SNOW?!

Today.

In our own back yard.

For all of 30 seconds.

Under the Sea

Third port of call; Cozumel, Mexico

We had the hardest time deciding what to do in Cozumel because there were too many great choices.  We had gone back and forth between 2 of the boat excursions; a swim with dolphins, which Jarom pointed out would be more memorable and a boat ride to a secluded island with snorkeling, volleyball and hanging out on the beach one that sounded like a low-key good time.  Another contributing factor to our indecision was thinking it might be a better price if we find the same excursion off of the boat.

We ended up deciding not to go through the boat and headed to Chankanaab Park on our own to swim with the dolphins.  This place was recommended by Jarom's brothers who had a nice time snorkeling there a few months ago.  I was impressed with Cozumel in many ways.  The hagglers were less "in your face" than on the Riviera and there were signs for tourist that helped us know upfront how much things like taxi rides cost and what is available for excursions.  At the park we found that the price was the same as the boat (plus the taxi ride) so that was a learning experience. 

Walking through the park, we observed the dolphin interaction exhibit for a while.  Then, we walked up the beach where there were lots of beach chairs for lounging, snorkelers in the water, a beach-side restaurant, hammocks in the shade and dive huts...3 of them.  The first shop offered us a dive for $65, the second beat the first with a $40 dive, but they didn't take American Express.  The third sweetened the pot $40 dive, American Express AND pictures!  We passed on the dolphins for another chance to dive, which truthfully, was only enticing because I wanted some pictures.  My throat was still hurting from the day before, my nose bruised from pinching it to pressurize my ears and I didn't trust that the Mexican guide would be as concerned with our safety as the guide from the resort yesterday.  Jarom was confident that he could save me from anything, so I kinda felt better.  (Jarom is confident about a lot of ridiculous things, so it was hard to be completely reassured by this.)

The dive was pretty spectacular.  We saw eels, stingrays, an octopus, lobster and pretty awesome fish.  We also swam into a cave that had fresh water flowing through the top of it, which makes the water look like shimmery, iridescent rainbows. Besides the fact that our guide wasted tons of pictures on having us pose by the underwater statues of the Virgin Mary and having a leaky mask that I had to clear every few minutes and endure the terrible water-up-the-nose feeling the entire time, the dive was better than Roatan.

When we got back and they made our CD and let us use their computer to email pictures to my Mom and kids.  We had to pay for internet EVERYWHERE, so this was a big perk too. The day ended up being well spent, we checked out the rest of the park before we headed back to the boat.   There were some trails with "flower gardens" and "Mayan ruin replica's" and a small area for sea animal shows where the announcer spoke Spanish the whole time except for after he asked a question and the audience went silent.

The ship really pushes the shopping at each port and I suppose most people enjoy that activity a lot anyway.  It just seems silly to me since most of it is junk and mass produced in China anyway.  Many of the stores were even chains that we have in the US, I don't see the draw.  We did have people to buy for back home, so we stopped in a couple shops before heading back to the ship for a VERY late lunch.

Celebrating Christ

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year.  I love the personal reflection that takes place on where we are in the light of Our Redeemer, how miraculous His birth, life and death were and the assurance that He will come again.  I do not do shopping, which mystifyingly, works out well this time of year.  I spend more time at home baking treats, which is great fun.  I think of others all year through by buying gifts when they more or less fall in my lap, and we never over do it in the spending category.

This year, Jarom worked most of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  We got together with his family for dinner each night.  On Christmas Eve, Becky put out a tasty dinner and immaculately decorated dining and family room.  Grandma brought costumes for the Grandkids to play parts in the Nativity scene.  Layne enjoyed giving everyone a sniff of the expensive perfume, frankincense and playing the part of Joseph, Brik the wiseman who gave the gift of frankincense and Roxwell, the older Christ babe to whom was given the gifts.  The Bagley's do a very loose reenactment where the kids take their own artistic liberties.  It is always nice to reiterate the roots of the holidays in this humble production.

Christmas Morning, the kids waited for me to arise from my edgy slumber (why on earth am I so jittery about the gifts when I know what every one of them are?)  Jarom had a few minutes to spend with us as we found our presents from Santa, unloaded stockings and unwrapped what was under the tree.  It was a little face paced for our standard.  I grew up where opening presents was THE activity of the day and it was to last as long as possible.

