Wordless Wednesday, one day late

St. George, our last day, Sunday

It's hard to look at the whole weekend and pick a favorite part, but if hard pressed this would definitely be it for me. . . Sunday at church. It was quite the nostalgic experience for me, and on looking back, I think it was because it reminded me of growing up with the church in small wards and branches compared to the church that I experience now in Utah. Both are strong and vital to the church's growth, but there is something unique in the Sunday church meeting experience when you're meeting in the old buildings with small congregations, and yet hear the same message and the same doctrine that you would in modern buildings with overflowing congregations. I loved Sunday morning on our vacation. The weather at the cabin, because of the elevation, was always several degrees cooler than St. George, but on this particular morning we all could feel the warming spring in the air. We woke and got ready for church and then started packing up so that after Sacrament Meeting we would be able to pull out and hit the road. Naki had a fireside that he was singing in that evening back at home so we wanted to give ourselves enough time to get back. Naki got a couple pics of the outside of the cabin.

Church was a unique experience because the size of the "chapel" was about my kitchen and living room together.

It was hardwood floors and every sound seemed to be amplified. When we walked in you can imagine the stir we made. There was not a single other child in the room. Apparently the community doesn't sport many young babes. This is a picture of the town map. (The town map is the one on the left.)

Actually, when we walked up to the chapel we were given the option to let the kids run around in the overflow below or sit in the chapel above. I really wanted to have the chapel experience, but it really was no place for little babies. Any squeak they made seemed such an interruption to the meeting. So, after the sacrament, here's where the babies ended up.


Eva passed out too. All the big kids found her bundled up in this blanket taking a little nap.


Naki and Kolei while watching the little ones outside found this plaque and I just had to take a picture of it. I'm not sure if you can read it, or if you can make the picture bigger, but it tells some really neat things. One of which is that the wood from the yellow pine trees from Pine Valley were cut down and hauled all the way to Salt Lake for the organ pipes in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. We were just so amazed at all the history.

Before we took off we took some more pictures just for memory's sake. Notice the grass on the side of the sidewalk? That was the parking lot. We were parked in the grass!



The whole Sunday morning experience was the icing on the cake of a perfect getaway with our St. George Cousins. Thanks again you guys for making it so memorable. We love you!

St. George, the rest of Saturday April 18th

Well, after the babes woke from their much needed nap, we loaded up and headed out to Baker Dam (I think that's the name...I've been trying to search my memory, and I think that's the name of the Dam). Brooks was so dang cute, helping Eva walk down the shore to the edge of the water, especially because she probably took the longest to get there. He didn't seem to mind at all.We spent some time trying to skip rocks. Apparently the big boys are the pros. Must be all of those Scout Camping trips from their youth.

This picture I found some personal humor in. It reminded me of my so athletically capable dad who tried endlessly and patiently to teach me skill after skill, and I never could get it. But Naki was explaining to the girls the proper way to skip a rock. They all tried...I was a innocent bystander who got whacked with a rock that accidentally slipped out of their hand as they were pulling back their arm to let it rip. It didn't hurt, but once again, made me think of me as a child trying so desperately to learn some new physical skill...unsuccessfully!

We loaded up from here and then followed Kolei and Nisi into St. George, where they surprised us with an unexpected stop at Judd's Ice Cream, a quaint ice cream shop that has been on that same site since 1865 and in the same building, an old adobe, that we were in since 1911. (looked that tidbit up on line!) Thanks for the treat, guys.


One person loved the ice cream so much, that later on that night, after this individual spoke up and said that they wanted to go back for more, Nisi took this un-named individual on an unplanned trip to the grocery store to try and find the very same flavor. (much to un-named individual's embarrassment!) We were unsuccessful in finding the same flavor, but don't worry, this person found the same flavor and brand at Macey's grocery store as soon as we got back. On our drive down from the cabin we were in awe of the scenery. Line had the camera and was snapping pictures out of her window. I was terrified she'd drop it out of the window and break it, but I shouldn't have worried so much. I dropped it at the park last week and broke it myself instead!


After ice cream we headed over to see the St. George Temple. I don't think I've ever seen a Temple so white! It was stunning.


Ane was loving the grass. (not quite sure how her ponytail that started out mostly on the side of her head ended up smack in the middle of her head sticking straight up, but really, I'm at the point where I'm just glad to know that I got her hair done at all.)


Here is a little video clip of her loving the soft grass on the Temple grounds.



We then headed over to the park right by the temple where we met up with Naki's Uncle Seti his daughter Tisa, (Kolei's sister) and her two boys, Samuela and Seti. Thank you Tisa for dinner! Sadly, I didn't take a single picture at the park. But it was so great to see everyone there. We eventually packed up and headed over to Kolei and Nisi's house to bathe the babes since we were having some hot water technicalities at the cabin. (Side note - if you ever wondered if you can get brain freeze any other way than the common way, just try and take a cold shower in a cabin with no hot water. That mountain water is c-c-c-c-cold!) Once again, I just loved seeing all the cousins playing together. After baths we drove back up to the cabin where we ate some more yummy smores and had a dance off with Kolei, Brooks, and the girlies. Okay, not really a dance off, but all the kids danced and Kolei was such a good sport to show us his moves, too. I'm just so relieved that I didn't have to get in on the action. Don't get me wrong. . . love to dance with the girlies at home, but it's a private showing, only! I videoed Brooks, and when we watched it at home Malia was disappointed that I didn't get his legs in the recording. Sorry Malia!



