3 times in 3 weeks

So before I go into my post I must explain my little town that I grew up in.The population is 1500. It does not have a stop light and there is only one one-way street. It is about 15 mins. from a freeway entrance. I hardly remember ever parallel parking. Now forward to now. I live where people park on both sides of the road and I get nervous just trying to drive down the street. There are one-way streets everywhere and if you make a wrong turn it may take a while to correct your mistake. I cannot believe I have actually driven in NYC (yes if you know me you know I was bad at it). I have also had to parallel park in Philly and not only is that scary enough but it was on the left hand side, that is down-right confusing for this small town girl. OK now you have sone background as to why this is such a task for me.


So I have ventured in to Philly 3 times in the last 3 weeks. First we went to the zoo with our friends. Last fall I bought a zoo pass so I was trying to go one last time before it expired. It is a really great zoo. Did you know it was America's first zoo?

Since about July they have had a great lego display. This has been such a highlight for us. I was glad we were able to go back to see all the ones we missed the first time. The fliers said they used a gazillion legos. So now I guess I can kind of envision what a gazillion is. This polar bear was my favorite one.

A close second is this cool frog.

The next week just the kids and I went in to go to the Franklin Institute and the Natural History Museum. We loved the butterflies in the NHM. They even had a spot where they had cocoons hanging. We saw a butterfly that had just made its way out. Butterflies are so beautiful. I have to say I am very glad they were put on the Earth.

The FI was by far more impressive for me. They had a real huge train inside that the kids could go for a ride on. It moved very slowly, but my kids still thought is was so cool. We also had a chance to make recycled paper. There was so much more to see but I just ran out of time. I was sad.

When the train was brought to the museum it was painted purple. They should have left it like that. It would have really been a sight. They told us that they only paid $1 when they bought it. So now my kids are quite confused about what $1 can really get you in this world. Forget that cheap dollar store toy they think they should be able to get a car.

The last trip we went down by the historical sights. They have 13 booths set up and you can listen to a story at each one. You get a sticker for each story and when your flag is full you can go the the park and get a free carousel ride and ice-cream cone. Each story is less than 5 mins. and situated next to all of the main sights. It is a bit of a walk to get to all 13, but completely worth it because you can see most everything you want to see along the way.

I think this could have been Spencer and Devons first carousel ride. They had such trendy park equipment as well. My kids were unsure how to even play on it. I am not sure how practical it was but it sure looked cool.

So I think I am officially done with Philly. Unless those legos pull me back one more time. I will leave you with this cute picture of the two little ones.

This lady gave me quite the workout!!

Last week we went on a little field trip to see the Statue of Liberty. I had only seen it from the ferry when we were in NYC in 2002. McKena has been asking us to take her for awhile now, so it was a must see before we leave the area. I felt fine taking the kids by myself my only fear was driving there. Lucky I have an amazing friend that is as good as a husband when it comes to getting me places. I just blindly follow her and she always gets me to my destination in safety. What an easy life I have.
Here are all of our kids on the ferry ride from New Jersey to the statue. I think that cities are beautiful so I love NYC in the background. It was a little cold but not too bad when the sun was shining. The decent weather definitely made the trip a lot easier.

We went to Ellis Island first and learned about all of the immigrants. I honestly had no idea that so many people immigrated here. They have a great museum there. Then on to the statue. They have a small museum before hiking up. Here is Spencer doing a check of Liberty's toenails. I think they are intact and healthy. Like father like son.

We just hiked up to the pedestal where you can go out and get another great view of the city. We had wanted to go up to the crown but it was hard to get tickets and there was a height restriction so only McKena and Adam would have been able to go. McKena was upset about this but I now know it was for the best. WHAT WAS I THINKING!!! I actually thought I would have been able to make it all the way, which was another 200 steps or so. Yeah right!! Just to the pedestal it was 168 steps (or 186) and let me tell you I was panting. OK panting is an understatement. In my defense I was carrying Devon and I am 33 wks. along, but come on. It was worse going down. The stairs are very narrow and I could not see my feet. I just knew that I was going to trip, drop Devon, fall on my tummy and then bounce around like a basketball. None of that happened, thank goodness!!! It was a fun trip thanks LaMonts for going with us.

