Aug 6-Dad returns, GNO-Tim

Busy, busy, busy-that is what this trip has been. It's been 2 weeks since our dad left and although at times it has seemed to fly by we sure have missed having him around. But before we could go get him I went to my cousin Jordan Argyle's baby shower at my Grandma Harris' house with my Mom and sister Amber and her baby Whitney. It was fun to see cousins I haven't seen in a few years and to catch up. Whitney made the Grandma's happy-she would light up when ever Great Grandma (Odessa) would come and say hello to her. As we were leaving Grandma (LeAnn) got her giggling. It was the cutest little thing that made all of our days....

Well except John since we forgot about the time making us VERY late picking up our Dad from the airport. Not only that but neither of our phone were working so we had a hard time connecting once we got there...

After finally finding out Dad and getting him in the car we headed up to spend a little time with Uncle Fred and our cousins the Sayes. They were getting ready for Madison's engagement party but let us stop by to say Hello and Good-bye's and sending the kids with some goody baskets.

Once we got back to Grandma's we quickly made dinner and took baths while I quickly got ready for our Sisters Night Out to see Tim McGraw. It seemed like the best way to spend my last night in Utah, with my sisters. We did the same thing last year-except at Cafe Rio, one of my favorite memories.

Laura, Shelly, myself & Amber

Had a great time with my sisters, can't wait to do it again next year!

Aug 4-5, 2011

Thursday morning we went school shopping and found a couple of cute outfits and some pajamas for all the kids. We then spent the afternoon with our cousins and the girls were able to attend ballet class which they LOVED!!!!

Tyler & Keira's Class

Maddie & McKenna's Class:

We then decided to spend the night to save us some driving time that night and the next morning. The kids didn't mind another sleepover at all, although it meant wearing new pajamas and sleeping without their beloved blankets. Who would've thought it could be done...apparently in emergency situations substitutes are allowed.

The next morning Aunt Shelly watched the girls and Tate and I went to visit Brooke, my old roommate. The time always passes too quickly and soon it was time to leave and head over to Tiffany's for haircuts.

McKenna got about 4 inches cut off going back to her favorite haircut-short. Tyler wanted to chop off her hair to but I wasn't ready to part with it quite yet and gave her the same bargain I gave McKenna that she could cut her hair when she was 6 years old.

Grandma making Ebelskievers

Tyler taking pictures of Tate taking pictures-both of Grandma :)

We got back to Grandma's and found Uncle James had also gotten a haircut.

A favorite spot is always with Grandpa mowing the lawn on the John Deere Tractor

We love being in Utah!!!

8/1-8/2 This and That

Monday Morning we made an impromptu plan and headed out to see family. We first met Silvia and the kids Nicholas, Alex and Leslie at 'Old McDonald's' for lunch and then headed to Costco after discovering I was out of wipes. Made for some extra time to play with out cousins.

Afterwards we met up with my Cousin Mandolin who I hadn't seen in years. Growing up we had been pretty tight at family events and I had missed her terribly. We spent a fantastic afternoon watching the kids play and catching up.

We went home and just had a lazy evening playing with the puppies and in the yard.

Fruit was in Season and Grandma was picking Apricots and Tate found the Raspberries.

The kids couldn't get enough of either

Tate and I had a great time on the sports court.

This was Tate's favorite place. On the Tractor and usually with Grandpa.

Girls loved playing with Grandma's Polly Pocket dolls and House

Just a few snipetts of the things we did in the evenings when we got home.

Utah 8/10

Now that the slide show is up I feel as though I can talk about the trip in detail and those who don't care about the details can see the pictures creating a little less stress for me.

It was 2 weeks of partying for the kids and I as we made our trip to and through Utah & Idaho.

Saturday Night-Harris BBQ

What's not to like: Good Food, Good company, Fun Toys, and a Pink Cake

Sunday-Leslie Isabella Payne's Baby Blessing

I was a little nervous going to Sacrament Meeting with the kids alone, but alone I was not. Ashley and Jordan took care of the girls, Tate and I sat by Grandma & Grandpa Payne, although much time was spent in the lobby with Tate. Afterwards we headed to Silvia's parents for mingling and food.

The Girls Loved holding Baby Leslie!

and playing with their cousins, the doorbell was great entertainment

Ashley, Steven & Jordan

That evening we stopped by and visited with Great Grandma & Grandpa Harris on the way home

Monday-Gateway

Monday morning all the Harris' cousins met at the Gateway Outdoor Mall in Salt Lake City. While they fixed the Splash Pad we found a fabulous sale at Old Navy where we stocked up on summer clothes for next year. The kids then had a great time playing in the water. Afterwards we recovered with Ice Cream cones from McDonald's.

Tuesday-Swimming

We met Aunt Kristy and Eva at the pool. Eva was nice enough to get in the pool with the girls and help them become more comfortable in the water. The LOVED it and Her!

Wednesday-Haircuts & Sleepovers

Wednesday we visited the Kirkam's where we played and then Mom & Tyler got their hair cut by Tiffany

That evening we headed to the Stephany's for a sleepover with Maddie & Keira

although much to Maddie & Keira's detriment (and mine) the girls weren't quite ready to sleep in a room without their Mom. There was a fantastic Thunderstorm that night, one where you feel your right in the middle of it. This is something Washington just doesn't get very often.

