Sunday morning (May 8th), we headed back over the mountain to Sacramento. We got there in time to make dinner for Mom for Mother’s Day. Since we missed church, and were away from Kevin, my Mother’s Day wasn’t much different than any other day. We did get to help make my Mom’s day a little easier, and she even had the kids give me a card.

The week was spent as referees. It was usually 3 vs. 7. That is 3 of us adults versus 7 kids under the age of 5. Keep in mind 5 of those are boys, and the 2 girls are 1 year old. So they don’t cause too much trouble, just get run down by the boys. Therefore, I did not pull my camera out during the week, since there was usually some trouble we were trying to divert.

Friday night, Paul and Jenny arrived from Provo. They were able to come join the craziness for Weston’s graduation. Saturday, we all got up, and ready for the day’s activities. Christina and I wanted to take the kids to ride the train downtown. Everyone else wanted to go to San Francisco for the day. Somehow, it ended up being Christina and I with 6 kids (hers, mine, plus one extra boy) headed to the train, and 7 grown people with 1 child headed to SF. How the heck did we get those odds? We had 10 minutes by the time we got parked to make it to the train. It was a hike with 6 little ones, one of which was strapped to me while I pushed 2 in a stroller. We made it, though, and sat in an open car on the way. It’s only about a 3 mile trip, then the engine turns around, and pulls the train back 3 miles. The boys liked it, but Ella hated it. She was so mad, plus she didn’t feel good. Allergies kicked my butt the whole time I was there, so I wasn’t feeling so hot either.

The boys had their tickets out and ready for the conductor when he came to punch them

(Ella and I took the picture so this is the rest of the gang.)

It was pretty windy and cold on the way, so on the way back we sat in a covered car. The boys loved watching out the window. The train tracks ran right along the river, so they could watch the boats.

(Kayden-4 almost 5, Drew- 2, Jameson- 3, Avery- 2)

We got off the train, and found a picnic table. As we were trying to keep the boys off the train tracks and eat their lunch, we were approached by a young guy trying to give me a brochure. I told him, “No thanks, I’m good.” He looked at me and said, “What do you mean, you’re good?” I replied, “I mean, I’m watching 6 kids, one of which is strapped to me right now. I’m good.” He then asked, “But, can I just ask? Do you believe in Jesus?” Oh heavens. I gave my sister the “Here we go” look and turned back to him. “Yes, I do.” We then proceeded into an hour long discussion with him, all the while, trying not to say he was wrong, only what we believed. Do you know how hard that is? Trying not to discourage someone who is just trying to do good in the world?

His main argument with me was, “Who caused the destruction after Jesus died?” I’ve never really thought about that, but my only answer I could give was, “Does it matter?” He was trying to say God caused the destruction. Trying to place blame. But really, does it matter? The point is, what do we do about it. There were a few other topics he tried to bring up with us. Little did he know, we had out electronic scriptures with us, and when Christina pulled up verses from the bible to explain what we were saying vs. what he was saying, he didn’t have answers. Turns out, he was Baptist, and from Ukraine. If I would have known that fact early on, I would have called my brother-in-law to speak with him in his native language, because there were a few things that just weren’t connecting. I had taken all the boys to the bathroom, and Christina somehow missed that fact, and didn’t know where I went. She thought I left her with him to argue (which we were trying really hard not to do). So when I got back I started packing up the kids, and told them we had to go. He pleaded with Christina to “Just read the bible,” and really didn’t accept it when she said, “I do.” She is actually reading the bible in her personal scripture study right now, but he didn’t seem to listen when we said we do read the bible. Honestly, if it comes to the end, and turns out that we are wrong in our faith, would I look at my life and think it was aweful? No. Everything I do within my religion, is to make my life better. So even if I was way off in my beliefs (which I don’t think I am), I still live a good life, and am a good person. Isn’t that the point? Anyway, it’s been a while since I’ve been questioned and had to defend my religion, so it was good for me. It got me using my brain again, and gave me a reminder of why I believe what I believe.

