-08T11:46:00.016-06:00

I have fallen in love with another boy! Little Charlie came into our world May 29th at 6:02 in the morning and has completely captured my heart. Yes, I am lucky enough to have three amazing and handsome boys all to myself.

Birth Story

*Disclaimer- I got a little carried away writing this and could be a little long for some attention spans*

After my first son's arrival took 24 hours of labor, I was expecting the second to be a little lengthy as well. With my first, I called the hospital when my contractions were five minutes apart and they told me to wait until they were three minutes apart to come in. I expected this to be the same protocol with the next baby. The books also tell you to stay at home as long as possible while in labor where you can eat and be more comfortable. This damn advice and never having the "regular contractions" nearly made me have a back-seat delivery with little Charlie!

I began having painful labor contractions around 11:00 pm on the night of my due date, May 28th. I was awake all night trying different pain relieving techniques, cleaning and packing in between contractions, and eating popsicles. It's amazing how you can have the most painful contraction that will drop you to the ground and then once it wares off you can start right back where you were sweeping the floor. JR called my little sister over at around 4:30 am to be with Emerson. My instructions to her before we left went like this: "I laid his clothes out on the chair in his room and" . . .(pause while I drop on the stairs with a contraction, breath, breath, breath) . . ."you can give him some cereal or oatmeal when he wakes up. We'll give you a ca" . . . (drop again for a minute, breath, breath, breath) . . ."We'll give you a call with an update and check on him."

I began timing contractions on handy little iphone apps I installed as labor began (Yep- In labor? There's an app for that!). They never became "regular" as I waited for that to be my sign to head to the hospital. Five minutes, three minutes, six minutes, two minutes; they were all over the place. Finally I didn't care when they were coming, but I knew they were so painful I wanted to get to the hospital for an epidural FAST!!! My husband, obviously not realizing how much of a hurry we were in after our experience with the last delivery, ironed his pants (which I normally only see on Sunday), swished with mouthwash, and made sure everything was perfectly packed. To tell you the truth, I didn't even realize how much in a hurry we were, but I yelled, "WE HAVE TO GO!" nonetheless.

As soon as the next contraction ended we made a mad dash for the car to take the most painful ride of my life. JR, on the other hand, got a thrill out of the ride as he felt justified speeding the car down the empty streets at the wee hours of the morning. His left hand was on the wheel, all while using his right hand to rub counter-pressure into my back while I moaned and groaned, might I add. We pulled up to the hospital entrance and ditched the car by the front door only to find no one inside and no wheelchair.

(Photo taken later)

The task of walking down the hallway to the elevator seemed like a marathon at that moment. I stopped just about every five feet with contractions, as now I know I was in the transitional phase of labor.

We got out of the elevator and I dropped on a bench that I prayed would not turn into my delivery bed. The nurses told me later that it was quite a funny sight to see JR run into the quiet labor and delivery section with bags and cameras slung on his shoulders asking for a wheelchair for his wife. Real typical dramatic, television sit-com type stuff.

They wheeled me into the delivery room where my clothes were quickly replaced by a gown and I got onto the bed. My water immediately broke and I breathlessly asked for an epidural. They said yes, but really there wouldn't have even been time for an anesthesiologist to get there, let alone give an epidural. I was surprised they even considered the request. I decided it probably wasn't worth even attempting it and prepared to finish the job unassisted by drugs. I had also read a couple things saying that once the transitional contractions were over, pushing is a relief, and not as painful. Damn those words, I tell you. I told the nurses I read this and they ALL looked at me with faces and pushed up eyebrows that said, "Where in the world did you read that?" I immediately realized that I didn't agree either as the burning and painful pressure of needing to push began. I would say the last contractions and pushing both feel as if your body violently turns against you with every torturous strength and power it possesses. Without any control of the noises coming out of my mouth I told them I needed to push. They preferred the doctor, who was about thirty minutes away, to deliver (wouldn't you think a Dr. would always be nearby?, C'mon it's not like I was delivering at the Ingalls' farm while pa went for Doc Baker on horseback!), so they tried to have me just "breath" to wait.

With that affective advice I started to crown and the baby's heart rate dropped. They realized they needed to deliver the baby, doctor or no doctor. Scared and out of breath, I continued to give demands to my husband, "don't touch me" . . ."more ice chips" . . ."just keep my hand from slipping." The cord was around his neck and the bed began to shake as multiple hands tried grasping for the cord around the little blue face and tug for his extra large shoulders to follow, which were stuck and having a very difficult time being delivered. I was exhausted and in unimaginable pain, but when I saw the panicked look on the nurse's faces I found a little more strength to push harder. I was amazed by the overwhelming physical feeling of relief I felt when he was finally out. I remember asking if the doctor ever showed up and the answer was no.

They called him the "stop and drop baby." Fifteen minutes after arriving at the hospital our little Charles Jonathan Royce ("Charlie") arrived weighing in at 9 lbs 2 oz, 20.5" long, matching the exact weight and height of his older brother.

Holding that little newborn in your arms as the most pure and innocent spirit there can be, brings so much perspective and clarity of what life is all about. If you asked me about the experience before the delivery I would have started to cry and say, "Why didn't we get to the hospital sooner?," or "Why wasn't I induced?", but in retrospect the experience was amazing, exciting, and emotional in a way that really makes you feel like you're alive.

Meeting "Baby Budder" or "Chaw Lee" for the first time. He said, "Tute (cute) Baby Budder!"

Comparing toes

A few things I want to remember about these few short newborn days:

-His soft, beautiful skin

-Long fingers and toes

-The uncontrollable facial expressions

-The newborn reflexes- my favorites are the hand grip and walking imitation when you hold them up

-The way their body curls up against you and the little head fits under your chin

-When their head quickly moves back and forth searching for milk when they're about to nurse

Visit from big brother:

A few shots before leaving the hospital:

Home with big bro:

Dear Baby,

2010-05-22T13:41:00.003-06:00

Your baby blanket is completed, your clothes and blankets washed and put away, the house is scrubbed clean, every cabinet and closet organized, the garden is planted, we are safely past our Aflac effective date, and we are ready for your arrival! The Doctor says mom's measurements show you're close and could come any time, but who really knows what will happen. We are ready and waiting anxiously for the time you finally make your debut into this world.

