Spring Break Part II...Getting home

I did it again. I loaded the pictures in reverse. Oh well, I think it will still make sense. I picked up a van we had rented early Monday morning and then I picked up Amanda and her kids in SLC. We were off on a long drive down a desolate HWY to California. We had so much fun and the kids did really well all things considered. We drove all day and got to Reno about 5 that evening. The kids had been really good and we decided to stop at Chucky Cheese and let them run around for a bit. We were only about 3 hours away. We got back in the car, it had been snowing on and off on the road but nothing to bad. When we got to the pass from Reno to California they said the road was closed and we could not go through. We had no choice, we had to turn back and get a hotel room in Reno. We found out later had we not stopped at Chucky Cheese we would have got stuck in a terrible snow storm and still been forced to turn around at the top of the summit. When we woke up the next morning we found out there was a flight back to Hawaii that night, we just had to get through the pass. We kept checking on the road conditions and they said chains were required to get through. I am so glad I was with Amanda we decided we would just have to purchase some chains...and a few diet cokes, and go for it. It was crazy. When we got to the top we couldn't believe how much snow there was. We made it safely to the other side. We managed to get to Travis, return our rental car, and now wait to see if we would be going home. I guess you don't always get lucky. We didn't get on. At first Amanda and I were disappointed and we shed a few tears. But luckily we had booked a hotel on base just in case so we got a shuttle to take us there for the night and come up with plan B. People were so kind and we learned so much. We went to see when the next available flight was going to be and it wasn't until Saturday. We only had the hotel for one more night. We were tired and decided it was best to just purchase 1 way tickets home out of Sacramento. (Thanks MOM!!!) Even though we didn't get back on a space A flight. I had a great trip, with a great friend. We made so many memories and I will never forget it!!!!
Since we ended up spending and extra day in California, we decided to take the kids to the Jelly Belly Factory, and then of course we had to check out the outlet malls there.



The kids all wanted to sample flavors such as bugars...gross I know.

Tour Time!!!
This is all the snow at the top of the summit. You could barely see the road signs!!!


When we were in Reno, the kids decided they could fly across the beds. They entertained themselves all morning.

Here we go. Amanda and I decided we can do anything with a good friend and a diet coke.

Spring Break and Lee's Wedding

Ok, so I have not blogged in a while. Life got crazy and now I am trying to catch up. I just realized all my pictures are in reverse, but I think it will make sense. Spring Break 2011. It was my brothers wedding and I really wanted to go to the mainland for it. Deven was in Washington D.C. and so I was really looking forward to the trip. But I decided, due to the cost of airline tickets, I was going to try to take a space A flight. I had talked to several people who had done space A before, and my friend Amanda said she would brave the adventure with me. We got lucky, there happened to be a flight directly into SLC. This is rare but perfect for us. WE GOT ON!!!! We were so excited. Who is crazy enough to take their kid by themselves on such an unknown adventure. Well Amanda and I. We flew on a refueling plane and the whole way over they refueled fighter planes in the air. The crew was really awesome and let us go down in the window and watch them refuel the planes. The seats were nothing spectacular, but the kids were able to lay down on them and sleep most of the way. When we landed in SLC there was snow on the ground. I think the kids were most excited about this. We got to spend some time with Nana and grandpa as well. Gracie, Nana, and I got to go to Disney on Ice and do a little shopping at the Gateway. We had so much fun. Then it was on to Gunnison to help get ready for Lee and Lindsey's wedding. I am so glad we got to come in. I got to spend time with my mom and sisters, and Gracie and Dylan really enjoyed the cousins. The wedding day was windy and cold, but we still got to take some great pictures outside the Manti temple. Unfortunately all good things must end and so the kids and I spent our last night in a hotel room close to the rental car place. Because part two of our adventure was going to start. Amanda and I were going to drive 10 hours to Travis AFB just outside of Fairfield CA to try and get a space A flight home.
The kids outside of the Manti Temple, even though it was cold and windy, the grounds were still beautiful.



I got to help throw a bridal shower for our new "sister-in-law" Lindsey, My sister Shirece had a great idea and we threw a "fire shower" It turned out to be hilarious. We did a candy bar and of course I turned my head for a minute and Dylan helped himself.




Gracie and Nana at Disney on Ice!!!


This was our plane, nothing fancy, but it was a great adventure.

Ready or not guys... we did it, we got on a flight...our first Space A experience. WE ARE GOING TO SLC UTAH!!!!
re-fueling the fighter jets in the air.
We made it. We were waiting for Grandpa Cox to pick us up, but the kids didn't mind they had so much fun in the snow!!!!

The Birthday Party

Happy Birthday to my two beautiful children. Rain or not the birthday party was a ton of fun. This year we combined the two kids birthdays and just had one big party. Deven is going to be gone when Dylan actually turns two so we thought it would be fun to just celebrate together and then he wouldn't have to miss the party. We have made such good friends here and it was fun to get together with them and share a fun day at the beach. Even though it was a rainy day, no one seemed to care and everyone still had fun. This was the last day before Deven flew to Washington DC for a couple of months so it was a much needed relaxing afternoon for our family.
Gracie has wanted a bounce house for her birthday since we moved here. We have been stalling but decided this would be the year. She was so excited and they all had so much fun!!!
Dylan (yes he is in his pajama shirt, he wouldn't take it off and I didn't feel like a fight) but he loved just hanging out with everyone.
This face says it all. NAUGHTY... we love Dylan but he is just that our little stinker.
I have come to accept the fact that when you have a mother who loves diet coke, you are bound to have children who follow after. I don't always let him have it, but hey it was his birthday party. You know it's bad when you go through McDonalds drive through and Dylan says "I want coke" I am working on it LOL.
Rain or not the kids still had fun playing at the beach. I guess you are going to get wet one way or the other.
bounce house fun!!!!


Nothing like food, friends, and fun... and it will always be a great day! Thank you everyone who made this day so great for our kids.




This is the morning Gracie actually turned 7. It was a great day for her treats to her class and even more treats to her hula class. Her favorite dinner of orange chicken. She had a great day! Happy Birthday Princess. I hate to admit that she is growing up. I am afraid the days of dressing up in princess clothes are almost over. I am not sure how I feel about the days of Justin Beiber LOL. She can be found in her room with her music blaring and her dancing and singing to him. But she is turning in a to great older sister and she does things all the time to make us so proud of her. We love you Gracie!!!
Gracie was nominated for the character trait of the month. HONESTY We were very proud of her, during her lunch they brought them up on the stage and gave them a certificate and of course ice cream afterwards. I got to go and have lunch with her. She was so excited and so was I. We love you Gracie.