We finally wound down and got some much needed sleep. Ane accepted her port-a-crib fate much better that night, and so we ALL got some good sleep. Next post will be about Sunday morning, which we all loved!

St. George, Saturday Morning

Well, Saturday morning came way too soon for me. AneBoo had decided that she was extremely unhappy with her port-a-crib and missed her own crib to sleep much. She was so loud I was afraid that she would wake everyone up! and so decided to make our way outside for a morning walk. And considering how late we all went to sleep, I wanted everyone to sleep as long as possible so we didn't have a bunch of grouchie-pants on our hands for the rest of the trip. Lucky for me, I had thought to stick my running shoes in my bag...no workout clothes, just the shoes. Otherwise my toesies would have most definitely frozen on our little walk. You know, it's funny. I really hate waking up, the entire process. But once I'm up I'm really glad to be awake. However, on the days when I don't have to wake up and I sleep in, I spend the rest of the entire day feeling behind on everything. I'm such a geek. On this particular morning I definitely resented having to wake up, or rather, never really sleep. But once my feet hit the dirt road, I smelled that early morning fresh mountain air, and heard the early morning silence (with the exception of Ane's occasional chirp) I was in heaven. It reminded me of when I used to deliver newspapers at 3 in the morning. I really really really really hated waking up that early. But once I was out there, in the brisk air with silence surrounding me, I don't know. I just felt such a sense of peace. That's the way I felt Saturday morning walking with Ane. Upon first arriving I was in awe with my surroundings in nature. I think the peace of the early morning came from feeling that Heavenly Father loves me so entirely, just like the beauty I'm surrounded by. I am part of that beauty, His creations, not separate from it. I returned from our morning walk having done a complete 180. I'd left frustrated that Naki had snored so soundly cuddled with Eva while I was up and down, up and down, in and out of the covers, burping, feeding, changing, and shushing Ane, and returned thrilled with my opportunity to see such sweet faces upon my return.
The others were slowly waking up when we returned, so we eventually all got dressed, made beds, and ate some yummy oatmeal. (That's right, I said yummy. I've overcome my horrid relationship that I had with oatmeal as a child, Mom.)

I'm not sure when this happened, I must have been getting ready. But I'm not surprised to see Eva with baby Dylan. . . we all know she has a honing device that directs her to any baby in her proximity.

The kids and I then had so much fun. Nisi had a showing that morning, so while she was gone I thought it might be fun for them to experience much of what I had earlier, and took them on a walk. Not just any walk, but an "I Spy" walk. During my early morning walk with Ane I had noticed some unusual things that we don't typically see in Orem and also some of the regular things, too. So we made a fun list that the kids had to spy while we were walking. If they spotted something they got to have a Skittle. It was so much fun. Brooks made a homemade snow-cone and the girls befriended a neighbor dog and some REALLY cute puppies. When we got back they all broke out their nerf guns. Those things are so much fun! Here they all are...Naki wanted to get a picture of them, and so told them all to aim for the camera.





After the nerf guns we had some good ole' peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch and then took a wonderful nap. The next post will get us up to date about what we did Saturday afternoon.

St. George Part 1 of Too-Many-To-Count

We have the best family, ever. I'm not sure when, but some time ago Naki's cousin Kolei and his wife Nisi told Naki that anytime we wanted we were welcome to come down to St. George and stay at Nisi's Grandparent's (Jay and Nana) cabin that Jay built himself! Since I'm intimidated and honestly, sometimes uncomfortable, meeting and hanging out with new family, I was a bit wary of the idea at first, but Naki convinced me that my fears were unwarrantable and I am so glad that he did! I don't know what I was worried about. Kolei and Nisi are the sweetest and their kids, Brooks, Tori, and Dylan, couldn't be more adorable and likeable. They opened their whole weekend up for us, spending all their time relaxing with us and hosting us. They also gave us a mini tour of parts of St. George which we loved, too. It's amazing to me, one who grew up quite a distance away from my extended family, that these kind of relationships with Naki's extended family are so enjoyable and comfortable. I was thrilled to see the girlies interacting with their cousins and creating memories with one another that will last a lifetime. It was a perfect weekend. Naki told me on the drive home that usually when he is around Kolei he's with another cousin or brother as well, and that this was the first time that he'd been able to spend so much one on one time with his cousin, which he truly enjoyed. It was so neat for me to see what an incredible Dad and Father he was, bathing, feeding, and changing little Dylan, doing whatever it was that Nisi needed, and really, Nisi you are a very blessed woman! I was able to spend some much needed "girl" time with just Nisi when we first got there, and I loved every minute of it. Nisi is such a capable, caring, and gorgeous woman, I loved getting to know her. I don't know how she does all that she does, balancing work and motherhood like she does. But I do know that those looking for homes in the St. George area are lucky to have her. Brooks was such a gentle giant with all the girlies, never being concerned that he was the only boy cousin around! And can I just say Brooks, the girls just loved your dancing! We taped a bit of it, which maybe I'll put in one of these St. George posts, and during it Naki pointed out to me that you can hear Malia say, "Can I take Brooks to school with me?" It was so cute. Thank you Brooks for sharing your time with all of us. It was such fun to see that Malia has a twin out there, as far as likes and dislikes go. Apparently Tori has a purse collection just like Malia, they are little fashionistas, love the lip gloss, etc etc etc. The girlies talked about how it would feel to be Tori, outnumbered by boys on a usual day in St. George, and how much fun it was for all of them to get to spend some time getting to be with her. And that little Dylan is just adorable, and such a peacable calm baby.

