Celebrating Grandma Peterson, Kim, and Mother's Day

Tanner's sweet grandmother passed away after a long, hard fight with Alzheimer's disease. Both her parents suffered similar fates so it was heart breaking to witness. But such a joy to know that her mind and body are now free and she is surrounded by loved ones in Paradise. We decided to fly to Salt Lake and rent a car to drive from there up to Bear Lake for her services. Rayleigh and Jack had never flown  before so this was an adventure for them and a challenge for Tanner and me. I spent the whole day before our trip packing, cleaning, and organizing. I tried to pack light and yet not forget anything. I debated on strollers and packed entirely too many diapers. We made plans to play out in the sunshine and water but the weather turned out to be cool, cloudy, and windy... so I packed wrong. We got plenty of left looks out the right eye at the airport by fellow passengers who were probably silently praying that they had seats far away from us. We were lucky to get a whole row together. Purchasing flights only 3 days in advance usually makes for slim pickings when it comes to seats. But Tanner took the boys and had the entire front row on our way to Salt Lake and I had Rayleigh next to me just a few rows back, We had this same situation on the way home only instead of the front of the plane, we were in the back. The kids did OK during the flights. Rayleigh did NOT want to sit in her seat the entire time and it was a struggle keeping her contained and entertained. Thank goodness the kids love the car and did really well at all other times of travel. But, Tanner and I firmly decided that we will not attempt another family trip like this for at least another 2 years. 

As I was packing, Rayleigh found her 2 pink "princess"night gowns and wanted Jack to dress up too! He was on board with this for about 25 seconds...

Waiting for our flight in Long Beach. Tanner was fortunate to be able to go to work that morning for a couple of hours. When he attempted to leave, he realized his car battery was dead! Because what would a day planned with a flight out of state be without some sort of calamity??? Luckily he received a jump from Ricky and he was on his way....

Walking on to the plane! Finally! So exciting! The hardest part was sitting in the airport waiting to board...

Rayleigh was happy with her phoney for a little while but didn't want to wear head phones which made her games hard to hear and thus rendered useless. 

She squished herself up on our fellow row guest- thankfully I sat next to a friendly woman on both flights. They were extremely patient and tolerant of my crazy 3 year old. I wanted her to be able to look out the window so they were very nice to accommodate her.

I'm pretty sure they spent the majority of this trip sleep deprived. My babies need naps. And their own beds... We rented a Yukon and it was awesome. It was a nice smooth ride, big and luxurious and came with all the bells and whistles for Tanner. The drive up to Bear Lake was exquisite. Each blade of grass and green leaf looked like it had a tiny light bulb it in. Everything was so bright and vivid with color! Who needs Europe when it looks like the French Alps right here in Western America!

We stayed at this awesome 2 bedroom condo that night and I wished we'd had more time there to stay and play. We had a gorgeous view of the crystal blue lake and they even had a swimming pool! It will be fun to go back someday and go boating and enjoy the peacefulness of Bear Lake. The check out process was ridiculous though. Most poeple stay at these condos for weeks at a time and the clean up routine was extensive- especially for us who had only stayed 1 night. We were stressed we were going to be late for the family prayer and I was going to be heart broken if Tanner missed seeing his Grandma one last time and saying good bye. But we made it by the hair of our chinny chin chins. Nicole and I took one for the team and kept all of our kids in the primary room during the service. We could turn on the sound to the chapel in there which was a blessing. I would have been sad to miss out on all the wonderful talks- especially Monte's. It was neat learning more about Grandma Ovid's life! Right at the beginning I made the mistake of trying to sneak out and go to the bathroom. Both babies were not fooled and tried to follow me which made Nicole jump on duty to run after them which made them scream and cry like little demons in the hall way. We are talking all in the space of the 45 seconds it takes to go to the bathroom. Can you say humiliating? It was bad. They were bad. But they had no idea why were were there or what was going on. They were tired and hungry and it was all I could do to hold myself together. I wanted so badly for Tanner to enjoy this time with his extended family. And I think he did. He was honored to be there and I'm so glad we sacrificed to make being there possible. 

After the memorial service, we headed to the cemetery for the burial. I tried to keep the babies in the car but little Rayleigh wanted to pick flowers. How could I deny her!? Can you even imagine a more picturesque spot to be laid to rest? It really does look like heaven in Bear Lake in the Spring.

We went to a smaller chapel for a delicious luncheon. I knew this luncheon would be the biggest challenge of all with Tanner wanting to socialize and all of us needing to eat. You can let a pregnant girl starve! We were blessed to be surrounded by loving family members who all stepped in to watch over our kids during that short amount of time. Kim took Rayleigh across the street to the little playground. I wasn't sure where she was so I took Jack and was looking for her. When I found them happily playing outside I was so relived! Apparently, Rayleigh tried to cross the street and come find me shortly after they arrived at the playground and almost got hit by a truck. Never a dull moment with my little independent spit fire. This playground was amazing though and the weather was perfect! The kids loved playing outside!