I thought that having already gone through the pregnancy and birth experience would make the second baby seem more realistic, but I was wrong. The thought of my body accommodating a small

child that will soon be joining our family is just as unfathomable as it was the first time around. I have had the typical worries most moms do when adding a second child, such as feeling guilty my attention will be taken away from the first and if I will love the second as much as the first. I've been told those worries will disappear as soon as the baby arrives and I believe it. It's just funny how my mind can't understand it yet. I have been craving anything fruity and cold, chewing ice, and the smell of windex. It must be the nesting instincts, but I can't get enough of the smell of my green windex as I make every glass surface in the house shine.

We took some pictures outside this last Sunday before church so I can also rid myself of some of the guilt of not taking belly shots this pregnancy. I have a five month shot and a nine month. I look at these and think, am I really carrying that around? How am I doing that?

Hopefully it won't be long before we post Emerson's little brother on here instead of my belly. I set up a trampoline in the backyard today and if he doesn't show up soon, I'm going to go jump on it!

Giving the baby a leaf

Picking mommy flowers. Oh, I'm going to miss these little hands!

A Two-Year-Old Among Us!

2010-05-04T14:21:00.010-06:00

I'm a little late, but I wanted to recognize our little man's second
birthday before the actual birth-day of our second son and I am
consumed with diapers, breastfeeding, and keeping a two-year-old
entertained, all while not wanting to move.
I have discovered already how having a two-year-old child can be a
bipolar experience with the extremes of both negative and positive
behavior. We find joy and entertainment in his growing imagination and
hilarious interpretation of the world, and yet sorrow and
exhaustion in such energetic tantrums and confusion. He keeps us on our toes, but we sure do love this little guy!

A few things I love about Emerson, a.k.a. Mr., Sir, Sirskie,Ferris . . .

-He absolutely loves wearing a tie, no matter if it's on a dress shirt, t-shirt, PJs, or with his robe.
-He loves passing out his toy instruments to whomever is around and jamming together.
-I love watching him fill up his toy trucks or and push them around the house as fast ashe can.
-I also love watching him play with his animals. There is always a mommy and/or daddy (depending on availability) and a
baby, and they usually always find a little spot to go "night night."
-I will miss finding little plastic animals or other toy "guys" in my bed, in my drawers, the cabinets, or other random places.
There have been several occasions where I have slipped my foot into my shoe only to find that some giraffe or other animal
has been using it as a car or bed.
-He loves wearing hats.
-Many mornings he will bring me my robe and slippers, which he calls "pink shoes" and insist that I wear them to breakfast,
even if I have just come inside from walking in 30 degree weather. He takes care of mommy.
-His creativity expands every day. He found a small bucket that has used as a hat, a drum, a dinosaur foot, a stool, a
megaphone, and I'm sure more that I don't know about.
-He wants his daddy when he's hurt and mommy when he's scared.
-He loves his family members and friends, and is constantly asking about different people.
-He is so curious about the world. I am answering, "what is that?" and "why" ALL day long.
-He loves learning new things. He is great at colors and shapes, but not as much at letters and numbers.
-He is an outgoing little boy and will walk up to anyone to say "hello."
-Sometimes the way he says "hello" sounds like he has an English accent.
-He loves his nursery class at church. One Sunday after the first meeting, he spotted his teachers, a married couple, and before we could catch him, he ran up to them. He grabbed each of their hands to make them stand up and walked them to class.
-He is not a picky eater and has a cute round belly to prove it. The only thing he has ever refused is dry lettuce, but if it has
dressing he will take it.
-I'm excited to see him become a big brother. I told him I bet the baby wished he could play with Emerson and his toys. He set
a toy boat on my belly and said, "Der go baby."
-He makes me get down on the ground with my pregnant stomach to play whatever animal or dinosaur he has in mind. He
corrects me if I don't portray the animal appropriately.
-His imagination, silly voices, and sound effects keep us laughing all the time.

Foam Pits and Hair Nets

2010-04-10T13:34:00.009-06:00

I thought I would put a quick post up proving (mostly to myself) that I'm not always barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. I just transfered my pictures from my phone, which happens far too infrequently. Here are a few shots from recent field trips with our friends.

Gymcats open gym play

Sweet's Candy Factory tour. Emerson fought me about the hair net until the very end of the tour when he decided he liked it. He was the last one to accept it and the last one to take it off.

Working in the garden. We are trying to get an early start on giving Emerson an appreciation for hard work, although this picture doesn't prove our efforts to be successful. He actually taught me that a person under the age of two can have the desire for appraisal and recognition of hard work, deserved or not. During this same Saturday's planting he saw his grandpa stop by, quickly picked up a shovel and started calling his name to make sure he was spotted hard at work.

You were just admiring my maternity gardening clothes, weren't you?

Bean Museum Reptile Show

I remember walking by the Bean Museum during my BYU days and thinking there were always an awful lot of mini vans parked in front, and children and mommies swarming into it. At the time these were all just obstacles in my way of getting to class on time. When I visited with my child a short time ago, the young coeds passing quickly by were now just as foreign to me and my way of life.

The girl had to first tell my son to not try and pull the scales off of the snake, and then not to kiss the snake. I guess that is one thing I hadn't taught him until then: to never kiss a snake. Well, now he knows. We are both learning so much at this parent-child thing!

Photo Booth Just Doesn't Get Old

2010-03-10T18:29:00.003-07:00

The Villain from The Incredibles, am I right?

He had trouble sitting still, he was laughing so much.
My kid is so cute.

Olympic Training

2010-02-25T15:11:00.010-07:00

If anyone was wondering, yes, we are those cruel parents who force their one-year-old child into skis and send him down the slopes. Initially his ski-crazy father's idea, I was feeling a little stir-crazy one mid Saturday morning and said, "Let's take the boy skiing!" Alta Ski Resort has a free rope tow which is perfect for beginners or anyone learning to cruz the mountain with two planks under their feet. After a buy-one-get-one (which seem to be JR's ticket to anything) for a junior ski rental of the smallest skis in stock, we headed to the mountain for a half day of skiing for a grand total of $6.

