Goodbye so soon

Saying goodbye to Wichita was really hard!  I had grown accustom to our life there and had really grown to love it.  If I was ever to move outside out Utah I could really see myself living in the Midwest.  The people there are so friendly.  They relax and enjoy life instead of being in a rush.  One thing you learn real quick is never to speed.  I saw someone get pulled over for going 68 in a 65 MPH stretch.  Because of this you really don't see anyone speeding.  Thankfully Tyler warned me of this before I went out there and I never got a ticket.  I also love all of Wichtas parks.  My kids loved being adventurous with me and we tried out so many different parks.  I would have to say our favorite was Riverside in downton Wichita.  It was the most unquie.  We loved that the parks didn't have wood chips, instead had either sand or soft foam.  I also loved how green Wichita was.  It actually surprised me how green it was.  I was also surprised by all the rivers.  When you think of Kansas you think of fields and fields of wheat and lots of farms.  While Kansas does have a lot of those things Wichita was not like that.  It had everything you needed within city limits.  Another one of favorite spots was the Exploration Place.  This is there discovery museum.  I loved it so much I got summer pass there.  We went once a week and every time we did something new.  

I also loved making new friends.  It was fun to live in the same place with other moms in my same situation.  We all had our routines and would usually see each other everyday if not more.  We would meet at the pool to swim, or catch up at the park.  There was a nature path we would go and feed turtles.  It was fun to have that instant friendship and I was surprised how close I become with my little group of girls.  We were there to support each other.  

So when it was time to leave I got a little teary eyed.  Maybe it was because we were moving to Dodge (I had been to Dodge and knew it wasn't somewhere I really wanted to live) and we were going to be staying in a hotel.  Also I was the only wife staying so I knew I would have a few lonely weeks.  But it was time to go and time to say goodbye so off we went to Dodge.  I was surprised when we got there that the Dodge Extended Stay was actually pretty nice.  We unloaded the car and I got everything put away.  It was nice to have a small kitchen so we could make meals.  

The next morning Tim came to Tyler with bad news.  He had miscommunicated the price with the manager and we were going to have to move hotels.  This was devastating to me because it would have been hard enough to live in an extended stay, but a cheap hotel wasn't going to happen.  After some prayer and lots of thinking it was decided that I would leave the next morning and go home.  This was heart breaking.  I wasn't ready to go home and I didn't want to leave Tyler.  Especially in that dumpy hotel.  Tyler still had 6 weeks left before he was going to come home, but I couldn't go that long without seeing him.  I didn't want to go that long!  But we knew we didn't have a choice.  So that next morning we packed up our trailer and I said a very sad goodbye to Tyler.  I am so emotional these days.   

With my eye disease I am not able to drive long distances and the drive home was 16 hours.  So my amazing mother in law flew to Denver.  That meant I only had to drive 6 hours by myself.  This was still longer than any drive I had ever made and I was so nervous.  I had to stop every 2 hours to rest my eyes.  In one small town we got lunch and went to a park to break it up for me.  After 8 long hours I made it to Denver just in time to pick up Kathy.  Kathy knew I wasn't ready to go home and got us a condo in Steamboat Springs!  Seriously isn't she the best ever.  She came to my rescue when I needed her the most and even went above and beyond and got us a condo to relax for 2 days!  Might miracle number 1.

Well driving down into Steamboat Springs we noticed the breaks were squeaking really bad.  So first thing the next morning I had to find a repair place and get the brakes fixed.  Thankfully Kathy stayed with the kids so I didn't have to worry about that. But we didn't have the money to fix anything and I was feeling deprived of being able to relax at the pool.  The nice place we went to was local and when I explained our situation they let me borrow their car and even gave me a pretty big discount.  Might miracle number 2.  So I was able to play some with my kids at the pool and chat it up with Kathy!

As we are loading up the car to come home I realize I can't find my phone.  The only place I have been is the condo and the car so I start to look.  2 hours later I still can't find my phone!  I am so bummed because I have so many pictures on their that are not anywhere else.  Also I am only 3 weeks away from my contact ending and I know I can't get a phone until than.  Plus the phone is the only way I have to communicate with Tyler.  This was just to much and pushed me over the edge.  I had already had a very long emotional week and I began to cry again.  Of these things by themselves probably wouldn't seem so bad, but add them all together and it was just a bad week.

