Part 2 California Vacation

Sunday morning we drove from Mesquite to our Howard Johnson Hotel in Huntington Beach on Beach Blvd. The drive was nice although we forgot our dvd player. It's funny when I was a kid I just wished we could watch a movie in the car. Now it feels like a necessity, we almost turned around when we realized we didn't have it. So we started listening to Hunger Games on my ipod.My mom has been recording books for my family for the last year or two and we love listening to her read stories to us. Anyway that really helped us pass the time and we were here before we knew it. The hotel is nice and the kids were so excited to go get in the hot tub. So we just chilled and relaxed and ate Subway which is just next door. While Terry tried to get the internet hooked up to our computer. Then we played in the hot tub until we were all ready to pass out. We have a long vacation ahead of us you see we bought the City Passes from Costco which includes 3 days at Disney or California Adventure, Universal Studios, Sea World and San Deigo Safari Zoo. All for the price of one day at Disney and SeaWorld. So we will do what we feel the energy to do. The weather doesn't look the best so we will probably be glad we have these passes. Monday we woke up and headed straight to Disneyland. It opened at 8:00 and we got there at 8:30 and stayed until 12:30 which is 1/2 hour after it closed. We had a great time although it was really busy and we bought dinner at the pizza place for $50.00. It was still a good time. We hit 18 rides using the fast passes really helped. Bowdee's favorite was Space Mountain, Tia loved Space Mountain and Treg loved Splash Mountain, Terry loved Thunder Mountain and I loved Splash Mountain. We had fun and loved every minute of it. I was amazed at It's a small world and the fireworks were amazing. I just can't believe how Disney does the best of everything they do. From cleaning their park to the firework show, even the costumes on the dolls in the rides. It just amazes me! I loved it so much more this time, our kids are at such fun ages. Treg just barely made the height requirements on the bestest rides and we loved being together experiencing the magic.Tuesday we decided since it was supose to be cold and rainy we would hit California Adventure. This place didn't have as many rides as Disney but we still had alot of fun. Dad and Bowdee found their favorite ride at Hollywood Tower of Terror, this one gave me and Tia a headache. Treg found his favorite ride at Soarin over California, which I must say was way way cool.
Matia loved the Carosel like always. We were not tall enough for California Screamin and we didn't have the time for the Ferris Wheel and we all agreed the Grizzly Rapids was too wet and cold for us to go on. After we got off the California Soarin it started to rain and mom got a migraine so bad we decided to leave. We got there at 11:30 then we left around 6:30 so we didn't stay too long. We all loved the Aladdin performance that gave us a real live theater experience and we all loved it. Wednesday we went to Universal Studios because it was still suppose to be cold. So we got there around 10:30 and stayed until 3:30 I thought we were going to beat the traffic but it was still crazy and it took us 2 hours to get back to the hotel. I am not a big fan of LA it is so big and too many people for my taste. Universal Studios was fun because it wasn't too crowded. We could ride the Jurassic park ride as much as we wanted because there was no wait. Then the Mummy ride was way cool but Treg was only 36 inches and you have to be 38 to ride that one. I think that was Bowdee, Matia's and Daddys favorite ride. Treg and I loved the Jurasic Park ride even though we got wet.
We then went to the Movie effects and making show where they show us how they do certain things. They were asking for volunteers from the audience to come up so they can show the audience how they make movies and the kids were begging me to do it. So I raised my hand for them so they would think I was a way cool mom... Not because I actually wanted to be picked and low and behold out of a couple hundred people they picked me out of the audience and had me come up front. As I was walking up there I remembered I just got off Jurasic Park ride and I was so worried it looked like I peed my pants. After it was all over Terry said he couldn't tell. Which of course if you know Terry he would have told me the trueth so that made me feel better. They did thinks like scare the crap out of me and showed us how they cut peoples arms off in the movies. It looked so real (even from up close), I really screamed and was wondering why it didn't hurt. So then we drove home on Pacific Coast Highway then came home and soaked in the hot tub which the kids absolutely LOVE! Thursday we FINALLY got to go play on the beach. It was still cold but that didn't stop the kids from playing in the ocean. Bowdee loved surfing he stayed out there for hours trying to get up. He reminds me of his father! Terry loved having him out there with him and Matia and Treg even tried it. Treg hated getting the salt water in his mouth.
But they loved playing in the sand although we went to Huntington Beach first and they loved collecting the shells then we went to San Onofre for surfing and they couldn't find any shells there so they just wanted to go back. We had our Thanksgiving dinner there on the beach with a pumpkin pie for dessert. And sparkling apple juice for our drink. Turkey, mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberries and it was perfect. We even had our own little Thanksgiving Day football. After this unique dinner we built a fire and sat around and relaxed. After we went back to the hotel and you guessed it got in the hot tub again. We all said what we were thankful for and this is how it went.... Treg was thankful for Turkey then mom and dad, Matia was thankful for her family, Bowdee was thankful for our house and family, I am thankful for eachother and the beautiful ocean, Dad was thankful for our health and the love we have for the same activities.Friday we went to California Adventure and Disneyland again. But this time we got to meet Terrys sister Tammie and Ted there and play with them. We got there early and made a list of everyones favorite rides we wanted to go on. Treg wanted Soarin' over California, Matia wanted Space Mountain, Bowdee wanted Indiana Jones, I wanted Splash Mountain and Terry wanted Tower of Terror. So we got our fast passes and got busy. It was great in the morning and we got all the Disney ones done by 10. We ate lunch in the car again of course we had bagel sandwiches again all for like $5.00. On the way back to the park I just had to do some black friday shopping. So we went to the build-a-bear just outside the park. They had Holly the moose for $5.00 and I had to get my good deal of the day fix. Terry even let me make my very own first Build-a-Bear. It wasn't until 4:00 that we finally met up with Tammie and Ted. But we quickly made up for time lost. We had a great time with them. They are always so fun to be with. My kids LOVE them both. We went on the Ferris Wheel, Tower of Terror, Grizzly Rapids and we watched the Aladdin play again. All of it was such a great time! We ended up taking them back to the house they were staying with at 9:00 I wish we could have had more time but we were thankful for the time we did get. Saturday was spent in the laundry mat washing clothes and doing some shopping for wetsuits for our snorkling expedition in Catalina. We were all tuckered out and needed a break anyway so we got pizza and hit the hot tub and called it an early night! Gotta love this vacation thing.

