::When in doubt, stay at the Hilton::

Last Saturday was Mantua's Little Valley Days celebration.  We only got to go to the fireworks.  Matt usually golfs in the tournament during the week (which they didn't even have this year because his dad wasn't there to organize it), we usually go to some kind of activity during the week, I run in the dam race on Saturday morning (which I LOVE), we watch the cute little parade, we have dinner up at the park where we watch fireworks, and then when it's dark, we watch fireworks.

We missed it all (well not the fireworks)--because we went to Idaho.  Yup.  Idaho.

The annual Twin Falls trip fell on the same weekend.  It wasn't terribly fun.  It's getting a little old (for me anyway).  The older kids love it (Chloe and Port), Coop even loves it, and probably Ava does too.  I have a hard time entertaining 4 kids for that long when you have to be out all day with only a hotel room to go "home" to.  Ave is too little for movies, and, well, it's Idaho, so what else really is there?  The shopping's not great, it's tough to take 4 swimming by myself, and it's too hot to do much outside.

This trip had an extra snag in it too.  I want to preface this story by saying that I wanted to stay at the Hilton in the first place.

We booked rooms at a hotel that we've stayed at lots of times in years past.  I didn't go last year on account of Ava being only 3 months old (and I just don't love golf trips that much).  So I guess maybe it all went to H in the one year I didnt go?  So we get in our room and it smelled a little iffy.  Eh, sometimes they just do.  Whatever.  Not bad enough to be a deal breaker.  Then, we're getting the kids ready for bed (showers and such), and we discover that the tub doesn't drain.  Nice.  We pull out the sofa bed, and there's trash under it.  Gross!  Then I start to wonder what else they missed in the room.  I start to pull down the covers on the beds-looking to see if the sheets look clean.  They didn't.  I called downstairs to ask for clean ones.  They front desk said it'd be about a half hour because housekeeping was on a break.  Uh, ok.  So I decided to go fill the ice bucket (you know me and my ice).  I took the lid off, no liner, and it was wet inside, AND there was hair in it, AND the lid was dirty-straight dirty! OH NASTY!!  So Matt and I started walking around the room looking to see what else was dirty.  By then it had been close to an hour since I had called about the sheets.  I walked downstairs myself with the ice bucket to show the girl at the desk and to ask if I could get sheets myself.  She said they keep the sheets in a different place.  I told her I have kids I have to get to bed (it was 10:30) and that I wasn't too happy about the wait.  She apologized.  I showed her the ice bucket.  I told her I wasn't too sure the room had been cleaned.  She looked at her computer and said it showed that it had.  I said well the room says otherwise.  She apologized.  I thanked her for the clean ice bucket and went back upstairs.  So about 15 minutes later (10:45 pm) the housekeeping lady shows up with "clean" sheets singing "doo duh doo duh doo" as I opened the door.  Doo duh doo duh doo??  At 11:00 at night?  When I called over an hour ago?  And I've got 4 little kids who need to get to bed?  Doo duh doo duh doo?

The next morning, after a HORRIBLE night's sleep for all of us, I got up at 7 to go for a run.  I finally got to run down the canyon.  I've wanted to for years, but never could because of tee times or babies or whatever.  It was beautiful!  I (sort of) ran past the big waterfall, I got to hear it and smell it, I ran past a lot of smaller trickling waterfalls.  I loved it!  I got back and was just about the step in the shower when I saw a bug crawling on the towel that was on the floor (that you step on when you get out).  I yelled for Matt to come see it.  I asked him if it was a bed bug.  We yahooed it.  I swear it was one!  Matt squished it and put it in a cup.  We were outta there!  In a matter of 10 minutes we were packed and the hotel general manager was in our room trying to talk us into staying in one of their extended suites.  What?  Why, are the bedbugs smaller in there??  I told her thanks, but I think we'd be more comfortable somewhere else. (Like THE HILTON!!)

So that's where we went for our 2nd night, and it was much better.  Matt kept saying how much better it was too, and that I should've listened to him and stayed at the Hilton.  Ha!  You'd think that after 10 years he'd listen to me in the first place, right??  :]

So the moral of the story:  When in doubt, stay at the Hilton.

