McCall Post!

I'm finally getting to our vacation! It was probably the best vacation to date. We stayed in an awesome house that was literally alone in a cul-de-sac. The kids were able to run in and out of the house without a care or a worry from a parent. When we got there we took a walk down to the park. Luckily I had Ginger there to help me push an empty stroller. Madden wasn't too impressed with the slides. The next day was Sunday. My mom made the comment that people were probably staring at our huge family and trying to figure out whose kid was who. I really doubt that any child sat by their own family. We later when on a drive and a small hike. Clearly London didn't want to get her pants wet, so she took them off and went in her panties. Madden was such a little trooper in his new hiking backpack! Monday we went on another hike. I carried Madden up in his backpack and Ty carried him down. Unfortunately, I also carried London down because she did the whole hike up by herself. She's such a tough little girl! My little family was so tired that London actually fell asleep in between Luke and Mia while watching a movie. When I tried to find Ty and Madden, I found them also asleep. It was actually a nice little peaceful moment for me. I'll probably mix days together but, we went rafting and to a play for a change from our usual McCall to-do list. Canoeing is always my favorite day. Luckily, our kids tan like me but, get overheated like Tyler. I was glad he put sunscreen on them. Remember how every year London falls asleep between my legs in the canoe with a towel/tent over her? Well, this year it was Madden and my poor little London was tired and feeling neglected. So, we brought Mia in our canoe to play barbies. It was a pretty good deal. I was kind of ticked because all of the men jumped off the rock and there were no ladies doing it. So, of course, Mary and I couldn't stand to be shown up. We were the only girls to do it, and are there any pictures of us? Nope. The selfish men just couldn't bare to have it on record that we did it too! Dumb people! Oh well. It was pretty funny that when Ty jumped, London yelled, "Go Dad!" But, when I went to go jump, she sobbed and was yelling, "Come back! Don't leave me, Mommy!" I'm just going to say, she loved me a little bit more that day! ha ha! We also made several trips to Ice Cream Ally, which might explain partly why we gained five lbs. I'm also guessing that it had something to do with the availability of cookies, candy, and junk food in general. We did, however get to work out every day in the cul-de-sac next to our house doing drills. It was pretty fun but, seriously a mind game to do on vacation. Good for us, right? Anywho, the last day some of us went to the lake. Some of the men went golfing...again. London was completely oblivious to where she was in the lake and got way far out. She didn't even care. Madden continually ate the sand and drank lake water. He loved it too! I'm starting to see that Dean took care of my kids about as much as I did! Oops! Ginger's diaper was so full that we had to take a picture. She waddled like a little duck! Nights were spent playing games and Sporkl on the internet. If you haven't played it, don't. You'll be addicted. My family is awesome. I felt like crying once vacation was over. We look forward to this week all year long and it definitely ended way too soon. London said when we were driving away, "I had so much fun with my cousins on 'acation." Me too, Lewie, me too. Mia, Luke, and London were so funny. They would literally be in hysterics, laughing over anything. It made everyone else laugh. Ginger and Sam kept us entertained by their cute little antics. Ginger is such a stink, she would hide hats and reveal them at her own convenience. It was hilarious. I miss it already. I love you family and can't wait to do this again. You are all my favorite people and I'm grateful for an awesome fam!

Pre-McCall Post!

