Our adventure to the bottom of the earth Part 1

The Flight

In an effort to wear our children out so they would sleep on the 13 hour flight we decided to take them to Disneyland the day of the flight. Turns out it worked out quite well. They were exhausted all right.....but so were we! What we didn't plan on was the three hour check-in line once we got to the airport. Fortunately, we had had a lot of practice waiting in lines that day so what was another line at this point?! Apparently, the computer systems were on the fritz. I couldn't help, but wonder if this was a bad omen for the rest of the trip to come. I just prayed this was the only glitch and we would smooth sail from there. As the minutes turned into hours in line and worn out hungry children became more and more difficult my patience began to wear thin. We couldn't walk anywhere because I had to stay with the giant cart full of 9 pieces of luggage, 7 carry ons, kid pack and car seats while Todd stood in the cattle herders. We traded children back and forth through the line and tried to maintain some sort of order. Finally, we were able to check in--at least part went smoothly.

Next, onto security. So apparently, the giant LAX airport only has one elevator to the second floor in our particular terminal and it was.....wait for it........OUT OF ORDER! Mind you we have 7 carry ons, three children, three car seats and a kid pack. So, we stand in some line at the bottom of the stairs to go through some security and then up the stairs to stand in another line to go through more security. By this time we have 10 minutes to boarding and at least a twenty minute wait to get through this line. And, now our children are even more tired and hungry. Joey is refusing to walk Katie is having a minor meltdown about how bad her legs hurt and John has had a blowout that is leaking onto my arm. AWESOME!

So, we finally get up to the security point and we start unloading everything as fast we can...jackets, shoes, belts, carry-ons, laptops, hard drives, cameras, 12 jars of baby food and bottles. I think at this point we had the sympathy of everyone in line behind us except the two French pilots breathing down my neck while they pointed and jabbered in their foreign tongue like they've never seen a family of our size going on a place before! We make it through and it's a race to the gate and pray they have some sort of food to grab along the way. Hooray, there was a Burger King, but wait you guessed it, the line was too long to get anything! So, at this point Todd grabbed a few overpriced chips and treats, I changed John's diaper (realizing I did not have an extra change of clothes for him) and we attempted to board the plane with John in his diaper duds.

This is where our luck really did change. The cutest, sweetest, and most kind stewardess' ever set us all up with kid bags and a bassinet that attaches to the wall (Anyone else ever seen these before? They are awesome!) for John to sleep in. Hands down the best airline experience for kid friendliness we've ever had. We each had our own TV screen stocked with more than 50 movies, TV shows and kid games all free of charge. Things were really starting to look up.

We finally take off and within 10 minutes we are served some ok plane food. John settles into his little crib thing, we all watch our own movie and then sleep for most of the next 6-8 hours. Then it's breakfast, a little more movie watching and we're landing. It was amazing. John cried for a grand total of three whole minutes during the entire flight and the other two were perfect.

If the check-in hadn't been such a nightmare it would have been perfect.

Once we landed, we had to change money, go through customs, get our luggage, go through biosecurity and get the rental car. All went smoothly except the luggage and biosecurity. In our flurry to get on the plane they had asked at the gate if there was anything else we wanted to check. We assumed gate check and Todd handed them a few items including his fishing rod made by his best friend. *Don't ever do this on an Air New Zealand flight. They have no idea what a gate check is. Apparently, they just throw everything in with the regular checked luggage. So, of course, when all the luggage appears his rod doesn't. We wait and wait, Todd check's in at lost luggage and is basically told forget ever seeing your rod again and by the way, we won't reimburse you because your rod was "sticking out" of the top of your backpack. But, you can't get mad because they are so friendly and so nice that you just can't do it. So you're left seething!