Well I had to leave without the phone (and it never was found).  The night I got home and had no groceries my visiting teacher was inspired to be bring me a meal.  Mighty miracle number 3.  She may never know what that meant to me.  Than my mom found her own phone and went to the cell phone store and got me a SIM card so it would work.  Now I had a phone I could survive on until my contract expired.  Miracle number 4. 

I can honestly say that even though everything compounded and seemed like one of the worst weeks of my life, I was able to look back and be so thankful for all the mighty miracles that happened.  I had never pulled a trailer let alone driven that far by myself and we made it safely.  Kathy was a true angel and came to my rescue with less than 24 hours notice.  The awesome guy at the car repair shop, my visiting teacher bringing me dinner and my sweet mom finding me a phone. I was reminded how much my Savior truly loves me and cares for me!  These tender mercies strengthened my testimony and I am so thankful for these experiences.  I will miss Tyler so much, but he is where he needs to be and I am thankful for modern technology so we can talk daily!

Flint Hills Scenic Bypass

We still had a few things on our Kansas bucket list, but since we are going to Dodge today we aren't going to be able to do them all.  I am sure happy we made time to do this one.  We went to the flint hills prairie lands.  This is the highest point in Kansas, which being from Utah is not very high.  But it was fun to drive through some windy parts.  We stopped in Cottonwood Falls and drove through the old part of town.  We also walked through the park there which had the most beautiful river.  It was raining so we couldn't stop for to long.

We also stooped in Strong City, which is an old train station.  The kids were in heaven especially Danny. I was able to capture some great pictures of the kids.  I am especially grateful for the special relationship Aspen and Danny have.  They rarely fight and are best buddies!

Perfect day in Kansas

Tyler has been working so hard he decided to take the morning off.  I had researched a bunch of things to do in downtown Wichita, so we decided to cross off my bucket list and have some fun.  We started off going to the nifty nut house.  This is all things candy and nuts and they make everything there.  It had a hometown feel.  The kids were excited to pick out a few different candies.  The have sections and sections of candy to pick out.  Tyler and I also got a bunch of dark chocolate covered nuts.  This is a must go place in you ever are in Wichita.  Than we headed to the Donut Whole.  This is a quaint little local place that makes fresh donuts every day.  They are known for their maple and bacon donut so I was brave and tried it.  It did not sound good at all, but I must say it is my new favorite donut combination!  

After our sugar rush we headed down to the splash pad in old town.  We hadn't been to this one and even though it was small we had a good time.  How cool to have mommy and daddy running and splashing with you.  We were the only ones there and we sure took advantage of that.  Is there any greater sound than hearing your kids laugh or watching your husband play with your kids?  I dare say not.  Nothing brings me more pleasure than these precious moments with my kids!  

After drying off we walked to B&C bbq.  This place has won national awards for being the best bbq.  Tyler being from Texas wanted to be the judge of this!  Well it didn't disappoint.  It was buffet style and was only opened for lunch and the place was packed!  There brisket was the best brisket I have ever had.  Can you tell my family enjoyed it, its all over the place!  

With Tyler gone a lot with work these moments mean everything to me!  I am so thankful we were able to enjoy a afternoon seeing all Wichita has to offer!

Fun in Wichita

We truly loved living in Wichita.  We didn't love the hours Tyler worked, but we loved the city.  It was a fun adventure with so many new things to explore.  While Tyler would work I would take the kids out and find something fun to do.  One of our favorites was going to the splash park.  There were 3 different ones we visited over the course of the summer.  They were all a little different and my kids loved them all.

I also took Aspen back to school shopping since she would be started kindergarten at the end of August.  I knew we wouldn't have time when we got back so I decided to shop the sales early.  After we went shopping Aspen just had to do a fashion show for her daddy!

To this day if you ask Aspen what her favorite part about Kansas was or what she misses most she will say the fireflies!  We went out in our yard and tried to catch some fireflies, but they were to quick for us.  It sure made for some good memories though and the moon was stunning.

