...And it was finally over! We had the best/craziest/most tiring/most fun month ever going back and forth around the west. I haven't done a continuous trip that long in years and it was a ton of work but completely worth it. The vast majority of the time I was without Jared, which made it all the more adventurous. I felt at the end though that I had learned how to manage the two boys by myself without stressing too much.
The best part of it all had to be showing the boys all my favorite things to do growing up, and watching them enjoy my relatives they didn't know so well before. They were all very kind and friendly to them and the boys just loved them. There is something about girls age 9-14 that makes them love to play with and entertain little kids. My boys loved my cousins Marissa, and Samantha in Utah, who were so sweet to hold their hands down the stairs, plan activities for them, and be their little mommies for a few hours.
My dad, brother and the boys enjoyed all going to church together in the humongous Provo, Ut wards.
Then down in Arizona we met a poor soul who's job it was to sport this costume in the 100+ degree heat!
We ourselves took refuge from the heat with a backyard tiny pool in the shade. The boys loved belly flopping into it and splashing like mad.
One of the trip highlights in Arizona was Ryker's first real haircut. Poor kid never had much before 2 yrs old! I took him to an amazing place called Cool Cuts 4 Kids where each child had their own car (for toddlers) and TV where they could pick a movie or video game to play. Rykie's cut was done so soon he just sat in his seat and continued watching until I got him.
Also on a list of firsts, Keke (Nicholas' picked nickname, chosen spelling) had his first dentist's appointment. My extremely talented aunt Melanie is an artist, and she painted the entire office in murals of animals on safari, in the jungle, and under the ocean. It was incredible. He also was completely unafraid of the hygenist's cleaning and the dentist. He loved that he got a prize and naturally picked the coolest one, a miniature sneaker with leopard print..... (What the heck?!)
Then we were back up to Las Vegas (yes, we were there three times) for some more fun. The boys loved the pool and slide, not to mention all the fun people including Anut Kenz, their best friend/slave. We stopped just for a day, then went on back to Utah. It would've been much more efficient to stay there the first time, but my sister didn't start school until later so we came back.
My grandparents have an awesome set up, with their house backing right onto Rock Canyon Park. Every morning I would run around the bowl while the boys played, and we would go walk and play at the playground each evening.
I was beyond excited to visit all my favorite places around Provo and the old BYU stomping grounds, many of which were restaurants :) Brick Oven was the first stop, and it did not disappoint. The boys even got some balloon animals.
The next day at church I had a pleasant surprise running into these lovely ladies. We were roommates at Liberty Square years ago, and it was so fun to catch up post-marriage and kids.
I was super happy to have a playdate with Rachel and her kids the next day, especially to meet her little guy, Max, and watch Nicholas and her Mckayla play together. I love this girl!
I had a lot of fun introducing my boys to J Dawg's, and I knew they would just love it. Nicholas was very disappointed I didn't let him have his own, which he totally would have finished. They LOVED every bite and cried when it was done.
The next morning I got to see one of my favorite people, Katie! I hadn't been able to see her in a long time, so it was so great to catch up. Of course the boys were crawling over me all breakfast and creating a bit of chaos, but it was worth it to spend a few minutes talking with her.
Another trip highlight was meeting our new cousin, Everett, Brittany's baby boy. The boys were so excited to see his brother Dax too, and just got to playing right away. I was so happy to hold the cute little guy! He is such a sweet baby. (Don't worry, not baby hungry here). We are sad they are all the way up in Logan now, but we know they will love it there.
Our last day in Provo we tried to squeeze in our last few activities. The boys were thrilled to see our LA friends, Jenna and Clare. Nicholas in particular has been very homesick for LA, asking often about when we get to see his friends, and seeing Clare was really exciting for him. They fell in step and had fun playing in their awesome new house. We were sad to go, but hope to visit again soon.
Later in the day I got to see one of my favorite people, this cutie Annie who I knew in New Jersey. She is such a sweetheart and I loved seeing her all grown up after all these years!
That evening I made one more (undocumented) visit, then went off to bed. The next morning we picked Jared up at the airport and headed out here to Nor Cal. It has been nice to relax and have a little bit more of a real life. They boys and enjoying staying in one place, I'm sure. They keep wanting to play "Hotel", and do occasionally ask when we're going "home".
Our next day was filled with appointments all over, and then a sleepover at the LeCheminant's. The boys love Mykel!
Then we were off to Disneyland! We couldn't wait to get back there and ride the best rides without crowds.
My dad, brother and the boys enjoyed all going to church together in the humongous Provo, Ut wards.
