29.7.09

recent happenings

As you all know we braved a road trip up to Lake Tahoe last week and actually came back alive. I feel guilty for complaining about our "quick" drive to Tahoe because right now at this very moment my friend Bridget is driving from Utah to Ithaca, New York with her 4 year old daughter and her 1 year old daughter. Even though she has it alot worse I still feel like complaining just a bit. :)

The drive up started last Sunday and wasn't too bad since we ended up stopping in Vegas and doing a little touring around. It was fun to watch Jack while he watched the fountains at the Bellagio. We woke up late the next day and spent as much time at the pool as possible before speedily checking out and hitting the road. On the second day we stopped at the Mono Cone just past the entrance to Yosemite. Even though we didn't get to go to Yosemite this year we thought we would keep the tradition alive by buying an overpriced shake and some McDonald's-ish fries. It was fun even though Jack didn't really think so.

Us at The Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. So pretty, too bad every hotel reeks like smoke. Darn casinos!


You have to enlarge this one to truly appreciate Michael's optimism.


While in Tahoe we spent time at a few different beaches. On Wednesday we did two major things. We hiked up to Angora lake and we blessed Violet. The first part was hell and the second part was quite heavenly. She really did look so stunning in her sparkly little blessing dress. It was a sweet moment to be surrounded by so many of Michael's family members. Oh and I have a secret to tell. Michael even got choked up during the blessing and it was so special. I have only seen him that emotional a handful of times and I know that he is going to kill me for divulging this but it was just so awesome. I love how the spirit works.

This was just before we hiked up to Angora lake. This is a day we will try and forget for the most part. Yeesh.


Papa threw Jack once and after that they weren't friends anymore. Poor guy!


This little episode was right after the blessing. Such a classic shot.


Surrounded by smiling men and still angry?


A little blurry (thanks Tony) but still, it's cute.


This was before the blessing. Such a cute little princess.


Anyway, we really did have a wonderful trip and we were able to share lots of memories and good times. The hardest part of leaving wasn't just the fact that we had to go back to reality. It was the fact that we woke up at 4 in the morning to do so. The drive home didn't explode until we were leaving Phoenix. Of course the last little stretch, the final leg and THEN the kids go absolutely, uncontrollably berserk. Why?! I kept looking at Michael, who braved this episode without any earplugs (what a champ), and saying, "these aren't my kids? Whose kids are these? This is crazy!"

Here is just a happy moment on the boat with Jack. BTW, he had a little incident with the grip tape on the skateboard. His nose got a little shaved. OUCH!


If there was ever a face to elicit all sorts of warm and happy emotions than this would be it! Don't you just want to make her smile even bigger?


After we got home to our 99 degree house (yeah great idea to turn off the a/c while we were gone), we turned back on the a/c, threw the kids in bed and showered. After that we realized we had made it and we both sighed a huge sigh of relief. That was pretty much it. Sorry if it was boring but sometimes I don't have a crazy story to tell.

13 comments:

Lilianne said...

Yay! You're back! I'm glad you have you back in Tucson - even though it's totally freakin' hot here! I've missed you. And I'm dying to see the bebes!

Cute pictures, adorable children, fun events...I'm glad you guys had fun!

And your Obama rant? Don't get me started! Oh, wait...I've already started...I couldn't agree more. What a stupid fool!!! He'd destroying America AND wants control over every part of our lives. This healthcare plan ultimately isn't about giving healthcare to everyone. It's about POWER - and Americans blatantly giving him the go-ahead to make all our decisions for us. Cause we're stupid, you know? I really believe his views are scary and I can't wait until 2012 (or even before!) when he gets voted out by a landslide because he's made such amuck of our country. How's that for some hatin' words? :-)

Let's rant soon. I want to hear about your specific thoughts on healthcare too! xoxo

Margaret Vance said...

All I have to say is that you have some darn cute kids!!!! :) Miss you!

Amy said...

Cute cute pictures! She is getting so big and chubby I love it! Looks like you guys had a fun fun time! Except for the end of course, maybe they were just mad they had to leave?

Yes I plan on getting an epidural, there is NO way I could do with out it! Thank heavens for modern medicine!

Jene and Megan said...

Sounds like you guys had a great road trip! Your pictures are darling and I'm so glad you had such a special blessing for little Violet.
P.S. I don't like the universal health care thing one bit either.

Jana said...

Such a cutie!

The Ensign's said...

How sweet that Michael got a little choked up. Sounds like she gonna be quite a daddy's girl.
She looked absolutely adorable in her dress!

KaSs MiLeS said...

she looks so sweet in her blessing dress!

Our EyreLife said...

Your little darling is ADORABLE. Holy cow. I want to pinch her cheeks and kiss her little belly.

Salime said...

When Jimmy was 1 year old we drove from chicago to tucson... it was a 3 day trip. it was awful for us the parents, but little jimmy amazing was a champ. I am not sure I would do it again now though.

Diana and Jon said...

Hey Kat!
To answer your question, Jessica is probably happy for me because I'M PREGNANT! So, it's still really early...still in the first trimester, but we are really excited. Hopefully everything goes well. We are totally stoked to have a little minni Browning.
By the way you look gorgeous and your kids are beautiful!
You should email me and we can talk more. browning.diana@gmail.com

Jeanette said...

Looks like a ton of fun. Wish we were there! Violet looked adorable in her blessing outfit. I love those little shoes!

Sarah said...

Love all the pics, she is so cute in her blessing dress! You are brave to attempt a trip. My child screams bloody murder anytime she is in the car!! Oh the joys!! Im glad you had a good time though. YOu got a little chubber baby too, its the best!!

{lindy baker cakes} said...

Such cute pictures. I love Violet. I want to give her a hug. Love her blessing dress and love Michael's dad. I don't know him, but that's the cutest old man face ever. He looks so happy. Like Santa.