Where to go? What to do?

We've been talking about where to take a family road trip this summer....any suggestions?

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to my cute Mom, Mom-in-law, and sisters-in-law, cousins and friends! I would do a nice tribute to my Mom and Renae today, but I cry all day long on Mother's Day and I don't think I could handle it.

Thank you to my hubby and beautiful children who made me a mommy!

I love you all with my whole heart!

Have a wonderful day!

Dumpster Diving!

I totally went dumpster diving tonight!

Nicole was driving us home from recipe group (at Natalie's tonight - really yummmy Mexican....lots of cilantro), and after dropping Elise off, I spied some blinds in their garbage. I told Nicole to 'STOP!' and when I got out to get the blinds, she said they don't work.....I was laughing when I told her that I heard you can use the slats of blinds to divide areas in your garden boxes.

She laughed and said, 'You just totally went dumpster diving!'

Then, when I got home and told Mike about my new experience and what I had brought home, he told me he wasn't sure he wanted to use that method......

Oh well....it was worth the laugh!

Terrible Twos? No...it's the Terrible Threes!

Looking at that cute face, how could he ever throw tantrums? Well, I have said it before when my girls were this age....we were great at 2 years old. It's the Terrible Threes at our house! (ok, and I'm not a fan of the year of 5 either). Brando has become sooooo opinionated about everything! From what he wears, to where we sit, how we play and argues with me about EVERYTHING!

I love him dearly and always will, but please pray for me to have boundless patience!

(right now he's screaming because I wouldn't let him sit on my lap while I'm typing, and had set him on a stool right next to me!)

Kindergarten Book Club

Last week, Syd was invited to a 'book club' at Abby's house. When I picked her up later that day, I was told by Abby that 'book club' was to be at our house next week and I needed to get invitations and have a treat for them! Cute, huh? I just laughed, thinking that 'book club' was probably a one time deal, but NOOOOOOOO, today Sydney came home saying that the girls would be at our house at 4pm for Book Club!

Good thing I had Mommy inspiration today and made cookies!

It went well today and they pretty much played, did their book reviews and had their cookies while I taught piano lessons. Nice when they can entertain themselves-and Brandon!

Washington DC-continued

Ok, I should be cleaning, but really...I'm so behind on blogging...

that it must take a priority today!

Here is a view of the Capitol from Washington Monument, I think...there was some revival going on The Mall. We saw a 'prayer' that was very 'enthusiastic' let's just say.

We went to the National Archives and after standing in line for an hour (I think..could have been longer), we got inside to see the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, andConstitution (no pictures) (Mikey correct me if I'm wrong). We kind of didn't stay in line and looked over people's shoulders because it had been such a long wait! We did look through the other exhibits and I feel like you could spend at least half a day here if you had the time. I think this is where we saw George Washington's denture teeth! They looked so uncomfortable!! They were some type of metal and the teeth were horse teeth and I think some were wood. Anyway, UGH! Poor guy! I can't imagine how he even kept them in his mouth! (they wouldn't let us take pictures).

Then, we went to the Air and Space Museum. This place is really cool and really crowded. I'm sure it's a favorite of kids. There were a lot of field trip/youth trips while we were in Washington. Probably getting them in before school let out. Wouldn't that be cool? Our kids just get to go to the zoo! Here we saw the plane that the Wright Brothers flew that started the era of flight. It was quite incredible. They have replaced the fabric, but the sign read that it is the actual plane.

We then met up with Doug & Cath and went to the WWII Memorial. This is a beautiful tribute to 'the greatest generation'. It is amazing how it was placed between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial and it doesn't detract, but definitely adds to the beauty of the view.

Inside the anchor pillars.Each of the pillars represents a state and a few others...I think like American Samoa.

The waterfall is in the middle and there is a shallow pool in a huge oval. People come sit, put their feet in the water and meditate or enjoy the sun. ? It would have felt great that day, but neither Mike or I wanted to put our sneakers back on after having wet feet...is that weird?

