Monday, December 17, 2012

Crazy


Last Friday, when I was on Facebook at one point, my heart stopped.

I read a post about the school shooting in Conneticut. 

I started checking the news reports online. (I stopped watching the news on TV years ago.  I don't want the kids to see the ugly and bad glorified in our home). 

After reading three separate breaking news reports, I shut my laptop and wept. 

20 kids.  6 adults.  Merciful God.

By this time, Theresa had gotten up from her nap, and I had to get Joshua from school.  I held her tight, breathing in the sweet scent of her baby-fine hair.  Marveling that she was safe in my arms, while 26 families's lives would never be the same again.

I decided I would try harder over the next few days not to let things get to me.  Theresa is honestly driving me a bit batty these days.  She loves to empty out the tupperware drawer, the cereal in the pantry, climb up on the kitchen table and throw down all the napkins...dump out an entire bag of legos, and pull ornaments off the Christmas tree.

But that's really not all that awful is it?  I am sure there are 20 familes in Conneticut who would give anything to see their child's face again, to happily let them dig in the dirt in the backyard, run around with a bubble wand, eat too many cookies, or sing their favorite Christmas carol.

It has been a somber few days here...even though we are thousands of miles away from Newton.  The grief in my heart has been a constant steady ache, even though life must, and always does, go on.

Dear Jesus, please hold these precious souls and their families in your comforting arms, and bring them peace.  Amen.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Music Monday- Carol of the Bells

When I was in college, I sang in the church choir.  Among those choir members, several of us became pretty good friends.  We loved singing together.  Once, we went out to breakfast at Denny's, and we sang a few Christmas Carols acapella to all the customers and wait staff.  It was so much fun.  The director of our choir Eddie thought it would be great if we tried more accapella music.  So we'd meet up at his place on Sunday afternoons, hang out, and sing some more.  We never did perform any of the songs at Mass, but I still remember my part to a few of those lovely songs.  When I sang with the Women's Chorus at Texas A&M, small groups of us would go around campus and sing the "Hallelujah Chorus," acapella to promote our Fall Concert (back then, it's wasn't called a "flash mob," lol!).  There's nothing like singing that song in the rotunda of the Academic Building...the acoustics were amazing.  

Ever since then, I've loved acapella music.  It is HARD to sing songs with no music in the background.  No piano, no bass, no nothing!  I fell hard for Straight No Chaser years ago, but now I have a new love...Pentatonix.  They won Season 3 of "The Sing Off" on NBC, and I've been following them ever since.  Yeah...I'm a bit of a stalker.  

But...just listen to their version of "Carol of the Bells."  Seriously...it's different.  Edgy.  It rocks ya'll.  And...they're coming to Houston in March.  Who wants to go with me?  ;-)

Enjoy...you'll be hooked by these guys!  



Thursday, November 15, 2012

It's Not About the Journey...


This morning, I got up.  Threw myself in and out of the shower.  Dressed.  Put a bit of makeup on.    Saw a half-dried puddle of orange juice on the floor.  Couldn't find Gabriel's sweatshirt for school,Christina didn't like the way I did her hair, so she took out the ponytails I'd carefully arranged.  Rebecca's new skirt didn't fit, even though I'd ordered it one size bigger that her old one. Really?!

Sigh...it wasn't even 8:00 o'clock yet.  

I wiped up the spilled juice.  Told Rebecca to take off the skirt and put her old one back on.  Told Christina to give back Rebecca her old skirt (which she was wearing), and put her old one back on.  At least we'd show up at school with uniforms on, right?  Found Gabriel's sweatshirt crumpled in the bottom of his backpack.  Yelled at Joshua to come downstairs with his school things, and NOT go back upstairs until it was time to go. 

Thankfully, the baby was all ready to go.  She even had her socks and shoes still on.  Hallelujah!