Wicked vs. my bed

Last week we were sick. Not just the snotty nose sick, but the kind of sick that should only happen to me when I am prego. It started with Devon. Lucky for me Devon chose to take punish Ryan with his sickness. He threw up once at night when I was out, and on Sunday at church when Ryan was holding him. Then it moved to Mason who does not throw up thank goodness. Then I got it Monday night. By Tues morning I am not doing so well and we are supposed to go to Wicked that night. By the afternoon Spencer is also aboard the train and as you can imagine my 2 year old often throws up anywhere but the designated bowl. So here is the dilemna not only am I completely achy, and probably extrememly unattractive, but my babysitter is very prego and the last thing she needs is to watch my puking children. So I finally found someone to come over that would not have to bring their kiddos. A huge shout out to Lisa Y. Spencer went through two outfit changes while we were gone. I owe her so big. Seriously what kind of super, sweet, amazing person watches someone elses puking kids so they can go on a date.

On to the show. It was great. Very well done, talented people, great effects and all of that. However a small part of me (my very achy body) wanted to be in my bed instead. Anyway we are glad we went, another thing crossed off of the list.

Sum up 2008

So here you have it my Christmas in review. I think that these sum up posts usually have no personality so why some of you make me laugh or give me insight I am just here to show pics of my kiddos. Here they are in the Christmas PJ's. We had a great Christmas this year.

Although this was not Spencers main gift it certainly was one of the more popular ones.

On Sat. after Christmas we decided to make a trip into NYC to see the tree and some store front windows. Here is the Big Piano at FAO. It was great. These two people did a few routines with some pretty slick moves. Definitely a must see with kids.

Mason and Dad hopped on over to the NBA store. Will Mason's hands ever be close to that? Extrememly doubtful, my genes seem to be to dominate in him.

The store front windows were great as promised. Saks had a whole story progressing in each window. Very cute. We also saw the tree, and even ventured into Times Square to see the Toys R Us. That place was packed. I just walked thru there thinking how will I ever make it out of here without losing a child. Luckily we did. We may never venture to Times Square again, at least not with out kiddos.

For New Years this year we just stayed home and celebrated with our kids and a few friends. He lots of yummy food and of course good games. For those of you that have ever spent New Years with us you will recognize Ryan's party shirt.

I may just move to Hershey!!!!!!!!!

My younger brother came out to visit (that is another post), and while he was here we decided to make a trip to Hershey PA. It was SWEET!!! We watched a 3D movie of dancing chocolate bars complete with mist and bubbles. It has been a while since I have been in a 3D movie and I admit that I did jump when the spider came jumping at me and something hit me in the back of the leg (blast of air).
Then we took a fun trolley ride around Hershey. It is such a well-kept town, with nice parks and schools. We drove by Mr Hershey home that he built for his wife and paid a mere $57.000 for. We also drove past the first orphage that he started in the home he grew up in. He and his wife could not have kids and so they built a home and school for orphans and today his fortune continues to go to this. Amazing I love to see people doing good. To top off the trolley ride we had a special visitor and he even had a nice list. McKena could not believe that she was on the list (not that she is incredibly naughty). The kids were all given a special ornament.

I truly thought Hershey was such a nice, clean little community. I may even look and see if they are in need of a podiatrist in a year and a half. So don't be surprised if in 2010 our Christmas card has the address Cocoa Ave in. . .

HERSHEY PA

It was soooooo worth it!!!!!

