Mom and Bonnie Visit

Well, well, well look who decided to show up?! My Aunt Bonnie had been saying for awhile that she wanted to visit Bend the next time my mom was coming out. So, when I was visiting around New Years I put the pressure on ever so slightly, and they got a trip planned for their spring break. And, lo and behold, it actually happened.

Bonnie likes herself a hotel so they decided to stay at the Hampton across the street from the river. So, if they weren't staying with us then I would say this hotel was a good choice-not only is it a very central location for the places we would be going to it was also pretty new. They got to town on a Wednesday afternoon after staying in Boise.
 We kicked off the fun right away with a walk a long the river. We did a lot while they were in town. We went on another hike, we went swimming, we into Sisters, we went shopping, we had some yummy food, we watched the Greatest Showman, we got our toes done, and this all with boys in tow. The boys had a lot of fun with Bonnie, and they still will ask about her. Mor Mor still has an association for Rowan about swimming. Mor Mor and swimming go hand in hand. If we pass the hotel they stayed at he will say: "Swimming with Mor Mor and Bonnie." He'll randomly ask: "Where's Bonnie?" or "Where's Mor Mor" and then it will quickly turn to swimming, getting in bathing suits, and how much fun it will be. 😂
It was really was a really fun trip. It is always a good time to have people come into town who are easy going and game for anything, because with weather in Bend plus the boys plans can definitely change. But, we got everything in that people wanted to do. We were able to do the last day without the boys. We had some great conversations and a lot of laughs, and I was so happy to have them visit.

Sisters

Brothers in Sisters

The face Jonah makes when he is saying: "Cheese"

Best eater

Sno Cap in Sisters

Josh turns 6

Mister Joshy bears turned 6 this year. I was getting some teasing about how much I gush over this boy, because he really can be such a fantastic kid. He has thrown me some curve balls this year--and honestly, I am chalking it up the first year in Kindergarten. I felt the same with Kaj, we just had some rough patches with behavior and I just think "My Josh?!" 🤭 "That can't be right!" But, I have been reminded with this change that he still is just a kid. He just set himself up for some really high standards, but he is a kid. 

Why is Josh so exceptional??

Well, he is plain and simple, nice. He is nice to everyone. He is thoughtful. I have been able to hear stories and ways that he helps other children, how helps others feel included, he still puts other before himself, he holds opens doors, he lets people go first, he is really easy to be around. He is an easy friend. He likes to learn new things, and he learns very quickly. He is a natural with most everything he does. He is smart. I have been blown away at his seeing his reading levels in school and his well above the standard. So, his teacher has had nothing but good things to say about him in school, and in church his teachers love him there too. They say he is smart, and insightful, and sweet. All of which, does not surprise me He is just really easy to love. I would know. 

St. George Girls Trip

 This one needs to be on record because it was hopefully the first of many, but this was the first. We have talked about a trip with the sisters-mom is one of the sisters- for a couple years it seems, and we finally made it happen. I have to admit, I think it was Megan that pushed for it, and that is all it needed was someone to do that to get everyone taking it seriously and then getting it done.
 We talked about a number of places to go but when it came right down to it, it simply worked for everyone's budget at this time to go to St, George. Meg and I flew in from our different locations and then met up in Utah and drove down. Caitlin had a wedding that day we came in so she wasn't able to join for that leg, but her and dad drove down that night and it was great.

A few highlights on the way down would be the song from Hamilton "You'll be Back" it became the theme song for the trip, practically, the butt crack a mile long at a Wendy's stop and then noticing this cute old man laughing at it too, and of course, chit chatting away. We saw Greatest Showman that night, which was the greatest. Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron ...they're nice. They can sing and dance like men, and that is just really very nice.

We enjoyed some hiking, shopping, good food, a little swimming,  and the company. It was really great to be altogether and just have a relaxed, sleeping in, and then fly by the seat of our pants kind of days. This is truly the best reset button to push after long days of mommying it up.

Sam finally sent this one pic the last day of my trip

Winter up at Hoodoo

first time riding the Autobahn 

We got passes this year up at Hoodoo which was our Christmas gift from mom and dad. We were able to get the ride in 3 which translates that if you take 3 lessons you can then get your passes and rentals for the season. So, we did this for me, Kaj and Josh. I have to say it was good that we did it this way considering I do not have any ski gear ...yet. But, Josh had all the gear this year, and Kaj had the boots. The first time we went up it felt a little crazy. I didn't know the lay of the land, and we were running around like chickens, supposedly with heads cut off, trying to find where we all were supposed to be. Josh got to his class fine, but the line took a while to get our gear, and by the time Kaj and I had made it out it was 45 minutes past our class time, so we decided to ski together. We did the bunny hill many times, but Kaj seemed get the hang of it, and enjoy it. I was fine on the bunny hill also, considering it had been a while since I had skied and I was just getting my ski legs (haha!) Josh practically knew how to ski after the first lesson. We went down a few times together after his lesson was done, and I was impressed. And, Kaj, the first time down that he didn't fall believed that lessons we unnecessary, because according to him, "I can ski now!" I realized the boys have great qualities that I do not possess. Natural athleticism and confidence.