We finally loaded up the van and got everyone off to school.  I'm about to call the uniform company and figure out this skirt.  So far, I am not impressed.  They sent the wrong skirt for Christina the first time we ordered from them.  

Sigh again...

And...we've decided to pull Gabriel out of Regina Caeli.  Long story short...he doesn't seem to be able to handle the structure of the school day.  He is acting out, physically and emotionally, although academically he is doing great.  But...the bottom line is...the hybrid program is clearly not the best fit for him right now. 

I spend 2 heartbreaking days agonizing over what to do.  But I really knew after talking to a dear friend that bring him home was best for Gabriel.  It may not be the best thing for me...I've enjoyed my one-on-one time with Theresa and relative freedom I've had with just one child toddling after me at home.  But, we don't want school to be a constant struggle...and it's no fun dreading pick-up time...wondering if Gabriel will bring home another 2-page note from his teacher.  We've been blessed with an amazing, supportive staff at the school, and we hope to re-enroll Gabriel next fall for 1st grade.  

So...we will be at home.  The benefits are he can still continue his speech therapy just down the street from the house with a fantastic therapist.  We can try out a gymnastics or martial arts class to build his self-confidence and self-discipline.  We'll have time to go to playgroup on Wednesdays and make weekly trips to the library.  I can work with him one-on-one...a setting he clearly thrives in and loves.  We never had trouble getting the schoolwork done...even with a few distractions (like a 22 month old!); he's able to sit and get his assignments finished in about an hour with a happy attitude.  Best of all, he can be nurtured and supported by Mom...who knows and loves him the best. 

Still...I am a bit sad.  I really wanted the school to work out for Gabriel.  It's hard for me to switch gears...being the recovering control-freak perfectionist that I am.  It's hard not to take this personally, even though I've been assured by kind souls that I am not to blame.  After all, the girls are thriving (I mean, really thriving!) at Regina Caeli.  It's the simple matter that Gabriel needs more time to grow.  And I really want him to grow in a place where he feels secure (definitely not public school).  Home is obviously where he belongs.  And since I love him to pieces, I will do anything for him...even if that means swallowing my pride and stubbornness.  There's no place for that when you're a mom anyways, right?  If I reject God's plan...I'm not allowing Him to help ME grow...how silly is that? 

So...I'm also reading a great book my spiritual guide recommended.  It's called, The Land Between-Finding God in Difficult Transitions by Jeff Manion.  He writes about how to grow in our faith and trust in God when we are faced with life-changing events.  A constant parallel in the book is the story of the Israelites after their flight from Egypt and subsequent wanderings in the desert.  God constantly told them to trust Him, but they chose to complain for almost 40 years instead.  Wow...can I relate.  I'd like to kick and scream too!  Sometimes, a plane ticket to Tahiti and a pina colada to go sound SO much better that taking care of 5 kids and homeschooling!!!  Anybody want to go with me?  

Just kidding.  

All right then.  Apparently, I'm not on the same journey I thought I was.  I'm off the beaten path.  Or maybe I'm not seeing the straight and narrow.  Regardless, I'm not planning on wandering for the next 40 years in the desert.  No matter what He has in store...I'm going to TRUST in God, GROW in faith, and be OPEN to His plan.  It's surely going to be hard...but in the end, it's going to be fruitful.  It's not about the journey...it's about the promise and reward of the oasis at the end. AMEN!

P.S.  This is my new favorite song.  It sums up everything I couldn't say above.  

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Endeavor's Final Farewell

Yesterday morning, David called me from work and said we should go to Ellington Field to see the space shuttle.  Endeavor was on it's way from Florida to California, and was due to make a pit stop at Ellington Field.  So David took off from work a bit early, and we drove out to see the shuttle.  

Thank goodness we stopped and got dinner at Chick-fil-A on the way.  I knew the traffic would be crazy around the airfield, but I had no idea it would be PACKED.  It took us nearly 2 hours to get there, and over one hour to get home (normally, it would be about 45 minutes each way).  Thank goodness the kids behaved...even Theresa was a trooper and didn't fuss one bit!  I read several news articles online this morning...over 20, 000 people (including us) came out to see the shuttle.  WOW.  

