Water Parks

 As soon as the summer weather was finally set in and before we set out on all our road trips we bought our season passes and headed straight to the water park to cool off.  Since it was the first week of great weather the park was packed and finding even a sliver of grass was so impossible.  Luckily we found a nice place even with some shade from a tree.

 It was going to be the first time in 7 months since the girls have been in water greater than 2 ft deep.  

They love their kiddie pool and love the bath so it was to be expected that they would completely love the water park.

Their most favorite was the lazy river, were we just held their arms and let them float and enjoy splashing around.  They even attempted to kick their legs like little frogs!

Due to their size and age we kept to the river and a small kid area where they could stand on us and splash away in the shallows. 

We were actually a bit surprised in how well they have taken to water.  I've seen kids be frightened and cling to their parents in pools but these girls were fearless!  

Regular sunscreen and snack breaks were in need because of the blazing sun and heat.  

They actually held strong for 3 hours until they were definitely showing sign of "we need a nap, now"!

We have been so busy since it's been hard to go again, not to mention the weather has been as bi-polar as it could get.  Hopefully if the forecast is correct we will get a couple more good days in soon!

I have so many pictures from our adventures so far to go through it's crazy.  Just memories we will hold onto for a life time, a life time that keeps changing as the days go on!  Hopefully I'll get more down time and get in those other updates soon! 

I hope everyones summer has been full of fun in the sun!

{Happy Thursday!}❤

Aloha...wait that's not right...

Hello! from....back home in not so warm U.C.! 

You got it, we are  back home after 7 amazing days in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  I really hope all my bloggitty friends had a great Mothers day and some good adventures without me! <3

I figured I'd post about our trip in sequels- I guess you could say.  We did so much and so much happen it was just a crazy vacation.  Instead of packing it all into one giant post I'll spread it out into a few.  Maybe, a couple days at a time.

First and foremost I seriously am so thankful and lucky to have an amazing husband that works hard so we can take these little trips away.  Also for a family who is willing to be there and help us out with the gremlins and hairy children so that me and the dude can escape, just us two.  Blessed, loved, and so thankful. =)

 I'm going to start off with the not so good feelings.  Get that out of the way right?  

Well, we ended up showing up a bit late to our flight, from the beginning I could tell there was a problem and it was made known when the airport worker tried to whisper to her co-worker that there wasn't enough room on the plane.  Don't worry though, after some shuffling around they checked us in and we were on our way through security...45 minutes of waiting to get through security I should say.  Honestly we were just happy it wasn't a repeat of last time we flew US Airways to Mexico and they didn't inform us of their flight cancelation at 6am and we ended up having to wait 4 hours (at the airport) for the next flight out! BUT that's in the past ;)

We boarded the plane, heard some rumors of luggage having to be checked different because of the plane being over weight.. thought nothing of it and enjoyed the short ride to Phoenix to catch another plane to PVR, MX.  Both flights were great, sitting next to very nice people who we chatted with along the way about things to do and see while there.  

Around 6 pm we landed it was humid, the air smelled of nature, it was warm, and the sun was shining without a cloud in the sky!  The scenery was much like places in Hawaii, tropical and green.  Much different than was we saw in Mazatlan.  

After waiting to get through customs we were on our way to get our luggage and catch a cab to our destination resort.  Unfortunately after searching and checking each bag several times...ours was no where to be found.  I should say mine was no where to be found, the dude packed all of his things in a backpack for carry on.  Being a female I apparently was unable to do so, hehe.  

I'm not sure if I was simply being a little baby or it's just how you feel when they tell you they left your luggage in another country (the US) and you wont be getting it till the next day, but I was pretty sad, upset and a little angry.  No worries though as we headed on our way.

If you haven't heard, the goal to exiting the airports in MX is to keep your head down so that those sneaky salesmen don't capture you!  Apparently I forgot to inform the dude of this and within moments we were being talked into taking a tour of another near by resort and listening to a small "presentation"(scheduled for the next day).  Probably the best decision we made! No joke..and you'll see why in a moment.

Not only did they give us discounts on adventures we wanted to take part in but they gave us a free taxi ride to our resort.  To skip a long and not so entertaining story, we were a little disappointed in the resort we thought we had researched well before hand.  It was dirty, crowded, loud, trash all over, beach was blah, pools weren't too awesome, food=ick, and our room overlooked a make shift dumping field,and the staff just wasn't too kind.  We tried to shrug it off and the next morning after receiving my luggage (thank goodness) we headed to the "presentation".  

