Nap Time.

Just now we were trying to get Parker down for his Sunday afternoon nap. Nap time occurs at 1:00 and the time was just after. Parker hadn't finished his lunch yet, but he was wanting to 'watch Horton.' We asked him if he was finished eating and he said 'yeah.' Well that means it's nap time. I look over at him and he laid on the ground by the tv. He had his eyes closed and was saying 'sssshhh, sssshhh' his snoring sound. What a kid, he is becoming more entertaining every day.

Our three day vacation.

In some ways we did have a vacation. Overall the drive from Atlanta to Boston was splendid. I had a meltdown once and that was when Willie and I switched vehicles so I could get away from the boys. I love them but sometimes you just need to get away from them for a little while. We made our first stop in North Carolina. Night time was coming and we could see some lightning off in the distance so we decided to pull over.We stayed at a very comfortable Holiday Inn Express, thanks Walter for the tip. The stay was AWESOME! There was the most beautiful lightning show. I hadn't seen one like this since I was maybe 13 or 14.


I wish I could see more of these creations. The next morning we made our way up to Washington D.C. Willie and I have some friends that live there, Ben and Kristi Searle. Willie had emailed them to see if we could stop by and see them. Ben called that morning and said they would love to have us over for dinner and that we could stay with them! How awesome are they? Parker had fun playing with their little girl, Piper (Pi). She is so cute. Thanks so much for letting us stay with you guys. We had a blast. Good luck with the baby.We decided to go into D.C. to see some of the sites in a hurry. We saw the White House from a long distance. We walked past the Washington Monument, WWII monument, and made our way to the Lincoln Memorial. Of course we HAD to get Lincoln's picture with Lincoln.I made Willie pose for this really cool picture. He was just a little too short to reach the top, so he had to just rub the side of the Washington Monument.Parker got a bit tired during our short walk. The chocolate that we gave him didn't keep him awake as long as we had hoped.
Who knew that driving in the North East would give us so many opportunities to travel across bridges. We went over so many and I didn't get a picture of all of them but here are a few of the ones I did get.The Verrezano Bridge was a highlight. Willie knew this bridge well because it was in his mission.
The GPS took us through NYC. That was a bit crazy, but not too horrible. Willie kept getting upset at this Duck Tour. Apparently he was a bad driver. I thought it was funny that Will didn't like it so I took a picture so we could remember the good times. :) This is how happy Willie and Lincoln were to get to our new home! What a relief it was. We all were so happy to be out of the car and into a new place. We do miss Atlanta but Boston has been great. Thank you to those who helped us in our move, we are so grateful to you for all of your help.
p.s. This is what you do with your boxes when you plan to move a few months later; build a hut/fort for your kid.

Flight home from Utah.

Another entry from forever ago. This is a long one. I hope I get the details right. I learned during this portion of my life that even though we all have horrible days there are wonderful blessings from learning to appreciate the small things.

pictures used in this blog are from the beginning of our trip.Our day began early in the morning in Utah. We had our bags packed and ready by 8:00. Our flight was for 12:00 and we needed to leave the house by 9:30 to get to the airport by 10:15. Two hours is what we usually shoot for when we fly. The night before we left, Parker was really not feeling good. He had 'spit up' a few times. We thought that it might have gone away through the night. We were wrong. Parker had a temp of 102. We were very worried because we needed to make our flight and find someone to check on Parker. Another thing from the day before, Parker finally woke from his night time sleep at 3 p.m. and his ear looked like it exploded ear wax. Yuck. We thought he might have an ear infection.

My sister, Jess, came down to help us pack up and take us to the airport. She was AWESOME. She called a family friend, Suzanne, and found out that we could come to her house to get Parker's ears checked. Thanks Suzanne. His ears were beet red! Not a good sign. She called in a prescription for us to the local Wal-Mart as we were heading out the door. As we stopped to get the prescription we realized that we forgot a few things. My little sister, Erika, drove quickly to the Wal-Mart and gave us our things.

My sisters are so amazing! Thanks so much for all of your help during this crazy day! We had to buy some fever/pain reliever as well. Our niece, Jordan, helped to pick out a yummy flavor for Parker. He liked it Jord. The pharmacy said that it would be about a half an hour to get the prescription filled, oh no!! We only had a few minutes. Luckily I went back about three minutes later and another lady helped me and got the prescription ready. Nice. So we were off to the airport.

