Our Thanksgiving adventure: part 2

After Joseph and Jenna's sealing, we headed back to Provo and went out to eat in honor of Michael's birthday with Heather, Bryan, and Emily at Shoots, a Chinese restaurant.

It is always so great to be with my siblings!! It made me envy these guys living so close to each other now. 

 My nieces and nephews were so sweet with my kids. Here is cousin Elizabeth (nearly 18) with Henry.

Beautiful people, inside and out.

 After church, Bryan and Emily came over and played.

 All the kids wanted to hold Henry, and fortunately he is at a very obliging, happy age.

 Playing a card game.

 Me and my big sis. I forgot to mention that she made her amazing scones with honey butter that morning for breakfast. And lunch. Holy yum.

I was thrilled that Clara and Robbie shared a room together at Heather's house without quarreling. I think it helped that they were both so tired from being on Virginia time. On Monday morning, we tried to get out of Heather's family's hair (they had school and work) in a timely manner but they were very gracious despite our crazyness.

We headed down to Williams, Arizona, but on our way we took a detour past our old home on 57 S. 500 E. We also saw our old apartment buildings (crazy how old and decrepit they are but still going strong!) and also saw the Provo City temple, pictured behind Michael here.

On our way down, we stopped at a gas station and who should we run into but Bryan and Emily and their kids! That was pretty crazy. We knew they were driving down to Bryce to see Emily's sister but how awesome that we stopped at the same gas station. We also stopped a little later to change the worst blow-out I've yet to witness. Henry's mustardy poop was literally running down his leg and making a puddle on the asphalt after I took him out of his car seat. We used about twenty wipes and then kept on going. Robbie and Henry slept (hooray!!!) and then we stopped at the Navajo Bridge.

 It is an incredible feat of engineering.

 Looks pretty fake, but the distance of 467 feet high was very real. And scary as I hovered over my kiddos.

We arrived at the Grand Canyon Railroad Hotel in Williams after about 9 or 10 hours.

The next morning, we climbed aboard the Grand Canyon Railroad to ride to the Grand Canyon. It was a fairly slow (faster than running but slower than driving), scenic ride. Robbie asked, "When are we going to go faster?" Sorry kiddo, this is a diesel train, not a bullet train.

 Henry was such a trooper with his naps being mostly on the road. At least he got to stretch out a little when Michael and Robbie went to get a snack.

 Of course they charm you into purchasing photos that they take of you. If they hadn't been so cute, we wouldn't have gotten them, but this just pretty much captured our experience.

 Hanging out on the train. It was great having more leg room (notice Michael's feet, which actually each have a left and right sock).

 Pictures cannot do it justice. Another heart-in-throat moment for us, especially after Michael was informed by someone there that someone died just two days previously taking a selfie by the edge.

Fortunately, we arrived back to our hotel safely, and Michael and the kids enjoyed some swimming the next morning before we traveled the 2.5 hours to Mesa to our final hotel and destination.

That night, we went to a park and saw some of Michael's extended family, including his grandparents, whom I had not seen in ten years.

 Clara was very excited to see her great-grandpa Stout! I was impressed at how well she did with meeting all these people and being patient while we talked to cousins.

The next day, we went to the Thanksgiving Stout family feast. I felt bad that Michael didn't get to talk to everyone he wanted to, but we enjoyed it and were glad we were there.

They took some official pictures, but unfortunately the only candid I got was this one of Henry grabbing Grandma.

 Three lovely girls--Clara with Melody and new aunt, Marissa (who is expecting a baby next year!).

Michael and I enjoyed some time with Hyrum and Melody, who came back with us to our hotel and went swimming with Michael and the kids that night. The next morning, we hurried to the airport but were dismayed that the return rental place was about ten minutes past the airport (we had to take a shuttle back) and then saw that the TSA line was ridiculously, insanely long. We ran to our gate and missed it our flight--our nonstop, great timing flight--by two minutes. It was super frustrating that our airplane was still right there but they wouldn't let us on because the door was closed.