You have never experienced a rain storm unless you have experienced one in the mid-west.  Tyler used to always say that to me about Texas, but I didn't fully understand until I experienced one for myself!  I cannot believe how much rain you can get in 10 minutes.  It pours so hard it floods everywhere in the matter of minutes.  We got to experience lots of fun rainstorms! 

Sarah gets hitched

The real reason we came back to Utah was for Sarahs wedding!!!  I seriously couldn't be more excited or Matthew and Sarah.  There is nothing more fun the the newness of being married.  Although I can attest marriage life gets better and better with each new experience there is just something excited about being newlyweds.  Friday night Sarah has her wedding dinner.  The Browns did a wonderful job and it was great to get to know they a little better.  The kids had a blast playing at the park with all the kids.  Sarah was just glowing.  It was also her birthday so its an extra extra special day. I have known Sarah since she was 18 and we have become best friends.  She truly is my sister.

The wedding day went by so fast!  It was a tiring day, but it was a perfect day.  The sealer was so emotional and focused on Sarah and Matthew.  Afterwards Aspen was so excited to see Sarah.  I think she was the first one to run up and give her a hug!  I have never seen Sarah so happy and she truly deserves it.  After we got pictures Sarah and Matthew went off to take indivdual pictures and Aspen started bawling.  So sweet Grandma took Aspen to find Sarah and let her walk around and carry her dress while taking pictures.  It truly made Aspens whole day!

 

That night they had their reception.  To say it went off without any hiccups would by lying, but it turned out beautiful.  I am really glad she choose to have an indoor reception place because it poured immediately after we took pictures.  Sarah had Cold Stone ice-cream and it was a big hit!  I am so thankful I could be a part of this special day!

Mason Family Pictures

Family picture time!!!  Yipee can you tell its my favorite thing to do.  Um yea right, but I do love the pictures afterwards.  We went to the AF Amp and we only got about 30 minutes before it started to rain, but luckily we got some good pictures.  The group pictures are my favorite.  Now Kathy finally has a picture everyone likes to blow up for her house.

 

  

Sissy Lou is 5!

Aspen was so excited when she found out we were going to be in Utah for her birthday!  That was a present all and in itself.  It was extra special to be here for her birthday and we partied all week long.  The party started with cupcakes and opening presents at my parents house.  Aspen got her very first american girl doll and all her cousins were eyeing it over.  Well it really is a target our generation doll, but Aspen doesn't know the difference!  When we were leaving my parents house Aspen even buckled her doll in the car to make sure she was safe.  Its safe to say she loves it!  She also loved being with her cousins.  I pray they always stay this close because these little girls have so much fun together!

You would think it was Colt's birthday with this picture.  This boy sure loves treats! 

Than on Monday we had a little party at Kathy and Allens!  Aspen got cupcakes again and Colt loved them again :)  They also had a little pinata for the kids.  My kids sure are spoiled with the best family around and Kathy always goes all out for parties!

Than the day before Aspens birthday we invited all the family to seven peaks to celebrate again!  Kathy hurt her foot, Sarah, Matthew, Nick Zoe and Allen had to work and couldn't get off with the wedding coming up.  Janei'as kids were in Arizonia with her parents and Kelly ended up sick.  So it just ended up being Kylee, Grandma, the kids and I!  Justin stopped by with his girls for bit to.  That didn't stop us from having a blast!  I was sure happy Grandma showed up because I didn't quite know what to do with 4 kids. 

Than on Aspens birthday we had a fun low key day at the house.  I made Aspen's favorite breakfast and than we picked up Daddy from the airport.  Than we went and picked out Aspens book from the store.  She picked out another Pincalcious book about a unicorn.  She is obsessed with unicorns or horse anything to do with cowgirls and big imaginations.  We also went out to dinner for her birthday.  Than we came home and Aspen wanted to help decorate her cake this year.  So she decorated her butterfly cake all by herself just looking at a picture.  She was so proud of herself and I was proud of her to.  The cake looked great!! Aspen even got to open 1 present.  She got a sea lion in a purse to remember our trip to California that we went on in honor of her 5th birthday!