We made it into the airport after some quick good-byes. Jordy we wish we could have stayed longer. We're sorry we made you cry that day. It's nice to be loved. We got to the line and a man was in front of us with about four bags. Turned out he was saving places for his buddies who were at the kiosks checking in. I think it would have been okay had he only had about two buddies. I think there were about ten guys with ALL of their luggage butting in front of us. My fuse was getting mighty short. We had a sick kid and all of our luggage and we were running behind because we needed to get our prescription. Oh by the way we had to get ice packs from my sister so the medicine could stay cold during our trip. Once again, Thanks Jess.

Back to these guys in line. They had so much stuff. I kept moving our luggage and stroller closer and closer. I heard one of them tell their buddy, 'brad', to hurry and get his papers to him. In my mind I was trying to keep clean thoughts, but 'brad' was going to have to wait in the long line because I was not going to wait for him to butt in front of me. I pushed my way up and gave our tickets to the lady. Finally!

We made it to our gate with just enough time to feed Lincoln and give Parker some medicine. We were blessed on the first flight. We had a spare seat next to us. I love when that happens. We didn't really use the seat because Parker slept on Willie's lap for the whole ride. Lincoln played with me. Our flight made it to Dallas in time. Food was a must, Willie and I were getting hungry. Parker ate some rice which was so nice to see him eat something. He was so sweet.

The ticket agent let everyone know that our plane had some engine issues. After a short amount of time they decided that the plane had to go to the workshop. They found another plane for us to use. They mentioned that it would be a bit stuffy and warm because it had been out in the sun all day just resting. Our flight left about an hour and a half later. When we had booked our flights we planned just right to get to the MARTA station before the line split and you had to get off and switch trains to get to our destination.

Because of the delay the flight was booked and we didn't have a spare seat next to us. Parker and Lincoln were both restless and had a very difficult time. Our kids really never cry when we are on the plane but we were the family with the crying babies on this flight. We made it back to Atlanta safe. We are grateful they found us a working plane. As we reached the top of the platform to get on the MARTA train I realized that we had missed the last train by about 10-15 minutes. Urggh. We got on the train and put our luggage in it's spot, then sat down in the middle of the car where there was another luggage area. After our train started Willie thought it would be a good idea to sit closer to our luggage and put our stroller in the disabled/handicap place. Both of the kids were on our laps anyway so we switched our seats. Thanks for listening to the Spirit Love.

We hit five point station and saw a mass of people outside waiting to get on the train. The Braves had a game that night! Lincoln was just beginning to fall asleep and the ride was peaceful until then. A group of drunk college kids and some rowdy high schoolers got on the train. They were yelling back and forth at each other. Some of the folks had sympathy for us and helped us to get to our things when our stop was coming up. I was ready to burst by this point. I had bad thoughts going through my mind and I should have tried to be grateful that we were just making it home safe and together.

We got off at our stop and realized the same groups were getting off as well. We moved into a different car to get away from them. The kids were really exhausted at this point. We got to our final stop and made it to our car. Thanks Jake for dropping it off at the station for us. Another blessing. We walked into our home with a sigh of relief and gratitude. One day with many difficulties and we were so happy to see our home, even if it was for only five days. Don't you just love the feeling of being in your home after a long trip?

Parker visited the doctor a few days later and needed to get a stronger prescription for his ears. Lincoln had his shots and we are all doing very well and finding joy in our new home. I am grateful for Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Even the little things in life can be a great joy to us.

Proud Mom.

Last night I was helping Parker get ready for bed. We were putting all the puzzles together then putting them away. Parker was working on the numbers puzzle and counting out loud. Usually when I ask him to count he will say 'tree, two, one.' Last night though he started at one and went all the way to eight! I was so excited. We tested him out today and he counted for us at dinner. We are working on the ABC's too, I think it may take some time for him to get all of them.

Lincoln has made progress as well. On Sunday he started trying to crawl forward. He scoots his knees then moves his hands. When he wants something bad enough he will get to it. I'll try to put myself just out of his reach and he never wants me bad enough because he goes backwards. I guess he knows that I can pick him up. The toys just stay in one place and can't move.

We are starting a goal chart to try to get Parker drinking milk again. Maybe he will be encouraged by putting stickers on his space.

Week with Joan and the girls.

