Rain boots.

On our trip to San Francisico, we made a brief pit stop to Oregon for Easter! And....necessary dental visits.

Let's rewind back to December, after spending a week and a half with my family in Utah (which I now realized I never blogged about!), we headed to Oregon to visit Bryce's family for Christmas. Shortly after arrival, that night and every night until the dentist chair--very very painful tooth pain kept me from sleeping. I would bawl in bed and count the hours until the dentist could put me out of my misery. So I'm sure you can imagine how grateful I was to conveniently have a brother-in-law and sister-in-law that own their own dental practice in the neighboring community. As much as I have always hated the dentist, I couldn't have been more pleased with the timing of the need for this ROOT CANAL. Not fun, right? So...apparently, pregnancy can be rough on your teeth and/or/combined with spending almost 4 weeks in a non-water drinking country can cause issues down the road. Whatever the reason, I didn't drink nearly the amount of water that I drank when pregnant with Brycen and ended up with several cavaties and a need for a root canal. Pregnant people...drink your water! Brushing teeth two to three times a day didn't cut it for me.

At least that's my theory on it. I have had only 2 cavaties my whole life (and none before the 2nd pregnancy began) and then December rolled around....anyways. Back to the story. Our brother-in-law dentist happily saw me and he is amazing at what he does. I didn't feel a thing (and apparently need 3-4x the amount of numbing material than most)--he made sure I was completely comfortable and I'm still amazed to this day...that I never felt anything. Needless to say, for all my future dental needs...I am flying to Oregon.

So for my root canal tooth, they put a crown on it but it would take 2 weeks to make the permanent crown thus creating the need to fly out again. So we did 3 one way tickets to Portland and then San Francisco and got to spend a wonderful weekend in Oregon. After almost 4 years of marriage and a kind email from Grandma expressing the need for rainboots, Brycen and I went prepared for our first time ever to the always raining Oregon. After all, the weather forcast in San Fran called for them as well.

Yes, loading the airplane in sunny 70 degree weather Indiana decked out in rainboots seemed quite silly but the vision of dry feet and not having to fit them in the suitcases stood reason enough for me.

And then we arrived. To SUNNY 70 degree weather Oregon. Yes, I waited along the arrival curb dressed all in all black and almost knee high rainboots. While people passed in shorts and flipflops. The story of my life.

 

He was way too excited to sleep longer than 45 minutes during our combined 7 hour flights (after getting 6 hours of sleep the night before). So instead, he fell asleep on the way home from the airport and slept through the first hour of Grandma's or until Mommy decided he should wake up and join in on the fun. 

 

While Brycen slept, Cian/Daddy amazed all the nieces and nephews with their balancing act.  

 Brycen woke up and joined right in--walking around the farm with Grandpa and putting the brand new rain boots to use.

 The weather was PERFECT for the family annual Easter Egg hunt 

 

 and eating outside for dinner (the first we have ever been able to attend). Brycen had a blast with his cousins. They picked up with where they left off.

 

Notice the candy bag. Each grandkid found roughly 30 (yes, 3-0) eggs, amounting to quite a stash of candy--hey, we happen to like the dentist, might as well keep him in business :)

While Mommy and Daddy sat in the dentist chair, Brycen stayed back at Grandma's with his "friends" (notice all the boots :). All four cousins were born within the same year and (now) really get along well together. This was the first visit that there was more playing than fighting--growing up and being able to communicate has worked wonders. They followed each other around and loved playing in the puddles. 

Life on the farm is sure messy though. Brycen went through all his clothes packed for the week, during the first 60 hours.

 

The two newest additions. Cian is roughly a month older and was born a pound heavier and yet, has been passed up in the weight category. Quite interesting since he eats ALL day. 

San Francisco!!

Ever since seeing my first episode of Full House some 15+ years ago, I have always wanted needed to go to San Francisco. The opening credits of Full House are actually my favorite part, watching them run over that green hill, the row of houses, the ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. So sunny and perfect. Not to mention that I have always had a thing for big cities.

So when Bryce had a conference last week in San Francisco, it was my opportunity and I took it!! The two little boys tagging along was fun--much more work--but fun. It was a fantasic week. Turned out perfect.