We were only about to see the shuttle from about 100 feet away.  The general public wasn't allowed any closer.  There was some kind of official event going on while we were there, but the gates were locked, and police officers were everywhere directing traffic.  Craziness!  For a while I though we weren't going to make it, but luckily we finally were able to park in a field, and walk up to the gates.  I took as many pictures as I could before we lost daylight.  



David hoisted me up so I could get pics over the chain link fence...thanks honey!  One kind woman took my camera and got this shot for me...just to prove David could support me...and she let me hold her very nice camera too, LOL!  (Glad I've lost 10 pounds in the past few months!). 

Not to be outdone, Rebecca decided Theresa need a little boost too. :-)

One more shot after the sun went down. 

The kids got to bed late, but they were glad we went.  David says we wouldn't even get the opportunity to see a space shuttle that close ever again.  I'm sure he's right.  Fly on Endeavor...we wish your final home was in Houston so we could see you again!  





Saturday, September 15, 2012

A Prayer

Over the summer, I went through a rough period of being really angry with myself.  I wanted to smash plates.  I wanted to yell at someone, anyone.  I wanted to hop on a plane to Tahiti!

Thankfully, none of those things happened.  Although Tahiti would have been nice.  

Instead I sat.  In the quiet.  For a LONG time.  I mean...hours.  David and the kids were kind enough to stay away.  I prayed.  I thought.  I told myself it would pass.  It did. 

Funny thing...a very dear friend texted me in the middle of it all.  She promised to pray for me.  Those are the best kind of friends...the ones who say they will pray for you...and really do.  Such sweet comfort...thank you friend.   

Sometimes I write out my thoughts when I'm in this particular situation.  I'd rather scream and holler, but I know God would rather I converse with him instead.  While it's never fun to get that really hard knock over the head from God...I knew He was only doing it out of love.  And He was telling me I needed to get off my butt and stop feeling sorry for myself!  

So here goes...A Prayer.  By me. 

Dear Jesus
Please give me the courage to follow You. 
Even when I fall into despair, 
And curl up into a little ball, 
And cry because I have no strength left
To do anything else.

I am scared to see the wall I tried so hard to build
Come crashing down all around me, 
Because You long for my soul. 
However imperfect it may be. 
You pull me up out of the darkness. 
You dust me off, and wipe away my tears. 

I lack the courage to take just one step. 
But you whisper words of hope and healing. 
So I follow you, sweet Jesus. 
I am broken, I know I am shaken. 
Yet you raise my head, so I may see. 
Your perfect love covers everything.  

May your mercy and grace be enough for me. 
When you say, "I am here for you my child."
"I AM all that you need."  
I LOVE YOU.  

Amen

Thursday, September 6, 2012

A Crash Course in Homeschooling

We officially started school 4 weeks ago, and I'm only now getting to post some words and pictures about it.  So far, it's going pretty well.  A few bumps, here and there, and a few major revelations for me--all good in the long run.  

The first day at Regina Caeli, I dropped the girls and Gabriel off at the church, took a couple of pics, walked them outside to the playgroup and said goodbye. I was sad to see my sweet angel boy start kindergarten, but I didn't cry.  I still have a baby at home to occupy me, thank goodness.  




The next day (Tuesday) was our first day of homeschooling.  I'm not gonna lie.  It's hard work keeping the kids on task and motivated.  Definitely more work than I expected.  Both the girls have a quite a few assignments every Tuesday and Wednesday when we school at home.  This week was more days than usual...we were "on syllabus" Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday due to the Labor Day holiday.  I breathed a sigh of relief after getting everyone off to school this morning at the church (and then taking Joshua to his middle school).  Now I'm just relaxing, and my teeny baby girl is sitting right at my feet.  I'm definitely enjoying the one-on-one time with her. 