Walking in the boots made him upset at first, but he began laughing when we put the skis on and he could slide around on them. Down the hill he was under dad's grasp most of the time. He had fun, but didn't last as long as we'd hoped after the snow began falling

faster, his face was cold, and nap time had come and gone. He refused to wear his goggles, which didn't help the wind burn, and I realized why there aren't many one-year-old skiers: they don't reason well!!!Due to my previous ski accident, knee surgery, pregnancy, and six months into another pregnancy, I haven't been on skis in a while. I didn't travel any farther on my skis than Emerson did. If you are having a difficult time trying to picture what I looked like, here's a visual aid:

I only followed along and took pictures, then ate Gogurts with Emers while daddy did a few runs. Hopefully I can be ready to fully ride again next winter.

He refused to put the same snow suit back on after a short break. These pictures explain why he was so miserable! The weather really made a turn from sunny to blizzard by late afternoon. It's wild to me how our house is only about 15-20 minutes away and it didn't see even a drop of rain the entire day!

Who Wants to See a Monkey?

2010-01-24T22:17:00.009-07:00

Adventure in Costa Rica

Our attempt to move about internationally with ten adults, two children, three toddlers, and two infants was successful. My travel group this trip included a grandpa, a grandma, aunts (of which I am one), uncles, and little cousins. Our group was viewed in amazement by everyone we came across as if we were some rare and endangered species moving about in a foreign environment. Apparently a large family traveling together in this day and age is unheard of. We were constantly being asked, "Is this ONE FAMILY?" My neighbors on the plane, Americans immigrated from Indonesia, wanted to know every detail about the family and our excursion, and said that it was so great to see us all together because Americans are not family oriented.
I can't say enough about how wonderful, beautiful, and adventurous Costa Rica is. With shorter travel time and less expense than traveling to Hawaii, I would suggest this trip to anyone who isn't afraid of a little adventure. With a lot of research and bargain hunting, you too can get there at the same price as a domestic trip to California.

We spent the first day driving to our first location, La Fortuna, close to the Arenal Volcano. We let the kids stretch their legs at a playground along the way, and refueled at a charming little restaurant where we were served hot chocolate with our fried plantains and rice dishes.

We kept our jackets on most of the time in La Fortuna with plenty of rain and fog. Our first morning experience: We ate breakfast outside, took a short walk through the rain forest where we were shown a "walking palm tree" that moves itself 20 centimeters a year, and hiked down to a waterfall that furrociously fought against JR and his brothers when they jumped in, all before lunch.

Afternoon: Ate, slept, ate.

In La Fortuna we also experienced zip-lining, hot springs, and the local flavors.

On the fourth morning we left the rain forest for another road trip, this time south toward the ocean. The five hour journey ended up taking us all day, but got us there in time for the sunset.

It didn't take me long to realize the bumpy, winding roads with potholes, needy children, and motion sickness was worth it.

The entire family shared one house for the remainder of the trip where Emerson LOVED waking up to the opportunity of going immediately outside, and constantly having cousins to play with. I miss going to sleep and waking up to the many mysterious jungle sounds coming through the open doors and windows.

Sunday, the following morning, we had the opportunity of visiting a small LDS branch in the middle of Quepos Town. The church, held in a little house, spoke only Spanish, but it still had the same great spirit that makes me feel at home no matter where in the world.

We visited a couple of great beaches, one of which we were mysteriously the only group with women and children . . .

We visited the Manuel Antonio National Park, where we actually ended up seeing just as many animals as we saw at our house, but the pretty beaches and new scenery made the long and tiring hike through the park worth it.

The last day we enjoyed the secluded beach, just a short hike below our house. The kids had the water basically all to themselves. Until the last day, E uncharacteristically preferred digging in the sand to getting near the water. He also learned a few new Spanish words including, "Hola" and "Guapo."

We hope this memorable vacation to such a unique and adventurous destination was not the last!

Packed and Ready to Go!

2010-01-21T07:53:00.003-07:00

photo posted from my iPhone

Goodbye Creatures Big and Small

2010-01-21T07:53:00.001-07:00

The smallest lizard we've seen

photo posted from my iPhone

Another Phone Pic of the Day

2010-01-19T20:17:00.001-07:00

One of the most exciting and entertaining aspects of this place is how many animals we get to see each day. We fall asleep and wake up listening to a jungle of insects, birds, and animals. We have been entertained a few times by packs of monkeys. They are hilarious to watch and seem to be performing for us.

Here are two of my favorites:

photo posted from my iPhone

A Toddler Adventure

2010-01-19T20:16:00.001-07:00

There are plenty of animals and new discoveries to keep E busy. He greets everyone we meet with a nice loud, "hola!!!" It always gets a laugh.

photo posted from my iPhone

Phone Pic o' the Day

2010-01-18T20:39:00.001-07:00

I would suggest four-wheel drive here in Costa Rica. We need it to get to our house.

photo posted from my iPhone

Phone Picture of the Day 3

2010-01-17T10:39:00.003-07:00

Check out my dinner guest:

photo posted from my iPhone

2010-01-17T10:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we drove ALL day long until we came to this:

photo posted from my iPhone

Phone picture of the day # dos

2010-01-16T07:14:00.001-07:00

photo posted from my iPhone

Mariposa

2010-01-16T07:13:00.001-07:00

photo posted from my iPhone

Proof for grandma that E is still safe

2010-01-16T07:08:00.001-07:00

photo posted from my iPhone

Phone Picture of the Day

2010-01-14T20:00:00.001-07:00

La Fortuna waterfall. Costa rica has given us beautiful views, helpful people, more curl in our hair, a few rainbows to drive through, and PLENTY of rain up here by the Arenal Volcano.

photo posted from my iPhone

Jungle Cat

2010-01-14T19:47:00.001-07:00

We came across this wild black panther. The kids have tamed it and it is quite friendly now.

photo posted from my iPhone

The Adventure Awaits

2010-01-07T15:20:00.010-07:00

Like Susan on 34th Street, Emerson must have asked for a BABY BROTHER for Christmas, because that's what he got (I asked for the house in the country, but I'll give Santa some time). I had an ultrasound on Christmas Eve and found out I will now be outnumbered in the house by three. There won't be nearly as many preparations for #2 as there were for #1. We don't have to build him a room for starters, and his older brother will be able to share everything as they will both be spring babies. There will be two years and one month between them after baby boy #2 arrives at the end of May. Emerson was ecstatic when I asked him if he wanted a baby brother; however, I think he believes a "brother" is something good to eat. He said, "Bruuuher!" and ran into the kitchen chanting, "Aaaah bruher, aaa bruher" (I want brother). It was a rather disappointing moment.

