St George fun

Our little get-a-way

We stopped at a hotel in Beaver on the way down to St George...just for the fun of it.

I got to see an old friend from Cedar. I used to watch her little boy.
It was great to see them.

This is what we woke up to before we left Beaver. It did not let up until after New Harmony.

So we went on a little vacation. Our main goal was to get out of the cold and snow get our eyes checked since it had been 3 years for some, and 7 for others. So off to supposed-to-be-sunny-but-was-rainy St George. Our appointment was not until Monday morning so we filled the weekend with my 2 brothers and their families.

Here are some highlights of the trip:

Saturday afternoon, my brother Paul took Jordan, Brandon and Megan on a 2-hour mule ride. I cannot really say where they went, I'm not sure I dared to ask. I said long ago I would never go anywhere with 2 certain brothers unless I was on my own two feet. They seem to have 9 lives and someday they may reach that 9th life and I don't want to be with them when they do. The funny thing is, the more reluctant you are, the more of a challenge you become to them to show you what a wimp you are a good time. It took all my bravery to let my kids leave with Paul. As they were riding away, I hear him inform everyone that if they fell off, they would have to get back on because he was not waiting for them to walk out... He is fearless. I am not. My kids are not... anymore. Was there a story? Yes there was a story. This was an adventure with uncle Paul. There is always a story.

Megan loves horses. She dreamed of this day when she could go down and ride uncle Paul's mules. She wanted it more than anything. She has not ridden them much, so I was reluctant to let her go with them. I grinned and bared it. And watched them ride off into the sunset. They were excited. Poor naive children. The incident went something like this.

As they were in some rough terrain Paul hears Megan say, "um, I think my saddle is loose." He looks back and sees Megan in the saddle on the mule's neck. Alarmed, he tells her to SLOWLY get off. But it was too late. At that instant Megan slid right over the mule's head and onto the ground. The mule was all tangled up in the saddle and jumped around until it came loose from his head and front legs.

Megan lived and even got back on. Will she go again? She says yes, but not on that mountain. She has officially been declared part cowboy! Thanks Paul for another adventure! I love hearing about them especially when there is a happy ending.

On the farm.

Saturday night, we took the kids to see Tooth Fairy. Super funny.

Sunday, we went to brother Mike's house and had a great time hanging out with his family and eating dinner and playing games. I was wishing we could have seen more of them, but that was it.

Monday was our appointments. Off to the eye doctor we went. And man, can I just say, that is one cool eye doctor! I am not just saying that because he is my brother. His place is amazing! His staff is very patient. Believe me, we tested their patience and they held up to the lot of us.

I knew there were 2 or 3 who really needed glasses and a couple others who could benefit from them, but I was not prepared to be told we all needed glasses. Bummer. Can you say flabberglassted?

Like always, the good times went too fast. I was sad to see it come to an end. It was a blast being with family! I am sure we will be back for more adventure before you know it.

The End

A great big kudos to each of my kids for their participation in reading and finishing the
Book of Mormon.

6:30 a.m. comes early to some who are sleeping and an interruption to others who are trying to get ready for school. After a many years of this routine, we reached the last page of the Book of Mormon for the 4th time today. I truly believe there is strength and power that comes from reading that book of scripture. I know it is one of the main ways we will be able to fortify our homes from Satan who is trying to enter through any avenue possible. My family is my most precious asset and I am so grateful for each of their efforts to be apart of our daily study.

The writing on the towel rack

By Boo (AKA Brooklyn) I love you so much
or it could say
By Boo I love somwon
(It even has a cute little smiley face)

It didn't take much to figure out the culprit/mastermind/criminal/mischievous 6-year-old behind this graffiti.

Question is, how come I didn't come all unglued and fly off the handle when I saw it? I used to be so good at it. Am I losing my sanity... or finally getting it back? Please don't suggest it's because she is the baby of the house. I am soooo above that.

I knew Miss Brooklyn, who knows better, needed a what-not about it, but seriously, it was tough.

I am sure I can get it off with a little elbow grease and chemicals, but it brings a smile to my face when I see it. Sometimes I wish I could start all over with the patience I have now (which could still improve, I know).