New York!

I can't believe it had been almost 3 years since Bowen and I last set foot in New York. My last memory in NY was driving back to Utah in my little car, away from the hustle and bustle, to get married to my best friend, Bowen, whom I had dated & fell in love with during my short stay there.

A couple of weeks ago we were able to go back and visit. Bowen had his two week annual training for the Navy, & Mason and I just wanted to go along for the ride. Our wonderful New York family, the Weidlers, opened up their home and let us stay there. It was so great to see Ralph & Gerti! We'd missed them tremendously! Chris and Terry (Ralphs son and daughter-in-law) & their kids live at the Weidler home as well so Mason was thoroughly entertained. Even though Bowen had class all day Monday-Friday, Mason and I kept ourselves entertained. We slowly adjusted to the time change. Even though it was a three hour difference I definitely felt jet lag the next day. One sunny day Mase and I walked to downtown Port Jefferson. There is this cute little park next to the Ferry port. Mason had a great time playing on the boat and running around with the other kids. He wouldn't go play in the water area, but he was quite content just watching the other kids soak themselves. Being my forgetful self, I'd forgotten sunscreen, so after a couple of hours it was time to find some shade and lunch. I was dying for some NY pizza & Ralphs Italian Ice, sooo that's what we got!

Yummm!

Double Yum! Mason was a little sunburned and sooo tired, but he managed to eat his entire ice (with, of course, some help from mommy).

After our fun outing he was so tired. I thought he'd fall asleep on the walk home, but he didn't. So as soon as we got back I put he and myself down for a nap.


Bowen was had about a 2 hour commute each day & each way and it was starting to get a bit redundant for him, so after a few days at the Weidlers we decided to go stay at Fort Totten where the rest of the people in his class were staying. It was so much closer to the academy and that left more time to spend with Bowen in the afternoon now that he didn't have that commute. I thought it was going to be like a motel (don't get me wrong, I wasn't expecting much) but it was a little more like army barracks...well that's exactly what they were.

The good thing was that now I had a car to get to where I wanted to go. I was a little too shy to take Mason into The City by myself, so we hit up the Great Neck/ Kings Point area for a couple of days.
One of my favorite parks is Kings Point Park. Mason loved it too! Not only were there slides and swings, but there is also a picnic area that has a lot of trails you can go for walks on.

Of course Mason had to have his football at all times. I cannot separate that kid from it!

I couldn't believe how green it is there!

That day we met up with Bowen and his old coach, Coach Joe Martuci, for lunch.  Bowen was excited to show off his little boy and Mason warmed up to Joe fast. He even took his Yankees hat to wear for the afternoon. What a nut!  I had never met Coach the whole time Bowen was in school, but I'd heard what a great guy he was. It was great to finally meet him.

Bowen had the weekend off so we got a hold of our friends Jo & Nicole Coughlin. They have a cute little boy a little older than Mason and a brand new baby boy.  We had just planned on staying there for the evening, but we ended up spending the weekend with them. On Saturday they watched Mason for the afternoon so Bowen and I headed to the City. I'd had a request for a couple of knock off items from Canal Street in China Town so that's where we headed first. Since it'd been a while since we'd to Time Square we decided to be tourists and head there next. It was so much fun being in the city again! I think I love New York so much because I have such great memories there! Bowen, of course, is the best memory; but I got to take him with me when I left. What a souvenir!

That next week it really cooled off, but that didn't stop Mason and I from finding some more parks to play at. He had so much fun here chasing squirrels and trying to feed the birds his fishy crackers.

Of course he had to try a few of the crackers himself.

Mason had worked up quite an appetite, so we met Bowen for lunch at Deli on the Green. It was blissful! All too soon Bo had to head back for class so Mason and I headed to the library. He loooved it there! We read books, he made me pretend cookies (they were delicious), and played with Legos.  

Oh! I forgot this....

Sunday was Mothers Day. Bowen had given me, Nicole, and Ashley (Nicole's friend who was staying there also) flowers. So sweet! We all got ready for the day then headed over to Joey's parents house for a BBQ. The boys were busy playing football while the girls stayed warm inside.

If you look at this picture of Bowen throwing the football & look at the one of Mason at the top of the page, it's exactly the same throw and follow through. Like father like son!

Bowen and Joey

A picture of the group...we couldn't take a normal picture.

Sooooo...back to that next week. I'd called my nanny family, The Seditas, to tell them we were in NY and we wanted to come visit them. There was only that Wednesday evening that the boys didn't have baseball. They're so busy! So me and my boys headed over there. Krissy had fixed a very yummy dinner and we all visited & caught up on what was going on in everyone lives. It was so good to see them! I couldn't believe how grown up the boys were! I guess I had their images from 3 years ago still in my head. Mason had a blast hanging out with the older kids and even left with a couple of presents thanks to Krissy.