We are excited to welcome little brother, who is currently the size of a cantaloupe, into our home and look forward to seeing the similarities and differences with the boys. I only hope I can keep up with all three of them!

Once there was a snowman . . .

A Christmas Post

2009-12-30T14:51:00.006-07:00

A Homemade Christmas

Brace yourselves, this blog is going to get a bit Little House on the Prairie-like to you modern day folk with your fancy high-tech gifts. The following are a few of our "made with love" gifts this year, from a last-minute play kitchen made in Santa's workshop the night before Christmas Eve, down to the wrapping paper (I know, many of you are calling me cheap right now and I can take it).

He pretended to eat the felt cupcake and nodded his head while he said, "Mmm, MMmm". I sure am going to miss this little fella' when he grows up.

I had to take a picture of the worn out daddy on Christmas Eve. He fell asleep with the drill in hand after completing the last couple details on the kitchen. Our Christmas celebrations, which go on for a few days, were full of wonderful food, traditions, gifts, and surrounded by family and friends. Emerson was lucky to be spoiled with love and gifts by his grandparents. I always get sad after January first comes around and I take down the Christmas decorations. It feels like I'm taking down some of the magic that serves to cause us all to have hearts full of kindness and generosity. New Years comes and with that, an awareness of how to make "me" better with resolutions, new gym passes, and an entirely different focus than of the month before. I need to find a way to bottle up some of that magic that affects us all as lasting as my peach preserves and use it all year long. Anyone up for some canning? After all, people need to be taken care of and loved all throughout the year, not just at the end.

I hope you were all able to share time with loved ones, laughed at good jokes, and had bellies full of Christmas fare. May we all carry on into the new year with just as much spirit and joy.

Ho Ho Ho, Who Wouldn't Go?

2009-12-16T22:21:00.003-07:00

I don't have any pictures to show you showcasing the Christmas decorations around my house customary to most blogs, but I do have a couple phone pics of a child freaking out with Santa Claus. We are too cheap and impatient to wait in line to sit our kid on the mall Santa's lap for a picture, so we've managed to run into him a few times around town. I was curious to see how our energetic and always outgoing one-year-old would handle the nerve-racking experience. I showed him one picture of Santa a few weeks ago and since then I hear, "Santa, ho ho ho" every time he spots him. What is it that is so intriguing and captivating, yet terrifying at the same time about the man?
After a light-viewing trip downtown last weekend, we stopped in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to warm up with hot chocolate and gave our little guy a chance to meet the famous Mr. Claus in the flesh. He walked right up to him and slowly touched the hand Santa held out, but that was as far as his comfort level would allow.

The approach:

Getting close enough for a picture was apparently TOO CLOSE!

Another try at the local rec center's "Swimming with Santa"

Again, TOO CLOSE!

The sudden panic attacks on both occasions didn't stop Emerson from smiling, waving goodbye, and then gibbering about Santa in his car seat on the way home.

My Little Vintage Football Player, Circa 1920

2009-11-07T22:17:00.001-07:00

Here is little Ferris (one of many nicknames) on Halloween. He wouldn't smile for any of these pictures. I think he was trying to maintain an intimidating look to match the costume. Way to get into character little guy!

Playing Veterinarian at the Petting Zoo

Here is little Ems with his poor victims which he made sure to get up close and personal with for examinations.
Taking vital signs and checking for any abnormalities in skin and fleece.
Checking the condition of the horns
Examining the ears

Finally, checking the
musculoskeletal system, strength of the spine, and endurance level of the animal.

Halloween Night
Trick-or-treating went a little something like this: With confused looks on their faces, we told Emerson and his friend Kate (both a year old) to knock on the doors of neighbors' homes wearing costumes and holding buckets shaped as pumpkins. To add to the confusion, we weren't entering the homes we visited, just standing outside waiting for goodies. Emerson of coarse marched right through every door that opened. They got used to the idea of filling up the buckets with treats, which got a little heavy for them and ended up being dragged on the sidewalk. By the end of our short trip down the street, which seemed to take much longer with the pace they were going, we knew it was time for quits as they sat down on the doorsteps. They had a successful evening of looking adorable in their costumes and trick-or-treating. Emerson was oblivious to the fact that his parents would take his hard-earned candy from him at the end of the night.
Sharing the bench with Kate for a little duet.

JR carved a pumpkin. Dressing our son up and a carved pumpkin was just how festive we got this year.

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch . . .

2009-10-08T14:18:00.010-06:00

Once in a while it's nice to take a turn off the beaten path and visit a place where you can really stretch your legs and have room to breath. A short time ago we took a turn down the private dirt road, over the creek, and through the gate of our friends, the Shaws, who were nice enough to host us at their farm. Meeting new animals, a pony ride, playing on old farm equipment, and terrifying a heard of cows (they weren't used to his size) were all the new discoveries our toddler could handle! Not once while we were out discovering did he ask to watch "Memmo", which is what I normally hear all day long. The day was refreshing for everyone!

Three Cheers For Team Diabeaters!

2009-09-27T20:51:00.004-06:00

Team Diabeaters before the big Step Out walk at This is the Place Heritage park. Thousands showed up on Saturday to walk in support of finding a cure for diabetes. Our team of friends and family marched with babies in strollers, babies in bellies, cameras flashing, and great company under the sunshine. Thanks for showing up everyone. We had a great time!

More Diabeaters team members

The finish line was at Hogle Zoo where I couldn't get enough of the newest residents. They had a recent baby boom and every one of the little babes is absolutely darling! I could have watched this little elephant run around, roll around on her ball, and nurse from her mama all day.

You wouldn't know it, but this mama elephant and I have a lot in common. Her name is Kristi, we were pregnant at the same time, and now we each have a little one of our own running around causing trouble. I didn't have the heart to tell her that my pregnancy ended an entire year before hers. Now I don't feel as bad for hearing about "Kristi, the pregnant elephant" on the news while I was expecting.

Having a snack

Smile for the camera

This guy was six feet tall when he was born!

Bath time for baby tiger

Sooooo cute, right?

Small Town USA at its Finest

2009-09-11T23:02:00.002-06:00

I decided I needed something a little more uplifting at the front of my blog. How about the Swiss Days Midway Town Parade? The Post Office Band was even more impressive this year with what I like to call a giant mobile horncycle suitable enough for the pages of a Dr. Seuss book.