Now in planning out any week, I always keep a lookout on the weather--as soon as I can. Meaning looking at the 10 day forecast as soon as my days in San Francisco popped on it. I always want sunny weather, no matter where I'm headed. So when I saw rainy weather (70-90% chance) EVERY day we were there...I was bummed (come to find out, San Francisco is pretty rainy). Especially since it was sunny with zero percent chance up to the day we were scheduled to arrive and starting again the day we left. So I briefly considered cancelling my flight (yes, I was that bummed) but then decided to just pray and hope for the best. Rain can seriously affect so much...the gorgeous views, grumpy wet children..etc.

BUT..... I got my sun!! The first day we arrived, it was raining but it turned into a very light mist that really wasn't too bad. I never used an umbrella and didn't get soaked. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th day (with 100% chance of rain), I woke up to sunshine. Bryce went to the curtains in the mornings (we used the black-out curtains in the hotel room for the boys) and said, "looks like you got your sun!" I couldn't believe it. How could weathermen be SO wrong? Prayers were anwered, for sure.

 

San Francisco had cute parks everywhere and this one happened to be right outside our hotel. Brycen LOVES water in all forms and jumping...so put the two together...he was in heaven and asked to go here daily.

 

Found this $350 beauty on craigslist the NIGHT before our 8am flight (not for that much....of course, anyone who knows me).Brycen's walking speed is a tad too slow for my liking when trying to get from A to B in a big city and he has a tendency to get easily distracted while walking (and I don't happen to notice until 10+ feet away), he then gets tired after a block and two; so combined with his love to ride in a stroller and sleep is why I have been looking for a double stroller basically ever since Cian arrived.  

However, I wanted it to be perfect....and not pay full price. I'm too cheap. Options were few or not existent. This one, though, happened to be a great bargain and have even more than I could have asked for! FITS through any standard door (I must while traveling/visiting basically anywhere without a car...especially when I'm by myself. I was able to grocery shop at CVS, take the boys to restaurants for lunch, and fit in a bathroom stall), independently reclining seats, holds up to 55 lbs in each seat, head rests, infant booties (attached blankets that kept Cian perfectly warm with the San Francisco winds), a RAIN/weather that attached and fit very snug (very, very important for a vacation that called for rain/crazy wind every day), and had under-seat storage and pockets on the back for Mommy.

AND it folds up just like an umbrella stroller. I couldn't believe how perfect it ended up being and there were probably 100+ times while using it that I said to myself, "I am SOO glad we found this!! It has literally saved me!" 

Indoor hotel swimming pool is always a nice perk. Except for in this case, Daddy forgot that Brycen doesn't know how to go underwater. How could one forgot such thing? Not sure, Daddy had Mommy and Brycen freaking out. Luckily, we easily forgive and move on. 

Hotel bathtime.Our tan and not so tan kiddos.

The view from our hotel room. I LOVE city lights and found myself standing by the window as often as I could. 

One of my goals was to ride on one of these....(just like on Full House, of course!). It sadly, didn't happen but I enjoyed watching them. $6 one way, per person sounded a bit steep and plus, they were SO crowded. So...maybe next time.

Another gorgeous little park waiting for our visitors. Brycen was waving at an Asian man walking by. He waves at all sorts of strangers. Some times I'm not sure whose kid he is. That is not a Christi or Bryce thing to do. So kinda fun to see him be so friendly.

Our visitors!! Drove the 12 hour drive each way (but due to snow and car problems turned into nearly 23 hours each way) from Utah to be with us for 28 hours

(This trip was Uncle Dallin's first time holding Cian...apparently, he never got his chance over Christmas break--whoops!)

My mom and two younger brothers coming made adventuring more than a few blocks from our hotel possible. Sights in San Francisco are pretty spread out--creating LONG walks to and from or the need for either personal or public transportation. As much as I love my double stroller--in order to fold it up to ride, it's a one person job. So one person was in charge of Brycen, one held Cian, and one held our 2 bags so that I could fold up the stroller---NO way I could've done it by myself. Thank you family!!

On Alcatraz Island with the city behind them.

Both boys had fallen asleep towards the end. Which was perfect because it was SO windy and started to drizzle. They were dry and cozy...lovin the stroller.

Pier 39. Delicious sea food. Amazing fish and chips and Salmon sandwich!