This is where I was on Thanksgiving Day!!! It was so much fun and I am so glad I went even though many people thought we were crazy to take our young kids.
As the parade got closer people began crowding in all around us. I never really realized how many people there were until I stood on top of some railing to find Tom (my friend's husband) who had gone to take the kids to the bathroom. I could not believe what I saw. Now please remember that I am from a small town of 1500 so a crowd like this is slightly overwhelming to me. Oh, and speaking of Tom at one point he was not sure if he would make it back to us because the crowd was so tight. People actually handed our kids over the top to get them back to us, unfortunately for Tom people were not as willing to pass him over their heads. Eventually he did make it back much to the relief of his wife, Brenda Here is Devon not knowing anything of the excitement that is about to come his way but smiling nonetheless.

One sad part was that I was not able to stand right next to my kids and see the smiles on their faces as the parade was going by, so here are the pics. that the police officer from the other side of the barricade took. Mason with friends Adam and Trevor Lamont. They look pretty happy to me.

McKena with Spencer

Some parade highlights: All of the bands were great of course. I enjoyed this one because they added some extra jam into their music with great moves.

MILEY CYRUS!!! This of course is a highlight for any little girl.

I have to admit that I really enjoyed the old school balloons. It was just cool to see what they started with. A very close second for me was the Smurf balloon and float.

I will not claim to know Ryan's favorite however I know that he is a Snoopy fan.

Then there is the favority of everyone, Jolly Ole' Saint Nick. I do not know if it is the suit or what but this was a fabulous Santa Claus, with a beautiful sleigh and reindeer.

That recaps it. If you ever have a chance to go, do it. It is Sooooo (I could not possibly put enough o's) worth it.

I also have to give a shoutout to Louisa for all of the encouragement and advice. Thank you.

The votes are in

Ryan's dad recently came out for three weeks to visit our family and help us do some things around the house. While he was here we decided to make a few excursions to near by sites. The first weekend we decided to go and see Valley Forge and Philadelphia. We went to visit the Liberty Bell, The first post office, and Benjamin Franklin Museum. Before we left I decided that I must go and have a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. There are two places right across the street from each other that are supposed to be the best. So we decided to take a taste test.

First Geno's, this place is definitely flashier, can you say overboard. It also has a great tribute to fallen police officers, and firefighters. Next Pat's, unfortunately you cannot see the sign in this shot. This place has a more simple look to it.

According to our taste test the winner is . . . . . Well they were so similar that there was not a definite winner. Pat's was definitely hotter. Geno's you can choose if you want cheese sauce, or american cheese slices (Ryan prefers sauce). So this is how we see it. Feel free to come visit and vote for yourself.

Palmyra/Niagra Falls

While my parents were here we took a weekend getaway to Palmyra, New York and Niagra Falls. It was so wonderful to visit the church history sights in Palmyra. I was especially happy to go at a time of year when it wasn't very crowded. While living in Iowa we visited Nauvoo, IL a few times and I have to say there is something a little more special about Palmyra. To see the humble surroundings that Joseph Smith was in makes the events come alive. I am so grateful to be a member of this church and grateful to Joseph Smith the first prophet of this dispensation.
Our little family in front of the temple. Sadly we were not able to make a session due to the winter hours. Having a temple in the area really added so much to the experience for me. I think I may have to go back to do a session.

Here we are in the Peter Whitmer home. This is where the church was organized. It is away off from Palmyra and out in the middle of nothing. There is a beautiful visitors center/chapel and the home. I am so glad we found it. It really had me thinking about what those ten years between the first vision and the organization of the church must have been like. We know they were filled with persecution but also with so much amazement as each thing was unfolded leading up to the organization. While in Palmyra we saw the sacred grove, hill cumorah, printing shop where the book of mormon was printed, a house where Joseph lived and the beautiful visitors center.
Niagra Falls is only an hour or so from Palmyra so we made our journey there. We went over to the Canada side and the view was breathtaking. I find water to be one of nature's greatest beauties.
I am shocked to see this picture of Mason smiling. The mist from the Falls gets you quite wet and he did not seem at all impressed.
Overall great trip. Thank you to my parents for coming with us.