Before I post about vacation at McCall, I'm going to have to post about Madden's birthday. We started the week celebrating Uncle Brad's birthday. Apparently, Brad hates his birthday and Monica has several theories as to why. So, we had fun smothering him with attention and did our yearly praise of the birthday boy. This means that everyone around the table says something they love about Brad. I'm pretty sure he hated it. The meal was delicious as always. We were all complaining about the weight we'd gained in McCall. Ty and I gained five, Dad lost two pounds,....and Dean gained ten. I really don't believe it because he didn't look any different. But, way to beat us all Deaner! Monday we went to Cherry Hill with Mary and the kids. London had literally a hysterical time with Luke and Mia. We went up and down the blue slides until Mary and I were starving from the water and hiking the stairs while taking turns carrying Ginger. I'm pretty sure I'm her favorite aunt now...I'm just being honest. It was such a fun day and I really thought, "Okay, a good start for a fun week!" WRONG! Tuesday night Ty and I woke up to Madden screaming. I went in to look at him and puke was everywhere! We ended up taking him to bed with us. Every twenty minutes we'd run him to the bathroom for him to throw up. He was so somber and stoic on his birthday. He wouldn't even eat his birthday cake but, was feeling better. Ty gave Gabe and Madden licorice before the cake so maybe that's why he didn't eat it. For the life of me, I could not get them to look at me or smile at the same time! The sick child was London. She barfed over and over again. She puked in her bathroom, my bathroom, my floor, my tub, and even my bed. Then she puked in buckets because she never made it to the toilet in time. London stayed in the basement the whole party and didn't come up. The whole day she'd say, "I don't want to frow up anymore." I'd feel awful. After two days of not eating I said, "London, Mommy will give you anything to make you feel better. What do you want?" After thinking for a bit she said, "I want you to make me feel better.".....Except that thing. She just couldn't understand why I wouldn't take her pain away. She finally said, "I think I need chocolate." London is her mother's child all of the way! Madden got two cars, an outfit, a tie, a basketball, and a spinning top for his birthday. I'm sure he was really excited inside. I made him a rainbow "smash" cake and for everyone else a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting for the filling and chocolate buttercream for the frosting. It was so good that I had two pieces....which I puked up the next day. Yep, I got it too. So did Libby, Maddie, and Big Poppa thus far. I'm pretty sure everyone else will get it too. Sorry... Before I forget I need to write some of Madden's firsts: he had salmon and loved it, he says, "kack, kack" for "quack, quack", he can now go down the stairs by himself, and he's starting to stand by himself. He's also obsessed with the dishwasher and the vacuum. London's funny words: "Aunt Mandy's hands are broken but, mine aren't. Daddy's eyes are broken though." (Ty wears glasses or contacts.) "Mom, can I watch a show wear they making something?" (Meaning HGTV) "I need a salad with my lunch because I'm sooo healthy." Hope you all enjoyed this post! I'm trying to always write down the funny things these kids do but, there are so many that I constantly forget!

Tea Parties and fun

So yes, every year my mom does a tea party and I know you're all wondering what the theme was. This year it was Paris. I was a French Maid, London was a gypsy and madden was Vincent Van Gogh. You can't tell but he's chewing on a paint brush the whole time. Mia was Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Mandy was her version of the pink panther as was her neice, and Gabe was Inspector Cluseaux. Mom, Maddie, and the Grandma's were Parisian ladies with lovely hats. Emily and Mary wore dresses so I guess they thought they were Parisian. (Try again next year, right Mares?!) My mom is so fun to do this for us. We had a little etiquette lesson and a huge spread of food! Everything was decorated with Parisian flair, meaning an Eiffel tower, lanterns hung from the trees, and darling plates and tea cups. Let me give you the menu: Fruit kabobs, peanut butter kiss mini cookies, chocolate cookies, sugar cookies, stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta, mini cheesecakes, olive and pickle skewers, cucumber sandwiches, chocolate covered strawberries, a no-bake pizza, and a delicious punch! Whew! At the end my mom gave the prizes. Guess who won best costume?...ME! My prize was a darling apron that my mom made. Isn't it daring?! I can't remember what Emily's title was, but she got a hilarious shower cap! In a mad rush after the tea party, we ran to SLC to see Ty's family because they were in town. It was good to see his sister and her family and his mom. We miss you and can't wait to see you again! The grandkids are all getting so big! Luckily I snagged some pictures of Ty's sister Becky, Arycca, and Sister-in-law, Tess! Gotcha! I do have to say, Scott's was my favorite picture. Classic. That's probably enough for now but, today is my son's birthday and I have to say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDIE! I'll update on the days festivities and our vacay next time! Adieu!