Other than the hotel ridiculousness, it wasn't bad.  We went to Home Depot to look at house stuff, took Chloe shopping, took the kids to the smelly jumpy place (ohh it's nasty), and swam at the hotels.  We missed Richard and Susan a lot on our trip.  We missed them a lot during the whole week they were gone to the MTC.  They came home yesterday for the night just to do laundry and pack a few more things, then they were headed out today for California for the whole 18 months.  We miss them already.

Anyway, here we all are at the fireworks in Mantua.  We had fun there.  Matt didn't win anything in the raffle (he usually doesn't), but it's fun to try.  Jennie, Jared & Sarah, and Amberlee & George were there, so that was lots of fun. 

::swimming lessons::

The 3 big kids took swimming lessons for a couple of weeks, and it just got over on Thursday.  They loved it (for the most part).  Port and Chloe did...Bubb, not so much.  He had fun, but didn't want to get his face or hair wet.  Port was the EXACT same way, and now he's a fish, so we think there's hope for Bubba :)

Chloe learned some water safety (she had to rescue her teacher)...

Pencil dives...

Knee dives...

(the pool at The Peak isn't deep enough for real dives)

...and all kinds of different swim strokes.  The first week of class was swim strokes back and forth and back and forth, and she.was.tired!!

Portie learned how to just swim!!  And he loves it!!  He worked on his back floating, front crawls, and he got really good at opening his eyes under water (which I don't think was a swimming lessons requirement, but he was pretty proud of it).

Look at him go!!Bubba learned how to get his hair wet without getting his face wet (nice, Bubb!)...

Some water safety...

How to jump in...

He also learned how to kick and make big splashes, how to blow bubbles in the water, and how to hop on one foot in the water (again, not a swimming lessons requirement, but he was very proud).

And Poor Mae-Mae.  She looked like this most days.  Red cheeks (full of Fruit Loops) waiting for it to get over so she can go home and eat lunch and take a nap in the air conditioning.

On the last day they got some free time.  They turned on the fountains, and let the kids play with all the toys.  Avie was SO excited about this part!  She's been watching for 2 weeks without being able to join in.  This time she got to play too (a little).  She walked right up to the pool and started to step right in!  Good thing I was holding on to her.  She has no fear at all!  She splashed around kicked her feet, and when it was over, she was pretty wet.

Next year I kind of want to try the Brigham Pool for swimming lessons.  They have a diving board and much deeper water.  I couldn't this year because 3 year olds have to be in a parent/child class, and there was no way that would've worked for us (not with Ave).  We'll try it next year, and see how we like it.

::farewell::

We had to say goodbye to Matt's mom and dad on Sunday.  We had their official farewell on the 8th (July) and got to hear them speak in church.  They gave beautiful talks.  We got to hear their testimonies and why they felt like they needed to serve a mission at this time.  They were set apart on Sunday.  The whole family (minus Adam and his family and Jordan who's on a mission in Argentina) was there for it.  It was nice and a little sad at the same time.  

We took some pictures in the foyer afterwards.  It's kind of fun to see how everyone's changed when they get back.  They're going to San Fernando, California for 18 months.

See Chloe's face?  She was having a rough time.  She's known for a long time that they were leaving, but I think it finally hit her.  She realized that Grandma was leaving.  She started really crying right during a prayer, and hasn't quite mastered the quiet cry.  Poor thing.  All I could do is hug her and tell her shhhh softly.

Some of us went up to their house afterwards to talk and play some games.  I'm glad we did.  We got to spend some extra time with them and say bye at their house, and not in the church parking lot :)

They'll be home for one night at the end of their training at the MTC, so we'll see them then, then it's off the Cali. for 18 months minus a week and a half :) 

(yes, we're counting down)

::B's wedding::

My brother got married!!

My Aunt Karen was in town for it, and so was my dad.  The week leading up to it was one of the busiest weeks ever!!  We also had Matt's mom and dad getting ready to leave on their mission (more on that later) and Matt's brother and his family in from Minnesota.  AND we had our normal summer activities on top of all that (gymnastics, story hour, swimming lessons, activity days)...it was one.crazy.week!!

Presenting the new Mr. & Mrs. Denam...