Speaking of work, the girls have assignments in Math, Religion, Science, History, Latin, Phonics/Spelling, Language Arts, Geography (not every day), and Language Arts.  Yep...it's a lot!  But they are learning, and so far, are doing great.  Rebecca especially loves the History--right now she's reading about George Washington and the American Revolution.  Christina hasn't made any of her preferences known. ;-).  Gabriel seems to LOVE it all, especially reading. 

So...what have I learned?  Plenty I tell ya!

After the first 2 weeks, I realized that the math and reading curriculum we use in Regina Caeli are too easy for Gabriel.  They are learning phonetic sounds and numbers, which he already has a firm grasp of, thanks to 3 years of private preschool.  It's not a bad thing to go over the sounds again, since he technically may still need speech therapy.  So, I'm using the BOB readers to help him combine sounds and recognize sight words, and a harder math kindergarten workbook I found at the dollar store.  For now, I'm spending more time on the reading.  He LOVES the BOB readers, and wants to read 3 or 4 of them in one sitting.  Otherwise, we are working on fine motor skills---he can write letters if there are tracing lines, but is having some difficulty if there are no lines to follow.  But he is trying very hard, and wants to practice more...so I have plenty of pre-printed worksheets, the chalkboard from Handwriting Without Tears, and a dry-erase board so he can really go to town, erase it all by himself, and start over again.  He likes to recite the poems and has memorized them quickly.  It's good to hear him recite...I can see if he is pronouncing the words correctly.  He did have some behavioral issues at Regina Caeli which we we able to quickly nip in the butt, and he loves going to school at the church with his big sisters.  

Christina is a eager learner, but is also my most stubborn student.  She and I have butted heads several times already, with me storming out of the kitchen, and her in tears at the kitchen table.  Not good!  I knew my patience would be tested with her, and Lord have mercy...it's been a battle.  Earlier this week, I realized I HAD to STOP getting angry.  I knew this was not the way God wanted me to school my child.  It would be a LONG school year if I didn't figure out a way to teach her calmly while meeting her needs and adapting to her learning style. It finally hit me 2 days ago...she was dreading the math lessons (and no wonder, it would take her 2 hours to do 2 pages!), and she seemed to be slow at addition/subtraction with regrouping.  (It doesn't help that Mommy isn't a big fan of math either!)  I knew this could be the root of her poor attitude.  On the advice of another homeschooling friend, I had her take a placement test on Xtra Math...a free, online math program.  Sure enough, she scored a 57%.  She got all the problems right, but was too slow on just under half the problems.  So we are drilling, drilling, drilling with Xtra Math and flash cards.  Obviously she needs to be faster with her math facts--which should make her math assignments less arduous in the future.   My SIL (who also homeschools) told me about Addition/Subtraction War, which I showed the girls how to play, and they love it.  Hooray for math lessons that are FUN!  This hasn't solved all of our tussles at the table, but so far, it has really made a difference.  I still find myself having to be rather firm with her--like yesterday when it took her 10 minutes to write ONE answer to a question using a complete statement.  She was crying by the time she was done...and it took her 3 tries...even though I was as calm as a cucumber and dictated it to her 4 times.  One thing at time, right? ;-) 

Rebecca has frankly been a dream to homeschool.  She is an extremely independent learner, and prefers to do nearly everything by herself...even her Latin declensions, states and capitals, and phonograms.  Unless I have to dictate something to her, or go over an assignment orally, I can give her the syllabus, and she just runs with it.  I love seeing her discover something she didn't know before (George Washington didn't want to be the Commander in Chief, nor President of the United States, but did so out of love and duty).  She loves all the assigned reading, and makes time for supplemental materials without me even suggesting it.  I might ask her to help Christina for a minute or take the baby outside while I'm working with Gabriel, and she never says no...she readily  lends a hand.  After the first two weeks of homeschooling and Regina Caeli, I asked her if she wanted to go back to public school, and she said, "No way!"  She says everyone is so nice, and she doesn't mind all the hard work--which is gratifying because we thought public school wasn't challenging enough for her anyways.  Even the slight uncomfortable and hot uniforms don't seem to faze her too much.  What a gift homeschooling and Regina Caeli have been for her.