Layne has asked Santa for a ridiculous item each year and has never been disappointed, despite the fact that he has never gotten what he has asked for. He taped a note and a movie to the front door asking Santa to watch it and return it by tomorrow.  He also reminded Santa that he wanted " A uledric scodr."  He ended up being quite impressed with his Air Hog, though declaring it is not quite as good as a motor scooter.

Brik asked for a robot, which was off the wall.  He got one, however.  9 inch, rolls around on the floor with poseable arms.  Both of them have already run out of batteries, which is a sign of rotten toys.

The afternoon was full of playing.  Nana's trucks were a hit, and those silly little Bakugans.  I played Connect 4 with the boys and put together a floor puzzle with Brik.  It was nice to just focus on playing and let the rest go for the day.  I used to miss my family terribly at Christmas time because the in-laws didn't do it quite right.  Now that we have the kids, I love staying put, enjoying the comforts of home and the Arizona weather.

Discovery Dive

Second port of call; Roatan, Honduras

Our dinner table mates had set up a scuba diving excursion through a resort on the island and we talked them into letting us tag along.  Scuba diving was always a hobby we had planned to take up once out kids were older and we have more time and money to devote to hobbies.  The car ride to the resort was educational, we got stopped by the police, witnessed the crazy, anything goes kind of driving and got to see the heart of the island where things aren’t so glitzed up for the tourists.

The resort, Bananarama, was awesome, very rustic, yet classy and personable staff.  We got suited up for our discovery dive, this included wetsuits (long one for me because I am extra wimpy about the cold), weight belt, goggles, vest and air tank.  The guide gave us the beginner scuba course, which included how to clear your mask, find optimal buoyancy, equalize pressure, monitor your air and find and replace a lost regulator.  It all seemed pretty straight forward until we got in the water…

Jarom went down once and never came back up.  I, on the other hand was shooting up every 30 second in total panic.  This was a shock to me because I have always felt pretty strong in the water.  The main battle was how difficult it was to breathe.  I am a nose breather, and to force every breath through my mouth took a whole lot of effort.  Then the bubbles and the murky water from all the sand our group was kicking up; iy, yi, yi!  I thought there was no way I was going to be able to do it.  The instructor was very patient and supportive.  His best advice was to just keep going down.

I ended up making it through the entire dive and really liking it.  There was a reef that we explored that was basically a huge wall with all kinds of plants and little creatures living on it.  The scenery distracted me enough from the discomfort that I was able to relax somewhat.  There was one time that Jarom knocked my mask off and I thought I was going to die.  Then, when I realized I wasn’t dieing, I was sure I was going to kill him, but somehow we both made it through alive.

The one thing I was bummed about was that, with all of us in the water, our camera was left behind and we were not able to get photos of the whole experience.

Caribbean Blue

First port of call; The Grand Cayman Island.

Look at that water!  It was amazing, so beautiful and colorful.  We tagged along with some bartenders from The Royal Caribbean, did a lot of walking and found a good snorkeling spot around a sunk boat.   We stayed away from the crowds on 7 mile beach and enjoyed a relaxing sunbathing session on a more secluded beach while our bartender friends chased girls and found us a ride back to the harbor.

We are not too good about remembering to take pictures, we took this one on the tender ride to the ship after our day of fun at The Grand Cayman Island.  So there I was fresh faced and fancy free.

Deja Vu

Same cruise line.
Same year.
Same guy.

You are My Sunshine

5 years ago I endured a super speedy delivery of one precious peanut. Sleeping through the night from the day he was born, no joke!  Brik is the most charming of little boys.  His brown eyes make my heart melt and his smile warms my soul.  This kid has got mad empathy skills, he radiates peace and love.  I am infinitely honored to be his mother.

Baby Signing {Play}

Happy Darn

Thanksgiving was extra special this year because I got to do all the cooking and we had wonderful dinner guests.  My sister Kate, who is my favorite person in the world.  I think she likes me too as I am one of the only people on her facebook over 30 without a limited profile (I did have to fight for it though.)  My dad, who is super funny, outgoing and laid back, was the life to our party.  Kate's friends Michelle and Abby made the trip from Iowa too and they were lovely visitors.