Many tractors in the parade.

Someone's impressed.

A Polynesian band marched as well.

I promise I didn't match these two on purpose. The best part of this parade is that no one camps out or lines the streets hours before it begins with chairs for all 21 members of their family. You can show up ten minutes before it begins to find a front row spot to catch candy from.

Goodbye Old Friend

2009-09-07T09:47:00.004-06:00

It's not an easy thing to be the decider of when the life of a dog needs to end. No matter how old or sick the dog, it remains a difficult process. Bruno had a rough summer with the loss of the use of one leg, appetite, and quality of life from what ended up being an osteosarcoma tumor on his femur. We knew he was in pain and suffering beyond what any dog can express to an owner, especially after his bad leg stiffened and became inflamed until it was over twice the size of the other one. A dog that once ate as if his stomach was a bottomless pit would not touch any of the several different types of dog food we tried to feed him.
The good days in life seem to speed by, while the difficult days seem to never come to an end. Friday was a long day as we decided it would be the day to take him in to be euthanized. Willing to break all the doggy rules, we let him dine with us and our friends the night before with all the pizza, pepperoni, and bacon he could handle (still wouldn't touch dog food, but our food hit the spot for him). My little brother Kevin, who has a real sensitive heart towards any animal, came to sit with Bruno and keep him company during the day. After feeding him all the Klondike bars he wanted, we took him for one last swim in the lake. JR insisted that he spend his last minutes with him doing an activity that they both loved. You could see the coolness of the water in combination with the release of pressure from his joints relax him and take a lot of his pain away. I kept having to remind myself as I watched him and the minutes kept ticking closer to our appointment that he would feel even better where he was going.
I felt like a robot as I forced my feet to take each step and every movement seemed to take more thought than usual getting in the truck to take the final drive. I don't have any idea what was going through the dog's mind, but we told him about all of the dogs and people that would probably be coming to get him soon. I'm sure it was more for our own reassurance than his. JR didn't have the heart to see him die lying on the floor, so he held him while his body went limp. It wasn't so much the dog's life ending that brought so many tears to my eyes, but the sight of what I couldn't help but picture of a boy and his dog and their unique friendship. We took his body home and buried him in our backyard, which again brought on the forced mechanical movements.
The room at the vet's office had a picture of a plaque that read, "semper fidelis", meaning "always faithful." That sure sums up exactly what Bruno was. I won't deny all the times in his life I yelled at him or said the words, "damn dog," but I will never deny the loyalty Bruno had for his family. I know he would do anything to protect us and keep us safe. Like all dogs, (maybe a little more than most) Bruno's younger years proved to be full of trouble. He dug a hole and actually escaped under the fence the night we brought him home. This dog once ate an entire loaf of bread, a stick of butter another time, and pounds of chocolate and several packages of cookies on other occasions. This dog could eat! I laugh as I picture the two young newly weds we were living with our giant troublesome dog. You couldn't take Bruno on a walk, he took you on a walk! Going through the garbage while his owners were at work was a favorite recreation sport of his. I remember walking in on him one day after he thought I had already left for the day and watched him jump away from the garbage and walk away as if he hadn't already knocked the can over and ferociously ripped the bag open with his teeth. He HATED cats and made it his self-given mission to protect the world from them. I'm sure he is fully repentant by now of any harm he placed on the feline family. He also never realized his size. I remember him laying his head or upper body on the lap of whomever was sitting on the couch. He loved tuna cans, sitting under the baby's highchair, water from the hose, balls of any size, snowballs in the winter, and bones. I don't know where he got the strength, but he managed to slowly and shallowly bury a bone the day he died.
Thank you Bruno, for teaching us patience and responsibility. Thank you for teaching our son to love animals. Thank you for teaching him his first word. He still asks for you and cried while he laid on your bed yesterday wanting you. Thank you for watching over our house. Most of all, thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally. Every time I hear a siren I'm sure I will still wait for a big loud howl from you to follow. We love you.

Exclusive German Men's Room Sneak Peak

2009-08-25T23:01:00.004-06:00

Do you ever feel your blog needs an update, but lack the motivation or energy to spend hours uploading pictures and feeding the world details of recent summer activities or goings-on? Lucky for you dear blogger I recently uploaded my phone pics to the computer, which led me to come across these exclusive pics. You have now seen the inside of a men's room in a restaurant down a small road in Schwangau, Germany. We were in search for famous mushroom soup and found this potty humor instead.
Yes, we have also been involved in other fun blog-worthy summer activities, but you don't see this every day, do you?

P.S. No, I didn't inappropriately enter the men's room. JR had my phone in his pocket.
Good day and enjoy the last days of summer!

Water Weekend

2009-08-06T14:39:00.003-06:00

I misplaced the camera's card reader and until I feel motivated enough to look for it, I will continue to post pictures from other blogs and facebook albums. I stole these pics from my sister's page of our fun we had last weekend staying in Eden, UT and boating on Pineview Reservoir. This area is only a little over 30 miles from Salt Lake, yet makes you feel a good road trip away, or maybe 70 years in the past (if you ignore the newly developed condos on the hill). If I was going to build a weekend home in Utah, this place would be a prime candidate. With three nearby ski resorts in the winter and a lake for the summer, we would have it all!!!

Family Tradition

2009-07-26T17:13:00.006-06:00

We celebrated the Mormon pioneers' 1300 mile journey to the Salt Lake Valley by running 10 K into the valley. Members of my mom's side of the family run the race (or cheer at the finish line) and then go out to breakfast together each year. Eight of us ran and kept the tradition alive this year.
Pictured above, left to right: JR, Kristi, Mary, Nancy, Carter, Mark, Allison, Brooke.

We live in a great state packed with diverse beauty, recreation, and great people; all thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of so many strong and faithful Mormon Pioneers who first entered the valley on July 24th, 1847.

I thought I would put down a few interesting points regarding the pioneers, who headed west after enduring several years of religious persecution, violence, theft, rape, burnings of homes, and murder.