It's been an amazing and interesting 4 weeks.  I knew it would be a challenge, but I truly have learned as much, if not more than the kids.  I've had to draw upon my years of teaching experience (from 13 years ago!), use my old resources, book, and files, and call upon the Lord for patience so many times.  But...I believe we are in for the long haul...and it's a journey I am really looking forward to.  I am so happy I get to spend more time with my kids instead of having the logistical nightmare of driving them to and fro, all over town.  I am thankful we've been given the gift of Regina Caeli so I can get that little break 2 days a week and be home with Theresa.  Most of all, I am thrilled that I can incorporate our faith while homeschooling the kids in so many ways every day!  I am blessed beyond measure!  



Monday, August 6, 2012

Goodby for a Long While

We've known for a while now that my brother Chris would be deployed to Afganistan sometime this fall.  He is leaving this week for more training in Texas before going overseas late October/early November.  So we made a day trip to Austin yesterday to see him before he leaves.  I'm truly thankful we were able to see him...as he will be gone for a year. 

We meet up with Chris at the small airport just east of Austin where he flies planes every once in a while.  He was taking a friend and his kids up in a 4-seater plane first...and then it was our turn.  Gabriel decided right away, "I not going up...no thank you!" (politely, but firmly!)  But he did consent to pictures in the cockpit. ;-)

And of course, more pictures with everyone else.  It's pretty cool when your brother is a pilot and flies Blackhawk helicopters too. 


David went up first with Joshua and one of Chris' friends, Caleb.  Then it was the girls' turn.  


I was hesitant to go up, mainly because I get motion-sickness.  We've recently discovered Rebecca gets sick too.  But, I knew I had to go with the girls...otherwise they might get nervous.  I remembered I still had medicine (dramamine) in my purse from our vacation last month, so I quickly took some, and gave Rebecca a half dose.  Honestly, it didn't work in time...I took it too late...but I didn't get sick, and neither did Rebecca.  And it didn't help that it was hot in the cockpit with no wiggle room at all (thank goodness I'm not claustrophobic).  It took a good hour for me to feel better once we landed!

I know you all want to see more pictures we took, right?  Here you go... :-)  David took some of them, and I took a few on our respective flights.  It really was fun...my stomach didn't feel good, but it was still exhilarating to be in the air.  We went up about 1500 feet, looped around downtown Austin, and then back around to the airport. 





Back on solid ground (and can I just say the landing was super smooth...my bro is a pro!), we were starving for lunch, and headed to Phil's Icehouse, where we had very tasty (and filling!) mini-burgers, regular-sized burgers, and the best sweet potato fries I've ever had.  We were too full to have dessert at Amy's Ice Cream right next door, so we head up to the Capitol building to walk off the calories.  

I had to get one special picture of Gabriel with his godfather before we left. :-)

The architecture at the Capitol is quite impressive, especially after they did a complete renovation back in '93.  We took one of the public tours, and while the kids were mostly attentive, they did get tired after a while (especially Theresa, who hadn't had her nap yet).  But all in all, the tour was informative, and we finished up with a jaunt through the gift shop.  




Can I just state for the record that I intensely dislike gift shops?  In our family, letting the kids go into a gift shop is like letting 5 bulls loose in a china shop.  It seriously gives me a serious case of mommy nerves.  Yikes!  I wish they'd never been invented!