Can you see Cath & Eliza with their feet in? Cath is wearing a pink shirt in the middle of the photo...it's like Where's Waldo? How about Where's Eliza?

One of my favorite quotes on this memorial was that the women were also critical in fighting this war. Because 'it was everyone's war and everyone was in it.' This war touched everyone. Think about the war we are in now...we all may know someone who has been deployed or served in some capacity, but it doesn't effect us nearly as much as I think WWII did. Although, it may someday, right? We spent a long time here and it was quite peaceful despite the crowds.

Next, we went to the Vietnam Memorial. Mike's Dad's brother is on this wall. We found his name and I think it was quite sobering for Michael.

We then walked down to the Lincoln Memorial. I have always loved this memorial. About this time, our little nieces needed to get some energy out! So, a quick run around, with the twins trying to walk and Eliza trying to climb the pillars was in order! These kids were troopers!

Isn't this a beautiful picture? Good job, Mikey!

Then, we headed to the Korean Memorial. This is quite a moving memorial as these larger than life soldiers 'march' up the hill. 'Freedom is not free'

About this time, the our nieces needed to get home. And we were worn out, so Mike and I decided to drive to Iwo Jima's Memorial. Thank goodness for the GPS, because this monument is hard to get to, even though you can see it from the freeway exit! We couldn't even get out of the car! My feet were hurting so bad! It's hard to get old! Ha, ha! Anyway, this is beautiful and I was surprised how big this monument is.

It's nice to visit places to gain perspective...in more ways than one.
It was Green Week in American the week we were there, so many of the lights on the buildings were not on at night. It was kind of sad to not see the White House or Capitol Building all lit up. But, the biggest disappointment for me was that when Mike and I went to see the D.C. Temple, it was only half lit up! That stunning view you get of this building from the freeway was still beautiful, but not as stunning as I remember it. Mike was still loving it, though, since he hadn't ever seen it. We drove up to the Temple and hung out for a minute. What a magnificent temple.

Saturday night, we went to dinner with D&C and the girls. We sat out on a patio in the great weather and watched the girls scamper around. It was quite funny feeding the twins as they could the food we were trying to feed them, grab it and throw it on the ground! It was quite a kick!

Sunday, we just got up, had a great breakfast from Catherine and headed to the airport. We were exhausted, but happy and ready to see our kids again. Our plane ride was quite turbulent and so we weren't allowed to get out of our seats. The planes were also full this time around and so I was in the middle seat...yuck. As a result, my feet and ankles swelled more than I have ever experienced! They were still swollen Monday and still a little on Tuesday! By Wednesday, I finally felt myself again. Again...it's the getting old thing.

We had a fun surprise when we got home. Our kids had turned into 'geeks!' They came to the door with Harry Potter glasses on, pants pulled up to their chests so they were wearing floods and snorting. Even Papa Arv did this, and looked amazingly normal! jk. They also made us this cute Welcome Home sign. Thanks to Renae & Jim for watching our kids and for the dinner on Sunday night. We had a great time and can't wait to get back. We will love to take our kids there someday. Thanks to Doug & Cath for being such great hosts! It was so much fun to hang out with you guys.

So there! I have finished! Here is a picture of how much the kids enjoyed the gifts we brought them! Doesn't Brando's face just say it all?

My favorite stuff to do on a weekend

You would think my favorite thing to do on a weekend would be to lounge around a pool in some exotic location, sipping on cool, virgin margaritas...but, it's isn't. I love, love, love to spend time with people we love. This weekend, we spent time with a lot of people we love!
First, with our kids....
We went outside pretty early as Mike was doing some yardwork and I had just finished some housework. Suddenly, a spontaneous game of backyard soccer broke out. Dad & Sydney against Mom and Amanda. I'm pretty sure the Arvy game rules include hands, body checks and tripping as acceptable ways of keeping Daddy from scoring a goal!
Daddy also played 'Captain' of the swingset while Brandon played 'Spongebob'. The girls and I got to swing and giggle. Then, Brandon wanted to play croquet and we had to 'plug in' the gates and play a quick game. Really quick for Brando...and he was done while the rest of us where just getting started! Ah, the attention span of a 3 year old...
A quick run up to our family fav, Gandolfo's (pretty fancy place for Kville) to try their breakfast menu and we ran back to shower and get ready for the rest of our day of fun!