However, we tried to make the best of the four hours we had to wait in the airport (The kids and I rode the moving sidewalks a LOT and saw lots of planes take off while Michael stayed with our luggage) and made some family memories. Tender mercies: We didn't lose any luggage, we made our connecting flight, people moved seats so we could be by each other, our screens (for the kids to watch movies) didn't run out of juice, we didn't have any blowouts on the planes with my last two diapers, and Michael and I had a great talk at 2:00am on our way home. We arrived at our home in Harrisonburg at nearly 3:00am on Saturday morning. Wow.

All in all, the kids did really well with all the change and crazyness (Robbie had a few meltdowns), and we were glad we made the trip. Thanks to everyone for making it happen. Happy Thanksgiving!!


P.S. I'd like to have a moment of silence for the nap that I missed in honor of updating the blog. Amen.

Our Thanksgiving adventure: part 1

I kept reminding myself before, during, and after that "This is not a vacation; this is a trip. This is not a vacation; this is an adventure." And with that definition in mind, it was certainly a great trip.

It began in advance with us purchasing tickets back in June for Michael's grandmother's birthday celebration/reunion in Mesa at Thanksgiving. However, a month or two later, Michael's brother announced that he was going to be married in Salt Lake the weekend before Thanksgiving. Mercifully, due to the purchase of USAirways by American Airlines, Michael was able to get our tickets canceled without having to pay any fees and then to purchase entirely new tickets.

We prepped the kids at FHE the Monday before to remind them of the route. Robbie had been talking about being able to ride the train at the Grand Canyon for months beforehand. Michael drew a sweet map. I researched suggestions for traveling with kids.

We drove the 2.5 hours to the Baltimore airport (so much cheaper) and made it on as the last passengers. Clara was more comfortable going through TSA security this time since she'd flown last year (when we went to Disney with her), but she was still stressed and informed me in the days preceding our flight, "I will punch those TSA agents in the face! I hate those TSA agents!" Fortunately, she didn't (although she did blow raspberries at one :-/)).

 Preparing for take-off!! We were all excited.

We arrived in SLC and then drove down to my sister Heather's house. I was so happy to see her and her beautiful kids. They were so nice to host us.

The next morning, we attended the wedding brunch of Joseph (Michael's brother) and his fiancee, Jenna Howard. And look who we saw there?!

 Elder Weiler is home! It was so great to see Hyrum. He looked just the same except a little more filled out and slightly taller. Clara and Robbie were very excited to see him. Clara had written on every calendar in our house the day that Hyrum was arriving home to Georgia.

 Joseph and Jenna were very sweet with Robbie. Shannyn (sister-in-law) did an awesome job with the food and decor. So lovely.

After the brunch, we stopped for a short visit at BYU. Clara wanted to see Studio C but we didn't have time, sadly. But we did get to go to the Bookstore and get a few things.

 Posing with Cosmo the Cougar. And some cut-outs for the upcoming Star Wars movie.

 I also had to show them my first job at the Information Center in the Wilk. (My first job was actually selling tickets at the Varsity, but then they moved me to the information desk.)

We hurried up to SLC and stopped briefly outside the temple (after Robbie ran across a street in City Creek park and missed getting hit by a car. Not my favorite memory).

The reflecting pool is always so lovely. For some reason I was thinking the sealing was an hour later, and I still had to nurse Henry, so unfortunately I missed the sealing. Sniff. But I enjoyed hanging out in the youth room with other family members. Melody was great to help with the kids.

 Clara loves holding Henry, and he loves eating chins.

 In the waiting room, Henry spent some quality time with his closest cousin, William (son of Michael's sister Bethany). Future roommates?

 We then went outside (brrr) and waited for the bride and groom to arrive. Robbie loved hanging out with his cousin Clark. Clark was super sweet with him.

 Uncle Seth is awesome!

 Hiding in an alcove.

 There they are!! Beautiful and happy.

 Robbie had to get a hug before the real pictures began.

 Here Michael is showing a slo-mo video of Henry crying. Apparently they thought it was pretty funny. Not me.

 And again, Robbie has to go say hi to Uncle Hyrum in the middle of pictures.

Can't believe these brothers are all grown up, ranging in age from 20 to 37.