Once the kids were done (and didn't break anything...whew!), we said our goodbyes to my brother back outside.  I told him I loved him (2x) and told him to be careful (2x), cause I figured as his older sister it was what I was supposed to do.  But no crying...since the kids were there, and I didn't want to bawl in front of them.  I swallowed at least 3 lumps in my throat as we drove away. :-(

Please pray for Chris.  He will be flying medivac missions over in Afganistan, evacuating the wounded and providing some supply transport.  A Blawkhawk is a power helicopter, but has no artillery...so they are vulnerable to enemy fire.  Since they can't fire back at any insurgents, all they can really do is evasive maneuvers, or "run like hell."  But...without a doubt, I am proud of my brother for serving his country, and pray for all of our military personnel fighting overseas.   May they all come home safely.  We love you Chris!  


Thursday, July 12, 2012

A Week Away (with NO kids!)

A year ago, I told David I needed a vacation.  Not just a 3-day weekend trip.  A REAL vacation.  You know...without the kids.  Preferable someplace cooler than Houston in July.  With good food.  Fun activities.  And a nice hotel room...not a tent!  Something like this...
Theresa's godparents have timeshares all over the creation.  They said we could take one.  So I booked us a condo at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort for a week.  It met all the criteria.  Nice room, good restaurants and fun activities in Salt Lake City (30 minutes away).  And...gorgeous views of mountains along with moderate temperatures.  It sounded perfect. 

I didn't quite believe we were actually going to pull this off until we came in for the landing over Salt Lake City.  Check it out.  Beautiful sunset against the mountains.  Wow.  
It was a promising start.  The next day, we woke up to this...

Amazing. 

We started off with Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.  There was a Sacred Choral Conference going on that same weekend.  So we were treated to a fantastic choir who sang all the mass parts in Latin.  Beautiful.  And because of that, mass was 1 hour and 45 minutes long.  But, we enjoyed every minute.  How could you not in such a beautiful place? Picture courtesy of photowalkingutah.com.  

Next...lunch.  We had packed sandwiches to eat in a nearby park.  'Cause after such a long mass, one gets hungry.  To check out all our Salt Lake City eats, click here to visit my cooking blog. ;-)

Then we walked around the Mormon Temple Square.  David wanted to learn more, and 2 young ladies gave us a tour of the Mormon History Museum.  Honestly, I was a bit uncomfortable at first, but I did appreciate the time they gave us, and hey...I did learn a thing or two.  

Monday...we took short hike to the observation deck.  David set the timer on the camera, and we ended up with my favorite picture from our vacation. 
Then we headed to a grove of aspen trees about 2 miles from the resort to have a picnic lunch.  I was enthralled by a sight I'd only seen in Ansel Adams prints.  We sat next to a stream and enjoyed the sounds of water and a curious squirrel who ran off with one of David's chips.  

Then we headed to the mall.  I wanted to get the mandatory souvenirs for the kids and grandparents, who were kind enough to watch our crew while we were gone.  After that, and dinner, we headed back to the condo to try out the hot tub on the balcony, and admire the view again.  

Next morning, we woke up late (I still can't get over the fact that we didn't have any kids around to wake us up!), and headed out for some summer alpine activities. 

Like the zip-line.  I did it 2x.  Yes me...the one afraid of heights and prone to motion sickness!



And alpine sledding.  Seriously...this is fun y'all.  It's like driving a car with a stick shift (which I had in my first car...loved it and still miss it!)  Wish David hadn't take a picture of my backside though.  Sure would be fun to bring the kids back here one day...they would have an absolute blast.

David wiped on one of his trips down, and skinned his leg and knuckles.  Good grief.  
We had decided earlier to go on a long hike that day.  So after prepping another picnic lunch, we took the ariel tram up to the top of Hidden Peak with the intend of hiking all the way down... about 4 miles. There's a tunnel you can cross over to the other side of the peak too.  Plus, we saw a few stubborn patches of snow.  Thank goodness I'd been working out lately.  That trail was steep...the average grade on the slope was 12 degrees.  I felt like I was digging my toes in all the way down.  I fell twice.  And I'm not gonna lie...I was sore the next 3 days!  