Part 1 of our 3 Week Vacation - Mesquite

So Thursday we left for Mesquite Nevada for Bowdee's Football USA Invitational Tournament. His team was invited to go and play against some of the best teams in the state. Thursday we checked them out of school after I got done teaching preschool and then we hit the library then we were on the road at 4:30. The kids did great on the way down and we were checking into the Virgin River before we knew it. Friday the next day we were there Bowdee and Dad went to the Sport Complex to check it out. They had some competitions going on so he came and got us and away we went. We pretty much hung out at the Complex all day doing weigh ins and talking to dads Grantsvillites all day.
Then we went to feed our football player and hit his first game at 6:30 he played against Virgin River who is said to be undefeated in the last 2 years and the Nevada State Champions. Well they took it to them and we won 23-7. It was a hard game the refs called at least 137 yards of pentalties on our team. It seemed like they really didn't want us to win. But we did anyway. It was a perfect night the weather was so nice beautiful skies, our first game under the lights with only a hoodie to warm us. And to top it off with a win. WOW!
Saturday we relaxed and went to the arcade and hung out at the park. Then his game was at 3:30 so we took our place on the field against Bingham who is another undefeated team until this weekend. It started to rain shortly after the kick off and it was cold. With a long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt, fleece, hoodie, and rain jacket I was still cold! The boys played hard and it was a close game at the end of the first half they were both 7 points. Their coaches were yelling and getting their heads in the game. So the boys came back out to play and play they did. But the other team was playing to win as well. After all the smack Bingham was talking to our boys at the hotel they had to win... Anyway in the last 5 seconds of the game it was 13-13 their ball. Our corner back caught an interception and ran for the touchdown!!! Wow talk about some fun time.
So we won and took home a big 6 foot team trophy and took regional! Yes it was the perfect season with some great memories along the way. What a great coaching staff we had and what wonderful boys that were on Bowdee's team. Thanks Bowdee for taking us along on your voyage this year and giving us such a great experience, one that will last a lifetime! So that was our first 3 days of our 18 day vacation.