From there, we all drove to Blackfoot where we stayed for the weekend. It was Kim's birthday so we tired to make it special for her. Nicole made brownies and everyone sang to her. I missed out on that because I was trying to get the babies to bed. It was a little stressful at first because they were sooooo tired and I had no idea where to sleep them or what to do. But we worked it out. We hadn't been together at Tanner's parent's house in about 3 years. Jack had never been there! So this was a whole new adventure for us! Tanner took the kids out on the 4 wheeler- it was freezing cold but that didn't stop them!

Kim was fortunate to have her birthday just 2 days before Mother's Day! Double the love! We triedd to shower her with affection and gifts! I think she liked it!

Doing what we do best: eating!

Travis and Jack in a prolonged snuggle session. Yessssss

My attempt at keeping the kids calm and contained. This did not last...

Saturday was spent hanging out at Kim and Monte's house. We had plans to go to Jensen's Grove and to a trampoline park- among other fun activities. But the weather was not conducive for any of that. So instead we just relaxed and hung out. We got a couple of babysitters for the evening and had a nice dinner out to celebrate Kim! We even got to go see Travis and Kaitlin's new house!!! It's so beautiful! I love it!!!

Sunday was Mother's Day and I knew it was a conundrum for Tanner. We were at HIS house over a holiday celebrating ME. Hmmmmm, what to do? No breakfast in bed or cute cards or flowers. He didn't even get up on time to get HIMSELF ready for church not to mention the kids. I was kinda hurt but I decided to get over that pretty quickly because the truth is, Tanner would do anything for me any day I wanted it. It doesn't have to be Mother's Day. He shows me how much he appreciates me on the daily. Although I was disappointed to be late to church and miss the sacrament, I was so glad we were there in time to see the kids sing. It was Rayleigh's first time up there! She did a little 1 finger point dance and waved at us. She was the cutest thing up there! These kids sure do know how to make their mother swoon. Jack went right to the nursery and lucky for us, Kim is the primary president so she could keep an eye on Rayleigh. Well, that worked until she had to step out and Rayleigh freaked out and hit her teacher and hid under the pulpit in the primary room and cried. Once again, I don't know what I'm doing wrong and it was humiliating to hear that she behaved this way. It really bothered me and broke my heart. I talked to Tanner about it and he reassured me that she's just a busy, independent little girl and we have to just keep doing our best and eventually she will grow and mature. I sure hope so. Sheesh. When we found her writhing on the ground in the hall way with Kim standing over her we decided to call it a day and go home. 

Kim and Monte prepared THE best dinner! I felt badly that the women were doing all the work while the boys sat around. I didn't know quite where to step in either! But I sure did appreciate that wonderful meal! It was amazing! The weather turned warmer and sunnier that afternoon and the Dad's DID take all the kids out to play which was a nice break for the moms. The 4 wheeler was the activity of choice but they also ran around and played games and rode in the back of the truck. Tanner took me and Jack for a little ride too and I told him that all I really wanted was a sweet video of me with the kids so I will always remember these precious days. The footage he shot and the video he created is amazing. He is so talented and I will cherish it forever!!!!

There is nothing better than cousins playing together! Parker had a blast!!!!!

Kim, Nicole, and I tried to take the little ones on a walk down the lane. Rayleigh should have been Nicole's daughter because she would have loved to run a 5k all round the neighborhood. She went darting off and I, all huge and pregnant, could not go chase after her. Nicole did though! Next time we are together I'm going to have to remember to let Ray and Nicole go for a run! ha ha I thought the kids would be more into these horses but all they tried to do was throw rocks at them..... sheesh.

My little nature loving wanderer. She could have spent every waking moment exploring the state of Idaho.

Keeping it real with socks and sandals

The next day we drove down to Salt Lake and flew home. The kids slept the entire way down  and we stopped at Zupas for lunch before leaving. The flight home wasn't as bad at the flight up. Makes me wonder if we flew more often if the kids would get used to it. Rayleigh would push the "up" button on the arm rest to "make the plane go up" and over and over again when we were ready to land she would yell, "We're gonna crash!!!!" Oh boy.

LANDED

Rayleigh took this of me on our drive home. It's kinda cute to see what she sees...

The next day was spent entirely on doing laundry and getting cleaned up. Jack slept until 1:10pm. I kid you not. I checked on him multiple times. I listened through the door, I checked the video monitor, and I even peeked in on him and touched his back! This kid was wiped out from a huge, eventful weekend! My little dude can't handle the traveling I guess. Best to keep him home- our own little slice of heaven.

There's no place like home. The kids just wanted to swim right when we got home. Everyone got a Popsicle to enjoy in the hot tub and we shared our thoughts about the wonderful weekend. How blessed we are to know that families are forever and that we can be sealed together for eternity in the House of the Lord. I'm so grateful for Grandma Peterson's example, her faith, and her hard work and sacrifice in raising such an outstanding family and our own Monte. I know she is now in heaven watching over my little family and working hard to ensure they are protected. I don't know what I'd do without the hosts of angels who work to guide and direct me and my children's paths. My greatest goal is to achieve that celestial glory with my family!