An entry from our trip to Utah. I love to take pictures and while we were with Joan we took a lot of pictures. Please be aware that there will be many to view. Also, they are not in order of when we did them.

We enjoyed miniature golfing one evening. Parker did really well until about hole number 14. I enjoyed a sunset. We all had close shots and perfect swings. Terrah we enjoyed your 10 + hole. Anna what a great hole in one victory leap.Willie tried his best to get it in the hole a few times, I still beat him by one stroke. I had a victory dance caught on video, but I have chosen not to post it. :)Here is Lincoln having a photo shoot up on the campus at Utah State. We ate lunch with Terrah while she was on break. The grass and shade made for a great place to have a delicious lunch.Sidewalk chalk. Wow we had fun all drawing up some pretty cool designs. Sister B66 left her mark. Wall-e and Eve made it into the mix as well as a hot dog to represent the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme song 'hot dog.'
We visited Ryan's Place in Logan. Ryan was a two year old boy who died by drowning. His parents raised a TON of money and built this playground to remember him as well as other people who had died. This was such a fun playground.
Parker helped to push everyone on the swings. He loved playing with Anna in the sandbox. I think Anna left with more sand on her person than Parker did.
Lincoln had great times with Grandma. Terrah was a kid again, we love seeing her like this.
Willie took me for an airplane ride, it was so romantic. Then he sang to me from below as he climbed up my beautiful blond braid. Willie took a break to get some lemonade with Parker.

We were happy to visit with a few of Willie's friends from High School. We don't have pictures of our visit with the Bingham family but we helped in celebrating Jason's birthday. The Lichfields came over to Joans house to enjoy some dinner with us. Parker had fun with Lydia and Collin, what fun kids you guys have.
This was the night we celebrated Parker's birthday. We sang to him, or should I say he sang to himself. Lincoln made his rounds that night, he loved being with his awesome aunts. 'im' and Terrah. We love the way Parker says your name Kim. 'Uncl Jer!' was always fun to have around too.
Parker and his shopping cart. He LOVED pushing the shopping cart around. As you can see through these few pictures Parker was having a blast.

Grandma made some great dinners for us. Most nights were so beautiful outside that we decided to enjoy dinner out back. I loved seeing the cloud formations during most of our trip. Anna had her badminton set up and of course we HAD to play.
Lizzy took us for a walk one evening. I loved getting outside and enjoying the weather.

Willie and Parker were sent to husk the corn. Willie worked hard while Parker chowed down on the raw corn. He was one hungry kid.

90's in Boston means water time.

I was watching the news the other day and when Boston get's in the mid 90's that means it is record setting time. I couldn't believe it. I think it feels so great outside. We have been going on walks around the area and at the first of this week we invited our new friends Sunnie, Joohun, Joowon, and Joohyung to go to a Sprayground/water park just down the road from where we live. I really love that we have sidewalks!We had fun playing at the sprayground. This will have to be a repeat activity in the weeks to come.

Two Months, No Milk.

Willie and I decided to get Parker to drink milk from a straw over two months ago. Two days after he started drinking from the straw and we threw the bottle nipple away he stopped drinking milk. We took off to Utah without a plan. We kept encouraging him to drink milk. We tried getting him to drink from many types of containers and we've tried Chocolate Milk. Willie tried injecting it into him like you would nasty medicine, yuck. I tried tricking him and also tried using food coloring. We made it back to Atlanta and told our Dr. about it. She said, 'you need to get him to drink milk.' That was the advice she gave us. At that point we had been trying for nearly a month. Willie noticed a few weeks ago that Parker doesn't really eat anything dairy. He will eat a little bit of cheddar cheese. He doesn't like the milk, yogurt, ice cream, and all other cheeses. So for those of you who have kids or great knowledge in calcium intake do you have suggestions? By the way Parker doesn't like cold items (Popsicles, ice cream, etc.), he won't try juices and he seems to be a little obsessive compulsive. Should I be that worried?
The other day on 'Word World' there was a great episode that we watched where Ant wouldn't drink milk because he didn't like it. Then he ran into Duck and Shark and they were having a 'try it out picnic.' Ant eventually tried the milk and decided he liked it. I thought it would be a good influence on Parker, he did try a pickle but he wouldn't try the milk.

How to pack.