After Naki convinced me that we should take the trip, we decided to not tell the girls and make it a surprise. The night before we left Naki and I stayed up secretly packing their bags and making sandwiches for lunch in the car. We packed up the car that night, and then upon waking the next morning did our usual morning routine so as not to raise any suspicion and after running a few errands, hopped onto the freeway. It was so fun making them guess where we were going. I should have taken a picture when we finally told them, their faces were so cute. But here is a picture of us pulled off an exit doing some much needed diaper changing. I was in the passenger side changing Eva while Naki was standing by his door on the driver's side changing Ane. It was so funny, those giggling girlies.
When we arrived at their house the boys held down the fort with all the kids while Nisi and I ran out to do some quick real estate errands and a little bit of grocery shopping for the cabin. After that, we headed out for the drive to the cabin in Pine Valley, Utah. What a GORGEOUS drive. We had never really been in this kind of scenery before and it is just stunning. We were in awe at God's creations all around us, and can't wait to get back to do some hiking and sight seeing. The kids played for a while and then we ate dinner thanks to the master griller.

Nisi whipped up some much needed and appreciated s'mores along with the ever famous hot cocoa and french bread with butter.


While Kolei was working his TV magic trying to set up a movie for all of us, the kids relaxed reading and just visiting and getting to know each other.

After a great movie we all found our designated spots for sleeping . These two look like their conspiring some mischievious plan, don't you think?


Some crashed as soon as their heads hit their pillows.


Others, like Bugsy here, did miraculously well at sleeping the whole night in their sleeping bag without waking even once.


Right before we went to bed we stepped out onto the cabin porch and looked up. It was unbelievable. The stars were incredible, and any word I use to try and describe it just wouldn't do it justice. There were no sounds either, just a still beautiful night. It was the perfect end to the perfect day.

Happy Birffday, Big Boy...

32 big ones, and your look hasn't changed a bit. Hope you had a great birthday, Nox. We all love you so much and feel lucky that we get to have you as part of our lives for yet another year. Happy Birthday Daddy!

Good Times, Good Times...

When we first moved in the house, we were in heaven. Not only because of the house, but because we had a backyard with a free swingset and makeshift fort-house in it for the girlies to play in. Over the years, those two playsets have been so good to us.

Last summer we were pushing our luck everytime the kids played on them, because they looked like this. . . (Not THIS bad, I'm not that bad of a mom to make my kids go out and play on stuff that could hurt them! I just took these pictures after this winter's snow melted, and they look worse now, but you get the idea.)

We just knew it was time to say goodbye to our good friends, fort and swingset. The girls and I sat one night while we watched Dad take apart the swingset piece by piece. I was surprised to see Malia start crying, which in turn made Lose start crying, and so on. I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised. These are the same girls that wouldn't stop hugging the suburban when we traded it in for our first minivan! Malia turned away before I could get her tears on camera, but Lose wasn't all that shy about sharing. She's smiling while crying because Naki and I were teasing the girlies, which Lose can never resist smiling from.

Eli, by the way, seems to me the only one not sad about this. I think it's because she secretly holds her own vendetta against said swingset and readily tells anyone who will listen that "yesterday" (every day besides the current day is "yesterday") she cut her finger on that swingset, and that's why we're getting rid of it. She's right. That was my last straw. However, she was not supposed to be playing on it in the first place, so that's what she gets for not listening!

I started hunting for some replacements, and knew that most were way out of our budget. I finally found a STEAL on KSL and Naki was a wise man and listened to me when I told him we could not let it pass us by. It was in someone else's backyard up in Sandy, and so bless his heart and all those that helped him with lending labor, trucks, trailers, time, etc. He had to go take it apart in chunks and drive a couple of trips to get it all here. Here are a few of the pieces.

Naki's family came over for Family Home Evening this past Monday night and spent a good chunk of time putting it all together, and they were even succesful despite me asking them to move it to a whole new location after they were almost finished in the first location. (Made me think of Mom and Matt and the little green couch...anyone else know that story?) It's now in it's new home, and we are loving it! It still needs a good staining and a couple of missing bolts screwed in, but we are in heaven. Thanks again to all of you great people out there that helped us get this thing into it's new home. We're super excited to give it it's proper place as the newest member of this Maile family. I have pics of it completed and will post those after we stain it. Yay!