Championship - The Perfect Season

Saturday Nov 13th was a big day for the Townsend family. You see 4 months ago Bowdee started playing Football with a team he has really enjoyed. He has this passion for football that I think came from my brother Kyle. We were never really into it or enjoyed it until Bowdee came along and shared his passion with us. So we have been taking him to practice 3 times a week and watching for most of it. Then going to his weekly games and working their way up to this day. The day of the final championship of the Northern Utah County Football Tournament. With the banners on the houses, cars painted, faces painted, cheerleaders at the game, balloons, banners, and donuts being passed around. The excitement was thick in the air. They got to play at PG High with a artificial turf and bleachers and everything. It came down to West Lake which is in Saratoga Springs and our team. Our team is now 9-0 which means nobody beat them the whole year and we had very few points against us. Anyway the boys won by 31-0 and very close to another touch down (like 2 yards away) with the ball. I don't think the coaches could have been more excited and proud of these boys. It was nice to see something they have worked so hard for turn out sooo good. It was fun to watch their excitement and brotherness between these boys and I must say I am sad to see it end. But I am so proud of all Bowdee's hard work. He played center which I learned was a big responsibility. If he had a bad snap it would affect the whole team. But he did well with the pressure and he loved defending the quarterback. He also loved playing left tackle on defense. If you know Bowdee you know he is not afraid of a good hit and he loves to hit hard. Good job Bowdee you played very well!
Today was also Treg and Terrys last Basketball game. It was a short season only 4 weeks long with 2 games a week. But it was fun to watch short little Treg get out there and defend like a mad man. And the way he dribbled was so cute. We had a rough season playing against players that were easily a head taller then our team. But it was good taught the boys that wanted to play that they had to play tough. I don't think they won one game this season. But next year we will get them for sure. Treg did make about 10 game time baskets which was awesome considering his size. He is defiantly one of the smallest 1st graders to play basketball this year. So we came home after some good games. Watched some Utes football, made some warm cookies, visited my parents then went to JCW'S to celebrate 2 good seasons. Remember boys love what you do and do it with love.

Halloween Fun

I have to say I just love Halloween I love the dressing up, trick or treaters, parties and of course the candy. This year Treg wanted to be a devil which was perfect because I had the costume from Bowdee a few years back. Matia also wanted to be a devil and wanted her friend Daisy to match so I made their costumes. Bowdee wanted to be a Pimp. So I made his costume as well. Then Terry dressed up as a Unemployeed Bum for his friends Party and then as Darth Sideous for Halloween Night which we had the black Gown he just painted his face. Friday the games began, then we went trunk or treating, and to the Haunted Hallways at the High School, got to help at Tregs school party,
Clue Party at Hansen's, Football Movie Party,

Carved Pumpkins, Ordered our Jack-o-lantern Pizza,then invited friends to our house as a trick or treating headquarters. I stayed and gave out candy waiting for all my previous and current preschoolers. I just love seeing them each year. Then our friends and dear family stayed until around 11 just talking, laughing and eating more candy. I do love it!

Kristi's First Deer Hunt

This year Bowdee and I got our hunters safety together. Then it came time to put in for a hunt. Well I put in along with Terry and I was the only one to draw out. This year the hunt became a 3 day hunt. Crazy I really don't expect to get something in such a short time. Anyway, Terry acted as my guide and we went out Sat night on the first day to Sunshine Canyon. We missed the morning hunt because we had 3 soccer games Bowdee's football game and Tregs basketball game which Terry was coaching.
The hunt that night sucked because there was a really low fog and you couldn't see a thing. So the next day Bowdee babysat and we went to Hickman we left at 6:00 and it was raining up a storm! We got soaking wet and hiked a good little hike for a great look out and saw nothing. So we headed back to the truck and stripped off all our wet gear! The only thing not dripping was our fleece thermals. We ate lunch took a nap and then was forced to road hunt that night because we didn't have anything dry to hunt it. Well we saw a bunch of doe that night and Terry saw one deer take off running like crazy but we couldn't be sure it was a buck.We came home that night and got the kids to school the next day. Then we headed to Ophir Canyon I really liked this hunt other then Terry had an interview at 3:00 so we had to cut our hunting short and go back for that. Then after the interview we just had to hit the night hunt so we RUSHED back to Ophir and up the canyon as fast as we could. We didn't see any buck but we Loved the hunting options. I am still having problems getting my gloves off, gun out of the case, load a bullet in the chamber, then finding the deer in the scope in a timely manner. Terry is getting awful frustrated with me. But he has had years of experience and he is learning with me how to make this teaching someone to hunt a fun thing not a nightmare. So officially my hunt was over unless you hunt a small section of area with just 2 days left. So Tuesday was out because I had to teach preschool from 9-2 then we had dance and football that night. So Wed morning was our last chance so after we got the kids to school we took off again. This time up AF Canyon which I just love that canyon but didn't expect to get anything off that mountain. So we headed up on 4 wheelers for a beautiful ride up the morning quiet canyon toward Mineral Basin. Right up the hill after a long drive Terry spotted a 2 point and by the time I degloved, uncased the gun and loaded the bullets it was gone. So we hiked up trying to track it and get one more chance we didn't see it again.
Personally between us I was beginning to think Terry was seeing things. We drove around until 2:30 then I had to get back for Activity Days and to get the kids for school and another Bball game. We didn't see anything but a moose and her calf, lots of doe, and some gorgeous views the rest of the hunt. But it was nice and now we just have to clean up from the last week of hunting! So to make a long story short my hunt was unsuccessful!