This little grouping made me cry.  I'm not sure why.  I think just knowing what lies ahead for their little family and all the adjustments to come.  It can be pretty tough.  We wish them much much love and all the best.

Mae-Mae's not a bit camera shy.

Cousin convention...

Dad came.  We're so glad he did.  He and Gayle came up to our house on Thursday for a quick visit.  We took them up to Mantua to show them some stuff.  We talked, showed Gayle our house (she hasn't been out since Bubb was born!), had some snacks, and then we met down in Orem for a picnic with Billy and Gloria's family.  Then he and Gayle watched all the babies for us on Friday while we were in the temple.  They dressed them for us and everything.  When he got there I asked him how he did.  He kind of let out a big ol' sigh and laughed and said he was glad Gayle was here.

:]

The reception was pretty fun.  They had great food, an italian soda bar, and bubbles (which were actually supposed to be for when the bride and groom leave, but the kids didn't know that).

Dad gave a little impromptu speech.

One of my best friends came with her family.  We LOVE them!  I've known her almost my whole life. They live all the way in Pleasant Grove, so we never get to see them.  We tried to take a picture together, but we couldn't really figure out how to stand without feeling awkward...

nope

nope

nope

There!!

I think we got it!

Love you, Care!!

::willard bay::

We went tubing on Uncle Brandon's boat!

(Chloe tubed too, but no photo of that yet)

Played in the sand...

Swam in the lake...

Played in the sand/mud (she had to sit in a life jacket because the sand was too icky-not like in her sandbox at home)...

We also had dinner and celebrated some birthdays with some cousins from Minnesota.  Fun Summer evening.  

I want a boat, actually I want some Jet Skis, or maybe both.  

:)

::splash::

We went to City Creek yesterday to do a bit of shopping for my brother's wedding.  I had to find a shirt, some shoes, things like that.  Matt had never been there, so he came too (I don't think he really cared that much about it).  We told the kids if they were good shopping they could play in the little splash pad there.

Bubb was there too, but he didn't love the splash pad.  He's not too sure about water yet.  He'll get there.

And the teeny girl just wanted to walk in to the splash pad, and out.  In and out, and in and out, and in and out.  Then I picked her up and stood by one of the fountains and stuck her hand in it when it splashed and she loooooved it!  She's so fun!

So earlier in the week I told my mom we'd be down there that day, and she told me to call her and maybe she'd meet us there with my Aunt Karen (who was coming in to town for my brother's wedding).  So when we called, she was making dinner at her house.  We went down.  Aunt Karen was there.  I've never met her (other than when I was probably Ava's age).  She's been estranged from the family for close to 30 years.  The details surrounding the separation are somewhat unclear to me, and they don't really matter.  She's here now and we're glad.  I walked in.  Said hi.  We hugged.  For a long time.  She cried.  So did I.  I've tried to imagine living a life with no family.  No support.  No one to call if you're sad or lonely, no one to spend holidays with, not even a card at Christmas or your birthday.  No body to make you feel like you're loved or important.  I'm sure she had some friends and people to spend time with, but just the thought of no family... I just can't imagine.  I'm glad she and my mom found each other.  I'm glad she's a part of our family again.  I hope she feels loved and important.  I hope she knows she's a part of us and that we love her. 

::the fourth::

We had a happy Fourth, well most of us did.  I was a little under the weather.  I didn't get to run in my race that I usually do every year, we didn't do our swimming and cookout either.  I was just SO sick!  I pulled it together and went to fireworks with the fam that night though.  Thank goodness!  What would the 4th of July be without that?

Look at Avie!  Does she look patriotic or what?!?

We met Matt's family at Pioneer Park for a picnic and fireworks.  We got there around 7ish to get a good spot.  The fireworks start after dark (after 10).  So we (they-I still didn't feel great) ate, talked and played games.  I love that.  It's so fun.  It'll be different next year without Matt's mom and dad (they'll be on their mission).

Here's our little fam

:]

Then the fireworks...

I held Avie.  Well, she kind of walked around the blankets between Matt, the kids, and I.  This picture is SUPER blurry.  I just loved her little finger pointing at them.  Cute little thing.

