Utah trip part 3

 One of the last things we did on our trip was take a uta trax ride to Salt Lake. It was a fun experience. However, we should have looked better at time departures. We got to the parking lot just as a trax was leaving and had to wait 30 minutes before another one made it to our stop. But it was a quick ride into Salt Lake. We really had no clue what we were doing and got off and had to walk at least 1/2 mile to a mile to get to the Conference Center. We wanted to take the kids to see all the church sites in downtown area. The kids were pretty big troopers in all of the walking that we had to do. However, by the end of the day Audrey had one heck of a diva tantrum. It was the biggest tantrum I'd ever seen. But the boys did rather well. It was a long day and a late night by the time we returned we had dinner, and all wanted to head straight to bed.

Sorry Grandma about this closed eye shot but it's all I got of the 4 of you on the trax.

Colton enjoying himself on the train. 

Colton did manage to get a shot of me to prove I was there. 

A blurry photo of us all at the conference center. The best this guide could do. 

We got a good shot of the SLC temple

Momma and her 4 cubs

Nate took this photo. I thought he did a great job. 

Nate was the only kid that would let me get their picture in front of the temple

Ogden Temple Open House

We had the opportunity to see the Ogden temple prior to us leaving. Jason and Tilisa were able to score us some tickets so we could all go together. I like that my kids were able to attend a 2nd temple open house. However, it was slightly different than the Kansas City Temple open house. I was expecting tour guides to stop and talk at different points but they didn't. We just kept walking thru the temple the entire time. But they had to do it that way since there are sooooooooo many more people that were going to go thru it. I was amazed at how big it was. There were so many endowments rooms and sealing rooms. I felt like I could get lost in there. It was a really pretty temple. But the I'll still miss the good old Ogden temple. They had such nice workers there, I hope it remains that way still. 

Ogden Temple

Waiting for Uncle Jason to join us from work

Kids enjoying the fountain after the tour. 

I love how the girls look like their about to fall in. 

And the boys are a little more stable than the girls. 

A good looking boy in front of the temple.

A selfie of myself

Utah trip part 2

We took a day trip up to Bear Lake with Grandma and Grandpa. It was a lot of fun. Just a little tip, go way early or later afternoon. Do not get there around noon. It was insanely busy with no where to park. And come to find out it was Raspberry Day's up there which made it even crazier busy. But nonetheless, the kids had a blast. They loved the sand and water. They've never been to the ocean (well not that Nate or Josh can remember) so this was a great thrill for them. They thought it was just as great. And you do get waves to come to shore because of all the boats leaving their wake. And the bonus is that there is no sharks. Bear Lake is definitely on their to do list again.

Josh has a bottle full of seashells 

Searching thru the sand for more seashells.

Taking a snack break

All the kids were enjoying themselves in the shallow ponds of water. The water was much warmer than being out in the big lake.

This is where grandma, Audrey and Colton spent all their time. 

This is where Grandpa, Nate and Josh spent most of the afternoon. 

Proof that I was indeed at Bear Lake

Ready to hit the waves

This is my bathing beauty. The lake water was way to cold for her little body so she stayed in the shallow water.

This is the closest that we can get to the beach at the moment. 

Digging in the sand was rather relaxing for all of us.

I think Nate wore himself out in the lake and barely made it to the shore. 

The kids are waiting for a big group of seagulls to gather on the ground. The waiting was killing them. 

And they are off chasing the birds! They were yelling and screaming as they ran at them. I'm sure the other beach-goers thought we were a crazy bunch. 

Audrey still going strong chasing those birds away.

This love sack is what Audrey slept on at Grandma's and Grandpa's. Usually she did have a brother sleeping next to her. Well, this thing is huge with room to spare but if you notice these two are back to back. I thought it was hilarious that they didn't give themselves some space.

We had just gotten back from a walk to the park when it started to rain. The kids decided they wanted to play in it so we obliged them. As you can see they were totally enjoying themselves. 

Seriously who are these kids.

They were all about posing for the camera. The rain brought out some of their silliness. 

This photo isn't so special until on first glance. But look in the background and you will see our Josh on a bike looking at the dancing group. He just made me laugh the way he was captured in the photo. Probably more funny to me than anyone else but I had to include it.

Nate didn't want his clothes wet so he had to change into his swimsuit. He was doing a rain dance for us-who knew that could would dance.

Just having some good clean fun at grandma's house. Swimming pool is always a hit. I am now lucky enough that my kids are big enough to go swimming without me in there. They can all reach the bottom. So, during the day when they wanted to get in the pool I was willing to let them. So much less of a hassle for me since I didn't have to get  in each time.

Don't they all look like they are having fun?

Nate is completely relaxed

If they didn't want the poo then we had the slip and slide. 

Audrey loved slathering up with shaving cream and doing the slip and slide. 

Wiatt was having a blast with the slide and his tube. It didn't matter that he would tumble down the slide rather then slide, he enjoyed himself doing it his way.

He must have made a good shot. 

Great grandma and grandpa Moore came out for a bbq-and to visit with everyone.

Bridger made his way down to the boys' room. He managed to take his shoes and socks off and wanted to sleep there in Josh's bed.

Colton is all bundled up and ready for bed with his polka dot blanket.

This was Nate's turn to sleep with Audrey. And he's even reading her a book first. 

Cute little cousins, Gracee and Audrey

Wiatt and Colton playing tether ball together.Play time with cousins is always a highlight of every vacation.

Preschool for Audrey

Miss Audrey all ready for her first day of preschool.

 The day finally arrive for my baby to start school (sniff, sniff). It has been a day I've been dreading for some time now. I actually prepare myself for it by making Danny take the day off. He did a good job and comforting me and distracting me on this momentous day for me- not Audrey.

She is such a stinkin cutie. She's getting so big!

 She was super-duper excited to start school. She walked in so confidently, barely put her stuff away, gave me a small hug and wanted to head off and play. I am so glad that she's not being apprehensive about school, in fact she even sat so still for me to do her hair with no complaining. And anyone that knows this girl and the struggles we have over hair knows that is a big deal. So, we got her all taken care of and let her head of to play.

Best friends, Hazel and Audrey ready to make some trouble together. 

She headed over to the kitchen area and found Melissa and Hazel. That's when my tears started forming. We barely got this picture. Got one big hug and headed out alone. Danny and I left with no kids in tow. I have had a kid with me for so long now. It's been almost 11 years since I've not had a kid behind me in the car. I honestly don't know what it's like. It's been a hard thing for me to accept and come to terms with. I've been struggling. This is a new chapter in my life and it's rather overwhelming to accept and daunting to discover who I am as a person again. So, yes, there have been many tears shed over this moment happening.

All ready to learn something!

I am so happy that my baby girl is so ready to be going to school. That does make it easier for me to accept this change in my life. After she was home, I asked her if it was a long day and she responded, "It wasn't so long. Just a little long." So I think she felt like it went by fast. Then later I asked her if she missed me and her reply, "I only missed you a little." Although that makes me sad, it only helps to solidify the fact that she's ready and where she needs to be at this time. So, that helps this sad mom know that it's ok because she's happy.