Our Menu

Free Range, Brined and Oven Roasted Turkey

Mashed Potatoes and Turkey Gravy

Orange-Vanilla Bean Cranberry Sauce

Multi-grain Yogurt Loaf

Sizzled Green Beans with Prosciutto and Pine Nuts

Sparkling Grape Juice

Cranberry Walnut Tart

Pumpkin Pie

Instead of after dinner TV time, it was after dinner computer time.  Oh, how things have changed.

Once the food settled, we headed out for our traditional Thanksgiving hike. We have really only done it one other year, but I really think it will make for a great tradition.

Black Friday was just as pleasant as we enjoyed a horse trail through the mountains by Saguaro Lake.

Afterwards, Dad taught Brik how to ride his bike sans training wheels, as is tradition, set a couple years back with Layne.

Each night we played games, mostly The Great Dalmuti.  It was hours full of jokes, texts and laughs.  My dad has quite a few phrases that have become part of his everyday vocabulary.  Many of them are not the kind that you'd want your kids to repeat.  Layne was walking around the house saying "happy darn, happy darn."  We asked him what it meant and where he got it from.  "Papa always says it."  It took us a while to realize that the phrase "I'll be darned, " which Dad says in his Iowan way " All be darn, " was translated by a 7 year old as "happy darn."  It was a darn happy weekend, so we just went with it.

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Who knew Dyersville, IA could have a museum that rivals the Arizona Science Center? Mom took our family here when we were visiting in September. It was a great find, and I would love to go back.

The inevitable-battle for a family picture

Sharks, Catfish and Alligators

Crawdads

Build and Float your own boats.

Baby Signing {Animals}

Picture Perfect

At Roxwell's first well visit of his life, his doctor was so intense when he was looking him over.  Jarom and I looked at each other with worried glances because he had surely found that something was wrong with him.  NOPE.  After the thorough examination he announced the astounding perfection that my babe was to behold.

We were shocked to learn at age 16 months that this very perfect being had brain damage from birth.  Because of the atypical posturing issues that come with this condition, it can effect the way the bones develop.  Roxwell had his first x-rays yesterday and his bones are picture perfect.  What's more, the orthopedic surgeon was confident that his sitting posture would easily improve on it's own.

Brik on Allergies

“I have four allergies and Roxwell has four allergies.”

What are your four allergies?

“I have an allergy to mosquito bites, cats and dogs and wetting the bed.”

What is Roxwell allergic to?

“To mosquito bites, peeing in his diaper using his left hand and using his left foot.”

What about Layne?

"He is allergic to one thing, not being nice to me."

1 Project Down, 789, 341 To Go

I am so grateful to my parents for giving the boys this incredibly generous and equally useful gift for their fall birthday's and Christmas.  They love it.  Jarom has been building it in every free moment he has had for the past 2 months.  They were always excited to play on the newest part, even when it was just a platform to climb on.  Today it was officially completed and all the boxes and tools were cleared from the scene.  With our shed moved back to the side of you house, the lovely weather we are having, this play-set erected and my garden in full bloom, I find myself being drawn to our backyard continually.

Gone Fishin'

Little by little I am getting to this family record keeping business.  These pics are from our Iowa trip back in September.  The kids days were jam packed with activities.  Papa loves to take them out fishing.  He put Layne "in charge of the boat."  This is music to Layne's ears as he nuts about control.

Brik was pretty grossed out by the fish and the worms and the water, so pretty much everything fishing.  Layne felt okay about touching a fish, but not holding it in his hands. 

Layne was okay with touching the fish, but wouldn't hold one in his hands.  Papa was impressed with his increased patience waiting for a bite.

Baby Signing {Basics}

Happy Halloween

It's True, He's Two!

Roxwell is progressing so nicely.  He is gaining independence and communication skills like a typical two year olds.  On our recent visit to an (best in the field) orthotic specialist eased our worries in gait and no bracing will be necessary.  Besides being slightly flat footed on the left side, his gait is perfect.  He is still pretty unsteady on his feet, which she attributed to the higher concentration skills it takes him to coordinate his movements.  He officially received the CP diagnosis, which was not given upfront because the neurologist didn’t want to scare us.  We know now that with his laid back personality, he will cope well in his life.

