It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, pretty similar to home, not really leaving the house and sitting by Easton's side or holding him all day ( he has been a pretty needy baby) and playing with my kids (not because I am such a great Mom, but becaue if I don't I have whiny bored kids at my side) , and then leaving the night to clean up. The difference was they had other kids to keep them busy during the day, so it wasn't just Mom they latched on to and my poor sister did a lot more up keep of toys and food then I am sue she does without my kids there. I really felt bad about that and would tell her I would get to it after I got my kids down, but I know it was a mess and if she had a moment she would just do it.
While we were there the first couple of weeks, my kids all got pretty crappy colds, which turned into fevers, and then ear infections so we were more home bound than usual and all a little crabby. It made it hard to see friends, so I didn't really see many while I was out there.
It was a lot of fun staying there and being able to sit and talk with my sister during the day. Her kids were so good with my kids, it was a lot of fun to see them all playing and nice to be able to spend more time with my nieces and nephews. We were really sad to go.
My sister that lives in Idaho falls came down for a week while we were there. We did two outings, the first we went to a public pool. Let me tell you, it was awful. All of my kids were crying and afraid of the water, but they love it a home. Easton and Ava were both having melt downs and only wanted me. But my family was great, and really tried to help. They got Ayden and Gavin to go into the pool while I sat by Ava and Easton on the side of the pool after walking around with one on my back and one in my arms to calm them down. I think my family got the first taste of why I don't go out much.
The second one we did, we went to the zoo. I was pretty worried about this one. Again Ava and Easton both were having melt downs. I think Ava was just over whelmed with all of her cousins that wanted to love her and play with her which made her cling to me. We had been at Michelle's house for a few days, so she would go to her and calm down when I disappeared, but Michelle has a baby of her own, so Brytan (her cousin) tried holding her with the back pack on her back and did great. Her and Jonah really did a good job of making her laugh that day.
One of the things that made her happy on this particular day..Chips, a healthy and nutritious meal
I was glad we got this picture. It is something Easton has done for a while. When he is in the sling he likes his foot out so he could play with it and sometimes would stick his big toe in his mouth.
Ayden showing everyone how not to sit in a stroller
Michelle testing out the slings, finally giving them a try, I think they were a sucess!
I was shocked they let Bryton go ont he carousel with Ava on her back, but they did and it worked.
All the other kids on the carousel, of course Ayden and Gavin just wanted to watch, that's ok, it gave us a chance to eat our lunch
After the Zoo we went to the park to celebrate Hadley's second Birthday (my niece)
Ava sure loves her blanket, and was especially clingy to it on this trip
She will hold it close to her head and saw Awe. She does that with her dolls and animals too, it is very loving.
Kaylie was like a little mother, I was very impressed. She was so loving to my kids and would hold them and let them climb all over them. On top of that, she was the cleanest little girl I have ever met. She was happy and willing to clean her messes up and help put things in the right place from other people's messes.
Ayden LOVES to help and watch people cook, I swear one day he's going to be a Master Chef
Ava's first time eating yogurt. I know it's a little late, but she has used her utencils with other things, mostly her fork, but she never wanted to do things like yogurt or cereal, but this time she wanted to do it herself. With both Ava and Easton teething and having fevers and ear infections, it was a struggle to get them to eat anything it seemed like. I feel like it is like that every time I go out of town.
Kaylie, Braxton, and sweet baby crew. They all love their little brother crew and were such great helpers with him.
So this is one reason why I am sure my sister is glad we are gone. I have my battles and eating snacks in the kitchen has been oneI have given up on for a number of reasons. The muddy buddies mess they are making here, I did not know they were doing this until they had already done it, I wouldn't have let them do this. But because I am not as stricked with keeping my kids in the kitchen, I kept having to catch my kids and tell them to go back in the kitchen, but I would forget sometimes and I know this drove her nuts.
Eating ice cream cones, Gavin is getting his feet all warmed up for it
Michell with a load of kids!
Ella and Ava playing
Grandma Simmons and Easton
Michelle had a birthday while I was there, the big 31!
I made a couple of blankets while I was there for some friends, I loved the fabric I found!
Grandma reading to Ava
These boys sure look innocent, but they were all trouble!
Ava saying cheese at the camera, she loves the camera!
Gavin loves babies. He is holding his baby cousin crew
My sister and I did a few projects together while we were there. I love learning new things and getting ideas from my sisters.
My sister tells me that Ella loves to hold other kids and they typically don't want to be held. One time she was holding one of my kids and she was so happy they weren't trying to get away
Grandpa Simmons with Ava and Easton
Easton learned to crawl while we were there, I made sure to catch it on video for Jordan to see
He loves pushing cars around, it is one of his favorite things to do, he is a lot like Ayden that way
Kohen crashed on his bike and is showing his wound. It's kind of hard to see in this pick, but he was tough!
Gavin stuck his nose in my blush
The kids all had a lot of fun outside. Michelle had this really cool blow up slide. When it was up the kids around her neighborhood could see it and would stop by to see if her kids could play while in their swimsuits.
Here the boys are eating ice cream by the little blow up pool
They loved playing in the water all hours of the day, I probably never should have dressed my kids. They would be cold come in and be done, so I would get them changed and next thing I knew they would be it he water again. I guess their water filled diapers didn't bother them. We actually just started taking their diapers off and hoped for no poop!
Little Easton loves the water! Ella did a good job keeping him steady in the pool. It's slippery!
Jordan flew out to come get us and to go to my high school reunion with me
I didn't see a lot of friends while I was ther, but did see a few, i wish I would have remembered to get picks with all of them. But it was so good to see the ones that I saw! It really has been a long time and it is so fun to get back in touch.
The last night in Boise...It was bitter sweet. Sad to leave my family, but nice to get home to our beds. It was a long time, and I don't know if I would go for that long again, but I am glad that I did, it was well needed. I love you Michelle, thanks for everything!!
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