Being brothers, they of course had to make fun of Joseph and Hyrum's behavior when the first brothers got married years ago--shirts tucked out for pictures and watching the kissing with interest.

Thirty-seven

Before we left for our big Thanksgiving trip, we celebrated Michael's birthday. He looks pretty awesome for being so old (haha) I have to say.

 Brownies are his favorite. Apparently they are Henry's favorite, too.

At Heather's house over Thanksgiving, she made brownies in his honor as well. Lucky guy!

I won't bore my (three) readers with how great he is, but pretty much I can sum it up by saying that Michael is the same now as he was when we were dating: He accepts and loves me the way I am and yet inspires me to become better. For that I am truly thankful.

Clara lately

Clara has really been doing such a great job in so many areas of late. She has adjusted beautifully to having Henry around, showing no jealousy and happy to play or talk to him. He loves it when she pays attention to him. I don't like it when Clara and Robbie fight over him ("Clara's not letting me look at Henry!"), but what a "good" thing to be fighting over, right?

Clara has also been adjusting quite well to fifth grade. I am always nervous before the start of each year, but I feel like this has been the best yet (knock on wood). I think it helps that her teacher, Mrs. Morris, was also her aide when she was in Kindergarten, but I think it's also much more than that. Mrs. Morris is very encouraging and positive. I have been reading the Love Languages for Children and The 5 Love Languages and have found them to be very helpful. I think (but am not sure yet) that Clara's main love language is words of affirmation. She really thrives when you give her positive, specific feedback and encouragement, and I feel like she's in that environment this year. Clara has three other teachers as well for various subjects, and she is doing well in general for them, too.


It's not that she doesn't struggle with things, which she does (speaking inappropriately/rudely to other peers or teachers or parents, doing things independently, not giving up when things are hard, tying shoes, jumping rope, riding a bike, etc), but she overall has a better attitude, I think. I've often felt like I've been dealing with a teenager since she was two, but right now I feel like we're in a calm place (probably the calm before the storm in terms of adolescence, etc.) and I am thankful for that. I don't like to talk about grades with her because I know she's trying her best and it upsets her when she doesn't do well. It occurred to me today that I no longer fear the home phone ringing in the middle of the day. Really up until this school year, my heart would skip a little when the home phone rang during the day because I was afraid it was the school, calling to inform me about something that had happened with Clara. I don't fear that anymore. I have also been trying to find a book series that Clara would like that is not too mature in terms of content but that challenges her reading level. She loves silly (in my mind) books like Geronimo Stilton and Calvin and Hobbes and Junie B Jones--books about characters that are naughty or silly or have crazy things happen but that aren't on too deep a level. She did read Wonder (I bought it for our collection because I loved it so much). I wanted her to read Anne of Green Gables but the copy at the library had font that was so tight and small that I knew it would turn her off. Amazingly, Mrs. Morris found a large-print copy at the school library, and she read it (it might have been an abridged version) and got a 90% on her AR test. So awesome.

Clara has also grown in other areas--being able to draw a stick person with body parts and a skirt, drawing little girly curls on her letters (her writing overall has definitely improved), learning to brush her own hair and put it in a ponytail, getting ready by herself in the morning (with some reminders about the time if needed), and making her own lunch at night. She has also been more aware of others' feelings. More than once she has asked me, "How was your day?" after getting off the bus and my asking her about hers. These types of outward questions show a gradual maturity and understanding that is often long in coming in those on the autism spectrum. She definitely shows a lot of compassion for Henry and for Robbie when they aren't feeling well and even on her own wrote Robbie a "Get well soon!" note. She is also slowly being able to relate more of what happens during the day and explain what goes on at school, which is really nice.

I am so thankful for Clara and miss her when she's gone during the day. I appreciate being around her, especially when I'm currently dealing with a very strong-willed three-year-old who is daily pushing all of my buttons despite my efforts to give him lots of quality time. I love that she loves to read. I am thankful for her sticking with piano even though it is really hard for her. Her teacher, Briana Priester, is also super encouraging and creative, which is such a blessing. I am still trying to find some active things for her to enjoy and be successful at so she can feel the good feelings that come from being physically active. She enjoys jumping on the trampoline and swimming, which is good.

