Wednesday, May 27, 2015

A Travel Break From Our Travel Life


     Most of the time being on the road is a blast. Every once in a while we start to miss our family and friends a lot more than normal. We get kind of home sick, even though technically we don't have a home to get sick for. It is a general longing to be with the ones we love so dearly. Road life becomes hard to bare when you know you are so far from the people you love, while they are experiencing huge life changing moments. You know the moments I am talking about, right. The day your only niece turns 1 year old. The day your brother and sister in law become parents, after 16 years!!!! The day a grandparent's health begins to decline. It hard to be there in your mind and heart but not in person. 
     
     Some times it becomes too much to stand, that you give in and buy plane tickets for the whole family!!!! Well, that is exactly what I did!!! I booked tickets for the 5 kids and myself to fly "home", for now that means Vegas and southern Utah.  The kids and I flew out of NYC and headed to Vegas! Colt would follow about a week and a half later. Yes, I flew by myself with 5 kids. (I should blog about tips while flying with kids. Eh, maybe, I am kind of an expert.) After flying all day and after one layover with a plane change, we made it to Vegas!
     
     My brother in law, Randy picked the kids and I up at the airport. We made it to his house just in time for my niece's first birthday party to begin!!! She is the 7th cutest 1 year old I have ever seen(behind my 5 beauties and her older brother, LOL)! After a couple of days the kids and I loaded in to the suburban(thanks Mom and Dad Stevens for dropping it off in Vegas)and headed out for our 2 hour drive to Leeds. 
     
     My first stop in Leeds was to meet in person the two newest members of the Stevens crew!! They are so sweet. This cute little duo came to such a deserving couple. I am so happy that I was able to see them before they were a month old!!! I just had to hold those sweet little newborns in my arms, and it was worth every dollar I spent on plane tickets. 
     
     To top off my most amazing trip, my best friend met me in UTAH!!! She loaded up her van with her 6 kids and drove 12 hours just so we could spend 5 days together!! It wasn't nearly enough time, but it never is. She is a rock star!!! All 11 kids were so excited to see each other. Oh how we have missed the Bess Family. We went form seeing each other everyday to maybe 2 times a year and that has been tough. Regardless of time or distance we always pick up like we just saw each other yesterday. While her family was with us Grandpa Stevens had so many fun things for us to do, the thing at the top of the list was the zip line!! 
     
     Colt got there just in time for the baby blessings. While we were there his Grandmother's health was fading fast and it was an emotional time for everyone. We were all able to go and see her before she passed. We will forever miss and think of Grandma Gubler. 
     
     It was so hard to say good bye to everyone we love so much. We made some great memories and are looking forward to the next time we can return "home".





The kids haven't played on their tablets for over 2 months, so they were
excited to get them back for the plane ride. 

Mom and kids before boarding.


My baby sister was in Vegas from Texas for Millie's birthday too!!!
(found this picture on my phone)

Me and those cute babies!!

kids sleeping everywhere!

Pedicures  with Zo

and Brandi!!







Even the Moms tried the zip line!!









If your ever go to St. George, UT stop by Crowshaw's pies and eat a slice of
sour cream lemon,

I did a mini photo shoot for the baby blessing!!


Flying over Manhattan getting ready to land! (one of the kids took this picture)



Until next time. I love you, C, M, B,C, E and L!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

D.C. Again

Back in April we made another trip to Washington D.C. We went in December and had a great time but we really wanted to go during the spring. It worked out that Savanah and Randy(Gen's sister and brother in law) were going to D.C. for a banquet for their work. We planned to meet them and make a little vacation out of it.

We ended up being there during the Cherry Blossom Festival. It was beautiful. The cherry blossoms were at the peak of blossoming. The weather was perfect.*Bonus* we were all allergy free!! We took some great pictures.

We tried out the Big Bus Tours. It was the best purchase we made this trip. It took us to parts of the city that we wouldn't have explored other wise.

Also since Savanah and Randy were there to watch the kids, we were able to make it to the LDS D.C. Temple for a couple of hours.

Another highlight was helping Savanah and Randy with a "selfie scavenger hunt" for there work trip.

Here are some pictures of our trip:

The people here were so nice. Try the banana shake.


The kids with their "field journals" at the National Zoo

Lindy


CJ trying to figure out what is in this tank.

Ford's Theater

Savanah and Randy


Took this picture for our brother in law Spencer, eh.

WWII Memorial. This is my favorite one.


Our hometel for the week.


Jefferson Memorial, my second favorite.






Eva loved Clooney

Jen and Gen


FALLON!!

Waiting for the big bus.



Cookies and Milk

The kids loved the Crime Museum

In jail.

Breaking out of jail.

Hold on to your heads.


What kind of job does the corner do?


The train in Arlington.


Tired girl.

Until next time. Love you C,M,B,C,E, and L.