Dinner with Family & Hoping for the Best

This past coupl eof weeks have been interesting 1st the girls and I were in Vegas and my dad had an intital interview with a perspective employer. The interview went great and they wanted him to meet the rest of the team. It all felt surreal to me but I have always wanted my parents to move back closer. Both so they could be more a part of our lives and so we could be more a part of theirs. I really feel like I missed out on a lot of Nate and Maddi's childhoods because we were so far away. I tried not to get my hopes up but that was silly becasue even the thought of them moving got me more excited than Christmas morning. After a lot of talking my dad decided to make a trip up north to see if the job would work out. He came up Thursday night in preparation for the interview on Friday afternoon. Friday morning he and Nic went out looking for houses and then he headed off to the interview. We were all anxious with anticipation while we waited to hear what the offer was. After some time we were dissappointed to hear the offer and to realize it was much lower than what my parents were hoping for. That afternoon my dad spent some time on the phone with the owner to try and work out a deal that would be good for both of them. They parted ways saying they would get back to him this week after some discussions with the other partners. But we were all still excited to be together although we wished we were celebrating the new job and making plans for the move. So off to dinner we went we met at Farmington Station and ate at Zupas it was very light hearted and we enjoyed catching up. I love that when we are together you can rarely tell whose kid belongs to who weare always keeping track of each others kids. Hallie was so excited to see her papa again I had to keep reminding her she couldn't sit on his lap.

We had a great dinner then let the kids play outside in the cool fall air while we visited some more. I love nights like this and Im hoping with all my heart that they can work something out so we can get my parents closer. I have always wanted grandparents for my kids like my Grandma Norr was to us and I think the only way that will happen is if we live close to my parents. We are still waiting to hear I guess what is supposed to happen will happen.

Vegas Week

Thursday the girls and I loaded up and headed for the airport to fly to go see grandma, papa, and maddi. But we had to stop for refreshments before we left. It was our 1st trip to Zeppes but Im pretty sure it wont be our last the girls loved ice cream in their slushies. Hallie has been so excited to go to grandma's on the way out the door she said, "Oh mommy my heart is so excited to see my grandma."

 We parked at the Park n Jet and rode the shuttle to the airport. It was a little tricky to say the least packing 2 kids, 2 suitcases, a stroller, and a car seat by myself but I have done it before and knew that I could do it again. Hallie was very helpful and cooperative so we made it all work. We dropped our bags off and headed to security only to find that the girl that checked us in didn't give me Hallie's boarding pass(super annoying) so we went back and grabbed it only to realize our flight was an hour late. So we took our time getting through security and grabbing a snack. The flight was a little like a Lagoon ride so I was glad when we were safely on the ground in Vegas. Once the car pulled up the girls were freaking out until they were being held by their papa and maddi(grandma was still at work). We buckled up and headed home and for some dinner. When we got there grandma was there with dinner waiting. We ate and quickly unpacked before Mom and I headed for what they call a nickel auction with some girls in her ward. Once we got there we were really glad we had gone. How it works is everyone brings 5 dollars in nickels and 2 items they no longer need or want and a treat to share. Everyone bids and highest bid wins it ended up being a lot of fun and a good night spent with a bunch of fun girls. Friday we got up, ready, and headed to run some errands. Once we got home we put the girls down and mom and I tackled the project of labeling all the yard sale items for the community yard sale the following day. That night my dads cousin came to have dinner with us and the girls talked grandma into swimming. The wind was blowing and the air wasn't that warm so it didn't last very long but they loved it while they were in. Once they got out everyone had hot chocolate and some dinner to warm up.

 Saturday morning was busy mom, dad, and I got up to get the yard sale stuff out before mom and I went out yard saling. Hallie got up just before we left so she decided to come as well. We left papa to man the yard sale and headed to the park where there were 60 yard sales and to get a map for the other surrounding yard sales. We found quite a bit of stuff and a couple hours later left with our arms more than full. I bought mostly books, shoes, and decorations. Saturday afternoon we went to Cafe Rio for dinner and spent the rest of the day hanging out and relaxing. Sunday morning papa made pancake breakfast complete with eggs and sausage. After breakfast we turned on conference and when I turned around to see where Hallie was she she was watching conference like this...I thought it was so cute.

 During the 2nd session the girls both napped. Gracie woke up just as conference was ending and needed some cuddle time before she was really awake. She was so attached to papa and got super excited every day when he came home from work. She would twirl 2-3 times, squeal papa papa, and run to cling to his leg until he would hold her.

This little girl loves peanut butter and jam and quite regularly can be found eating one or both out of a jar if you happen to leave them out. At grandmas she got caught red handed.

 Not like we couldn't have been able to tell since she is the messiest eater ever! Sunday evening papa made cookies with the girls while mom and I made the girls a couple sets or maxi skirts and this cute mummy. My dad was so thoughtful and made some gluten free so I could have some as well. My mom was also so great and once I told her we were coming she started buying  a variety of gluten free options for me to eat as well. It made it so nice that I didn't have to worry about what to eat. It meant a lot to me. I don't know how my mom thinks of these darling things but they turned out super cute.

Gracie hated sleeping in her pack n play and would cry for what seemed like endlessly. I finally let her fall asleep in my bed(by herself) and then move her to the pack n play once I was ready for bed. That seemed to work really well and she did great just napping in my bed. This little girl wants to be grown up so badly.