We felt we deserved a reward after that...so we took the ski lift all the way back up the mountain, and down again.  This time we could appreciate the scenery, instead of trying not to skid halfway down the mountain!  

A wildfire 12 miles from Snowbird broke out that same afternoon...we could see and smell the smoke as ash from the fire sprinkling down on us as we headed down.  Yikes. 

Another night out on the town to have dinner, and another soak in the hot tub.  I sure needed it after that long hike.  
On the 4th...David decided he wanted to try one of the mountain scooters.  I told him to be careful.  Little good that did.  
On David's second trip down, he hit a culvert, and took a nasty fall.  When I got his text, I hoped he was joking.  He said, 

"I think I'll need some stitches."  Uh oh.  

I texted him back right away (I was eating leftover pizza and downloading pics from the camera back at the condo).  When he didn't respond...I knew he wasn't kidding.  

When I got to the bike rentals, he looking fine at first.  But then I saw blood all over his limbs and a large bandaged area on his left arm.  The ski patrol guys said he would need stitches for sure.  We got back to the condo so David could shower...he was really a mess.  Then we headed out to an urgent care clinic that thankfully took our insurance.  

The PN was very nice, and we got back to the treatment room right away.  It took her a good 30 minutes to put 4 internal and 15 external stitches in David's arm.  Good grief.  Warning...the next few pics might be too much for certain people to look at.  View at your own risk. 



We'd planned to drive by the Great Salt Lake later that day, go to a Salt Lake Bees baseball game that night, and stay afterwards for the fireworks.  Which we did...

 Once we got to the 5th inning, though, David was miserable and we had to leave early.  All the lidocaine they'd shot into his arm was wearing off, and they didn't give us any pain meds.  Not good.  We caught a few fireworks on our way home...

Back at our room, David tried to get comfortable enough to sleep.  Around midnight, I realized that wasn't happening.  So we got up and headed to the ER for some pain meds.  Two hours later, we had 5 pills and I had to drive us back up the mountain...pitch black...saw 2 deer...freaked me out...Lord have mercy.  Thankfully, once we got back into bed, David was able to sleep.  And man, did we sleep...until 9:30 the next day! 

We were off to a very slow start, and David was stiff and sore, but he wanted to do something.  It was also raining...which meant no outdoor activities.  We decided to head to the movies and ended up seeing "Snow White and the Huntsman."  Not much else that day...just tried not to do too much, since David was technically okay, but not always comfortable in terms of his pain.  We were able to walk around a bit, but that was all.  

Our last day, (Friday) with David feeling better, we drove 2 hours north to the Golden Spike National Historical Site.  This is where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads merged to complete the Transcontinental Railroad.  It was out in the middle of nowhere...but I found a great activity book for the kids, and David flattened 4 pennies for them in one of those souvenir machines. :-)



We couldn't miss the opportunity to spend time at the Mormon Family History Library...we spend nearly 3 hours there trying to dig up more info on my side of the family.  We made progress with my paternal grandmother's ancestors...but hit a roadblock with my paternal grandfather's family.  They emigrated from Spain to Puerto Rico a long time ago...and our Spanish just isn't good enough to make a lot of progress.  Oh well.  We still got to view a gorgeous sunset that night. 


Back in the city, we decided on sushi for dinner, and organic ice cream for dessert...both delicious.  And on our way back up the mountain for the last time...a scattered shower and a rainbow! Wow. 

I was a bit sad to go back home, even though I did miss the kids.  We had splendid weather, lows in the 50's at night, low humidity during the day, and highs in the upper 80's to low 90's.  I doubt we will be able to get away again for quite some time.  

Even with David's mishap on the mountain, we had a wonderful vacation.  We were able to spend 6 days together, talk about things we'd been putting off, and honestly, just spending time together without being interrupted was fantastic.  I think we truly appreciated the gift we'd been given.