Indianapolis Temple Open House

A week before we went to the open house, Blake said something like this:  "I can't believe that I'm only seven and I will get to go in a temple.  And Chet is only one and he gets to go inside the temple." 

We left very early Saturday morning to meet up with family in Indianapolis.  I had told Blake we would wake up around 5a.m.  On his own, without an alarm, he came into my room at 5:00 on the dot.  He said "I'm just so excited to go to the temple."

Ty did not like wearing the "booties" during the temple tour.  He would not walk in them--he would only lean like it was impossible to take a step while wearing them.  We carried him and Chet the whole time.  The temple was beautiful.  I loved being inside with Eric's family.

We went to Blaze Pizza for lunch and then to a park in the afternoon.  The kids were so sad to leave after not getting to be together for very long.  On the way home while Blake was fighting tears, "I have been looking forward to this for a long time and it was gone just like (finger snap)."

Back Home

California Part II - Newport

California Part I

We left Eric in Michigan and flew to Pleasanton for 10 days.  The airplane ride went pretty well.  After take off I switched Chet and Ty.  Chet sat in Ty's carseat and I held Ty for the next four hours--He was a much easier lap child.  For take off, Janie volunteered to sit behind the rest of us.  She made friends with her neighbors who later read her some Dr. Seuss.  Later in the flight Janie wanted to switch seats with me.  As I held Ty and buckled my seat, I noticed how sticky it was.  I had given her a sucker so just thought it was that.  Later in the flight I felt it again and thought 'Wow, really sticky.'  After we landed and the lights were on I looked down at the buckle.  Red GUM was smeared all over it.  And on my new shirt and shorts.  It came out--thanks mom.  I later asked Janie what happened and she said "My gum fell out of my mouth and I couldn't find it."

Kim flew in a couple days later with Elaine and Rowan.  We walked to the park every day.  Blake and Janie did the obstacle course each morning and tried to beat their time.  Let it be known that I also attempted the course.  We also swam every day.  It was pretty great.

My mom, Kim, and I played games any chance we could.  When Chet napped we would put on Paw Patrol (a big hit) for the kids and play a game.  If the kids were under control while Chet was awake, we put him in the pack and play in the kitchen and resumed our games.  We were slightly obsessed.  We mostly played Puerto Rico, Acquire, and 7 Wonders.  

I baked and cooked a lot and my mom cleaned up after me.  Kim (34ish weeks pregnant) and I went running a few times.  Chet started standing that week.  He held his arms up high in the air with a smile on his face.  We loved every minute of being home.