Spring Break

The kids had a longer spring break than usual (4 days off school) - so we scheduled dental appointments for all eight of us and headed south for a few days.  Fortunately, we were able to visit with G-ma and G-pa P for a few hours before they boarded an early flight to PA for Jessica P's baptism held on April 6th.

G-ma P attempted to take the kids to the zoo but the daunting crowds led to "Plan B" - a visit to the downtown library and Arctic Circle instead.  Then off to the dental office for the afternoon.

That evening, the younger kids really wanted to visit the nearby park and the older ones explored another new library.  Glad we got outside before the weather turned cold and windy.

Jantzen brought his football along and happily threw passes to Aaron until it was too dark to see anymore.  So nice to relax as a family.

The next day - we helped clear out G-ma and G-pa's food storage room in anticipation of yet another move for them.  It was the last time we'll bunk at G-pa's favorite abode (or not favorite abode).

Next, while Aaron did a little office work, I took the kids shopping at Jordan Landing.  It didn't take long for me to remember why I don't usually shop with so many of them at one time.  That afternoon, Aaron took four of the children back to the dental office for more work and I cleaned out Mom and Dad's fridge.  Who do you think had more fun?

That evening, it was Aaron's turn to take the kiddos out and about.  They hit IKEA, Seagull Book, etc. - we don't shop much at home and the kids were pretty excited about shopping - they must be getting older.  Meanwhile, I enjoyed a "girl's night out" with my college roommates - the K-1 Crew. 

 Ker-dog, Squid, Malin, Hilary, Heather

Eating "Family Style" at The Cheesecake Factory - the way to go!  

Nothing better than tasty food and fabulous conversation with amazing people...

Kaylynn (from Canada) was able to join us at Ker-dog's house afterwards for our "foot zoning/type discovery party".  We could have talked for hours more but it was already way past my bedtime before going our separate ways.  Thanks Crew!  'Til next time..."

The next morning we cleaned up, packed up and drove north to enjoy conference weekend with C. cousins.  It was nice of G-ma and G-pa P to provide yet another place for us to call home for a few days - even while they were out of town.  We watched the Saturday afternoon session in Hilary & Adam's future exercise room - complete with camp chairs, a mattress and a toasty space heater.  Aaron, Tanner and Adam attended Priesthood session together while the other cousins played.

Sunday morning we had the kids/cousins join us at G-ma and G-pa's place after Aaron figured a way to stream conference via his computer.

But we were back at the C.'s for final conference session once we were notified by Verizon that Aaron's cel phone plan was maxed out.  

All of the kids were so attentive (and motivated) to listen for certain key words during each of the sessions of conference - treats were on the line!

Monday - we enjoyed the last of our leisurely paced days together and decided to take the kids ice-skating.  It was a first for some of them.

  

Tanner has some experience and did quite well.

I was feeling pretty proud of my own dormant skills - even the kids were impressed.  It's funny when I do something (like a cartwheel or a flip on the trampoline) that my kids have no idea I can actually do - they can't imagine that Mom was a person before they were born...

Elsie and Quinn did remarkably well with these little scooters.  They made great progress in a short amount of time.  And other than a few "real skaters" practicing a routine for an upcoming program, we were the only people on the ice that afternoon.

Late lunch at our special family vacation restaurant - Chuck-A-Rama.

What's not to love about this arrangement? 

 Everyone gets to pick whatever they want to eat.  I don't have to slave away in the kitchen.  They can eat as much as they want to.  And no dishes.

That afternoon, we drove the kids around campus and shared stories from our college days.  They have heard how Aaron and I met a zillion times but it was like a brand-new story again as we showed them places and talked about our lives from so many years ago.

The famous K-1 Crew apartment located in the Old Farm complex.

On this door hung the "Welcome to Frida-Land" sign that peaked Aaron's interest.

We lived in the basement of this red brick house when we were first married.  And it was a glorious day for us when we were able to move upstairs nine months later.  Hooray for windows!  This is where we were living when Tanner was born - December 16, 1997.

 After driving down and around memory lane, we headed back for a quick FHE with the C.'s

After Jenna's lesson, she demonstrated the Virginia Reel - lots of dancing took place in one room while lots of basketball watching took place in another.  

After saying good-byes and good-nights, we headed back to sleep at G-ma and G-pa P's place.

The next morning we woke up to snow! 

 Since Aaron had to fly to LA, we dropped him off to catch a shuttle to the SL airport and the rest of us headed for home.  By 2pm, we were home and quickly unloaded the car before the rest of the day's activities.  Brinley had an ortho appointment, Tanner went to track practice, Anna and Brinley attended gymnastics, Jantzen had soccer practice and then scouts, Tanner and Brinley participated in a youth activity at the church.  As I began putting the younger children to bed, Elsie and Anna both commented on how long the day seemed considering when and where it started.  At least we left the snow behind.  Now we're just waiting for some more spring weather.