I continue to pray for her daily, that she will be able to develop a relationship with her Father in Heaven and understand the difference between right and wrong and be able to stand up for the truth. I pray that her challenges will be a blessing to her and to our other children. I pray that she will be protected and watched over, that she will be able to make friends and choose good friends, not just those who will accept her but those who have good standards. I am nervous for middle school, but right now I am thankful for where she is and where we are in our relationship right now.

We love you so much!

Halloween 2015 (hey, that rhymes!)

This year we had a much less stressful Halloween than last year. Robbie was completely willing to wear his fireman outfit; Clara was thrilled with the poodle skirt we borrowed from a friend, thanks to my mom; Henry was blissfully oblivious to any of the hubbub; and I wasn't morning sick. Yay! Michael dressed up as an adult Harry Potter for work, his go-to costume. I need to find a go-to costume.

The kids were eager to go.

Robbie didn't quite get the whole asking for candy thing at first, but then he was so excited and at nearly each house would say before we arrived, "Maybe they'll give me candy, too!"

 Cutie fab fifties girl. Unfortunately (or fortunately) her shoes were bothering her, so we petered out our trick-or-treating after about 40 minutes. No complaints here.

Henry stayed at home with Daddy, the cutest pumpkin you ever did see.

A fall visit from Nana and Bapa

Normally each fall Michael and I go on a weekend getaway and have our parents watch the kids, but this year with a nursing baby we decided to stay home. Pretty lame, but we were still so glad my parents came up to visit anyway.

We decided to go to a pumpkin patch on our way to the Virginia Safari Park on Saturday. It was a great pumpkin patch--no one was there! We could take our pick, measure it next to the pumpkin size board, and then put our money in the "honor box" to pay. So much less expensive than the other big pumpkin patches, and I don't think our kids minded a bit that it didn't have activities or slides.

 Nice face.

 Daddy found a little pumpkin!

 Robbie loved pulling this wagon. I think we need to get one.

 Bapa and Clara.

 Running!

 Me and my pretty mama. I'm not actually this much taller than she is, but the ground was sloping.

 Beautiful day in the Shenandoah Valley.

After the pumpkin patch, we drove down to the safari park. I had heard what to expect, but it was still an adventure. Basically you drive through with a bucket (or two or three or four) of feed and they come up to your car to eat. 

 The llamas right by the entrance were very aggressive and just stood in front of the car, waiting for us to feed them. They would just peer in at the windows as we inched along (we didn't want to waste all our food on them since we'd just started the drive) and finally would let us pass. Several times when we did let our windows down the deer or llamas would get their head in the window. Lots of yelling and screaming and laughing (well, the stressful kind of laugh) in the car going on. I preferred to just throw them the feed. We saw bison, several kinds of deer, ostriches, emus, rheas, zebras, and elk.

After the drive-thru part of the park, we enjoyed the walking area, where we saw kangaroos, monkeys, a tiger, a cheetah, and big tortoises. Robbie wanted to take a picture with my camera.

This was a much more comfortable feeding experience.

 I was proud of myself at the budgie house. I first went in with a "budgie stick" (birdseed on a popsicle stick) and was immediately swarmed by the birds. I quickly exited while screaming in a ladylike way. Ahem.

However, I was determined not to be beaten by my fears, so after seeing my dad enter, I decided to go back in. Letting them land on me and crawl around with their claws and hearing the wings flutter by my ears was a very uncomfortable experience (I didn't realize I was so squeamish about birds), but I was proud of myself. I can do hard things. Haha!

 Sweet ride.

Clara sure loves her Bapa and Nana.

We enjoyed some great weather while they were here, so we ate al fresco at least once. 

On Saturday, my parents graciously watched the kids while Michael and I went into the office to get some stuff done. They went to the children's museum and the library and also dropped by Home Depot.

 How serendipitous that they were having an event there in the parking lot where kids could get in a police car and a fire truck! Robbie was in heaven. As long as you are sitting in the front seat, you're good, buddy.

 Thanks again for a wonderful visit, Mom and Dad. We sure love you!