So the kids are in summer gymnastics.  I'm at The Peak twice a week for it, and the one day, I feel like I'm there ALL day.  There's this little shop in there.  It's a consignment type of shop that sells cute stuff for your home, and other little stuff too.  There was this sign in there (and I'd seen the phrase before, but never paid attention to it).  It said "land of the free because of the brave."  I stared at it for a while.  Maybe it was because I had time (waiting for gymnastics to get over with), or maybe because it had more of an affect on me the more I thought about it.  How true is that statement?!!?  I love it.  It's pretty common-I've seen it a lot, but now that I've really thought about it I love it.  

To all those who have and are serving...Thanks for being so brave.

::putt-putt::

Portie's been BEGGING Matt to take him golfing for days and days.  Matt kept telling him that one of these days he would.  He was thinking the driving range would be good but maybe dangerous for Bubb (because if Port goes so does Bubb), then we decided putt-putt would be a good alternative.  In Utah it's mini-golf, and the place by our house is Toads.  Since Monday is family night, today was the day.

They were SO excited!!  They had no idea what they were doing.  All they knew was that they were supposed to hit the ball towards the hole.  They (the 2 boys) didn't want any help whatsoever holding the putter the right way, swinging it the right way, or standing the right way, or anything!  "Dad I know how to do it!!" So after a couple of frustrating holes (for Matt) we just let 'em go.  It was pretty cute.  I got it on video for later when they really play golf.  We can show them how they thought you were supposed to putt.  Ha!

Chloe, on the other hand, wanted to do a good job.  She wanted to beat Matt on every hole.  She's a Jeppsen, what can we say :)  It was pretty cute how she would try to get the right stance and grip on the club.  She's ask Matt if it was right, and then she's swing.  She'd get so excited when her ball was close to the hole, and she'd get kinda mad when it took her a bunch of tries to get it in the hole.  Poor thing. :)

Mazie's was good in her stroller.  She got to hold a ball here and there, and sometimes she threw 'em.

It was fun.  HOT!!, but fun.  We'll have to do it again :)

::park city::

For our anniversary, we took a little weekender to Park City.  Matt booked us a trip on the Heber Valley Rail Road to do the Reins and Trains.  It was pretty fun!  He has never ridden a horse before, and I hadn't since I was a little bitty girl (my grandpa's horse, Pal).  So we were beginners.  The train ride was fun.  It was slow and rickety.  Sometimes it's referred to as the Heber Creeper, and now we know why :)  

We only rode for about 15 minutes, before we got robbed!  The train robbers came on to steal some cash, but the box was actually had a stuffed duck on it.  Well, that just made 'em mad, so they decided to take some hostages (which was us an another couple who were doing the horse excursion).  We were "forced" off the train at "gunpoint" and had to stand on the platform and watch our train leave us stranded!!  I acted like I was kinda mad about it and didn't want the train to leave.  It was fun.

So then we walked up the dirt road with the other couple doing the horses with us.  They were nice.  They were surprised that we were married 10 years and have 4 kids.  They thought we looked young.  I love to hear that :)  Then we got to the stables and met our guide.  She was a doll.  She got us all set up with our horses.

(The train robber was telling us a story when this photo was taken-that's how come the face)

On our horses!!

The view

After we got off the trail, we had some lunch together with the other couple, caught the train back in to town (Heber), and then drove into Park City.  We stayed at the Treasure Mountain Inn (their initials are TMI-haha!)  It's right on Main St. which we LOVED!  We had dinner on Main, walked around, listened to some live music, soaked in the hot tub, and just had a great night.  

The next morning, we walked out of our room, and had breakfast out on the deck of the Blue Iguana.  Here's our view from our table...looking right down Main.  Isn't it pretty?

It was a pretty perfect weekend!  We had so much fun together.  In the few months leading up to our anniversary, we tossed around the idea of going somewhere way cool (a cruise, Hawaii, something like that), but never really pursued it...I'm too chicken to leave those babies!  My Mom and Kevin watched them, and I probably called 18 times (sorry Mom).  It's terrible.  Someday  I'll get over it-I hope.  So I felt a little dumb that such a landmark anniversary was spent so locally, but in the end (to me anyway), it didn't even matter.  I just loved our time together.  We did something new together, spent time together, talked a lot, and relaxed, and we love each other more then ever.  And that's the most important thing.

:]