some other vacations

So here is a little slide show of 3 amazing trips we took while we were on our big trip in Utah.

SunValley, Idaho. I love it there. Been going to Sun Valley since I was born, worked there for a summer after high school, now Brad and our little family are loving it, too.

We went for a "just girls" trip for the first part of the week.
Always have to take a picture in front of the SunValley lodge with the geese who are so protective and hiss at you. Sweet Chloe. She was such a trooper. She didn't feel well and we kept her going and going until Sunday night she had a seizure and we ended up in the ER because of a high high fever.
Mmmm...Lava Cakes. For extra detail, I threw up on this long trip to Utah so many times because I ate so much good, fat, food. But who cares, it's so worth it...so, so, worth it.
The day after Sunvalley, we put out time in at the ER and then headed to Yellowstone to meet the Chamber's family. It was so fun to drive in the park for the first time and see all the people stopping to see the wildlife on the side of the road. We got extra lucky and saw tons of elk, an eagles nest and tons of buffalo walking across the road and right up by our cars. These next two pictures totally capture the excitement (of all of us!)

Chloe is so loved by her aunts.
We had some unusual things happen while at Yellowstone.

1. Pictured below are some foreigners who decided to ignore the sign that said something like "these guyser grounds are as hot as battery acid do not step over the boardwalk" and they stepped right out on the hot ground to get some good pictures. Pretty sure you're not supposed to do that.

2. We were walking along the geyser path behind old faithful and it started to hail pretty hard so we were heading for cover but physically had quite a ways to run. The next events happened so fast: Chloe got hail in her eye so we all stopped walking, turned to start walking again and the group right in front of us (like 20 feet) got struck by lightning. We heard a sickening crack and people fell. Half of our group ran to help them while the others of us ran all the way back to the lodge. I am quite sure I shrieked more than one time along that run back. It was very scary! We met back up in the lodge with somber moods and contemplated alot that moment, and tons that day and frequently throughout the rest of the trip that we were so blessed to have been held up on the path and not the ones that were hit. It was all in the papers and we witnessed it first hand. It was neat to see B-rad run straight ahead, without even thinking, to assist.
The group. I had been to Yellowstone 3 times before but all on snowmobile in the winter time, but this was the one place that made me think of Yellowstone. I am glad the sun came out for us to take our time on the walk around the magnificent sites.
We even lucked out and saw a bear.
Cute boys.
After Yellowstone, B-rad had to go home to illinois and I continued my trip with the kids. My parents took the Nelson family to Seaside Oregon. It truly is one of the prettiest places ever. I love the coast.
Ezra just chillin. This kid loved the wind in his hair and watching the sky above.
The coastline was so pretty. You had to walk out pretty far to get to the water. People were clamming the first day we got there. We found some sand dollars, too.
The pool at the condo was warm and got lots of use.
Playing in the sand. Best of cousins getting a little tired.
The girls in front of Haystack rock. Can you see one-eyed willie's treasure ship behind us??
They had this fun aquarium with sealife that was found in the water right where we were at. I would freak out if I saw this guy in real life or the octopus they had.
Can't beat the ocean sunset.
Have I mentioned I love vacations?

52 days in Utah and other mountainous beauty

What a trip!! We couldn't have had a greater time in Utah visiting family in friends. We're glad to be back home, but I am already looking for when our next trip is. I love vacations. So, here is a little update on us to be followed (by later posts) of photos from our little trips within the big trip.

Love, Mel

Me: I loved being with this guy on vacation. I love to see him enjoying doing what he wants to be doing instead of working for the man.

Me: I love these. This is a view of Mt. Olympus from my parents back door. We spent some nights just swinging on their swing, eating popsicles and looking at this site. We didn't get to hike it this year. The weather could of been a tiny bit nicer while we were in Utah, but it didn't stop us from doing all that we wanted anyway.
Me: Love this girl. She's such my little buddy.
And these two...I LOVE being their mom. I love it! Brad had to go back to Illinois two weeks before us and that was sad and a bit of an adjustment. Luckily, I was with family and that made the time go by quick for me, not so much for Brad.
Ezra: I spent most of my trip in the backpack. Thankfully, most people took a turn caring me around, even Grandma Ruthie. I'm so lucky to have so many people love me. I did really good on the plane ride. People around my mom couldn't believe that I didn't cry a bit.
Ezra: I started eating solids on this trip. I also got my first tooth. I am working on tooth number two and so I've been a little sad. Chloe and I share a room now and we're both being crazies getting to sleep and staying asleep.
Ezra: My cute face is getting more defined. I have sparkling eyes and smile at everyone. Mom is starting to ditch the carseat more and carry me in places so my time in the "seat" is getting fewer.
Chloe: When you are on vacation and eating out a lot, there aren't a lot of options for kids on the kid menu. Mac and Cheeses are not all created equal. This is the most delicious creamy mac and cheese we have ever found.
Chloe: I hiked Ensign peak in Utah. Only 20 minutes but straight up in places. I dominate hiking when it's my idea. In Astoria Oregon I climbed up the tower that had 164 stairs and didn't even complain.