We also saw the true San Francisco celebrities--all the sea lions. Didn't get a good picture of them but Brycen loved them!

After Pier 39, we headed back to the car since it was getting dark. As soon as we got into the car, it started to POUR. Great timing to head back to the hotel for a swim and accidentally drive the wrong way down a one way street :)We weren't the only ones..

The second and last day our visitors joined us it called for 100% chance of rain and as you already know, we awoke to this:

So we hopped on a hop-on-hop-off bus to see all the many sights we still wanted to see in just a day. The top deck is the way to go...it was so windy though. Good thing Cian napped the first bit.

The city building.

LOVE this picture of Brycen. Notice his cable car souvenior. It has a bell and rolls by itself. Loved by him and me :)

One of the feature presentations.

Crossing the bridge. SO SO windy...it woke up Cian and he was screaming...so we hopped off, thawed, and had lunch.

And then walked back over the bridge. Very windy but perfect as you walked. As for the two boys, it was nap time and they enjoyed their sauna underneath the weather cover..and were OUT! 

Reason #86567 that I loved our visitors: Brycen's feet literally never touched the ground, the uncles either carried him or he was in the stroller and then the uncles fought over who pushed the stroller or held Cian. I really wasn't sure what to do with my arms.

The city from the beginning of the Golden Gate Bridge. A very good distance from everything.

 

The uncles also managed to get the front row on the bus on the way back. Hello perfect! See the sights, out of the wind. Brycen and Cian were happy, everyone was happy. Cian ended up falling asleep he was so content.

Saw this adorable something while on our tour.

What's a city without a Chinatown?

After our tour, we walked the crookedest road in the world.Uncle Isaiah is determined to live here some day (he loved San Francisco!) which...will make our future trips a ton easier.

AND saw this. My trip WAS complete.

What ever happened to predictibility?
The milkman, the paperboy, evening TV.

Everywhere you look , everywhere you go (there's a heart).
There's a heart
A hand to hold onto.

Everywhere you look , everywhere you go.
There's a face
Of somebody who needs you.

Eveywhere you look,
When you're lost out there and you're all alone,
A light is waiting to carry you home,
Everywhere you look.
Everywhere you look.

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/fullhouselyrics.html

And headed home. 

Left 18 hours after my mom, live 3X the distance away, got home 30 minutes after her. LOVE plane travel and wonderful travelers. As well as an awesome mom and family. Not to forget, I very intelligent husband who applies to these conferenes to present his research material, making this all happen! His professor flew out for it and Bryce did an amazing job. What a week! 

.....And now I need to find/watch Full House, season 2.

Resemblance?

Is it just me or do they actually LOOK like brothers here?



It has taken awhile for me to realize who Cian looks like. But in this picture, their faces look identical to me. Eyes, nose, mouth....

Some find it hard to see past the different color hair but I finally did today and I love it.

LOVE Pinterest

I try to limit the exposure to 15-30 minutes a day or else...let's face it, I could be on it all day. So I usually scan it briefly before bed looking for basic, basic material. Things that make my life easier, simpler, and more creative. Extra bonus: involving things I already do and/or have but in a new, faster, funner way.

I have decided to do this after months of loving the idea of Pinterest but quickly finding it overwhelming with how creative and wonderful one (other women) could be...I would love to do everything if I had the time, energy, interest, and ability. But luckily, I found what works with me and love it. Sometimes I find myself saying, "I'm so glad I got on today...that is just what I needed!"

My favorites recently:

1.) 1 part vinegar, 10 parts water. Wash (swirl) fresh berries-strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries- in it, can rinse(not necessary though, can't taste the vinegar) dry, and store. They last up to 1-2 weeks longer in the refrigerator.
--I found this the day I came home from the grocery store with all the above berries because of amazing sales. And it saved me. I love fresh fruit but it seriously stresses me out sometimes because I feel likes it's a race to finish them before they quickly go bad. The mixture proved to be amazing. I do it every time now.

2.) My spot remover!! I have already dedicated an entire post to it so scroll down if you missed it but seriously....Bryce and I are able to wear whites again.  I love white clothes but let's admit it...life with kids is messy. So recently, I went through all my clothes and found the shirts that have a spot here and a spot there and let's all be honest...those lovely pit areas.