It is a pretty good argument to say that the Mormons endured more persecution from their own government than any other religion in US history. In 1838, Missouri Governor Lilburn W. Boggs actually signed an Extermination Order against the Mormons and forced 10,000 men, women, and children from their farms, homes, and lands mid-winter.
It wasn't until 1976 that Missouri Governor Christopher S. Bond issued an executive order rescinding the Extermination Order and formally apologized in behalf of the state for the suffering it caused the Latter-Day Saints. -It only took over 100 YEARS, thank you!
An estimated 70,000 Latter-day Saints made the difficult journey to Utah between 1847 and 1869. Tens of thousands of immigrants traveled even further to reach Utah from European countries such as the British Isles, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Families had to bury thousands of loved ones of all ages who died along the trail in shallow graves, which would never be visited again.
By 1900, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had founded more than 600 communities extending from Canada into Mexico. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Wallace Stegner said, the Latter-day Saints "were one of the principal forces in the settlement of the West" (The Gathering of Zion: The Story of the Mormon Trail [1964], 7).
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown from six members in upstate New York to over 13 million members worldwide today.

Thank You Mr. Gutenberg

2009-07-15T00:03:00.004-06:00

If you ask me, the most important and impacting invention of all time is the printing press. I think Johannes Gutenberg was inspired when he created the press that enlightened the dark ages and spread knowledge and light across the world. His perfected techniques were used for hundreds of years after.
I was able to experience Gutenberg's entire printing process from pouring the metal into the type cast, setting the type, blotting the ink, and finally to turning the press at the Crandall Historic Printing Museum in Provo. Three different well-experienced men, seasoned in the art of printing, took us on a tour through different printing eras in the print shops of Gutenberg, Franklin, and E.B. Grandin (where the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon were printed). Why are they called upper and lower case letters? Where did vellum come from? Why is it called a "signature edition?" Get your questions answered while you view the fantastic press replicas.
They have plans to expand the museum and need help
gaining the funds. They need you to take a date, take your family, or go solo on a tour. The small charge of $3 gets you a walk through the museum, or you can call to reserve a guided tour/lecture for larger groups. It never hurts to learn something new. Check it out!

Please Join us September 26th!

2009-07-10T11:45:00.004-06:00

Join our team, "The Diabeaters", as we walk from This is the Place Heritage Park to Hogle Zoo on September 26th for the good cause of fighting diabetes. Enjoy the zoo, receive goody bags, prizes, and more after the short 2.5 mile or 5 mile routes. I hear food is involved. Strollers are welcome. It is free to join our team, StepOut only asks for donations. We are raising funds to help find a cure for this disease that affects 171,200 Utahns, including my husband. They have made some great advancements recently in diabetes research and we would love to see it continue.

If you are unable to join the team, we would love a donation of any size to sponsor our team. No donation is too small, so click on the link below to give to a great cause.

It is going to be a fun and exciting event, so join us!

Go to the Diabeaters Team Page
to join the team or make a donation. You must click on one of the team members listed to donate. Thank you!!!!!!

Escape to Barbados

2009-07-01T11:48:00.004-06:00

We added another stamp to our passports last week when we took a trip to Barbados with my dad and brother Brandt. Sand as fine as baby powder and the warmest ocean water I have experienced made me never want to leave the beach. While snorkeling, I met an old turtle who was friends with a sting ray, and swam around three different ship wrecks. Barbados is full of friendly people with a laid-back island attitude.
Our favorite activities: beach volleyball for the guys and Beach-side yoga for me.
The scariest thing we saw: During a walk passed the military school, we saw a female Sergeant threatening the girls running with a rock. She hurled it at the ones not going fast enough. I sure stopped staring and picked up my own pace.
The saddest thing we saw: The island now has a TGI Fridays restaurant that comes equip with the loud annoying birthday song. I think that's as far as Americanization can go!
As relaxing as it was, we knew we couldn't be away all summer and deny the yard work and housework we had back home (I hope our neighbors can forgive us!) After over a month outside the border we are back in the U.S. and ready to celebrate the Fourth of July!

Click on the picture to enlarge

Three Guys on a Bike

2009-06-13T03:40:00.001-06:00

In many major European cities they have a bike sharing system set up (maybe they have something like this somewhere in the US, I don't know) where you pay a small fee to take a bike around from several locations, and drop it off at your final destination. The guys had to round up the bikes from different drop off spots around the neighborhood. It was a great way to get around and see the city.
We have taken a couple day trips to other nearby German towns and enjoyed the spetzel, schnitzel, and struedel.
It's time for us to say "chuss" to Germany and head toward the motherland. My feet finally told me yesterday that it is time to go home. You either have to have a lot of money or make sacrifices to travel. In our case we trade everyday luxeries back home for the chance to see the world and believe it is absolutely worth it! We have had some memorable experiences to keep with us forever.

photo posted from my iPhone

Medieval Fortress

2009-06-12T04:05:00.001-06:00

>

> Rick Steves said the Burg Eltz Castle was the best in Europe. We > listened to him and took the hike through the forest to visit the > medieval fortress. The rooms are as they were 500 years ago. We had > a great tour and heard many interesting facts, such as how all of > the staircases in the castle were built counterclockwise so they > could have their right hand (which everyone was forced to use) free > to swordfight any intruder.
>

photo posted from my iPhone

Frankfurt

2009-06-12T04:00:00.003-06:00

We have been staying in Frankfurt with our friends and generous hosts, Tyler and Yumi.
Cooking up some gnocchi:

photo posted from my iPhone

2009-06-12T04:00:00.001-06:00

This is what a day of busy sightseeing does to you.

photo posted from my iPhone

Social

2009-06-12T03:58:00.001-06:00

Emerson has become a master at getting strangers' attention. He has been somewhat of a novelty in the places we have visited as there aren't a lot of other babies. He has had his picture taken by many other tourists throughout the trip.

It's just like little Ems to greet an attractive young girl at a train stop.

photo posted from my iPhone

Czech Him Out!

