Tanner's 39th Birthday and the Kids Return to School!

Time to celebrate! Tanner turned the big 3-9 on Friday and he spent the day doing all of his favorite things: starting with hot tub time with Ella!

    We took Jack to school for "donuts with the teacher" and we all got so excited for the return to school on Monday! Jack's teacher, Mrs. Kliss, is seriously amazing and couldn't have timed this little donut party any better. We were able to see some friends from class and have any questions answered. We then picked up the kids at home and went to Wendy's for lunch per tradition. Tanner even got the extra large Frosty!

We didn't do much in the afternoon- just relaxed and basked in the birthday boy's glow.

It was a little sad that Tanner didn't hear a word from his side of the family. I think Kassidy texted him. But no card, text, or phone call from his parents. Not a whisper. I texted them on our way out to dinner and reminded them thinking maybe they just forgot. Kim said she texted everyone to remind them on WhatsApp (which we don't use) and Monte said he wasn't sure when to call because he felt like he was always inconveniencing Tanner with his calls. But they Face Timed right away and were cute and nice. I'm just so disappointed! I know I shouldn't let it bother me, but it does. I'm such a mama bear over Tanner.

We made a reservation at PF Chang's so we could have dinner with all of our friends. We got there an hour early so they could easily accomodate us- but they turned us away! Whoever we spoke to on the phone gave us misinformation and they were NOT at all helpful. We walked to about a half a dozen restaurants before we found this amazing Mexican place that totally made our night! The manager was so nice and assured us he could get us a table for 12 if we'd be a little patient and wait. I know he was probably going against the Governor's stupid order since apparently you can't sit more than 6 at a table and we had 12. But we ended up having the BEST night with all of our friends! Tanner felt so loved and it was so fun!

The next morning, we left the kids with Audrey and spent a night in Vegas! The drive up was so great- we were finally able to sit and chat which is what we love to do. We talked about his job prospects and wrote down questions for his negotiations. We stopped by Spencer and Mona Kay's and picked up the cutting board I'd commissioned for Tanner. Spenc is a wood working wizard and created the most gorgeous, huge, cutting board for Tanner to use when he's grilling and smoking big pieces of meat. He also made me a fantastic charcuterie board! Spencer is just amazing and we loved spending time chatting with them. They are, and always have been, the kind of friends who truly uplift you. The kind of people who leave you feeling better than you did before you saw them. We treasure our friendship with them!

We checked into our junior suite at the JW Marriott and then ate dinner at this amazing place that Andrea recommended- North Italia. It was sooooo good and totally hit the spot. We grabbed Crumbl for dessert and then went back to the hotel for a nice warm bath and good night's sleep.

The next morning we enjoyed a nice breakfast INSIDE before driving home. We were able to listen to ward conference via zoom. The Stake President spoke about the scripture, "Establish a house...." I LOVE that scripture and it's been my mantra all year. Be prepared. Be prayerful. Fast. Show love. Love lifts us up where we belong.

When we got home, the kids were so happy to see us and Audrey did a wonderful job- the girls had the cutest hair for church! We had a nice, relaxing Sunday and Tanner was able to give the kids back to school blessings. He blessed Rayleigh to be a friend to all and for the extra capacity to sit still and learn. He blessed Jack with a love of learning and the ability to reach out to others. It was really beautiful and I'm so thankful for Tanner and his priesthood authority which he uses with love often.

The next day, March 1st, was the kids FIRST day back to school!!! I don't know if you can tell in the pictures, but the kids were soooooooooo excited and did awesome! Due to covid, we had to just drop them off curb side but they hopped out of the car and didn't look back. They were so stoked! They have to wear masks, they can't play on the playground, and they eat lunch at home. But they love being in the classroom with their teacher and friends. I'm so happy for them!

Parker was struggling with math so Tanner sat down and helped him for a few hours. It's Dr Suess week so the kids had funny spirit days. On mismatch day, I told them they could pick out their own clothes. ha ha But things are looking up!

Tanner signed a contract to work for North American, the Stake President's company and he's taking a few weeks off  before he starts. He's like a new person. He's back to the man I married and I hope it sticks, they he works hard and gets paid and we can enter a new chapter of life! Tanner with a new job, Rayleigh and Jack at a new school, and Covid making it's exit!

Once again, things are looking up!

Fun times with Audrey- the best babysitter of all time.