The resort we toured that was just a couple miles south of ours was newer, gorgeous rooms, beautiful pool, ocean views from each room, marble and granite floors/counters, kitchens/fridge in each room.  We could have lived there.  We were able to try their breakfast buffet which was just yum.  After going through the "buy this and you'll live like a king" speech from the salesman-as good as the speech sounded- we had to decline and they thanked us and we walked away.  

Stopping there for a moment I'm going to address something-

We aren't usually too picky at places we stay and are simply thankful to just be somewhere cool. Usually you're on vacation and spend most of your time away and not in your room, so on.  After some thought, we kind of came to the conclusion besides 2 days out of the 7, we planned on staying at the resort by the pool, on the beach, in our room relaxing, etc.  So when spending a lot of money on a Birthday/Anniversary/Mothers day gift you want it to feel good and comfortable as you relax away.  

With that (and now onto the good feelings), we decided to move to the other resort.  Surprisingly finding out that for a small price change we would be able to upgrade from a 3star to a-in my opinion- 5star resort.  All-inclusive, ocean views, etc.  

In the end it was a great thing that we went on that tour presentation and made a good move.  Each meal was delicious, we had several options, even room service.  Unlimited Meals, drinks, and fun from 7am-10pm. It was quiet but entertaining and relaxing yet exciting. 

The first day at the new resort we spent by the pool and eating some amazing pizza while tasting some yummy drinks.  The following couple of days were going to be filled with adventure and we really could not wait to experience them!  

That's my Picky post for the week, hopefully you check back later to see the great things we did, saw, and all that in-between.

I have lots to catch up on, reading up on my blog loves, laundry, cleaning, and birthday planning!

{Happy Monday!}  ❤

Lists and Loves

So this is what the twins see every day...poor them, haha.

But, this is what I get to see every day!

 (Gotta love her chubs!)

Makes you wonder if they think that mom is just a robot from outer space that has a lens attached to her face. Probably. 

Either way I can't help but love to capture as many moments with them as I can!  Looking at the pictures from nearly a year ago (a year? not possible) I was overcome with dread at how quickly those little moments pass us by and sometimes they are hard to remember without a good picture to back them up.

Happiness is all that I feel when I'm around them and excitement for what adventures we are going to have this summer.  The gift of now is something we are so lucky to have and should really hold on to.  

Those moments I was so tired from trying to rock my little ones to sleep and frustrated that I wasn't sleeping, I can never take back.  As I look at them now I wish so much that they still cuddled like that but I also long for those moments where they will say "Mommy, I love you".  

So I am going to give you a challenge, during this coming weekend capture some of your favorite moments! 10 years from now you'll be so happy you did. 

Anyway, this is what I did last night-

That's right, I too make lists.  It's a must when I'm going on a vacation or a getaway.  Otherwise, I forget and even when I do make a list I sometimes forget.  I also made a little daily schedule to hand off to the rents per their request.  We know they got it down pat but it always makes you feel a little more comfortable to see what the gremlins are used to for their daily routine.  

What does it all mean, Basil?  

Well, what it means is tomorrow night we are leaving and are in the final preparations for the trip.  I was asked today if I was excited to get away, just the two of us.  My honest reply was, No, even though I totally should be.  Maybe it's the ever looming fear of leaving the twins for 7 days?  

Everything will be fine and I know that someone has a watch over my gremlins.  Also, I'm sure once we have everything settled away and are out on our own it will feel a little better and I'll be able to settle into the relaxation of our trip. 

It's going to be exciting, it's our Anniversary, Mother's Day, Birthday trip all packed into one! It's gotta be good, right?!  

YES!

I know our resort wont have internet so unfortunately (or if you're a glass half full type a lad, fortunately) I will not be updating with pics, news, or adventures till I get back!  I may be twittering here and there though so please do Follow, we loves follow friends. 

On that note I'll leave you with this-

{Have a fabulous Mother's Day weekend and week!}❤

Tonight..we ride!

It's finally upon us, I'm leaving a day sooner than expected, I leave tonight!

Yes, I'm making a bit of a deal about a 4 day trip.  But can you blame me when I've never been away from the gremlins?  Not to mention the longest time Aust and I have been apart is 3 days since...forever!  It's a big thing.  Who knew that you could have so many thoughts and emotions going through your body at one time.  I'm WAY excited, scared, nervous, already exhausted...I could go on but I wont.  It's a weekend with a bunch of gals to hang out and get pumped about our team goals.  Also getting to know these girls will be fun since we haven't had much time during practice.  Except I will say this, my new apparent nick name from some of the girls on the team is "Twins", fitting I must say. :p