We went to Amanda's soccer game all dressed in our Sunday best! Amanda played a great game and managed to keep her ponytailed hair intact and beautiful enough to attend cousin, Kate's baptism! We left right from Amanda's game, she changed in the car and we made it to WJ in plenty of time....

We are proud of you, Kate! Thanks for letting us share your special day! I love to see my hubby, Dad, and brothers all participating in Priesthood ordinances. We were proud of Roger and felt the spirit on this special day! The kids had a great time playing with their cousins (including McKenzie) back at R&C's until we had to run to spend time with some more of our fav people!


Mitchell also got baptized on Saturday. We felt honored to be invited to attend with Staci & Kevin and all the cute family, including Kay & Bud. A quick visit and Mike & I ducked out before dinner to go out with the Murray dinner groupies (Irvines, Brousseaus, Solomons and their friends). Thanks to my Mom & Dad for watching our kids at Staci's!
When we were finished with dinner, the party was raging on at Staci's and we headed back to par-tay! We had a great time talking, laughing and watching Staci clean! We are sorry you all if we stayed too long, but it was a great night. Our kids played great and didn't want us to take them home....they even pulled out the sleep-over card!

More family time on Sunday as we had shakes at G&Papa Arv's. That's the new tradition and Sydney asks for a shake after being in their house about 30 seconds. We also stopped by Gibby's because everyone was there (except Mom who was at choir). We love the traditional popcorn, chocolate and giggles (Miley Cyprus).
So, thanks for a wonderful weekend! We love you guys!
(I promise to finish posting about our W.D.C. trip soon).

Can't finish bloggin about trip, but...here's a thought

THE STORY OF LIFE:
Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson, or to help you figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be (possibly your roommate, neighbor, coworker, long lost friend, lover, or even a complete stranger), but when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment they will affect your life in some profound way.

And sometimes things happen to you that may seem horrible, painful, and unfair at first, but in reflection you find that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, willpower, or heart.

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whatever they may be, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. It would be safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life, and the success and downfalls you experience, help to create who you are and who you become.

Even the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones. If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart, forgive them, for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious when you open your heart. If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because in a way, they are teaching you to love and how to open your heart and eyes to things. Make every day count.

Appreciate every moment and take from those moments everything that you possibly can for you may never be able to experience it again.

Talk to people that you have never talked to before, and actually listen.

Let yourself fall in love, break free, and set your sights high.

Hold your head up because you have every right to.

Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, it will be hard for others to believe in you.

You can make of your life anything you wish.

Create your own life and then go out and live it with absolutely no regrets.

Most importantly !!! If you love someone tell him or her, for you never know what tomorrow may have in store. And learn a lesson in life each day that you live.
by unknown

Need a little somethin'.....

This is how I started my day. Thanks to my friend, Jeni, for forwarding: http://www.eastvalleyproductions.com/blog.cfm?postID=31

More Washington DC

Getting caught back up. I had bad allergies yesterday and didn't get much done at all! Saturday, we tried to get tickets to go up in the Washington Monument, but they were all gone. So, we walked down to see the White House.

View of Lincoln Memorial and WWII Memorial from Washington Monument above. View from Washington Monument of the White House below.

The road right in front of the White House is closed and there is security everywhere. See the guard on top of the W.H. (left of the flag). It is such and impressive building! I wish we had gotten tour tickets, but we didn't realize how early you have to request them....next time.

The guard out front. He said we should walk around and see the back as we get a closer view.
I love the ginormus lantern and I'm sure last week, the tulips surrounding the waterfall were beautiful! Ok, short update....there is more, but I have to take Amanda to school!