Family Togetherness Walk

When we lived at the "old house" (on 1700 South) we often took family walks around our neighborhood.  We loved it and the kids loved it.  It was a time where we just chit chatted with each other, played games, laughed and simply spent time together - outside. 

Our family togetherness walks (FTW) have come to almost a complete hault!  I miss those improptu walks after dinner.  Last week we went on a FTW.  This time we headed up to Bountiful Blvd and ventured into a little trail.  We had not planned on "hiking" but it was a fantastic time!!!

My boo and my four kiddos (that is still crazy to me.  I have FOUR kids!) in front of the Bountiful Temple.  Soon we will have a view of the temple out of our front door.  The temple was closed, but the kids are small enough that they could squeeze through the gates... I remember doing that when I was little :)

 These are ALL mine!!!! I couldn't be happier..... 

On the trail.  We walked across a shallow river that was freeeeeeezing!  We laughed as we crossed it, then Milli got back to our side of the river and peed, just standing there, in her "fancy" dress.  That child is completely different from the other three.

The funny/awkward picture of the day:  Otis' old man socks (hahaaaa), Mylo's pose (he was really just itching his leg and in between blinks :)), Milli's "baby"carrier, with no handle, Dave "smile."  I just love it all! 

This is why we love FTWs.  So many fun memories to make and these are the best time to talk to the kids.  I love each of these people that I am so incredibly blessed to have in my life, daily.  I make sure to let them know, too. 

Runner' High

 Today I ran in the Save Your Skin 10k in West Bountiful.  It was SO fun!  Melinda Hatzidakis, from our new ward invited me run with her.  It was a great little run.  It was the was perfect temperature and it was not super early :) 

I have been running some, but not consitently.  I was excited to see how I was going to do in it.  I have been pushing myself, slightly.  The race is small, not too many people in it.  I was incredibly pleased with my time! 

I ran 6.2miles in 57:38:2 mins!!!  I have NEVER averaged running this fast in this distance!!! That is a 9:17/mile!!!  THEN, I looked at the results....

I was FOURTH in my age group!!!! YAY!!!!  This is not the full age group list since there are others who had not yet finished in my age group, but I was FOUTH!!!  WOO HOOO!!!!

The idea of being in a race is really overwhelmingly positive and encouraging.  To top it off I did so well :)  I got home and I was SO happy... a runner's high if you will.

Running is good.  Running is hard. Running is rewarding! 

Every time I run a "longer" distance, I am amazed that I EVER ran (and trained) for a marathon (and two half's).  This was not easy, but it was SO worth it!!!

Today, I am SO happy with what my body can do for me and the support and ecouragment from my friends and family. 

"OLD HOUSE! HI!!!"

Today as we were driving back to our temp-home, we drove by our old house.  The one were we brought three of our four children to from the hospital.  The one were Leah was beyond thrilled to run around in when we first moved in.  The one were we had so many fun memories.  The one were we had neighbors who greeted us as we were leaving or coming home.  The one were we worked hard to put in that vinyl fence.  The one with the ugly car port and un-appealing front....

We miss that old house! 

But, when we were driving past it, Mylo yelled out and reached for it in a very dramatic way, "OLD HOUSE! HIIII!!!"  We laughed, as it was very un-like Mylo to be that expressive.  Then he said, "What?  Leah does that all the time." 

I told him it was just cute and that I missed that old house too!  Tears filled my eyes as I reminisced the good times we had there.  I miss so many things about that first house.  I never thought I would feel like this.  I think my feelings come from the fact that we have rocked the kids world.  So many changes!!! 

I have always LOVED change.  I grew up with TONS of change.  I loved the excitment that would come with change.  It was a way to "run away" from things that bother me.  Change was fun!  Change meant new friends, new experiences, new cultures, new unknowns.  However, now, as a mother, its not all fun and games.  The kids need their stability.  I dont think change was detrimental to me, rather I think it made me who I am today.  I like that person. 

But the look on Mylo's face today as he reached for the house, dramatically (not really missing it, rather just saying HI to an "old friend"), really made me think.  The thoughts lead to questions.  Questions like, did we do the right thing for our family? Is this what God wants for and from us?  What are we to learn from this experience? ....

I know that God provided everything for us in the exact time and place.  Things could not have happened any better!  I know that we are supposed to do what we are doing.  I guess I never realized it would be this hard.

The house update: We are still waiting on permits and have had some excavation/foundation issues that needed to be address.  So, with help from our friend/architect we have been able to solve those issues.  Again, we feel blessed with what has happened and we know that we will get the house/space/yard we need and want... its just going to take longer than we expected.  This just adding to my doubts and fears (mostly for the kids sake). 

I hope my kids look back at this experience in their lives and laugh and have great memories from it.  They have not complained and have learned to deal with new things.  I am proud of them.  I am grateful for Mylo's dramatic greeting to our Old House (friend). 

The Routine

I haven't posted about the first day of school.  It was a big deal, for all of us!  Leah and Mylo are now attending Oak Hills Elemetary.  When we finally move into the new house (when will that be?  your guess is as good as mine :)), they will walk to and from school.  There are lots of kids on our street and it will be great.  For now, we leave, out the door, fifteen minutes before school starts, to get there as soon as the first bell rings.