--Bryce wore a WHITE shirt to church on Sunday that he was about to throw out but was revived last week (I'm telling ya..its amazing)...and then Brycen decided to use it as a napkin to wipe his chocolate-y face. Normally, Daddy might've flipped out, slightly scolding Brycen. But instead, he lightly reminded him that we don't use clothes as napkins (something we are positive he will do again) and threw it in the laundry. Brycen and I took the spot out within seconds today (he loves helping and it's really only fair since he put the spot there :)) As well as a brand new outfit Grandma gave him that he got pink ice cream down the entire front of. It even sat a day or so (over Sunday) before we took the spot remover to it and it looks brand new once again.

  

It has made me (us) re-focus on other things in life...mainly just having fun...and less stressed and worried about possibly ruined clothes (for all four of us) because really, no such thing exists anymore.

3). Been spring cleaning. Cream of Tarter and a little water. Brush on. Wipe off. And you have a brand new looking toaster. 

4). Cookie Pan, Aluminum Foil, Bubbles (spread a thin layer on foil) and then blow bubbles.

5). I'm not a creative, crafty person, nor do I necessarily desire to be (I truly admire those that are). Just not my kind of thing. But I found this website on pinterest that had a simple, I mean simple, craft for each letter of the alphabet. It has been wonderful to start a different, little activity to do every day with Brycen while Cian sleeps.

.

6). This lovely idea to hang his artwork so it's not all over the house...and I kinda like it as decoration. Simple but something I would've never thought to do. And allows Brycen to view them all week...and only pull down with permission. In our forever home...I will replace the tape with nails.

 

7). Another project I did with Brycen. Great afternoon color activity and snack. Let's face it--we ate a few (or more than a few) and then gave a cute gift to Daddy for St. Patty's Day."You are our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow"....And "Mommy's Leprechaun". :)

 

(I didn't get a picture of the actual one we gave to Daddy before he opened it...so this was a little one we made with the leftovers. We found that there's definitely not the same amount of colors in each bag of M&Ms).

8.) 9.) 10.) Easy, delicious recipes!! I found soo many, that I can't list my favorites. It has helped to change up the daily meals and give me wonderful, easy ideas with almost always using ingredients I already have.

--Simple one, putting one chocolate chip inside of a raspberry. Cute and so yummy. It got Brycen to try raspberries and he will now eat a whole container (without the chocolate) if I let him. Kinda like reversed chocolate dipped strawberries but SO much easier.

What has been your favorite Pinterest find?

5 months old!

Today. We can't believe it. Time has truly flown by. Cian continues to be the perfect baby. Always so happy and easy going. And he LOVES his older brother. Brycen just merely glances his way or gives him a smile, Cian goes crazy. Completely lights up. Both boys have the best laugh.

Remember the highwaters? At his 4 month appointment he was 27 inches tall (that's 7 inches in 4 months). He went from 50%tile for length at his 2 month appointent to 97%tile at his 4 month. His head continues to be around 85%tile and his weight around 30th. Tall and lean like his Mom (someone else's comment :)) with Daddy's head shape and size.

With all that growing, no wonder he has always been a great sleeper!

Happiness through the Winter

Homemade fruit pizza--oh my goodness, enough said.

Weekly FHE. Most recently, on the Creation.

Chore-doers.
.

Smiles in wonderful inventions.
.

Aerobics at the church. They sit (on me at times) and play. Not necessarily a work out for me, but hey--it gets us out of the house.

Playgroup to the Firestation.

Brycen told the firefighter that he was scared of firemen so in hopes to make him un-scared, Mommy got the lovely task to put on the fireman outfit (thank you Brycen...). Brycen continued to not be a fan and was way more concerned that I was going to leave my shoes behind and run away with the scary boots.

He sure enjoyed the firetruck though.

Cian's idea of keeping an eye on either Mommy or Clifford at all times.
 

Matching Christmas pajamas all year--The only way I may ever get my twins (which is totally fine...).

LOVE for Daddy.

Men in the kitchen....messy business, for sure.
 

Mommy Parlor.

Brycen requested his hair to be cut and happily watched Clifford while I cut it. He even let me use the razor.

Spring has arrived though, as well as a whole different kind of happiness. I'll save that for the next post.