Friday, June 17, 2011

Camping out in Mass

 This was moving out day.  It was such a HOT and HUMID and long day. This is a picture of the one room that the kids could be in.  Everywhere else was off limits because the movers were packing everything up.  Elle got tired and napped on Dad.

 Once we got to Mass, we had to wait 6 days until our things arrived. ( the movers took there precious time)

This is how we ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 6 days.  Doesn't that look like fun?!?!

 We had to be creative to keep the kids entertained.
(No, Dustin does not have a work van, it was the cable guy hooking up our cable)

 Who knew you could have so much fun with plastic cups?

 Yay! Our things FINALLY came.
 Parker and Elle playing the leapster.

On moving in day Elle got wore out and feel asleep while watching a movie on the Ipad.

Our drive out to Mass


We decided to drive out to Mass and  stop by some Church history sites as well as Niagara Falls on our way.  Everyone who knows me, knows I hate to drive long distances because our kids don't do so well on road trips. There was a lot of whining and crying and "are we there yet?"  But, it was worth it all for us to visit the Church history sites as a family.
 Our first stop was in Kirtland Ohio.  It was really great to have this opportunity to see all of the wonderful church history in this city.


 I tried to get a picture of the kids in front of the Kirtland Temple, but Elle was not in the mood, all she wanted to do was cry.  And the other kids were so wiggly.  They were so happy to be out of the car. So we ended up with a picture of Lauren and Parker tickling each other, and Elle crying.

 After Kirtland, we drove to Niagara Falls.  Unfortunately the hotel was horrible and had no children's channels on the TV(they need Comcast, ha ha).  Thank goodness for the Ipad!!
 We had such a great time seeing Niagara Falls.  It was a little chilly, and very foggy.  We went on the Maid of the Mist, and love it.  It was so cool to be able to get so close to the Falls.  I was surprised at how wet we got. 

 We were in a hurry, so we drove straight to Palmyra.  What an amazing place!  I love this picture of Parker standing in front of the bed where Joseph Smith saw  Angel Moroni.
 As you walked from the Smith's log home to their frame home you can see the Palmyra Temple in the background.  We weren't able to go in the Temple this time, so I can only imagine the gorgeous view that there is from inside the temple looking out to the Sacred Grove.
After we looked in the Smith's frame house, we headed into the Sacred Grove.  Wow, what an amazing place!!!  It was amazing to walk through there and think about the incredible event that took place there so many years ago, and that I wouldn't be who I am now if Joseph smith's vision had never taken place.  I am so grateful for Joseph Smith and all of the pioneers of our church.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Our Easter without Dad

This year Dustin had moved out to Mass about a week before Easter.  So I was on my own. It was strange to not have Dustin home for Easter, but we did the best we could on our own. (needless to say, we are HAPPY to be together now)








Our visit to Utah

Oh My Goodness, We had so much fun in Utah!!
This post is long, but since we had so much fun, there are a lot of pictures.
 Uncle Mike bought confetti eggs.  Everyone had fun cracking them on each other.
Parker is getting Myia in this picture.

 It's not a party without a pinata!


 Notice Dylan T. is down with the kids collecting candy. (hey kids get out of my way!)

 Uncle Brysen with cute baby Keaton. (Some day Keaton WILL like me...weather he wants to or not)
 Elle getting some attention by putting her toe in her nose.

 Grandma Marcia with Keaton and Elle.

 Elle was pretty grumpy on the trip. So her uncles tried to bribe her with sugar.  This is second or third cupcake of the night.

 Same with Kate. Cupcake after cupcake after cupcake....

Mom and me!!  LOVE YOU MOM!!!

 Kenny and Parker just LOVE to drop things from the little window upstairs.
 Next day...MORE sweets!
 I love to watch Myia and Lauren jump on the tramp. I love when cousins play together!

 Elle and Brittney watching Lauren and Myia jumping.
 We just love to play the Oreo game.
 Aunt Shannon

 Bumpa

 Dustin and Aunt Jennie. Jennie was the CHAMP!!  WooHoo!!!

 Fun times at Jumpin' Jacks!

 Brandon, Parker and Dylan.  Such handsome boys!!
 Lauren and Stephanie frosting (and eating frosting) a cake at Nana's.
 Cute Avery and Cute Kate playing together.

 Birthday cake at Nana and Bumpa's

 Dustin went shooting with his family.  Guns...not really my thing, so opted not to go.
Bowling with the Smith's.  It was so fun!  And funny, I love watching kids bowl.