Witch Festival

So for years I have been wanting to go to the Gardner's Village Witch Festivle. So this year I made sure it happenend. I made Kami, Tonja, Holly and Chris a witch costume for their birthdays. I figured if I did that they couldn't say no. I even made Kami come with us girls for a night on the town. I am not sure she enjoyed being with us crazy ladies but I know I sure enjoyed her being with us. We first ate at Red Robin which we always love. Then we hit the village. It was better then I expected there were witches everywhere, dancing, shopping, candy, food and best of all FRIENDS! After we had our fill of fun and they were forcing us to go home we went to Leatherbys Family Icecream. I haven't been there for years I remember my oldest sister taking me there after I would babysit for her. Good memories. Well we just made some more and I remembered what I loved so much about it. Thanks ladies for joining in on the fun it was a night I will never forget.

Fall Break

This fall break was a really busy one. Wednesday night we celebrated Bowdee's birthday with his friends. We took them to play raquetball, swimming (they even got thrown out of the hot tub), then back to he house for pizza dinner and night games. We even fogged up the house with our fogger turned on halloween music and the strobe light and the kids danced around all crazy.They were all in heaven. It started at 4:00 and we took them home at 9:30. I just love it when the kids have friends over and they all seem to have a wonderful time. Happy birthday Bowdee I hope you loved all your gifts and most of all I hope you know how much we love having you in our family.Then Thursday we packed up and headed to Strawberry to go camp over night and enjoy the outdoors four wheeling and fishing. We only caught 2 fish in like 5 hours and the wind started blowing like crazy and it was cold. But none the less the kids had fun finding treasures with Bowdee's new metal detector and casting their lines. And of course Terry and I just enjoyed being together in the great outdoors. "If you are lucky enough to be outdoors, you are lucky enough!" Both Terry and I have a great love for the outdoors and hope our children feel the same. Saturday morning my nephew was baptised so it was nice to be there for that and show him our support. I am proud of you buddy, I know you are making the right choice. Then we had a lunchen with my family. I sure enjoy just chilling with my family. We are all so different in different ways but the same in others. Which is a good thing. But it made me realize how much I miss all my brothers and oldest sister. Family is such an important part of my life. I hope they realize that and I have been good enough to show them my love. Then Saturday after the lunch we headed out to Wendover. I have been wanting to take our family photos so we stopped at the salt flats and shot a few shots here is our favorite. The only downfall was that Dash was with my parents for the trip and couldn't be in the photo. Other then that I think they turned out pretty good for a tripod and quick 15 min. stop. Then we got our hotel rooms (which we were sharing with Troy and his girls and Rusty a good friend of Terry). We had dinner and just hung out. Then we took turns staying with the kids while us adults went dancing. It was nice to get out for just a few hours and feel like a single lady again.We left Wendover and stopped to see Terry's parents. Their house just recently had flood damage from a broken pipe. So we went to see their new carpet and recently redone bedrooms. Those times in our lives really try us and exhaust us but they make us the strong individuals we are. We also stopped to see Terry's grandpa who I have become very attached to. He has recently been moved into an assisted living home. So we missed going to his little white house that he lived in for 60 years.
It was hard to see him sad and missing his home and in a little room but I guess it is where he needs to be to keep him healthy. What a great man we thoroghly enjoyed our visit with him talking about old times and hearing his stories. We love you Gramps! You could sure feel his excitment from our visit, we should go more often. The only down fall of this whole weekend was having to come home to a complete mess! But we created many memories that I will never forget. Man I love this life!

School Photos

I can't believe it is that time of year already to be taking school photos. Then I just can't believe when I look at these kids that they are mine and they are so amazing. Amazing in every way, they are responsible, kind, smart, beautiful, and so loving. I just wanted to give a shout out to them that I believe they can do anything they set their minds too! I am not bragging or boasting about my children... I am just simply telling them how much I LOVE being their mom and everyday they amazing me by the wonderful people they are. Thank you - Kiddos!

Terry's job situation

So many of you have heard that Terry was to be laid off yet again.... Well it has finally happened in Sept they told him he could start working from home. Then the first of Oct. was his last day. I tell you I am having so much fun having him home I am not even stressing about anything else right now. He has finished building the iron fences to fence in our back yard, built the chicken coop, welded window well covers for so friends who have been patiently waiting for it. He has made all the dinners, cleaned the house, helped get the kids to school, helped with homework, cleaned the garage, completed about a million and one unfinished projects around the house. Have I mentioned I just love having this man around? He has had a few interviews and kept his eye open for jobs. I know when this time comes to an end we will both have adjustments we will have to make. I will sure miss having my mister mom around. So for now we are just loving it all we can!