Roxborough

So, the miracle we hoped for never came.  In fact, we decided that no matter what, we would take Ava when it was close to her act, let her sing, and then bring her straight home.  But when the time actually came to leave, despite being adequately drugged up, she was burning with fever and shaking and she said she really wanted to but she just couldn't do it.

There's always next year.

One of the best things about Colorado and honestly ranks as one of the best things that has ever happened to me in my whole life, is that Walmart delivers my groceries.  All I have to do is get on line and order up what I'd like, pick a delivery time for as early as the next day and then it all shows up at my front door.  It's absolutely a thing of beauty.

Luke has taken after Ava and has been writing a lot of books lately.  And then the other day he said he was going to draw the United States. I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty impressed by this.

I met a friend at the park one day shortly after we got here and realized that I am more off my game than I thought I was.  At 11 months old, Finn had never been in a swing.  Needless to say he loved it, which made me feel even worse for depriving him for so long.

 I also realized that I'd never let him ride in the seat of the shopping cart.  He has always shopped in his car seat in the cart or in the sling.  He also loved it, though I don't trust him for long trips.

  But seeing as how my groceries get delivered these days, him riding in the cart for our quick runs should work out.

Grandma Linda made Max a Spiderman Quilt.  He was thrilled!!

He is so into super heros these days.  He has a bunch of Little Golden books, and has even memorized a couple.  Dan shows the boys super hero movie trailers before bed, too. The other night after the boys had been put to bed, Max started frantically calling. "Daaad! Daaad! Dad! Dad! Daaaad!" So desperately like he was about to wet the bed or he'd thrown up or something.  Dan ran as fast as could down the hall and when he got in there and asked what was the matter, Max asked matter of factly, "How did Peter Parker get bit by that spider?"

Dan and I received callings at church this week which were further proof that Heavenly Father really is watching out for us.  When we first moved and met with the Bishopric and they asked about our previous callings Dan came straight out and said, "Well I'll just tell you that Elise hates Primary."  I was so shocked he said it, I had no reply.  Mostly because it's totally true. I have loved my times as a primary counselor, teaching sharing times up there.  I have loved being the primary secretary and taking attendance and organizing things over there.  And I have hated with an overwhelming passion sitting there in the trenches for two hours with other peoples ill behaved kids whispering constant reminders to sit down and listen. It was really one nightmare class that ruined it for me, but still.  Primary is not my favorite place and now it is no secret to you or our new bishopric.  Later Dan told me he said that because he couldn't survive my complaining/crying every Sunday.

Dan on the other hand, was praying mightily that he would have nothing to do with Scouts.  Something like Elder's Quorum Teacher would be perfect he said.  And that's exactly what he'll be.  I'll be the Mia Maid advisor for the 14-15 year old girls, which is also pretty much perfect for me.  I love Young Women's, its my happy place and I can show up and teach but I don't have to shoulder much responsibility and at this time in life that's exactly what I need.  Needless to say, we are both pleased.

Dan's past week of work was even worse than the last and I learned my lesson not to complain about my husband coming home after 8pm, because then he'll start coming home after 10pm.  Things really should settle down this week, especially because it's Spring Break and he only works today and tomorrow. Finn and I are leaving on Thursday to Chicago.  If we're lucky we should be able to squeeze in visits with Mom and Dad, Leah and her family, and Ian and his.  I am excited except for the plane ride.  Finn has been the best little traveler and is a seasoned flier.  But that was all before he developed an attitude and was big enough to want down.  I truly feel for a our seatmates.  In fact, I've already started praying for all of us.  I'd give practically anything to ride a plane alone right now.  I'd even appreciate being stranded in an airport. I'd bring a book, get a hot chocolate, maybe take a nap on the floor, and I'd do it all alone, and in peace.  But that would totally ruin Dan's plans with the kids. He has been looking forward to his long-planned outings with no baby.

It's funny because Dan has changed in a way I never expected, but at the same time thrills me to no end.  Over the past few years he has developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors.  He recognizes the beauty of it and the healing power of it and the worth of it.  I am an outdoor person.  Him not being that way obviously wasn't a deal breaker when we got married but it is a happy, happy thing to find ourselves in such commonality now. (His recent admission that he hopes we can one day own land had me giddy for days). He has made it our family goal to go to all the state parks in Colorado.  So far we've hit three, which is not too shabby considering our recent move and circumstances.  This past weekend was Roxborough State Park.

Geologically it was really interesting places. I hadn't really seen anything quite like it. And the two and half mile hike was significant for the kids (and kind of for us honestly, mostly because of Finn.)

There was whining but overall it was a really positive experience and we all agreed back at the van that we were glad we went.

I'm going to be sad to miss the next two parks on the Spring Break Agenda, but I am trusting Dan to take a lot of pictures and not let any of the kids die.