** we dragged Chloe everywhere and made her try everything and talk to everyone and play with everyone. She did so good on such a long trip. Once or twice she said she wanted to "go home to Illinois". She got very sick on one of our little trips and ended up in the hospital on Memorial Day. That was not super fun. But then she was back to going everywhere and doing everything. I can't blame her is she didn't smile in EVERY single picture. She melts my heart when she says "i love you" 100 times a day and tickles my back. We shared a bed quite a bit on this trip and at other times shared a room. One night she told me "mom, i am right here if you get scared" This was followed by, "lets cuddle all night." Her cuddling is face to face. She is so sweet.
Chloe: I could live in the water. Thanks to this new lifevest Emily gave me, I can. I can float and swim and float and jump off the edge and mom doesn't even have to worry. Here I am with Grandma. We spent a lot of time at grandma Ruthie's. She tells me stories and reads to me and makes me lots and lots of Oatmeal. And she loves me even when I scowl.
And...if I wasn't in the pool I could be on the trampoline. I told mom yesterday that I thought she should buy a trampoline for our backyard in Illinois. here i am with my cousin Elsie. I loved playing with cousins. Most of my cousins are older and they loved including me in all they did. It's gonna be hard to be away from all my family and cousins. I miss them already.
And Brad: He was pretty much smiling straight the whole vacation. He enjoyed working with the family practice doc he spent time with in Utah.
Brad you are amazing.
At the top of Ensign peak.
I wish I had a picture of my face when we showed up at the airport in Portland Oregon on Saturday June 19th (51st day away) and they told me I had missed my flight. Not the finest 2 days of my life.

Last time...

Last time we went to Utah for this long I remembered everything but...

my makeup bag. Granted, I don't wear that much makeup, but having to replace it ALL was expensive (nail clippers, tweezers, mascara, toothbrushes...) We were gone for 7 weeks that time and we had a cruise planned so I even had some of the "fancy" stuff in that bag like lipstick and some eyeliner. Needless to say, when we remember Denver, we remember spending money on replace makeup. This year, it was the first thing to go in the bags.

Brad left this morning at 5am and me and the kids are waiting for our flight at 4. So, he took all the stuff with him except a small bag I am carrying on the plane.

Just waiting.

Last night, we packed the car and Brad asked me to do the trivial task of backing the car down the driveway and I backed right into our other car. If he hadn't been standing there to scream at me I probably would've damaged the heck out of it. Instead, I stopped fast and no damage was done. I'm a loser. Brad was super impressed!

Chloe is really ready to go. I just saw her sitting on the chair on the back porch just staring. She has no toys to play with because I cleaned them all up. Poor kid, but not poor kid because soon she will be on the big plane and then at Grandma's house and completely entertained for 8 weeks.

We are leaving this gorgeous May weather and headed to snow in Utah. We will mostly likely return to an Illinois furnace.

I had this vision of being self-reliant and planting my way to a healthy/economical life with my little garden. We spent 23 dollars at the W and I just looked at my little "garden" with tomatoes, onions, basil, peppers, and flowers and realized the chances of my little creation surviving is slim to none. What was I thinking? Pray for my little garden.

Well, I am going to disconnect the computer now.See you all soon and to everyone else-we will be back in touch later.

Love,

Mel

EZ

My cute friend took our family pictures last weekend. It was so fun to see her and her little family. Afterwards, we went to the best zoo and finished to day off at the Chamber's classic-Steak and Shake. Although, they did not have the Guac burger AND kids don't eat free at this Steak and Shake. Weird.

Here is our Bluebird.

I took this on another occasion of EZ. He is over 5 months. Seriously. 5 months!