We are driving all night tonight in hopes of ending up there tomorrow morning.  From what I see of the forecast it's going to be in the 70's for the next few days over there, while here at home they will be expecting snow, ha.  That alone is something to be excited about.  I have been itching for some heat, for the rays of our glorious and monstrous sun to heat my paling face, and this is the ticket.  Like a little taste test of whats to come in the next few months. :)

So far from what I hear we will be playing up to 3-5 games throughout Saturday and Sunday during this tournament.  All against various woman teams.  I'm very pleased to say my ankle/foot is feeling much better and hopefully after a little more icing and heating tonight I'll be good and ready for the games.  We were a little rocky in our first game, not much communication, but this weekend I have a good feeling that we are going to dominate!  That no bruise or knock down will prevent us from getting back up and pushing forward for a try (goal/touchdown/you get it).

The worst part of this whole thing, I guess "worst" is the word, is that I have no idea how or what to pack for this trip. Ha, sad yes?  Alas I'm pretty sure it's just the fact that my brain is trying to explode from all the things I need to get done so it's straining to focus on what essentials I will be needing.  With a test and paper due the Tuesday after I get back, I really don't blame my brain.  Poor girl needs a veg vacation!  Aust has been soooooo amazingly supportive through all this I cannot believe how lucky I am to have such an amazing man and family behind me.   He never expected to watch the girls alone for a weekend, but he took it one with smiles and support. <3  Love the ninja monkey. 

I'll be missing the hugs, cuddles, and smiles from these beautiful faces--

LOL silly pictures I know.

But I also know that when I get back they'll be waiting and excited as ever!

Hopefully I can sneak my parents camera away and use it to takes some pics while we are there and update if possible.  From what I hear we'll be busy though.  So I hope everyone has a good safe weekend and stays warm through this next storm front. :)

Wish us luck! hehe

Thanksgiving

This year we decided to take a little road trip to see family in Washington.  We knew it would be an adventure having 2 6month olds to travel with.  But we also couldn't wait to get on the road and out of town.  

The plan was to leave Tuesday afternoon unfortunately mother nature had other plans and roads were closed till early Wednesday morning at the Idaho/Utah border.  So instead we headed out early morning Wednesday in hopes of getting to the closure as it opened.  By luck we did, it was around 10AM when we reached Snowville and after a diaper change and a rest the roads were cleared and open..well..if you call this cleared:

Our getaway

It's been a little stressful around here the past couple weeks.  Not only I but the kids and their dad have been feeling it weigh pretty heavy on everyone.  I think my parents knew this, because Friday when I spoke to them they insisted we come with them to visit my brother in Las Vegas.  Their treat.  

We accepted and were on our way. It was the perfect weekend to go. At home it was supposed to be rainy and cruddy, my Grandma Chris was going to be in Vegas this weekend as well, and honestly we needed to get out! 

We left Friday night late, around 8pm.  The girls were fed and in their PJ's all cuddled (as much as you can be) in their car seats.  

The drive down was perfect.  A little bit of rain but nothing slowing us down.  The twins slept the entire way only making us stop once, for gas. 

We got in late, but all 4 of us crashed right away.  

The first day we spent relaxing and playing with the kiddles. 

Their Gamma decided they needed some winter clothes and was nice enough to take them shopping.

We then proceeded to go to one of the best places I've eaten in such a long time!  Chicago Brewery - If you have never been I strongly suggest going while you're down that way.  It's small and has such a nice ambiance to it. The staff was so helpful too, making sure the girls had a comfortable place to sit next to their parents.  (who then passed out shortly into the meal) 

(Kenzlee being a little ninja!)

I personally ordered a Turkey wrap with chipotle ranch....SOOO YUMMMY!

(Not to mention the many many different types of beer they have available)

Since my Grandma Chris and Roger were in town for a wedding we were lucky enough to meet up with them at their hotel and have a some brunch on Sunday.

(Great Grandma meeting her babies)

We hung out in their room for a while chatting. It was very nice to just relax and socialize. Not to mention the girls loved it! They wouldn't stop screeching and cooing at everyone. 

(Dad and Roger)

(Oakley being a big girl)

(They love their Uncle Neldon so much!)

After a bit we all got a little antsy and since they were staying at the Flamingo we thought, "Hey! Why not go SEE the Flamingos?"

We were all excited to take the twins out to see the animals. 

(HUGE Koi fish...seriously the size of the babies)

(The Dad trying out the Baby Bjorns his aunt gave us)

We all got to get a group photo...minus my dad taking the picture :)

(Proud Parents)

The twins were loving it so much!  We figured out how to flip them around so they could see better.  

We hated for it to end but had to get back to reality.  I think it was a great trip though.  The ride  home was just as easy and drama free as the ride there.  