In our four and a half years of marriage we have moved eight times. We were married and moved in together (1). Three months later we moved to Boise for an internship with Micron (2). Then we had to go back to Logan to attend Utah State (3). School was fun but we missed being in Boise during the summer so we headed back for another internship with Micron. Actually it was the money (4). We hadn't finished school so we moved back to Logan (5). This time we signed a ten month contract kind of scary! We finished up our school year and had Parker come along just a couple of weeks before Willie moved our life out to Georgia (6). I followed Willie with Parker a month later. We stayed in that dungeon for a year. We needed light so we moved across the street (7). Willie really likes internships as we have found out by our previous moves. So our most recent one has taken us to Waltham, Massachusettes. It's near Boston (8).

This last move takes the cake though. As I was packing I decided to color code with stickers. Green stickers meant that the boxes would 'go to Boston'. Red/Orange stickers meant the boxes would 'stay in Georgia'. Whatever went in the luggage meant that it was 'going to Utah'. The best boxes are the following; Kitchen Aide, Toaster, A big cereal box, rice cooker, George (meaning george foreman box), and newly becoming our favorites the Diaper boxes. These boxes have lasted through all eight moves. I'm sorry I have not taken a picture of our cherished boxes. One day I will have to bury them in my backyard, that is if we ever decide to settle somewhere.

If you ever plan to move, stock up on diaper boxes. If you can't find diaper boxes go to your local book store and get some good ones from there. The diaper boxes have handles though so that's what makes them nice. Stock up on old grocery bags, use them to protect your valuables. They do give a nice coushin. Be sure to leave scissors out so you don't have to 'find' a way into your boxes when you arrive to your new home. If you are LDS, talk to your Bishop to get the phone number of Bishops in the area you hope to move into. This works if you plan to live in an apartment for a little while. Also the Bishop can send help on the end where you may not know anyone.
So here is a poor picture of our new apartment. We love the place. We look forward to exploring. We appreciate visitors, so come on by.

To Grandpa and Nana Harrison.

Thanks for letting us stay with you Grandpa and Nana! We had so much fun visiting with you.
The sunsets were beautiful. For one, because we could see them and for two we could take pictures to always remember them.

Thanks for taking us to Willow Park where we enjoyed some monster snow cones. We loved running around looking at all the animals the Willow Park Zoo had to offer; peacocks, tortoise, monkeys, eagles, deer, ducks, coyotes, bobcats, etc.
Thanks Aunt Kim for helping Parker to feed to ducks. He loved spending time with you.
Three generations looking for wildlife.
What a studly man in the white shirt. Cheesy smile, but hey I like it.

Hanging out at Grandpa and Nana's house. Nana loved holding Lincoln.
Nana really loved being around the boys. Parker had a great time at the library reading books and coloring. Grandpa had to keep his distance because he was really sick during our stay with them. Good thing he is all better now, too bad we aren't able to play with him though.

You can't go to Logan and not eat at the Juniper Take-Out. Lincoln and Jer became really good friends. Finally Parker gave Jer some attention. Anytime Parker saw him he said 'unc-l Jer!'

A picture with the two of us rarely ever happens. I printed it off and it's hanging up with our family pictures. Aren't we so cute?
Willie was REALLY excited to go to Juniper!

Life Happens.

An updated picture of the boys. They are getting bigger and wiser.

Here is an outline of our last month and a half. All of which will hopefully get posted in full as time allows.
-Willie visiting Germany.
-Packing for three separate occasions; Utah, Georgia, Massachusetts.
-Vacation in Utah
*Five crazy days with my family which led to us catching colds
*Five relaxed days with Willie's dad.
*Five entertaining days with Willie's mom.
*Five days spent in bliss (Combe cabin).
-Travel home to Atlanta, stressful.
-Six days packing and preparing to move to Boston.
-Three days of travel in the car with two little boys. I only went insane a few times.
-Moving into our new home, for the eighth or ninth time.
-Relax. Walks. Willie putting in 40 hours a week.
-No milk for about 2 months, any suggestions?

This is where we have been. Life has been good, bad and in between. We have been blessed along the road. I am so grateful for my family who is supportive of the decisions we make. I love my husband for taking us on all of these wild adventures. I read a quote on a blog somewhere; 'when you are home you wish you were having an adventure and when you are on an adventure you wish you were home.' I am grateful for the friends that we have made along the way. Most especially the Merkley's and Salmons.