4 States in 13 Hours X2

It has been a busy couple of weeks.  It went a little something like this:
We spent the first few days after the dance recital and school ending by setting up the grand "summer plan."  This plan includes the kids' research projects, weekly trips to the library, swimming lessons, piano lessons, daily reading and math, etc.  (I almost typed meth there, that would have been a bad typo...).  Then I loaded up the kids, stopped in at my new hip specialist surgeon (extremely handsome btw), scheduled surgery and drove 1/2 way to Utah.  We slept in Ontario OR.  Let me tell you, don't choose to share the bed with Ben if you have a choice.  He is kind of a wild sleeper!  The next morning we got up and finished the drive, with a stop in Parma to see my cousin Stacey, her former dairy farm and her adorable kids.  Why did I not take a picture?  (This is a theme of this post, just warning).
Friday afternoon we arrived in Utah and went immediately to Chuck E. Cheese because my mom had a meeting at her house and we had to be out.  I don't mind this at all because it was a writers' workshop.  She is going to publish the book she is working on and use the proceeds to pay for my kids' college (my plan, not hers, but I plan to help her come around to this).  So I don't begrudge the time she is working on the book at all.  

The best part of Chuck E. Cheese revolved around the fact that my nephew James calls him "Suck E Cheese" and followed him around saying that.  Love it.  Also, steer VERY clear of Libby playing ski ball.  The balls are flying every which way.  And don't play when James is around either.  He tends to steal your balls when you aren't looking.  Everyone loved the evening.

  

On Saturday morning I flew back to Seattle and prepared for another road trip.  This time to my final yoga teacher training workshop at Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon.   I had been really looking forward to this chance to unwind, do lots of yoga (on my right side, not as much on my left hip), and be without my kids.  I was a little taken aback when I learned that the hot springs are "clothing-optional" and the food vegetarian (of course).  I had a hard time loving the whole experience since I had a sore throat and even randomly barfed one morning.  Turns out relaxing just isn't all that good for me.  But I passed!  I am an official 200 hour RYT.  I am teaching a 4 week class at the dance studio, but really I just have to wait until 6 weeks after Aug. 5th to put my knowledge to good use.

Here are a few things I learned about myself at Breitenbush.  I am totally unmotivated to take pictures if I can't instantly post them.  I only took 1 the whole time (and this isn't one of them, I stole this).  I hate being off the grid.  I am a slow paddleboarder.  I shouldn't jump off a rock outcrop into a lake wearing a "waterproof" watch that is 8 years old.  I should always travel with day and nyquil.  Cough drops can stop the coughing.  I love my TT buddies.  It was great to spend time with all of them.  Also, avoid handing your iPhone to someone standing in a river to take your picture (thankfully I learned this lesson with my phone safely in my cabin).      

I came home from Breitenbush after several hours in traffic, and packed to leave again.  I arranged my flight so I would get in nice and early to see the kids and make sure they were ready for the children's parade.  (Which I thought was in the afternoon and is actually in the evening.  Definitely could have taken a later flight.)  So, I had to stay up late doing laundry.  Since my niece Paige came home from her mission while I was gone, I coerced her into come down so I could hear about her experiences.  (This is another story entirely, and not mine to tell, but it is definitely an exceptional one.)  I arrived in Utah at 9:30 am.  Bleary eyed, and so excited to see my kids.  

I was less excited when I found out that Sarah had a mysterious swollen foot.  Thankfully she is very chill when injured.  We spent a couple of days trying to treat it like a swollen bug bite.  But it wasn't getting better (and it didn't itch, and she had bumped it on the dresser).  Back to instacare and it was more likely a jammed toe.  Lots of ice and ibu helped.  Libby told Grammy on the phone that it was our house that was the miracle.  As soon as we got home she was better.  But it put a bit of a damper on their time in Ut.  They didn't get to go to Lagoon (Magoon as Ben calls it.)  But Mimi (their new name for my mom because that is what my nephew James calls her) said Libby was really kind and helpful.  

Sarah got lots of piggy backs and scooter rides as we celebrated the 4th of July.  She didn't mind too much, except when she didn't get to go in the bouncy house.  Notice: I'm back with my kids and have internet and I'm taking pics again like my normal crazy self!

James and Ben getting excited for the Children's parade.  Which, by the way is more like an epic madhouse of kids on bikes and scooters and other non-motorized vehicles trying desperately to stay up and mobile while accidentally taking down others in the path.  Riding a bike is kind of hard anyway.  Add going slow and decorations and other darting kids and it is downright dangerous.  But, for the Pace's popsicle at the end, it is totally worth it.  I only ate part of Ben's this year, and he didn't get as mad.  

This was the intended mode of transportation.  What actually happened is that a cop came over and told Grandpa (papa) that there weren't motorized vehicles allowed this year.  Super bummer.  My dad spent a lot of time getting this thing up and running JUST for this.  And the rules didn't specifically say NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES.  So the cop asked if we had a plan B?  Oh yes, ME!  So I pulled the cart and my dad drove the tractor an alternative route so he could pull the cart home after the parade.  I bit my tongue for my husband's sake.  I really wanted to let that cop have it, but I realize it isn't his fault the organizers tried to be cute and sweet and not come right out and say what they meant.  

Luckily Libby had her own transport.  I only had to pull 3 out of the 4 kids (and it really wasn't that bad to pull, so no big deal really.)

Sarah with her brace.  The first doctor that my parents took her to gave her an ankle brace even though the problem was clearly a toe joint issue.  But we let her wear it so people would know that she was injured.  When I took her to the Dr. a second time (different place) they gave her a shoe thing.  Much more sensible.  And they weighed her.  69 lbs.  No wonder giving her piggybacks was starting to get so hard!

Last year the kids bailed after the parade.  This year they stayed for the concert.  Ben only lasted a few minutes, but Libby and Sarah stayed until the end and even watched the fireworks with me at 10:00 pm.  The band behind us is Eclipse 6. They are an a capella group that got together at USU.  Go Aggies.  

This year I skipped the 5K and the chuck wagon breakfast.  Too tired after all that partying and firework watching!  But of course we went to the parade.  My dad parked his truck where I could sit in the back with Sarah.  Ben and Libby brought us back loads of candy!  I love parades in Utah.  Only one dance team, but several good bands.  

Ben's favorite part of the parade.  

My cousin Shelley suprised us with a visit.  It was so fun!  I haven't seen her since Rachel's wedding when Ben was a newborn.  So sad I didn't shower that morning.  But it was great to see her!

We finished off the 4th with a BANG.  Literally.  But for the first time, no kids went running away screaming.  We all watched the whole show.  Bryn got this great pic.  James is trying to figure out how to cover his ears.  Covering his cheeks seemed to help with the noise, because he kept doing it.  

On Sunday I took Sarah to the 2nd doc, got a new treatment plan and moved forward.  We went to my parents' ward and rounded off the trip with some Daytona and Go Bling with Drea.  We made the drive home in record (with kids) time.  The kids were angels.  I only wish I would have fed them a little more (who knew they weren't snacking as much as I was) and warned them that Derek was going to be at work when we got home.  Some meltdowns erupted when they realized he wasn't home.  After a good night's sleep or 2 in their own beds, we are back on trackish.  Remember all that stuff about piano and gymnastics and math (not meth) and reading.  Yep, that is our summer.  Hopefully.  Wish us luck!