My cute mom and dad

 Monday we spent the morning getting ready and packing our bags. The girl and grandma attempted to swim again but the nights are getting to cool and the pool was to cold to really enjoy swimming so we opted to eat some lunch and head for the park. The girls had a ball and I have never seen such a huge park.

 Then we were off to the airport after a fabulous trip. Usually the last day comes and I'm ready to head for home. This time was very different from the others. I even tried to figure out how we could stay longer since my dad is coming this coming weekend but with work I had to be back so I forced myself to come home. I loved being there, with my family, having help with the girls, having someone worry about me,and feeling needed. I loved not being alone and having someone to talk to. Once we got the airport I cried all the way to security it was not fun. I will be happy for the weekend to come when they will be here again and hope that things change and my parents are able to relocated back to Utah. Im grateful for the family I was blessed with for my sisters, mom, and dad that are constantly calling to visit and check on me. Im not really sure I would be sane with Matt in school and gone all the time without them. Im glad the girls and I were able to go and spend time making memories and building our relationship. My mom and I have not always had the best relationship but I think sometimes it takes becoming a mom to really appreciate the mom I was blessed with. Love you guys thanks for always welcoming us with open arms...see ya soon

Hallie is Officially 4!!!!

On Sept 26th our little girl officially turned 4. She is so excited that she can now say she is 4. The night before Matt and I decorated her door. As we were headed up the stairs I said to Matt wouldn't it be ironic if hallie got up in the middle of the night and found she was somewhat trapped in her room? Well I jinxed us at that exact moment and about 1:30am we heard her crying. We went down and climbed through the space to talk to her she said she woke up and was scared by all the balloons floating on her floor since it was dark and couldn't see what they really were. After a few minutes of cuddles she settled back down and then asked if that meant it was her birthday I replied yes and she excitedly went back to sleep.

She love blueberries and pretty much requested everything blueberry for her birthday breakfast. So she had blue berry waffles, sausage, hashbrowns, blueberries, and sparkling apple cider with pink sprinkles. She was a happy girl.

 After breakfast she got ready and headed off to preschool. She loved that she got to take treats to share with her class. They also sang to her and she got a birthday bag with pencils, magnifying glass, and a book.

 With the lights on she was a lot happier with her decorated room and still refuses to get rid of her balloons so the girls play with them all the time

After some lunch and a rest we headed to the dentist. The girls both got to be seen this time. Gracie did great and sat on my lap while he looked at her teeth. Hallie got her teeth cleaned and painted with fluoride. Both girls got new tooth brushes, tooth paste, floss, stickers, and a coin to pick a prize. Hallie got 2 coins since it was her birthday. They both did really well and really like the dentist

 Then we ran home to meet Matt and head for our fun night with family. When we asked Hallie what she wanted to eat for dinner she immediately answered chinese but she also wanted to eat at the restaurant(we do take out chinese mostly) but then she also wanted to have cake. We were a little perplexed with finding a Chinese restaurant that did dessert. When I talked to Hallie about this she casually said, "you will figure it out mom you always do." After some thought we remembered P.F. Changs. We then asked her who she wanted to have come to dinner she wanted Grandma Sheryl and Papa, Kimi, and Nikki. Nic and Kyle were unable to be there and my parents in Vegas we were excited to have dinner at PF Changs with Kimber, Ez, and Luke. 

 Gracie loved dipping the crunchy chips in the egg drop soup

Unfortunately time ran short and we had to rush through the last part of dinner but Hallie did get her cake(blueberry cheesecake in fact) and even sung to. Then we hurried  over to the circus since we were a little late. Gracie enjoyed the trip on Matt's shoulders 

We met Grandma Joy, Chris, and Brit with her 2 oldest at the circus. Our seats were a little high up and next time I think it would be worth spending more meoney for better seats. But really we could pretty much everything and it was cool. We were all thoroughly entertained

 Poor Luke wasn't feeling 100% and finally gave up and fell asleep about 45 minutes into the show. 

 I think Hallie was most excited to see the elephants and they didn't disappoint. The laid on the ground and rolled over 

 As well as turning in a circle on 3 legs

 And standing all 4 legs on a stand

 Then it was time to head home it didn't take long before they were sound asleep. It was a busy but fun day

Being 4 years old is really exhausting! We love you Hallie and are so proud of the little girl you are and are becoming.

Puppy Sitting & Other Stuff

Some friends of my parents are in the process of moving from Las Vegas to Salt Lake. During this past week they also had a son they dropped off at the MTC. So needless to say they had alot on their plate so they asked if we would be willing to watch their puppy. I was ok with it...I knew the girls would love it and I wasn't wrong. He seemed to like them as well. They played beauty parlor

 and he was even Hallie's napping partner

One day while Hallie was at preschool Gracie and I went to run some errons while out and about one of the stores gave Gracie a balloon. I thought it was so cute how she would stand on her toes and hold it as high as she could and watch it with such awe. I love the glimpses of the world through a childs eyes

 Gracie has been very clingy lately Im not sure why but I will take all the cuddles I can get. One day she would not nap and cried for quite a while I went in to hold her and she was out. I can't remember the last time she fell asleep being held.

Hallie loves to dress up and at times finds her daddy's hats

These girl are so fun and growing to fast...were trying to enjoy ever minute