A Hop, Skip, and A Jump Away= just 10 hours

Several weeks ago we were able to head up north, just 10 hours or so, to see family and be in the temple while Tim's first nephew was sealed to his beautiful wife.

We were lucky enough to be able to spend a whole week up there, and we found lots to do.  Visiting family, checking out the Hogle Zoo, playing with cousins, shopping, showing the girls Temple Square (because how could we miss out on the "pointy temple"?), and swimming at the hotel pool.  Not to mention the amazing sealing and reception.

We're lucky to have such great family that let us pop in whenever, and stay for days.  They also feed us (well, I might add), entertain us, and displace their children to give us a bed.  If you aren't a member of the Shurtliff family, you're missing out.

Here are a few of my favorites from that week.

Is this amazing or what? The animals at this zoo are so close you could touch them (if it weren't for the 6-inch thick glass wall of course).  This tiger and gorilla were RIGHT there!!!

Swimming at the hotel pool was definitely a highlight for the girls

Temple Square was awesome

Photo Booth

I've been seeing more and more "photo-booths" for party ideas, activities, and even wedding receptions.  And most of them aren't even with fancy backgrounds or cameras.  This is great.  Because even I can do it!

So that's not why these pictures were taken.  I just found them on my picassa program and realized how cute they were.  And figured... the world should see these.  But it did make me think, I should do a photo-booth for something.  Because why not?  It's fun.

The girls thought posing for pictures while I wouldn't move from the couch was awesome (yes, sheer laziness on a Sunday afternoon). They got a kick out of posing, and then checking out their pictures.  Giggles galore-- it was lots of fun.

 

 

I totally did not mean to give Brooklyn horns in this picture....

Bedtime Routines

Bedtime routines.  They're important.  I really do think they help the kids get settled and ready for bed.  But do you ever feel like the bedtime routine takes so long you need to start it right after lunch?!

From baths, to putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading scriptures, singing songs, telling stories, saying prayers, and finding every last "necessary" stuffed animal toy before actually getting in bed...

That's how it was getting around here.  And honestly, I don't mind most of it-- it was the hunt for every animal and baby that was starting to take longer and longer and longer.  Finally, we had to put a stop to it.  Because if I'm being really honest here, and I am, I can't remember WHICH baby is named "Nala," which is "Sister," which is "Lydia"... which stuffed animal is "Noku," and "Leela."  Which baby needs her blankie, and which one needs her bottle.  And don't even get me started on WHERE they're all supposed to be laying in relationship to each other.  I simply don't  have enough spare brain cells for this kind of bedtime routine.

So you'll be happy to hear that we've downsized.  One glow-worm, one baby, and one animal.  That still seems like more than will fit comfortably in the small crib, but it's definitely an improvement.

Now we just have to start the routine mid-afternoon, not at lunchtime.  :)

Blog lags

I know I'm really starting to lag behind on these posts.  And yes, it's because I'm super busy.  But sometimes too, I think, "Really... does anyone even READ these things?"  Not that that's why I post.  I'm really supposed to feel satisfied by my own personal accomplishment of journaling about our family.  At least, that's what I tell myself.  But if I can get a laugh out of someone else, and they actually enjoy reading my posts, then hey, the little extra motivation doesn't hurt! 

So I lag along, not posting for a month or so, and then someone comments about liking to read our little family blog, and missing seeing posts, and I think, "You DO care!  I love that you love reading about my insignificant epiphanies and experiences!"  And then I'm back.  So here I am.  Thank you, Susan, for liking to read our blog.  :)  The next stretch of posts is most definitely because of your interest. 

Adult Conversation

Sometimes when Tim is out of town for days on end I realize how lonely I get for "real" conversation.  You know, with someone who has at least graduated from kindergarten.  Not that I don't love talking to my kids.  I do.  But there's just something about an adult conversation...

So when I get lonely for that "real" conversation, sometimes I think about calling a friend, sibling, parent, etc.  And then I get nervous.  I mean, I've gotten so used to talking to my kids I'm afraid of what might come out of my mouth if I all of the sudden jump into an adult conversation.  Randomly, or deserved, because of the situation/person I'm talking to.  Worst case scenario, I probably wouldn't even notice it was a childish comment made in an adult conversation.  *sigh

A few things I'm afraid I might say...

Is that YOU that stinks?!  Whew.  When was the last time you took a bath?!
or
Is that YOU that stinks?!  Whew.  Are you poopy? 
Honestly, didn't anyone clean you up after you ate?
You're so stinkin' smart/cute/funny! I love you!!!  (note: spoken in high-pitched, ridiculous voice)
Do I need to spank you?
Who wants a SNACK?!
You'd better say you're sorry.
I'll give you to the count of 3!  1....2... (fingers included)

Because let's face it-- this is mostly what I say during the day.

Tub Toots

 

The girls think it's REALLY funny to toot in the bathtub.  There's just something about the unexpected bubbling from below that they love.  So when it happens, they giggle.  And giggle.  And then they toot again, and giggle some more.  By this point, I admit, I'm also giggling.  What?!  It's cute.  And adorably stinky and disgusting at the same time (Sorry Mom, I know this blog topic is completely inappropriate).

Anyways, the problem is that Lydia has figured out the "funny" factor and tries to capitalize on it.  Toot on accident.  Then followup with multiple toots on purpose.  

Funny for a while, until something other than the harmless (though potent) gases creep out.  You guessed it....  That is exactly what happened two nights ago.  And as both naked girls abandoned the tub like it was a sinking ship, I was left wondering, "What exactly am I supposed to do with this mess?"  So I yelled for Tim.  

I am very capable of handling situations like this myself, but why hog such a great parenting moment for myself?  That would be nothing but selfish.

I thought about getting angry with Lydia, possibly even throwing a little discipline down (particularly effective on bare bums), but then decided the natural consequences should follow.  While I slowly drained the tub (apparently we need some draino) and then drenched it in bleach, both girls stood by with soap suds running from their heads to their toes, shivering and watching.  Lesson learned: we do not force-toot in the bathtub. 

And so continues the saga of mothering. 

Mountain Lion Dinner

Today, I ate mountain lion.

Just saying.  Because it's something I NEVER imagined I would say.

And to top it off, it wasn't too bad.  In fact, I'd say it was better than any deer I've ever had.  Don't get me wrong I won't be adding it to our weekly menu...  but overall, not bad. 

The worst part was that I kept waiting for it to "meow."  Which is weird.  You know, because it was DEAD.  And I'm not normally afraid that my burger will "moo," or  my chicken wrap will"cluck."  Ugh.   Not good.

Look at me-- turning into such a wildlife woman.