THOMAS!!!!!!!!

HOLY MOLEY! A year of waiting is complete!!!

We have waited all year - all year!! We went to see Thomas and rode in the coaches.

So, last year, it snowed.  See this post... HERE.  This year, it was raining and windy.  And cold.  But it was awesome, nonetheless.  

If you are not familiar with Thomas, this post will make NO sense.

As we drove up to Heber City, we went up Parley's Canyon and Aiden was amazed.  He kept saying "this is where the narrow gauge engines live.  Look, that's the quarry."  When we passed Jordanelle Lake, he said, "Mom, Look!  It is the seaside!!"  And finally, we came down the hill to Heber City, he yelled, "WE MADE IT TO THE ISLAND OF SODOR!!"  I didn't have the heart to say differently.

Best picture ever.  Hat askew, sun glasses and Thomas.  What else is there?

Waiting for Thomas!  Last year we made the mistake of getting a train later in the day when it was crowded and noisy.  This year, we hit the first train of the day!  

This conductor was awesome.  Aiden asked him if his name is Mr. Perkins and the man (who's name was Mr. Elsby) said, "Of course I am Mr. Perkins!  I waited just for you!"  Later, he found us on the train and handed Aiden his walkie talkie.  He said, "push this button and tell Thomas to go faster."  So Aiden did and, bless their hearts, someone on the other end said, "You bet Aiden!  PEEP PEEP!" 

Bless these guys who are surrounded for 4 days by toddler children.  Bless them.

Aiden got a Jr. Engineer certificate.  He was so proud!

Aiden's friend, Caden, came up to ride the train.  They loved seeing each other and we waited in line with Caden to see Sir Topham Hatt.  What awesome buddies!

This was Aiden the whole trip.  I think we need to have a small trip on an Amtrak train.

Sir Topham Hatt!!  He gave him a big love!

When it got too cold and we got stuck in a horrid downpour, we decided to eat lunch in the car.  He felt so special sitting in the front seat while he ate.  This little bug had the time of his life.  

Maybe next year will be sunny.  We can't wait.

Thanksgiving Point

We went to Thanksgiving Point on May 19th.  It was really fun, but we didn't realize that it was the Lamb and Wool Festival.  So, we started in our usual dinosaur tour.  

Being older, Aiden is more into the sand and hands-on things.  He did really well.  I only had to tell him a few times to not throw the sand and to not splash other children.  Baby steps.

Our traditional "in-front-of-the-giant-shark" picture.  Each time, it evolves slightly.

Then we went to the farm.  We rode on the wagon, petted a giant cow and watched a shepherd sheer a sheep who, frankly, didn't want to be sheared.

Later, we made it home and watched Despicable Me and ate pizza after washing the farm funk from ourselves. 

Have you ever experienced one of those perfect days?  Yeah.  This was one of them.

Happy Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day.  I love that it is in May when the world is awake and smells of flowers.  I love that it is warm.  I love that Mother's Day is on a Sunday when little tiny kids can sing to you in church and meetings are cancelled to let us enjoy our kiddos.

I love the garden stone that Aiden (and Aunt Kari) made me for Mother's Day.  I love whoever dropped off the beautiful planters on my doorstep while I was gone.

I love that missionaries call, hugs are given and Mom's everywhere can enjoy their little monkeys.  I love that I can go and see my own mother and put flowers on her grave and that it is beautiful where she is buried.

I love Mother's Day, but I love being a mother most of all.

Why I love work...

Okay.  So I don't really love work, but who does? But I think I like mine more than most.  I have a great job because, rather than being paid what industry standard says, I have negotiated to work from home 2 days a week.  SWEET job.

This morning, I took my computer outside to my patio and worked while it was nice and cool. 

This is the view from my office.

This is my favorite co-worker.

Love the working life.

No description necessary...

Thanks to our wonderful, wonderful photographer, Cherie Gailey.  

Life During Mom's Trip

This is a prime example of why I hate being away from Aiden.  He got into Breanna's mascara and I missed it.  He was clean and clear by the time I got home. 

Man, I missed my Monkey. 

Business Trip

Today I went on my first overnighter business trip since I gave birth to Aiden.  I have been able to sneak out of every other conference, but, alas, I had to go this time.  

I can't stand being away from Monkey.  It is miserable.  But I think it is really good for both of us... probably more for me than for Aiden.  I have this desire to be with Monkey every single minute of every single day.  So, here we are.

The nice thing about this trip is that the hotel is KILLER!  It is beautiful (see below...) staying at the Embassy Suites.  I am in a business suite with a living room, kitchen, and all the comfy bed one person could hope for.  

But... I am bored.  And lonely.  Mostly bored.  But pretty lonely.