Then it's onto biosecurity with our giant stack of luggage. So, these people give you all kinds of grief about anything outdoor or food related that you are bringing into the country. So once again we unload...baby food, tent, fishing waders, boots etc. Thinking we've got it all out we head through the scanner. Oh no, they want the kids' rain boots, my Uggs, anything with a rubber sole, so I'm digging through giant duffles looking for any shoes with a rubber sole and this lady, who was not so nice, turns to her coworker and says(insert extreme sarcasm tone), "Can you believe this family?" Like we're some sort of anomaly and she is just so annoyed with us. I wanted to turn around and say something not so nice, but really I just wanted to cry. I was so done! And, fortunately after that we were done.....with that part of the adventure.

The BIG move!

Yes, we are still alive...barely. It's been a rough couple of months, but I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

In the last couple of months we have tried to sell our house which was unsuccessful. Not much of a surprise considering the present state of the real estate market! Fortunately, some awesome renters fell into our lap so at least we won't be paying two mortgages for the next year!!! John turned one! Katie finished kindergarten. Not really sure how we lost that whole year. I swear my life is in fast forward right now and I can't find the pause button. Next, I got sick the day Todd defended his research and gradated from his five year residency in orthopaedics. HOOORAAY...but sad I couldn't really enjoy the celebration to the level it deserved! I think we both had days where we thought that day would never come. Good thing it did! And, seriously lame that I have absolutely no pictures to document such a monumental occasion. Bad wife. The next day we moved out of our cute little house on the prefect tree lined street. Left our sweet neighbors and friends. Again, no pictures. I think I was lucky to be functioning on some level that day. Good thing we had help! Next, we moved into my parent's house and tried to resume some sort of normalcy for a few weeks. Joey hasn't tolerated the move well at all and John has turned into a little tyrant with all the extra attention, so I'm feeling stellar about my parenting skills right about now. We've applied for passports, visas, and looked for a job once we get back. It's been nuts! Oh, and now we're on the road to LA for some final family visits, a trip to Disney and a 13+ hour flight to flee the country. Sorry, for the giant run-on paragraph, but there's no better way to describe the last 3-4 months of our lives. It's really just been a "run-on" philosophy for life in general. I'm actually looking forward to a little slower pace for the next few months because the last few have about done me in!!

But, to be honest, one can't really complain when you're moving here for the next year!

Tauranga, New Zealand

By next week we should all be lounging on that beautiful beach! If we can survive the plane ride with three small children and find somewhere to live once we get there! Wish us luck!

ps. I'm having serious anxiety over driving on the other side of the road, putting my poor daughter in the middle of first grade in another country, Joey starting school, power adapters/converters, grocery shopping, understanding people and the metric system!!

I'm Thankful

It's been a busy few weeks and I didn't want any more time to pass by before I wrote a few of the many things I am thankful for.

-A husband who works so hard, really, so hard. Sometimes I think if I had to do his job I might just curl up in corner and wait/pray for it to all be over. Seriously, he gets up at 4 am and sometimes doesn't get home until well after 8pm. On those nights when we're lucky enough to have him home before the kids go to bed he never utters a word about how tired he is and he is always happy to read stories, play ball or just be patient with all the chaos. I love him!

-Our three beautifully perfect (to me of course) children. They teach me so much about love and patience every day. I'm grateful they were entrusted to me.

-A warm cozy house even if it does have it's little quirks. I'm sure I will miss them someday--and then again, maybe not.

-A temple marriage to a wonderful man. I knows just how to love me.

-A job. Even though I don't work much at all these days. I'm grateful "my foot" is still in the door. And, for the chance I have to dabble in photography. It really is such an outlet for me and gives me such a sense of accomplishment.

-My mom. She has saved me so many times. She is my best friend.

-A washer and dryer. Despite my extreme distaste for laundry I really am grateful I don't have to drag it all to a laundromat with three kids in tow. It's hard enough to get done at home when I have all day.

-Smiles and hugs. I love them.

-Children who love each other. Don't get me wrong. They can fight like cats and dogs, but when they're sweet to each other it really makes me melt. It seems as they're getting older they are starting to have more "private" little conversations between them that are "not for mommy."
I hope they are always close.