2009-06-10T16:50:00.001-06:00

I was fascinated by the city of Prague and thouroughly pleased by the well preserved charm, mix of architecture, and great service. There is a spirit throughout the city that allows you to really connect with the old world.
After our long and miserable night train, our wonderful hotel let us check in extra early. We found out that the local LDS chapel was nearby and decided to get ready and go. It is so wonderful to be halfway across the world, walk into a foreign building and feel like family. The chapel was packed without one open seat. Luckily they had an English translation room. Apparently the LDS church is growing fast in the Czech Republic and will soon be opening another branch.
The fall of communism in the Czech Republic led to thriving entrepreneurialship and great customer service. The people were so sweet and willing to help us confused tourists out wherever we went. I will always remember the sweet manager of our hotel and the bellman helping us with every need and walking us outside to wave goodbye and send best wishes.
We enjoyed the Castle Quarter, Jewish Quarter, Old Town, and New Town. We felt very comfortable, safe, and entertained in this city rich in history and culture.

photo posted from my iPhone

Beautiful Prague

2009-06-10T16:49:00.001-06:00

Everywhere you turn in Prague you find picturesque views.

photo posted from my iPhone

What a Day

2009-06-10T14:51:00.001-06:00

I am behind on my travel log blog. I take a few pictures as I go and then send them with a few details from our travels later. This is the only travel journal I have kept of this trip, so I want to make sure I put a few things down.
Saturday:
In 24 hours we Stopped in 6 different cities, 3 countries, had 7 train connections, 2 mini bus rides, and a looooooong walk through Vienna.
From Hallstatt, we visited Mauthausen, waited in St Valentin for a while for trains two different times, saw everything we could in Vienna, stopped in Bratislava, Slovakia long enough to get ripped off, and then finally arrived in Prague.
Vienna is a beautiful city and deserved more than the four hour evening stroll we had. Our departing train for Prague that evening was from a different station, so rather than put our luggage in a locker while we toured around, we took it all with us through the city. Four hours of walking is normally ok when you don't have to hall a backpack, two large backpacks, baby carrier, and a stroller. For this reason we pack lightly for Europe, only bringing five changes of clothing and underwear for three weeks. Anything more and I don't think we would make any of the train connections we are constantly running to. See little Ems below in the rose garden in Vienna.
We (by we I mean my husband, but he still thinks it was a good idea) made an unfortunate decision to take a night train from Vienna to Prague. We didn't know until we approached the train that it was coming from Hungary and probably 40 years old. The first class "sleeper" compartments were far below most coach standards and quite uncomfortable. We had to connect to this train in Bratislava, where the attendant argued with us that something on our rail pass made it invalid for the tiny corner of Slovakia we traveled through and that we needed to pay him money. After pointlessly arguing, we paid up. I probably didn't sleep more than one hour straight the entire night with the LOUD noises, worn down, bar-in-my-back seats, no pillow or blanket, attendants constantly waking us up to check our passes, and the fear that something of ours would be taken. Surprisingly Emerson slept through it all. We arrived in Prague at 6:00 am ready to shower the train off of us and take a nap. I've read that every vacation has its peaks and valleys and this experience really made us appreciate the peaks.

photo posted from my iPhone

Sobering

2009-06-08T03:53:00.001-06:00

I have always been disturbed by fascism, the holocaust, and the events that took place in concentration camps, but visiting Mauthausen Concentration Camp brought it to a new level for me. It became more personal for me as I looked at so many victims' faces on the wall only feet from where many of them lost their lives. It was a humbling experience to walk where so many unimaginable and indescribable things occurred. I kept thinking about the fact that each victim was either someone's parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, son, or daughter. These people and their sacrifice should never be forgotten.

photo posted from my iPhone

A Holiday in Hallstatt

2009-06-08T01:49:00.003-06:00

We stepped into the pages of a storybook in Hallstatt, Austria. We pulled up to the smallest train station I've ever seen, took a boat across the glass-like lake, checked into our B&B, which might as well be grandma's house, and enjoyed the BEST lakeside dinner. I can't get enough of the charm this town provides with flowers in every window, a great kindergarten (park) even adults can enjoy, icecream served on nearly every corner, and fresh fish caught daily on the lake. The day ends early when everything closes up at 7:00 pm and no tv to distract us. The town has quite the history with the oldest salt mine in the world and settlers dating back to prehistoric times. The sport shop allows you view the old Roman street level they dug up in their basement. Below is a picture of the town's main square.

photo posted from my iPhone

2009-06-08T01:49:00.001-06:00

Creaky old bed, broken shared shower, and mismatched antique furniture; yes I would recommend this place to a friend.

photo posted from my iPhone

2009-06-08T01:48:00.001-06:00

Hallstatt is wedged between the mountain and the lake.

photo posted from my iPhone

Walking the town of Hallstatt

2009-06-06T03:44:00.001-06:00

photo posted from my iPhone

The not-so-charming part . . .

2009-06-06T03:43:00.001-06:00

Because the cemetary had limited space, they had to make room for the newly dead. After giving the deceased about 15-20 years of undisturbed peace in the ground, they dug them up, decorated their skulls with symbols, their name, and a date, and put them with the other large bones of the body in this "bone chapel." There are over 600 skulls in this chapel. Apparently this charnel house (house of flesh) dates back to the 12th century! I never realized the variety in shape and size of human skulls.

photo posted from my iPhone

A Once Provincial Medieval Capital

2009-06-04T02:30:00.003-06:00

We traveled to Innsbruck, Austria where it was time to say goodbye to cugina Charlotte. We had such a fun and adventurous time traveling around with the Crisciones. They were such great hosts and even put up with our son trying to adjust to the time change the first couple of nights (it can confuse a child when daytime turns to night). Thanks for everything Rach and Gio. They even searched the city high and low in the rain with us for an open restaurant (it was a holiday, always a holiday) with good Austrian food before they took the five hour drive home to Milan.

photo posted from my iPhone

Eating Bratwurst in Innsbruck

2009-06-04T02:30:00.001-06:00

I don't even think all the walking we have been doing will make up for all of the goodies we have been eating. When we were told that this city is world famous for its bread, apple strueddel, and chocolate cake, we had to put them to the test.

photo posted from my iPhone

Kinder Time

2009-06-04T02:29:00.001-06:00

We gave the little kinder some park time to relax from all of the sightseeing. What happened to all of the teeter-totters and merry-go- rounds in our parks back home?

photo posted from my iPhone

Hofgarten- a beautiful park

2009-06-04T02:28:00.001-06:00

We will be traveling on the train again today. I'm not sure when we will come across wifi again, so I don't know when the next post will be. I will keep you posted! Until next time, auf wiedersehen!