Thursday-Sleepover continued

The girls had a great time playing with their cousins and then we were able to Ride Bikes and escort Maddie to school for her 2nd day of Kindergarten.

That evening we reconvened at our Grandparents and while I took a breather the kids took on Grandpa

Friday-Guenter's/Crash

My Good friend from High School Erin & I have kids the same age and gender. She recently moved back from SC and so I was ecstatic to meet them at the Gateway for a little fun and lunch.

That evening on my way home from the store that evening I was hit from behind when I hesitated turning left. The Lady then told me I needed to buy American Made and my car wouldn't have been hurt so bad.

Saturday-Bike/Fruit Heights Founders Day/Girls Night Out

I found a bike for McKenna for $5 at a yard sale in front of Davis High. That evening we went to play at the Castle Park and found ourselves at the city of Fruit Heights' Founders Day celebration. It was fantastic! It had a train for the kids to ride on, Bouncy House, Fishing pond, Face Painting and Cotton Candy.

Grandpa then treated us all to 60 cent cones at Artic Circle. The price was small but the cones were huge it was awesome.

I then left my kids and met up with Tiffany and Ashlee for a girls night out. We ate at a pricey little joint named Carbons, then went shopping at Target, and then to the Red Mango for Frozen yogurt. The food was fantastic, but the company was my favorite. We laughed and talked and ate for hours. Loved every minute of it.

Sunday-Grandpa's Pancakes

Everyone met up for Grandpa's famous pancakes.

Monday-Great Grandma & Grandpa Harris

We went to see Odessa & Jay and to eat Creamies and Feed the Horses.

The girls got a kick out of their Uncles Mark & James. Poor Mark hurt his ankle pretty good on a Kyaking trip and was nicknames "grandpa" by their Uncle James. James however renamed my kids-or rather taught them their name in piglatin. McKenna didn't take to it too much but Tyler thought her name being Ler-Ty was pretty funny!

Tuesday-Birthday Party Mania

What Can I say...without the help of my family: my parents, my SIL Laura and my sisters I never could have pulled this off. It was so fun to have both sides of our family there to celebrate McKenna's birthday. A dream come true for this Mom. I decided with the hot weather a Slip'n Slide party would be fun, McKenna decided she wanted a Tinker Bell Party and a rainbow cake. It was so much fun and I think everyone had a great time! McKenna loved her gifts! She got everything she wanted and continues talking about that day.

Wednesday-Sisters Night Out

We were hoping for a few extra participants, but Mom didn't feel well and I think Laura stayed home to help out? This is only the 2nd time we've done this but it was so much fun. We met at Cafe' Rio (I wish someone or I would open one up in Washington) for dinner and just talked. I don't remember even doing this too often growing up, but the sentimental fool that I am, Loved every moment. My sisters are hilarious and I loved being with them. No pictures...just enjoyed the moment.

Thursday/Friday-Idaho Bound

Can't believe how quickly the trip flew by. Not sure how but we were packed and ready to go by noon, so after a quick lunch we tearfully climbed into the van. Snacks and Drinks in hand, New Toys and movies not too far away we headed back to Boise, alone. I was a bit nervous but the kids did fantastic. We drove about 3 hours, stopped at Walmart and then jumped back in and drove the hour and a half to Boise, happy to see the Chapmans'. The girls loved playing with Alexia and Trevor when he was around. :) We took walks each morning to see the horses, the goats, and the llamas. While in Utah our fan broke, so funny enough I went through 3 fans trying to find one loud enough to get my kids to sleep. We've become slaves to the white noise-funny enough everyone was out of fans and the only ones left were "quieter". I took all 3 fans back and still haven't found a replacement. Audrey worked so Friday the "kids" and I all headed to the park for their school lunch snacks and played at the playground and the sandpit making castles.

Saturday-Shopping/Daddy

James & Audrey took good care of me, Saturday afternoon James watched the kids and Audrey and I went Shopping, in a Mall. It's been so long since the majority of my shopping wasn't done at Target or Walmart. We went to Bath & Body Works and took advantage of their soap sale, and then we hit the Gap for the 'Friends and Family' Sale getting 40% off. So happy to have levi's without holes in it.

On the way home we picked up John-what a long time to be separated from your husband. I wasn't the only one happy to see him. Tate kept staring at him, hitting his face and hugging him. The girls were ecstatic. We'll pry try to take him with us for at least part of the trip next time. That night we had Payne Tacos & Taco Salads and watched a movie. It was one of the few nights I didn't get trapped in the room with the kids ending up with a 9 pm bedtime. So happy to have my husband back!

Sunday-Home Sweet Home

It was a long drive home, but once again the kids did great. We watched movies, ate snacks, played dolls. Only the last hour did we (especially me) become restless but that's pretty much any roadtrip.

We were happy to be home and sleeping in our own beds.

A little HOT for me, but a fantastic Trip, one we hope to do EVERY year.