She loved gymnastics. By the end she could do a somersault unassisted and they were starting to work on back bends. She loved the beam and was the only kid (ages 3-5) who could walk and kick her legs as she walked.
I love this picture.

We are planning a visit to Utah (very soon...YAY!)

Blogworthy...

A few things before the pictures.

Today, I got a free shirt at Aeropostale. Regularly 17.50...free...BAM!

We heard that a new sub shop was offering 8" subs for a buck...BAM!

Ezra went to bed tonight without tears. I think he misses me and that's why he cries.

I always ask people to buy me socks when a gift idea is needed. I love socks. Only colorful socks and crazy patterns don't matter much. Today, I scored and bought 4 pair of socks at the Gap...on sale. Seriously, I am fine with cheap socks but that doesn't mean I think all socks are created equal. I love me some soft, colorful, well made, argyle socks.

Went on a bike ride today...BAM!

Scored a double stroller from my friend and now I know I can go on walks again.

The gym we discontinued our membership from sent us a letter saying we could come back and not pay any of the back fees since we cancelled...BAM! I knew they'd cave before we did.

We went to Kville last week and stayed with our dear friends and ate delicious food.

I got selected to do another focus group and made 75 bucks.

Brad went to Texas a couple of weeks ago for a Cancer Conference. He participated in a research project that was published and his name is on it. He's such a smart guy.

Easter was fabulous. We were going to go to an egg hunt but apparently it was the week before. Oops. We had one in the backyard instead. Chloe would've been happy with rocks I think.

We colored eggs.
Somehow...who knows how this happened (if you wear earrings you know what I mean) I wore 2 earings in the same hole...all day. When I asked Brad how he let me go around like that he told me it just looked like one earring. I guess it kind of did. But seriously, how did I not notice an earring in my ear when I put the other one in??
This girl knows where all the mirrors are.
Grandma Nancy was with us for Easter. She took us to all the fun restaurants I have been wanting to try and she helped play with Chloe all day. It's so fun to have people visit.
This is Chloe looking at her print.
This is one of her favorite spots at the Children Museum.She is always shocked when other kids want to play with her blocks.
And...that's what we've been up to.

We'll be in Utah soon.

1,2...3!!!

She's 3!

Sitting in front of her packages. This kid will grow up thinking birthday presents come in the mail. We love you families. Thank you, thank you.
We went for a haircut.
She was a princess all weekend...and really all year, right?
She loved her cake.
A princess get together.
I made her that little shirt with my new screen printing technique. Gotta say, I love it.
Daddy bought her a princess towel. I have to say, I have embraced the princesses. This last month I have found myself really wanting a lot of princess garb. It makes her so happy.
Opening many many presents. Thank you, thank you.
We went and saw dad at work, wore a princess crown and earrings around town, napped, went to the park, went to Steak and Shake (her request. we had the same waiter we always have and he actually commented that he remembers us...nice. That's too many visits to Steak and Shake I think) We had "crusted rice" for dinner and lots and lots of cake and KitKat bars.

I love her leg hugs. You know the ones. Those tight ones where they hold on and make you feel like you are the single most important person in their little life because you are and you just want it to stay that way forever. I love those leg hugs. We love you Miss Blue.

Starksy is getting older.

We still love our little dog. He's just getting older and with that grumpier and lazier. Chloe loves playing with him. He can still keep up running with me and Brad. He stinks more. But...same old cuddly, center of attention, Starsky.

Chloe has been really into carrying these animals all over the house. Downstairs with her in the morning, back upstairs for nap, back down after nap, back up for bedtime. Once she told me to carry her animals because she couldn't. She said, "I only have 2 hands, mom, you do it."

After church last week, she came home and threw herself on the ground in a defeated way and said, with her head in her hands, "this drives me crazy".

She'll ask Brad and me, "what are you guys laughing at?"

When Ezra isn't awake in the morning she goes up about every 5 minutes to "check on him". She told the doctor the other day that we only call Ezra "handsome boy".

She's a character...soon to be three next week. More on that later.

We went to Chicago last weekend and met some friends. We stopped at REI and a couple days later found that we came home with an item we didn't buy. Just so you know, you can call REI and they will gladly take your credit card number of the phone and make a purchase. So now we own a new beanie hat. Christmas for someone next year, I guess!

What else...well, I am loving Spring.