Kaj, Josh, and myself were able to go up multiple times just us. We did get some lessons in, and we did enjoy some fun ski days. We did end up trying the bigger hill just a couple of times. The first time I would describe it best as a hot mess. They flopped around like fish that I had to retrieve. We needed more practice. The next time was much better with some minor flopping. It will be fun when we can hit the slopes with ease, and I am very aware, I may not get much better than I am now. My form did not improve after my lessons, let's just say that. It was a lot of fun, and I am glad Sam encouraged us to go up some mornings.

The other benefit to our passes this year was we also go to ride the Autobahn sledding hill. The first time we went was laughable because the autobahn was off due to the lack of snow, but you could still go sledding, you just had to earn each ride by pulling up 1000lb tubes plus a child or two up the mountain. Ha! We went a total of 6 times, and that was pushing it. The next times we went we reminisced each time it pulled us up the mountain on how we climbed this and how it was really nice not to do that. It was really fun, and I realized how having a older kids has it's perks.

Josh riding solo -the boys loved going by themselves on the lift

"I can't put my arms down"

A 4 Year Old Rowan

We celebrated Rowan's 4 year birthday while we were in Utah. It was very fun to actually be with the family at this time. We had a Just Dance party and Grandma and Grandpa Jo were able to come up to Midway. We combined with 

Noel, because they share a birthday. But, it was just really fun to be surrounded by people that love Rowan. I have to recognize the fact that Rowan is really easy to love. To put it simply. What is the line? to know him is to love him. I remember hearing that line in a song years and years ago and not fully understanding it because could that really be? But, it be. 

I recall talking to Whitney after we had arrived home and she was saying that it was kind of sad to her because she didn't get to spend as much time with Rowan like she had the time before (we stayed with Whit and Justin the time prior) and she realized with him you have to be very intentional with connecting with him or else you may not connect with him at all. And, it made me so grateful for people in his life who first of all, recognize this- but, also, really want to put the time in to do so. He is definitely well worth that time. 

I have said so many times with Rowan-he is my heart. He is the boy the tugs at my heart without trying. He is infectious, endearing, and so darn lovable.

 He works really hard. I have sat beside his bed at night thinking of how hard he must've worked that day. Rowan is now up to just shy of 25 hours at ABA, and on top of that, he still has preschool and speech. I have thought about his this trial in his life. If he knew what it would be like before coming here to Earth, and he was willing to accept his mind that would always be wired a little differently. But, perhaps, it is a better world that he lives in. He is loving and accepting of people and completely free of judgements, and not to forget- happy. He is a happy little boy. He smiles easily. He has a lot of people in his corner. 

I have been told by multiple people who work with him that everyone at the office loves him. Everyone is always happy to see him, and they feel lucky to be working on his team if they get to be on his team. He is smart and such a fast learner. They have told me how quickly he was will master his programs, and how they have to constantly make sure they are keeping up with him. It is alway great to hear, but it doesn't surprise me. I am also so happy he has his brothers. Sheridan- she is the lead on his team at ABA -and I think she is so terrific, but she is often the one at the house for home sessions and the boys have been home from school a couple of times and they were jumping on the trampoline together and she was telling me how sweet the boys are with Rowan. She said the older boys were throwing the ball to each other and after recognizing that Rowan was only rolling the ball, they looked at each other, sat down, and began just rolling the ball with him. They are such good boys and they probably don't even realize how much they are learning from Rowan just by being his brother. I am sure they will one day. I sometimes wonder what it will be like to sit and have a back and forth conversation with him. I wonder what he'll ask me, and wonder if there will ever be an ease about it. I just hope when that time comes I won't ever take it for granted. 

Recently, we had to cancel a couple of his sessions, just with the boys having some time off of school and then with Sam's schedule being off Mondays and Tuesdays we wanted to make family plans. I had to let ABA (Jenny) know. And she emailed me back and said something along the lines of "I know the longer hours can be hard, but in time you will see that it will be so beneficial and you will get to enjoy family time with Rowan so much more." She believes very much in intensive therapy especially at this younger age, and I think there is definitely truth behind it, but what she was not realizing that we are going to enjoy Rowan no matter where he is at in his progress. No matter how far he has to go or how much more he has to learn, we love being around Rowan. He is an essential part of our family. 

Some things I love about him right now is how much he loves singing. He loves the song from Coco, "Remember me." He will sing all the words to the song. He loves saying, "That's not a dragon, that's a window!" He says it like a punchline to a joke. It's so great. He loves talking about going swimming. The last time he went swimming was with my mom and Aunt Bonnie when they came into town, so he correlates swimming with MorMor. He will say, "Go swimming with Mormor, it's so fun!" He sleeps in our bed every. single. night. It's not the best. But, I will say, I have awoken at 2:30ish in the morning before and wondered where he was. So, it's really a love-hate thing. It cannot go on forever. But, for now, I guess we love it. 

