A Few Last Beautiful Moments

We finally made it home from Utah.  It was WONDERFUL to spend so much time with family and we miss them dearly already, though it is always nice to be home in some ways.  We were excited to see Nick and his latest house project that he completed in his minimal "spare time" while we were gone.  More on that another day.  Today, I give you some of the last wonderful moments of our trip. 

Let me first take a moment to brag about Alec's attention span.  Alec sat with my mom for 30 minutes as she explained to him the game of chess.  She showed him all the pieces, told him their names, what moves they could do, and which ones were the most important.  They set the board up together and even began playing a real game of chess (all this while Alec wore the bike helmet... if it weren't for sleeping and bathing, I don't know if he ever would have taken that thing off).

Alec cut straight to the chase, moving his horse (or is it a rook?) out into the open.  
Then when he went to make his third move and kept choosing pieces that weren't allowed to move he got frustrated.  After three or four options were turned down he decided he was done with this game and wiped the board clean with the classic "you have no proof!"  Still I think even 30 minutes of concentration on a game like that is really impressive!
I also got to go climbing with Carly and my dad at the Quarry twice.  I love that place.  I wish I had one here.  I know it's an investment to by your own climbing gear, (and those tight little climbing shoes brought back memories of satin pink point shoes in high school) but I sure love it!  It gives me a strength training workout like nothing else.  Unfortunately it's hard to take pictures and climb at the same time so no photos.  I can't wait to try and take Alec this summer when we go out again!  

We never made it to the dinosaur museum because both the kids got nasty sick.  I was so thankful to my mother for dropping everything to help take care of them, and change that 25th nasty diaper of the day, etc.  Needless to say, the babies lived off bananas and saltines.  We learned that just like Alec doesn't like bread (what kid doesn't like bread?!)  Lyssa doesn't like juice (what kid doesn't like juice!!!?).  Keeping those poor diarrhea stricken munchkins hydrated was tough business, and we stayed close to home... but never got too bored.  We watched movies, I made Easter themed sugar cookies, and Lyssa helped Mike with his calculus homework....

all while sporting the best rockstar hair in the world... you like her Ace Ventura style flip/mullet?  Mike's new hair cut was pretty sweet too, though I always love Mike's hair long or short.  He was such a good sport, always so patient with my kiddos. 
Luckily the little ones mostly got over their stomach issues before we flew home.  I only had to deal with the typical fits over wanting more dried mango, or not getting enough sleep... not trying to change a crazy blow out style diaper on a squirmy kid in a small enclosed space 3000 feet in the air.  Phew! 

Nick was waiting for us at the airport when we arrived.  He had food, water, and new books for the babies to read all the way home from Omaha.  We all took much needed naps on the long drive (except Nick of course, as he was the designated driver).  I got unpacked, and showered and then Tiffany (one of my angel friends walking around in fashionable human clothing) called providing delicious sustenance so I didn't have to cook after a long brain numbing day of travel.  What a way to come home, eh?  

And now I say, it's late!  Over and out...