photo posted from my iPhone

Mad King Ludwig and Mad Baby Emerson

2009-06-03T08:35:00.001-06:00

We toured Mad King Ludwig's castles in Schwangau, Germany. Our mad baby didn't care too much for the older one as expressed through loud yelling and wanting to run around. We knew we didn't have the money to replace the king's silver centerpieces, tea sets, or the bust of his mother, so we restricted him. Two different tours had to stop so the guides could unlock doors and let JR and mad baby out while I listened to his yells echo down the winding staircase. He let us enjoy the next tour and hiking around for beautiful Bavarian views (the picture isn't a good demonstration as we are restricted to phone pics for these posts).
Later that day I learned that a "family dressing room" is absolutely NOTHING similar to the term in the U.S. and had a true European cultural experience at a spa. The kids had fun swimming and the adults were refreshed with the exfoliating salt rub in the steam room.
Emerson continues to make friends young and old wherever we go. The table next to us at dinner taught him how to hit his sippy cup to their beer glasses to "cheers." Ems kept holding out his cup for another. I think he understands German better than English anyway.

photo posted from my iPhone

Passing the time on the train

2009-06-03T08:29:00.001-06:00

photo posted from my iPhone

Tastes of Bavaria

2009-06-03T06:35:00.001-06:00

JR found his favorite: sausage in a bun.

photo posted from my iPhone

2009-06-03T06:34:00.001-06:00

Giovanni and a yummy schnoball

photo posted from my iPhone

Resort Town or Back Door Town?

2009-05-31T14:29:00.003-06:00

Yesterday afternoon we hiked to a nearby resort town called Murren. We sat down at a restaurant and ordered an appetizer of a "variety of local cheese and meat." The two plates came and the four of us shared a few pieces of thinly sliced meat, two olives, two half-inch long pieces of carrot, and two slices of cheese cut so thin you could see through them, for the cost of 25 Swiss Franks (close to $25).
Earlier that day back in Gimmelwald we met a friendly woman who took us to her 200 year old cheese hut, answered all of our questions on aging cheese, gave us samples, let us take pictures, and gave us enough of her very own aged cheese and cured sausage for a good lunch for half the price of the previously mentioned plates. We also had some fresh homade soup from a small restaurant where the waitress sat and told us about the area for most of the time, as we were her only guests.
This is an example of why we enjoy "backdoor" travel. You can experience local life, tradition, and culture without as much expence and frustration as the crowded tourist towns. The big cities are must- sees and full of excitement, but it is nice to take in some of the fresh air of the smaller, less traveled places too.
I don't blame Heidi for never wanting to leave the simple life up on the alm with the many waterfalls, wildflowers, and lush green hills. The cow bells are ringing, the goats are grazing, and Now I believe why here they say, "If heaven isn't what it's made out to be, take me back to Gimmelwald."

photo posted from my iPhone

2009-05-31T14:29:00.001-06:00

photo posted from my iPhone

Road Trip to Switzerland

2009-05-30T01:28:00.001-06:00

Buy a Fiat and you get this handy vest to safely change a flat or flag down help. We had to turn around a couple of times, but no help needed.

photo posted from my iPhone

2009-05-30T01:27:00.001-06:00

We drove as far as we could through the Alps then took a lift up this mountainside to the little town of Gimmelwald. Don't look for it on a map, it won't be there.

photo posted from my iPhone

On Top of the World

2009-05-30T01:25:00.001-06:00

We arrived in Gimmelwald after dark, ate some great pizza at the youth hostel, then hiked about ten minutes up to our B&B. We let ourselves in and found a note guiding us to our rooms. This cosy little mountain home is the perfect introduction to the Alps with no TV, creaky old floors, and Swiss cheese for breakfast. I woke up bright and early to this view and for the first time in my life wanted to yodel.

photo posted from my iPhone

Today's Highlight

2009-05-29T05:33:00.001-06:00

>

> Highlight for Kristi, JR, & Rach: riding la bicicletta around the > piazza and castle in Milan > Highlight for Gio: Apperitivo (free small buffet with any drink > ordered at different bars around the city. The Florida was > buonissimo!) > Highlight for Charlotte: meeting up with papa outside the duomo > Highlight for Ems: Chasing all of the birds in the piazza

photo posted from my iPhone

Living it up in Vigevano, Italy

2009-05-29T05:32:00.001-06:00

photo posted from my iPhone

Travel Rule #1: Relax!

2009-05-28T09:40:00.003-06:00

I got so worried before our trip about how I was going to entertain Emerson, if I was bringing enough toys (couldn't fit much), how he would adjust, or what people would think if he got upset.
We have a tendency to expect the worst in situations. First of all, Children are creative and can entertain themselves just fine! Below is a picture of the little boy playing on our new Italian friends' (Joe & Natalie) balcony with their duster and other cleaning supplies. He had a blast.
People are generally very kind and generous when you are traveling with kid in tow. We were given a little toy car by a generoso Italian boy (who wouldn't stop talking to JR even though he didn't understand a word of his Italian) before our first flight and a package of crackers from Japan by a lady on our second flight. We met up with Rach and Giovanni's bread man (who has become a friend of the whole family) where we received free milk, fresh pizza, and other goodies.

photo posted from my iPhone

2009-05-28T09:40:00.001-06:00

photo posted from my iPhone

Advice for Traveling Mommies

2009-05-27T09:39:00.001-06:00

Advice for Traveling Mommies

You can enjoyably travel internationally with a toddler and we are out to prove it! I thought it would be fun to document our travels over the next few weeks for Emerson's grandmas and grandpas (and the other 3 or 4 people who actually read this blog).
We are a little crazy for taking along a one-year-old on our adventures, but he is part of the adventure! Stay tuned for some brief phone posts to see some of the madness and fun.

Surviving the flight:
Traveling with a little one has its advantages as well. Have you ever taken a flight and sat with your legs straight out in front of you in COACH? Bulkhead seating is reserved for wheelchairs and those with babies. I highly recommend requesting these seats when you check in (usually you can't do it sooner). Set your carry-on bag down to block the isle and walla, you have a playpen on the plane! An iPhone loaded with videos and toddler game apps helps a lot too! Besides an episode of Emerson sticking his foot in my pasta on the plane, kicking it off the tray onto his bed set up on the floor, and then spilling cran- apple juice on his daddy's seat, the flights went very well (for 17 hours worth)!!

photo posted from my iPhone

"Are we out of hot sauce?"

2009-05-18T15:39:00.003-06:00

I turn my back for two seconds with the fridge open and . . .