The last full day we were there I was a little sad. We'd had so much fun visiting with all of our friends and seeing all the sights. I didn't want to leave! But I knew it was time to go home.

Early that morning I took Bowen to the Academy and Mason and I headed to the bagel shop. I hadn't had my breakfast bagel yet, and I was determined to :) I blame it on my pregnancy cravings...or just the fact that they are absolutely delicious!

Even Mason enjoyed his breakfast!

My plan had been to go feed the ducks at a little pond nearby, but it was raining too much. So I figured we'd head to the library again. Except when we got there it didn't open for another hour. I was exhausted from getting up so early, so I put on a Sesame Street episode on my phone, handed it to Mason, and fell asleep. My intention was to only close my eyes for a minute or two, but Mason fell asleep also & we ended up sleeping 2 1/2 hours in the car, in the library parking lot. I'm sure the people walking by thought we were crazy, but oh well.  I woke up just in time to drive over and meet Bowen for lunch. It ended up being a fun day despite all the rain.

We headed back to Jo and Nicoles for our last night there. We wanted to take them out to dinner to say thanks for letting us stay with them, but it would've been a little difficult bringing all the kids. So I ended up making breakfast for dinner. Despite my limited resources, it turned out pretty good!  I packed the suitcases and set the alarm to wake up bright and early to catch the flight out.

What a fun trip it was! It was so nice just to able go and see all of our friends, eat yummy NY food, and see a couple of sights. Thanks to all who let us stay with them. We already miss you!

I think this was the highlight of Masons trip...

...feeding the squirrels.

Good morning

Today is the first day in quite a while that I didn't have anything that I HAD to do. So Mason and I started off our day with an awesome breakfast of french toast with strawberries. This is one of his absolute favorite meals and he always eats a man-sized portion. We just puttered around the house until I called Bowen to see if he wanted to meet us for lunch. Of course he did! Mase and I weren't hungry after that giant breakfast but he just wanted to see his daddy. We treated Bowen to a California Burrito from Chagos. Anytime we go there that is what he gets. Imagine a burrito with everything in it, including french fries. Crazy, I know! lol!

Mason loves his dad so much! He was just hugging him and rubbing his back so softly.

He soon had to get back to work so I dropped him off and Mason and I headed home. I decided about 1/2 way there that the clouds had parted enough to let the sunshine through. So we diverted to the park. Mason looooves this jungle of a playground. It's HUGE! I can just let him run around and wear himself out. Perfect!

Mason has invented a game that he likes to play anytime we go anywhere in the car. It's called, "Take off your shoes and socks before we get to our destination, even if it's only 5 minutes away". He thinks it's just hilarious when I go to get him out of the car and he sticks his little piggy toes in my face showing me his naked feet. This time it didn't matter because the playground is sand and nobody wears shoes anyway. Ha! I won that round.

We were only there for an hour before the wind picked up and it got a bit to chilly to be out. As we were listening to the radio on our way home, I called the station to try and win The Lovely Bones movie that just came out on DVD. And guess what? I WON! Woot woot!

Now Mason is taking a nap and I'm enjoying my 2 hours of bliss. Oh how great it is!

This was taken last night. Bowen wanted to get it on film so that when we have to put together a collection of football videos for Masons scholarship applications, we can put this on there. Ha ha! It's funny how good Mason is actually getting at throwing the football and he's not even 2 yet!

Surprise trip to Bama Stefs and Pa Pa Kurts

About a month ago I decided it was time to take a trip out to Utah. I hadn't been there since last summer and I guess I was feeling a bit homesick. I wanted to leave right away, but my schedule wouldn't allow it. It's funny how busy a stay at home mom can be :) Anyway, I booked my flight and only told Dad about it. I wanted it to be a surprise for everyone, but mostly Mom. It broke my heart every time I would talk to her and she would tear up telling me how much she missed her grandson. So I made him lie and tell her he had meetings in Fillmore all day when really he drove up to Salt Lake to come and get us.

Dad was waiting at the baggage claim when we arrived. Yay!!! Mason was a bit apprehensive of Grandpa Kurt at first, but Dad soon won him over. I think Mase still gets nervous with Dads facial hair. Ha Ha! We picked up the luggage and got right back on the road headed to Delta.

When we drove in to town Chellese was just getting out of school so we went and picked her up. I didn't see her coming as she flew up to my door. Let's just say she was overly excited to see her big sister and nephew...and we were just as excited to see her!