-Food. I love it. Enough said.

-For a little boy who constantly tells me how much he loves me. "Mommy, I love you so much!" And then he wraps his tiny little arms around my neck and just squeezes. Gives me little goose bumps just thinking about it.

-Showers and primping products. You should be to if you know me or you could be easily frightened.

-A daughter who is wiser than her age. Who will be my best friend someday. She is kind and helpful. She is witty and smart. She is soo good to remind me of all things "church." "Mom, it's Monday we need to have Family Home Evening." We have a little chore chart for her and reading scriptures is part of her evening chores. One night we got home really late and I just wanted to put her to bed. She reminded me of how we needed to read scriptures. When I told her it was too late and we would do it tomorrow she just started to sob. "Jesus, will be so sad mom." I love her.

-Chore charts. They're brilliant!

-Repentance and forgiveness. Especially as a mother. It seems I resolve to do something better every day and then inevitably I don't. Awww, maybe one day.

-The beauty that surrounds me each day. I feel very blessed. I really am in awe at how beautiful this world is.

-A baby that lights up the room with his cheeky little grin. He is the most adorable thing to me in this world. I love that he loves me unconditionally. I'm all he has and he trusts me. It's a wonderful feeling.

- So much great family. My own little one, the one I came from, the one Todd came from... it all becomes even more important to me as I get older and as I watch my kids grow up knowing they are loved so unconditionally by so many.

- The Savior. My knowledge of his sacrifice, and his love for me and my family. It is most dear to my heart. As I look over my list, I realize none of it would be possible without Him.

-Music. I love it. I have always loved it. I love that my children love to fall asleep to it. I love the mood it can put me in.

- Just being happily content with my life. Sure, I would like some things different. But, at the end of every day as I'm laying in bed thinking I can't help but feel at peace.

Family Vacation

I thought a lot about my own family vacations as a child while we were on this trip. I always knew the were really nice, but now I know they were REALLY nice. And, generally, when we would go it was for 4-10 days. My parents were saints to put up with us during all those times in the car, hotel, hikes, picnics and restuarants. I'm sure they would tell you they were some of the best memories they have just as they are some of mine. But I'm also sure they would tell there was a lot of "you're on my side, she's touching me, look out your own window" junk too. They took us to a lot of really great places and we learned a lot in the process. I really hope we can do the same with our children. There's something about just being with your family and learning to get a long in such tight quarters for days at a time. You appreciate each other more and less of everything seems to matter. And for those days, those precious children are all I have to think, worry or care about it. I wish more days could be like that. Perhaps... a new goal for the new year.


Zion National Park

I love this park. It is abosultey breath taking! We haven't been there since they implemented the shuttle bus and it really was quite pleasant. You could see and enjoy a lot more. Plus, the random tidbits of information were kind of interesting.

We took a few different hikes. Nothing too outrageous since we had the kids. I have never struggled much with a fear of heights until recently. I started thinking about when this all changed and it just so happens it occured with the birth of our children. My stomach was churning during several stretches of the hiking. Joey even informed me that I was hurting his hand I was holding it so tight. Guilty!! But, if you've meet Joe or Katie and seen how they don't pay attention (especially when frolicking through nature) and they seem to dance to where ever they're going to, then you would completely understand. And, I must be so much more paranoid about it than Todd. Of course, there were times when his voice firm and his grip was tight, but he was rolling his eyes at me more than a few times.

Like this bridge. Totally paranoid Joey was going fall through. And now, as I'm looking at this picture I'm thinking I'm really nuts. But, I swear it looked so much more dangerous when we were on it and he was trying to poke his legs, head or whatever through.

A feeding frenzy! Seriously, they are like wild beasts who haven't been feed in weeks when they hear any sort of wrapper. I promise we do feed them frequently.

Joe really wanted a picture with the red road, but thought he the pose would be better suited on this rock. Sometimes I wonder about that kid. Oh, and not like the above picture is doing him any favors as he digs for gold. Yikes! Just noticed that. And, poor Katie is totally wiped out waiting for the bus. I couldn't believe how well and how far these two hiked on their own.