We packed the kids up and headed home. They all fell asleep, so we were able to have a peaceful drive. We ended up having to pay for an extra hour of parking, though, which I’m still not sure if it was worth it. And, I don’t know if I would ride the train again, except at Christmas when they turn it into the Polar Express. Oh well, the boys had a good time.

(May 12th)

Ella and Jenna loved their time in the bath before the boys all got in. It was their only time free of getting pushed over or having toys taken from them. They enjoyed every minute of it.

Sometimes, when we’re gone for really long periods of time, we have to send Dad messages. So we send him pictures with captions that say, “We miss you!”

(May 7th)

Saturday started with a visit to see friends. Jameson was excited to visit Jake, and we never leave empty handed. Jake passed on a dinosaur to Jameson, which he can’t leave anywhere now. I think he slept with it the first few nights. If you didn’t know these two, you would think they were brothers. They have the same hair color and somewhat resemble each other. And we would be happy to have Jake fill the slot as big brother for Jameson.

(taken with itouch so not best quality)

After some catching up, and fun times, we headed home for some rest before the big party Saturday night. It was Grandpa McCulley’s 80th birthday and we were to celebrate in style. It was a 50’s style theme, so we got the kids dressed up. Jameson was not so excited to take some pictures.

Those are tic tacs in his sleeve. Don’t think I’m a bad mom. Although, my own mother couldn’t believe I let him have a fake tattoo on his arm for the night. It was completely gone by Monday. No worries. The stylish Aunt Steph and Uncle Josh…

Check out those stylish shoes. And here’s some proof for my children that I actually do exist. This is probably one of the only pictures of me during this whole trip.

And here is the birthday boy!

We had a good time visiting with family. We were able to see everyone and talk with those we rarely get to see. So Happy Birthday Paka!

(May 6th)

Friday morning, we got up and going early. They finally poured the cement we were supposed to put the kids hand prints in. We got out there just after 9 am. A victory in my book. Then we had the challenge of putting the kids hands and feet in something that would stick and harden on them. Let me explain something. Jameson won’t walk outside without shoes and socks on. I’m kind of ocd with him on that, and it’s rubbed off on him. Their hands are always wiped off after eating, or playing in the dirt. So they don’t really stay dirty that long. (I don’t care that they get dirty. Just don’t get everything else dirty.) Anyway, I basically had to force each of my kids hands and feet into the cement. We even had to have them smooth it back out and redo Ella’s hands. So much fun. Cleaning them off was even better. Ella was so upset, she threw up. After that, she started on a fever so I think there was a combination of things going on. It was super fun.

We made it to the park to visit our friends by 11. After some time soaking in the Vitamin D, we headed back to our temporary home. Ella was in desperate need of a nap and some medicine. After some much needed naps, we met up with some family for dinner. It gave us a chance to spend time with the Greiners (Kevin’s Aunt and Uncle) since we never get to see them.

(May 5th)

Thursday started out with a play date for Jameson and me. Sariah and I got to catch up while Jameson got to play with Tanner’s toys. Him and Tanner didn’t really play together. More like Tanner showed him toys and then Jameson played with them. Ella just tried to escape up the stairs.  We left to go run an errand and then grab lunch with them, but plans changed. Papa called, and said he just landed at the airport. We met him instead for some lunch and then headed to the park to play.

After a hot, windy day at the park, we met up with Sariah and the boys for some frozen yogurt. The boys loved the music and danced around. I do have a video, but I can’t figure out how to flip it so, until then you get pictures. I love Tanner’s face in these.

After our treat, we headed out to the farm to meet up with Grammy (where Ella loved the poop pile).

(May 5th)

Thursday, we headed out to the farm to hang out. Ella has never been able to “walk” around the farm herself. We were supposed to put their hands in some recently poured cement, but that was post-poned. Instead, the kids got to just play. First things first, Grammy took the kids to see the peacocks and collect some eggs from the chickens. Miss Ella loved their feathers.