We finally reached the house (after what seemed like an eternity of traveling) and quietly went inside. We found mom resting on the couch in the computer room. Dad started telling her how his "meetings" went that day when she looked over and saw Mase and I in the room. "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! OH MY GOSH! ARE YOU REALLY HERE??? AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!", she screamed. I think she was pretty happy to see us too! When she wiped away a few happy tears she looked at Mason and asked, "Is Grandma a little crazy?" "Ya", replied Mase. Lol! It was a great surprise! We enjoyed the rest of the day just visiting and hanging out. We were all out back watching the kids play and get out their wiggles when C.J. got home. Oh that big little brother I have. Every time I'm around him I just laugh. I love that kid!

Our normalness...

Us pretending to be normal

It was just my luck that I started feeling sick a couple of days before I flew out there. The day after I arrived was pretty rough. I couldn't breath, smell, or hear and just was completely drained of energy. I think being sick, pregnant, and not used to elevation anymore just was too much for my body to take. Luckily I had some pretty great babysitters to watch the boy while I slept...like 2 naps 3 hours each. That's not normal for me, I hardly ever nap so I guess I needed it.

Mason was very entertained! Grandma Stef (or Bama Stef as Mason calls her) took him for a four wheeler ride over to the Hendersons for a visit. He also had fun playing with his cousins Gabe and Meagan who are staying at Moms house for the school year.

It was such beautiful weather! We watched the kids play in the back yard all evening, grilled some burgers, and enjoyed the sunset.

Chellese showing me her toe touches.

Sunday was a blur for me. I made it through about 1/2 of sacrament meeting and I had to go home and rest. When I woke up everyone was home and just sitting down for Sunday dinner. Mmmm...turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans.

Mom took of Monday from work. She called in with "Masonitits" and needed a sick day. Ha ha! The school secretary needed an explanation for that one so mom explained and she fully understood! *Wink, wink*

Mason woke up that morning asking for pizza. What a nut! So when lunchtime came around we met Dad at the Pizza House.

This was the best out of 3 pictures. Dad kept blinking.

Grandma Stef treating her grandson to pizza. Yum!

For Family Home Evening we decided we needed to roast some hot dogs and marshmallows. All the kids were so excited! Chellese and I drove the four wheeler around the ditch finding old wood to burn while the rest of the kids helped get chairs and food ready to go.

Meagan, Mase, and Gabe helping out Aunt/Grandma/Mom get all of the supplies.

Mase and "Aunt Sheese" waiting for the fire to be just perfect before they start their hot dog roasting.

The fire was so hot even from a distance. Usually Mason does a pretty good job roasting his hotdog but he need a little help with that one. Thanks for taking my picture mom. I forget how beautiful I look when I'm pregnant until I see a picture of myself. Ewww...

Mason probably ate 6 or 7 marshmallows. No kidding!

The best thing after playing in dirt and sticky marshmallows...a BATH!!!

It was pretty late and the younger kids had gone to bed, except Mason. He was having so much fun with his Pa Pa Kurt. I was laughing so hard watching them play.

The last day we were there Dad and Mom both had to work, so Mason and I played at the park for a couple hours that morning and went to Chelleses D.A.R.E graduation at the middle school that afternoon. I excused her to come home with me and I took her to get a shake at Delta Freeze. It was nice to visit with my little sister one on one. I dropped her off at dance class and headed over to the school to see if Mom was done working. Luckily she was but she had to show off her grandson to the ladies in the office first.

Later, mom took us to go see How to Train Your Dragon at the movie theater. It was such a cute movie. Mason sat on his Grandmas lap watched the whole movie.

Mase and I waiting for the movie to start

When we got home I put Mason right down for bed. He was so tired! C.J. and I stayed up watching Youtube videos and laughing. He seriously is such a funny kid! It was a good day!

It was such a fast trip but soooo needed. Mom and Chellese took us up to the airport Wednesday morning. We said our goodbyes and hopped on the plane. Mason did very well on the plane rides but the moment we got to San Diego he started screaming. Bowen said he heard him all the way from our terminal. Mason screamed the whole time waiting for the luggage, walking out to the car, and for about 5 minutes in the car. Why? I have no idea. Pretty sure he was just exhausted though. He woke up right as we got home and started screaming again. I put his pajamas on and stuck him in bed. Needless to say he slept very well that night and didn't wake up until 10:3o the next day.

I was so happy to see my Bowen! Even though I had so much fun with my family, it was such a comfort coming home to the man I love!

Warrior Dash

Today we headed up to Lake Elsinore for The Warrior Dash. A few months back Bowen was peer pressured into signing up for it with all the guys from work. It was dusty, hot, and hilarious. The course was 3 miles and full of obstacles including, but not limited to, jumping through fire and crawling through mud pits. Bowen decided to be a redneck warrior and, somehow, the cut off jean shorts and cut off flannel shirt was quite fitting.