These picture were taken on our way out the door on the first day of school.  I had to take Milli and Otis to Abuela's house... but ALL the kids go with me every morning anyways, so this is just the routine.

The kids picked out their outfits.  Leah's shirt says "my mom totally rocks!" I hate to say it, but she is right :)  She started Third Grade!  That is just crazy!!!  She has Doxey/Dolling as her teachers.  They team teach and have been doing it for ten years.  I really like them and so does Leah.  She has already made friends, which comes to no surprise, the girl is outgoing and friendly and I love that about her!

Mylo is now in First Grade!!!  He is too smart for his own good, but I have no bias opinions.  His teacher is Ms. Mobley.  She is a frist time teacher, brand new!  I was concerned about this, but I am really liking her.  Mylo is still not sure if he likes her, as he has been on the "red light" twice this year (that was in the first week of school!!! little stinker!)  Ms. Mobley said Mylo has lots of friends in the class and that he is very bright.  He also told me that he has passed all his first grade words and is now on to second grade level words.  Words have always been Mylo's strong suit, i.e. when he told me Milli was dubious and then I had to call Dave to find out what that meant, to which he replied he had to look it up in the dictionary.  Mylo was only 4 at the time.  :)

Milli also picked out her outfit this morning and as it has become tradition, she also got her picture taken on the first day of school.  I love her smile in this picture.  I also love that I get to spend so much time with this pretty little princess.  I am hoping I can make the best of the time I get to spend with her!

As we were walking out the door, rushing out the door would be more appropriate, Dave said I had to get my picture taken as well... My hands were full and so was my mouth.  All I could do was give Dave the look... >:]

Oak Hills has back to school morning, not night.  I really liked this.  We got it all done in one morning and it was great!  I look forward to volunteering and getting to know the kids' friends and teachers.  I am also looking forward to seeing Leah and Mylo progress this school year.  I have already seen some huge improvements with Leah's reading and that is awesome!

I love those kiddos and they make me proud (most of the time... when they are good :))

As much as I don't love having to take all four of the kids to school with me in the morning, it has been great to be ready so early.  The day gets going so much sooner and I get more done.  When we get back home, we play and then clean up.  Otis takes his long morning nap, while Milli and I get some house work done or catch up on the morning news.

My favorite time of the day is going to get the kids from school.  I am always (usually) excited to hear how their day went and who they played with or what they did, AND if they (aka Mylo) stayed off of "red light."

When we get home is time for snacks and homework and soon the day is over and time for bed/reading.  Life is crazy right now, but its SO worth it! 

Florida Trip

Marcos, Esteban and I went to Florida for a weekend.  It was SO much fun to hang out with my brothers and best of all see Abuela Hilda, who is in Florida for a visit.  We also had the priveledge of hanging out with the Maggiora's. We love them!!!!

There we are.... waiting for our first flight :)  

(horrible picture of me.  I hope I dont' really look THAT fat) 

We got to Tampa at 12midnight and talked for a while.  

Then we got up and hung out for a bit... SUPER NICE! 

After breakfast the boys played tennis and Christian and I ran. 

Running in Florida is miserable!  Its SO humid it kills you!!! But it was nice :) 

 Then we HAD to have  cuban food.  This is not our all-time-favorite place, but it was great company 

 Abuela is 87 and totally with it.  I love this woman! 

 YUM!  Delicious Cuban Sandwich MMMM!!!! 

 Esteban and Christian are GOOF BALLS!!!  

Friday night, our first night there, we had dinner with Maggiora's and Klammers.  It was so nice to see them all!  We have all stayed close on my mom's side of the family.  It has always been easy to do that.  I love my cousins and uncles and aunts. 

Later that night we went to Ybor City and hung out at a bar that had live music.  

We laughed A TON!!!  It was a great day :)

 Saturday we went to the Aquarium and later we went to watch UFC Match.  We watched at a restaurant and ate and chit chatted and laughed some more.  Maria Noel came with us both nigths (friday and saturday).  I am glad she was there so we could have some girl talk and oooooh and aaaaaah about the MMA fighters bods :) 

 Sunday was our last day there.  :(  The trip was short, but full of fun.  

Abuela made us tortas fritas (scones) and there were as good as I can remember :)  That morning her and I had a nice long conversation.  Her mind is super sharp and she remembers everything!  

It was a conversation I will treasure.  

Sunday afternoon we had a late lunch early supper.  It was a highlight for me.  I love sitting around the dinner table and enjoying each others company.  I feel blessed to be part of this amazing family! 

 A few last shots of the trip.... 

Abuela wanted to send us of at the airport and it was great that she did.  We chit chatted some more and off we were.  Not sure when I will get to see Abuela Hilda again.  She is getting old and its difficult for her to move around.  Going to Argentina is not as easy at is might seem.  It was wonderful to have spent time with her.  May God bless her!!!  

Im glad we got to go on this trip as siblings.  I love my brothers!  The only thing that would have made this trip perfect, would have been to have Tomi there (and maybe some beach time :))