Aunt Kathy showed Ella some Dandelions which made her stand still for like 30 seconds. That was all we got before she was off exploring again.

Then she was back to the chickens. She was really mad Jameson got to go inside and she didn’t. He took precautions, though, and took a stick in with him. He tried to collect the eggs, but I think the hens were pecking him when he tried to get to them.

Can you see how big her belly is in this side shot? And she sticks in out when she walks. Pretty funny. I think Jameson has one egg in his shirt he’s holding onto. Then Ella was off to the other side to check out the beehive.

If you notice Ella in the back, she’s heading to the poop pile from the sheep. It was dry, so it was more like a pile of pebbles, but she kept wanting to stand on that part. Maybe, because then the grass wasn’t touching her legs? Not sure, but she kept sneaking off to it.

Thanks to Aunt Kathy for following this busy girl around.

To bring you a different update!

Ella is now 15 months! I missed her 14 month update, because we were out of town. This girl is crazy. She just woke up from her nap when these pictures were taken today. Ella is a very demanding girl. She is also emotional. She can fall and get hurt, cry for just a minute, and then be fine. But, if you tell her “No,” it’s a total meltdown. She still just has the 4 top and bottom teeth, but no longer has the long comb over hair. She got a haircut while in Vegas. If you ask Ella if she wants a bath, she will run to the bathroom, and start pulling on her clothes. She has even managed to hand me her diaper a few times. That’s a little unnerving. She loves to torment Jameson. Today, she threw my cell phone at his face. He started crying, and then she started crying. Why was she crying when she was the one that threw the phone? Because, she’s emotional. Just what I was looking forward to. She loves to hold anything to her ear and pretend it’s a phone. Her milestones are:

• Ella says “uh-oh” now (we’re a little slow on the talking part)
• She also says “Hi Diddy”
• Everything is “Mama.” Sometimes it drives me crazy.
• She burps louder than Jameson
• Ella gives high-fives
• She waves bye
• Tantrums are becoming more frequent. Actual on the floor kicking.
• She still eats certain kinds of baby foods, but is becoming picky.
• She loves sweets like her mom.
• She can’t eat a Popsicle, because she holds the actual Popsicle.
• She loves to ride her tractor, and her car
• Ella is starting to be more steady when she’s running.
• She has become very attached to her blankets.

Funny story. Monday, we were bar-b-quing with friends and Ella, being the smart child she is, put a blanket over her head and started walking. Yah, I know, smart. Well, she takes off, and walked right into the sliding glass door. Do you know how funny a little person with a blanket over her who smacks into a window is? Pretty sure she made all of us laugh. She really is a fun little girl. She loves her Daddy, and cuddles with her mom. She teases her brother, but he still protects her. It’s really cute.

We arrived in Sacramento after 10 hours of driving Monday night. There were some issues going going, so Christina went inside to make sure everything was ok, or if we needed to go grab some dinner some where and then come back. As she was inside, the kids were in the car yelling, “Let me out!” I don’t blame them. They’ve been strapped into a 5 point harness for the last 10 hours. We got the ok, and let the kids out of the car.

We spent 1 night at my mom’s and then headed to Reno the next day. We ended up not leaving till about 4 in the afternoon, because there were some people my mom wanted me to meet that weren’t coming till the afternoon. We got to Reno early enough, the kids got to play for a bit, and then were to put to bed. It was the first time in a week we got to sleep in separate rooms. Oh, heaven! Wednesday, Steph, the kids, and I headed out to find some 50’s wear for their grandpa’s 80th birthday party that Saturday. We even got to meet Grammy (Kevin’s mom) and Aunt Kathy (her sister) for some lunch. That night, Uncle Josh came home prepared for Jameson. They played a little basketball and football in the backyard, while Steph and I enjoyed some Sonic slushies.

He actually made that first shot. Jameson loves his time with Uncle Josh.