Since then the girls have been sleeping from 8pm-8am with little to no fussing.  Giving all of us some much needed rest.  

My brother has multiple times said we need to move in with him so as to make my parents move down there.  I love his home and being around him but I don't know if that'll slide ;).  

We can't wait to go see him again hopefully soon. 

Traveling with Twins

Everyone knows traveling with a baby can either go really well or be a complete disaster.  So, with multiples you kind of need to be ready for the latter, due to 2 different personalities. 

(Kenzlee is easy going...Oakley HATES change!)

We have so far been on one long road trip with the girls, which was to Vegas.  (nothing like a trip to Washington, but still)

I learned a lot during the drive both there and back.  

Here is a list of what I now know to be prepared for:

1.  Being limber is a HUGE plus! I was contorting myself in so many ways to try and wedge in the back at times.

2.  Have a bottle ready for eating if longer than 6 hours..have several.

3.  Even for a young baby small toys that hang from the car seat do wonders for distractions.

4.  Leave after a large meal.  Or during their normal bed/nap time.

5.  Be prepared to stop and change a large poopy diaper ANYWHERE!

6.  Learn to see with your hands.

7.  Have faith in who ever is driving, for those moments you need to unstrap.

8.  If  your kid takes a pacifier..have several on hand. You never know when it will become projectile and lost in the car.

9.  Just because you're not driving doesn't mean you wont have both hands full...either with bottles..pacifiers..toys..etc.

10.  Once at the destination, learn where the nearest market for supplies is. 

11.  Make sure you have plenty of comfortable blankets..or your nights will be worse than at home.

12.  On any medication?  DONT FORGET IT!  It will take longer to fill a prescription than it does to double check you have everything.

13.  Try your hardest not to go off schedule.

14.  If your hubby doesn't help much at home..now is the time to teach him how.  If not, you'll go CRAZY!

15.  There is a big chance even if you packed tons of diapers..you'll buy more.

16.  Because you'll be exhausted there is a chance even you wont be able to tell which baby is which.  (Sorry Oakley) =D

17.  On the first couple days be ready for a rough start.  They know it's different..they don't like it!  

18.  If someone wants to help and hold the kids..let them...it's a vacation!  You see your kids every day, one day of not holding them wont kill you or them.

19.  Don't pack everything unless your certain it's needed...stroller, bouncer, swing, etc.  Otherwise it's just one big pain.

20.  Plan ahead....way ahead if possible.

21. Expect it to all be a blur the first couple times.

22.  And finally remember...it just gets easier...or does it?

Ok...so it's not a solid list and there is much more but this is all that has come to mind when going on long drives/trips with the twins.

I really can't wait to go on more trips with them. We just need to remember all the stress of packing and loading and moving along is all worth the end result! :)

Fantastic Weekend!

*****In 1221 Genghis Khan killed 1,748,000 people at Nishapur in one hour.*****

So, wow, this weekend was just amazing! It was our 1yr anniversary on top of Memorial Day, so we had a 3 1/2 day weekend. We decided to take a trip down to see my brother in Vegas, and to spend time at a nice hotel for our Anniversary.

We left Friday night around 9pm our time, getting us there around 4:30am. :) It wasn't SO bad, I slept like a rock that's for sure. We ended up having to crash on my brothers futon until around 8am when he left for work, then spent most the day sleeping in his room. Where it was much cooler, darker, and quieter. We slept till probably 2pm. Got up and got a hotel room for the rest of the weekend. It was a beautiful room, that we ended up upgrading to a suite on our last day, which I might add had the prefect view of the strip. We spent most of the weekend hanging out by the pool in my brothers backyard, eating at great restaurants, but the most important just relaxing. Sunday night we ate at a club/restaurant called Ra. It was a sushi place just off the strip. The music was great, the food was drool worthy and the sake was even better. After that we ended up bowling down by our hotel, where I of course schooled both of the boys!

The next day we just relaxed, went shooting out in the desert and eventually of course had to head home.

The drive was horrible, the seats in our P.O.S. car were killing my back the entire way. On top of me being super tired, and trying to sleep. I couldn't.

I was excited to get home though. It's nice to be able to sleep in your own bed, and use your own things. Although who is ever excited about going back to work? I know I wasn't, and further proved my point by the fact it was busier than ever today! Of course being because it was after a holiday.

Our dog has been acting strange as well so I haven't been able to keep my mind off that very well.

My mind is too jumbled to really keep a good straight forward blog so I'm sure most of this makes no sense or has no exciting details!

Anyway, maybe I'll have my head together by tomorrow.

Cya

Hetty <3