Utah in a week

When Craig got word that they won a project in Idaho my mind was cranking how to get to northern Utah at the same time.  Craig's job site visits were in between Twin Falls and Mountain Home, ID, which for me would be a 3-4 hour drive.  Hmmmm....OF COURSE we're gonna take it work!  His work said that they would be paying $200 for a flight so if we wanted to drive they'd give that to us in gas money.  I was so grateful and they didn't care at all. 

We left Sunday for Haggard...BFE of Idaho and stayed at a hole-in-the-wall hotel with Craig.  It was about a 8 hour drive leaving at 9am and getting there about 6pm when you factor in stops for gas, lunch, dinner, feedings.  It wasn't bad at all.  Craig had to meet with Jeff and then had work stuff to do so the girls and I got settled in for the night and got ready for bed.  We were up and on the road at 730 the next morning and got to Aimee's house at 10:45.  The worst part about the drive was that I had no one to talk to.  The girls fell asleep so I called the doctor's office about Hadi's eye.  That was nice to talk to someone  ha ha. 
Monday we spent the day playing in water, school lunch, talking, Cafe Rio for dinner and a stop at Wally world for a few things for the week.

 Oaklee caught blue-faced  ha ha   Aimee has billions of blackberries in her backyard

 This is how Milly spent the afternoon while the kids played in water...princess dog

Tuesday we were invited to lunch with mom so we headed to ABC Mandarin for lunch, Gordman's for shopping and then hanging out at Gma Allen's house all night.  It was fun for the kids to play.

Wednesday we stayed at Aimee's house and enjoyed the day relaxing and playing.  I had to get a few things for my first Paparazzi party and helped clean up the house a bit.  It was nice to have a chill day.

Thursday we were invited by Gma Parker to come eat lunch and play.  Jaycee loved seeing her cousins Devin, Parker, Kaila and playing for a few hours.  We had to leave at 3 so I could get back and help get things ready.  The party that night was a huge success and fun to party it up with people I haven't seen for a while.  Even a sister missionary that served in Maine when we were there came to the party.  I ended up making $250 from the party and glad Aimee got 4 FREE pieces for hosing.  I felt bad that there were so many kids there and trashed Aimee's house.  It all together was a fun night.  I had a great feeling of why I started selling Paparazzi and can't wait until my first open house in washington.

Friday we had a girls day.  A storm rolled in so our swimming plans and zoo fell through.  We ended up at Fat Cats for bowling instead.  All the kids LOVED it.  Jaycee had never been bowling either.  I was so surprised they were all so content watching each other and patiently waiting their next turn. 

Saturday was the Parker family "annual trip" and this year we had a pool party at Jodi's mom's house.  It was such a fun day to talk with everyone and let Jaycee and Hadi see their cousins, aunts, uncles & gma & gpa.  Jaycee loved, loved, loved swimming and even jumped off the diving board a few times.  She has no fear.  We got home and crashed from the fun day.

Sunday was our last day since Craig had finished earlier than expected.  We went to church and saw old friends, took a nap, packed up some things, ate dinner at my mom's house and then played a game at Dawn's.  It was a fun night.

Milly found a comfy spot for the car ride  ha ha.  This is between the driver seat and passenger seat over the drink holders.  She's a  good traveler.

 Jaycee was happy to be home and playing with mommy's camera again

 On the way we did a quick stop at the Brigham City temple.  It was gorgeous!

Monday we got to relax a little bit since I planned on leaving around 4.  When the time came it was bittersweet.  I loved staying with my best friend and letting our kids play all week.  The 4 hour drive back wasn't bad at all and it was nice to see Craig.  We swam in the pool that night and I cried in his arms and hopefully he didn't take offense since I was crying because I missed Aimee and her family.  It was nice to see Craig though and we missed him so much.  The next day was about a 7 hour drive home and went by so fast.  That drive really isn't too bad and getting quite used to it.  We were glad to be home and settled back at home. 

Visitors

We've been so busy with trips and visitors and Paparazzi that I've been a slacker. So sorry!

I was so anxious that they were coming and I'm sure they got tired of me calling to see where they were.  We loved having all 9 kids and 4 extra adults in the house, despite how hecktic it was at times.  Or that it took hours to get out the door. ha ha.

Here are 3 of the 4 "2011" baby girls.  Pretty girls

 Girls watching movies in grandpa's car.  Be careful with those headphones, and there will be NO laughing! ha ha.

 We headed to Mt. St. Helens to the ape caves.  We didn't get a chance to do more up there since it took so long to leave, but it was still fun to go to.  Next time we'll prepare better.

 The crew. 

 Mom and Oakers getting ready for our adventure

 In the cave.  It was pitch dark and cold.

  This pic made me laugh.  I was just shooting a pic and remember that it was pitch dark.  So after I took the pic I looked down at the camera and noticed Aimee had been smiling.  It was funny. 

 One of the nights we let the kids play at the park by our house.  Oaklee was so cute on Jaycee's bike.  We had to hurry home to watch the finale of the Batchelorette.

 Multnomah Falls

 Jaycee playing in a tree at the falls

 On the last day here we all went to Ikea.  Aimee was making me laugh so hard.  Dang, I'm going to miss this girl. 

 Milly playing around in the backyard with all the kids

 My girlies the day after everyone left. 

We were so glad to have fun visitors and even though it was stressful at times it still was fun!  You all are welcome anytime!

I'm SO excited to be selling Paparazzi $5 Jewelry & Accessories!  It's going to be so fun and already I've had people excited to hear about the AWESOME business opportunities and how they can get some free jewelry.  I start Saturday with my first open house.  Yahoo!