Happy boys! Notice the awesome Johns in the background? Ya, we avoided them like the plague!

This is Chris, aka The Ultimate Warrior. He actually won overall best costume, which he completely deserved! Bowen works with the nut...Mason did NOT like him one bit!

The married men. Bowen, Jayson, and Rick. The wives and kids waited at the finish line for our He-Man Warriors to finish the race.

A victorious run! YEAH!

The whole gang after the race.

Happy Easter!

What a great weekend we've had! Saturday I had to work for a couple of hours but as soon as I was done we (Me, Bowen, Mase, & AJ) headed to Liberty Station in Point Loma for the Easter Eggstravaganza.

I guess Mase was kind of having an "off" day because he was pretty grumpy the entire time. As you can see he was thrilled to be in his stroller.We arrived just in time for the egg hunt. Being the pregnant momma that's slowly loosing her brain, I forgot his little easter basket. So he ended up using a 7 11 bag. Awesome!

All the kids patiently waiting for the announcer to say GO!!!

...he finally did, and the eggs were gone in about 30 seconds. Mase was pretty intimidated with the huge crowd. He took about 3 steps and burst into tears. Poor kid! I helped him get a couple of eggs, but he was over it and just wanted to be held.

There was the LONGEST line to see the Easter Bunny. I didn't want to have a repeat Santa experience (a screaming, crying, terrified little boy) so I made sure he wanted to see the bunny before we waited. Mase seemed ok with it but when it was his turn to sit on the Easter Bunny's lap, he was a bit wary. He was okay with me sitting with him and we were able to at least get a picture.

By the end of all the festivities we were all ready to go and Mase even fell asleep on the way home.

EASTER MORNING!!!

We all woke up pretty early to get ready to head over to our friends, the Galbasinis, for breakfast and to watch General Conference. The boys were pleasantly surprised to find little Easter baskets had been laid out for them. Mason wasn't quite fully awake yet and he had extreme bed hair but he was thrilled to see all of his new treasures. Masons favorite thing in his basket was the ball shaped easter eggs. He loves them!

Bowen with his new shirt and goodies

That silly rabbit even found AJ!

We came home and just took it easy for the afternoon. The boys slept and I got dinner ready. We were all outside enjoying our Easter dinner on this sunny Sabbath, telling one other of Easter traditions, when the table started shaking. I thought it was Bowen or AJ at first, but we all looked at each other and realized that it was an earthquake!!! It got to the point where we decided to get up and get out of harms way in case it got any stronger. I could see the power poles and palm trees swaying back and forth. I've never experienced an earthquake and well...it's a little unnerving. The extent of the damage?...only a few pictures fell down. I felt little rumbles for a few minutes after, but it seems everything is okay! Lets's just say I'll never forget this Easter!

Every day days.

It seems like each week goes by so fast. Maybe now that it's warmer out we just have more things to do...

...anyway....

It finally stays light enough and warm enough to have dinner out on the patio (our dining room). Mason thought it was pretty cool to sit out there and eat his tater tot casserole. It's so peaceful to sit in our back yard and enjoy the peace and beauty of it.

The Young Men and Young Women had a stake activity at Old Town this week. While they were doing their thing we let the kids run around and went through the Mormon Battalion again.

Sittin' in the covered wagon.

Thursday morning we woke up to rain, rain, rain. I love it, but it puts off our day sometimes. San Diego isn't designed for indoor activities...especially for kids. When you have 3 kids running around a 2 bedroom house, they tend to get stir crazy. Luckily that afternoon the rain cleared up enough to go on a walk. We ended up at Weinerschneitzel for some icecream cones and they loved every minute of it!

I told him to smile and this is what I got. What a face!

Easter Party!!!

Today was the Primary/Nursery Easter party. It was held at one of Masons (and mine) favorite parks, Kate Sessions. Bowen was even able to make it since he had the day off. There were so many fun activities for the kids to participate in. Of them, cookie decorating was at the top of the list for Mase. He was thrilled about the cookie, but top it with with whipped cream and sprinkles...BONUS!

Yummm!!!

Mase and his buddy enjoying their cookies.

Finally it came time for the egg hunt. Mase didn't quite know what to do at first, but when he saw all the other kids running, he took off. He didn't even look back once he saw the treasured eggs that lay ahead.

When Mason saw all of the eggs he's found, he said, "Aaallrrright!!!" I do believe that his first egg hunt was a 100% complete success! What a fun way to spend a sunny Friday afternoon!