The sleeping arrangements for this trip proved interesting. The plan was to put John in the Pack n' Play and Katie and Joey would share the other bed. Very bad plan! Joe was so excited he jist didn't know what to do with himself. He was all over the place and a complete pest to poor Katie. So plans changed and Joe went to the pack n' play and John slept on a bed of hotel towels atop the luggage rack squished between the bed and a chair. He didn't seem to mind.

And, nothing beats trick or treating in the mall on Halloween. Especially a mall that handed out nothing but choking hazards. LAME! So I had to make a run to Walmart for child friendly candy post mall trick or treat. The upside, we didn't have any Halloween candy to create sugar highs for more than a day! Really though, if they had had more age appropriate candy the mall really is a good gig. Quick and safe!

Bryce Canyon National Park

The last week in October we took a little family vacation to southern Utah. We had a ball. I hadn't been to many of these places in years. I was somewhat surreal to be back there married with my children. Who would've thought?! I suppose when you're a teen you aren't really thinking about your future family vacations!

My dad used to make us pose with all the signs of each national park we visited. We used to tease him and still do. But, now I'm realizing it just seems a little more official that way.

Katie is extremely displeased about this photo spot. I had just explained to them that they needed to mind and stay away from the edge so they didn't fall off. She felt like this was "too close" to the edge and was very angry with me!

This kid is hilarious!

On all our trips growing up we could "earn" treats for spotting animals. Generally, there was a smaller treat for the more frequently spotted things like a deer or elk. You could upgrade to a larger treat if you spotted something more rare like a coyote or moose. These "larger" treats were usually gummi worms. We loved gummi worms. They just tasted so much better than a gummi bear. I'm not sure why I felt this way, but I still do. So in attempting to carry on some of the family trip traditions I purchased some animal spotting treats for the trip. Now that I'm the one "calling the treat shots" in the front seat we skipped right to the gummi worms. No small treats for us. We were going all the way. So after some careful explanation to our children we implemented the spotting treat. As we left the parking lot of a hike in the park Joey shouts, "Mom, I spot a tree! Can I have a gummi worm?" Man, that kid is tricky. Apparently, we didn't clarify what was a legitmate "spot."

The weather wasn't too cold once we got off the ridges. The hikes were so pleasant. It was so nice to not be totally drenched in sweat when you finished a hike!

This place really is unbelievable. Todd and I kept wishing we could've seen the million year camera to see how all of it was formed.

These two just crack me up. I could just squish them with kisses.

At least this one still lets me!

Just building a few Hoodoos.

Family Pics

So, we had family pics. Need I say more......

Ok, so my really super awesome friend Lynndi Wilson and I did a family photo trade. We would take each others pictures and then do our own editing--the not so fun part. Pretty sweet deal!!! I think she did awesome considering the three ring circus we were.

So here you go. I seriously need help picking which one. Despite being a photographer I am embarassed to say I hardly ever hang pictures because I can never decide which one I like and then it's months past and things have changed . . . you get the point. So, seriously, I NEED HELP picking.

#1


So this next one is the before and then there are a couple head swaps below for John. We'll call the top on A and the bottom B.

#2 A or B

And same thing with the next two. John was screaming so visualize the above and then the head swaps.#3 A or B

#4 A or B

#5

#6

John's Blessing

We blessed this adorable little boy over labor day weekend. He didn't make a peep. And, for those of you who know John that is amazing!!! It was a beautiful day with wonderful promises, family and of course tasty food.

This little guy is our chunkiest (by our standards) baby to date! I put his blessing outfit on three times the week before to stretch it out so it wouldn't cut off the circulation to his legs. I fell in love with his outfit and bought it before he was born. I took a chance on the 0-3 month size because it was the only one left and I just couldn't pass it up! Fortunately, it was a little stretchy!

Oh, how we all adore this little baby boy!