So, what am trying to say is: I sure do love him. I love that I am have him. I also know with clarity how much he is loved by Heavenly Father ( I wonder about myself sometimes 😂) I am just so grateful for him. I am grateful for the people in his life, because it does help to have that love and support from others. But, the love and that smile of his I don't know what life would be like if I didn't have it. 

January Trip to Utah

packed to the brim

In January of this year we decided to go to Utah. We did miss out on the holiday, but we felt like we were somewhat a part of ringing in the New 

Year because we did roll right at the beginning of it. We drove straight through-and honestly-I think that has more to do with we have a dog now. It does not seem as simple to stop half way at hotel looking for one that allows dogs, but on the flip side, we get to Utah faster. 

A primary reason in going to Utah was to say a goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa Jo, who would be leaving on their mission to England in that same week. So, we first stopped in to Salt Lake to stay with them at their condo. Sam and I got to go do a session the next morning-we walked to the temple. It was a really nice session, one that I will remember because the feeling of love I felt from Heavenly Father was so strong it practically embraced me that day. So... there's that. 

We sure are thankful for Grandma and Grandpa Jo for their love for the gospel, and the enthusiasm they have for teaching it. We feel very loved when we are around them, and even when they are far. We have been able to FaceTime them while they have been in England weekly, just as we were doing before, and we get to hear about the work they are doing. 

temple square with the boys

We also spent time at my parents new house in Midway. This would be our first time staying with them in the finished basement, and my dad did a great job, which doesn't surprise me, he always does. But, it was fun to tell the boys how Pappy did the basement. They get pretty blown away at the "Master Builders" and how they actually build houses. And, I also love that my boys still call any construction worker master builders- it's from the Lego Movie. Also, Midway is beautiful, and my parents have an amazing view from the backyard. Midway, itself, it will take a few more visits to figure just where everything is-maybe just one-it is pretty small. We were excited how much time we got to spend with family and cousins. There was some sickness--which just comes with the territory, I guess when visiting especially it seems in the winter seasons. So, Rowan got hit with something, and then Kaj got the stomach flu, which then made us leave a day early, because it didn't make sense to stay when the ship was going down ( the whole family would most inevitably be getting hit with the stomach bug within a day or two) So, we opted to stay a head of it. Which, happy to say, we did! No one threw up in the car and the following day Jonah was throwing up, and since we're going here it was followed by Josh and Sam, then Sam left for Portland and that was my cue to get it, and that's it! Rowan did NOT get it! 👍🏻🙌🏻 hallelujah! 

birthday boy 4 years old

pictures from Bend

 But, let's end this on the high note and not the sick notes.
We got to spent Rowan's birthday with everyone. We threw a party for him and Noel since they share the same birthday. It was so great having a big party surrounded by the family who love him so much. I know they love him and I am so thankful for that. One day, I know, he will recognize how loved he is.

I was very thankful for the chance to visit. I am always thankful for any and all chances to visit my first home.

dog park 

Mister Jones

This guy

Santa's Got a Brand New Bag 2017

"Another year has gone by...yyy" Can't you just hear Celine's voice singing that. It's true Christmas '17 is well behind but it was a good one. We saw and met Santa Claus, made Gingerbread houses- which sad to say this but the boys no longer refer to them as "ginger batman houses." Which is a bummer. We also had a great Christmas morning. 

Let's highlight reel here: Santa Claus. We were at Target just getting ideas for presents mostly nothing particular, and I noticed there was a booth set up and it looked as if Santa may be there and I had the thought, "I didn't know Santa Claus was ever at Target." Lo and behold we turned the corner and Old St. Nick was walking down the aisle we were on, he came over to us happily-you may even say merrily- without any coaxing or asking from me he just wanted to stop and say "hi"to my boys, and took pictures with them. He was a the real deal. Both the boys I had with me didn't really care...but it was soo nice! And, Rowan was happy to oblige with a sweet Rowan smile. 

Jonah completely underwhelmed by Santa

The Christmas tree this year, please note in every pictures where the ornaments are. Yeah, that's right, about the mid line and above only and as the season went on they seemed to go higher and higher. Jonah, on a rampage with those things. This is the conversation I heard from Kaj and Josh as they decoration. This is verbatim. 

Kaj: mine says "made in China

Josh: (excitedly) Let me see. Wow China does a really good job! 😂 Yes, they do. 

science kit in progress.

Christmas morning was one of Legos this year- always- and science kits. The older boys seemed pleased- the younger two- didn't care at all about their presents. Ha! But, everyone was happy, and that's what counts the most.

odi's Christmas sweater

Sweetest, cutest 4 boys in Christmas jams 💙💙💙💙