We are working with a fantastic PT that values Roxwell as a developing toddler above all else.  She has great philosophies on development and building the missing skills. We have gotten a good referral for a orthopedic surgeon who is starting a CP clinic here in the valley next year.  We will have them do a baseline evaluation with him, so we have some connections built in case anything comes up as he grows.  His disability is so mild that his specialist appointments are only yearly check ups.

Roxwell loves to look at books, point to pictures and label things.  We are doing baby signs that he picks up on quickly and knows over 100 words.  His speech is picking up, suggesting that his disability is not hindering speech, he just has focused so much energy on motor function that has taken a backseat.  He speaks about 30 words plus animal and car sounds.  He is putting together a few two word phrases and is mimicking others.

We celebrated his second birthday with my mom at the Phoenix Science Center.  All the kids had a great time.  We ate apple cobbler for his birthday cake and he got some fun new toys.  Jarom is working on building an elaborate playset in the backyard that my parents got all three boys for their birthday’s.  Roxwell has been out some to dig in the dirt and slide down the slide, but the mosquitoes get him so bad that we mostly keep him inside until the bugs go away.

The Mission of The Church is to Invite All to Come Unto Christ

Want to learn more? http://www.mormon.org/

Dessert Pose

Nana is having a ball. 

Roxwell is digging in while he can.  

Layne can't take his eyes off the mountain of heaven.  

Brik is worried that he is getting left out.

Acupuncture

He liked it and is asking to go back :)

Horsin' Around

Another family trip back to Iowa under our belts.  We took advantage of our last opportunity for Roxwell to fly free.  Bever Park, shopping, Grandma Kunkel’s, fishing, golf cart rides, horseback riding and packing a lamb in our suitcase.

The kids had wanted to ride horses for ages.  Layne was sure he knew how to do it all by himself, which ended up being the case.  My dad has a friend who is super gracious about setting us up with riding opportunities.  He lives on a huge, gorgeous, well kept farm.  A couple times we were able to take them out riding through the pastures sans kids. 

His friend, Doug, has a family full of riders who do rodeo events.  He borrowed a couple of girl scout camp horses that were used to inexperienced riders for the kids.  They were nice, quiet, small animals that gave the kids a great first experience.  I got to ride a perfectly broke horse that Doug’s son uses for roping.

We put Layne on with me first; it was tight in the saddle.  Layne wanted full control of the reigns and confused the heck out of the horse, but didn’t run us into any walls.  He wanted to go faster, of course, but after mere seconds at a gallop he changed his mind.  After this he got on his own horse while Doug walked him around with a lead.  Once Layne was tired of this he got off and lead the horse around on his own, tied it to the fence, then came back to walk him around some more.  When he got back on again, he went all on his own.

Brik was a bit more timid.  He rode with Jarom for a short while.  When the horse started walking faster than him on the lead, he dropped the rope and ran.  We got him to sit with Layne just long enough for a picture.  Brik really shined when it came to feeding the horses grass.  There was also a cat and newborn dogs that they brought out fof the kids to see, but with Brik’s reactions he has been having with cats and dogs, he could only look.

Roxwell was crazy about the animals, screaming and making animal sounds.  He didn’t want to sit on a horse, but he picked up real fast on feeding them grass.  He wanted to crawl under the fence to get closer.  He loved on the cat a little too much and was fascinated by the tiny heads of the dogs.

Nobody got kicked or bucked, so I’d say it was a day better than most.

In Hope of Better Days

All the parenting books say 6 is a hard age.  I would know, I have read them all.  I really can’t say ages 2-5 were that easy, but 6 was definitely hard!  Thank goodness for Nana’s who take care of kids while we cruise and Grandma’s who invite kids to stay with her at her cabin in the mountains and school…hallelujah for school.

To mark his 7^th birthday, here are 7 of Layne’s favorite things:

Favorite toy: Legos

Favorite food: Sushi

Favorite color: Orange

Favorite friend:  Brandon

Favorite number: Infinity

Favorite book:  Dinosaur Roar

Favorite word: Toot

We had small birthday plans to have a special celebration.  Layne ended up being invited last minute to Grandma’s Cabin.  He loves the cabin and we love the break, so it was win, win.  Before he left, Katie made her all-fave Oreo Balls with the boys for Layne to hand out at school.  We talked to him briefly on his birthday, but he was much to busy to sit around and chat.

When he came home Monday night we asked him how he felt to be older and told him all the fun things we had planned for him at home; presents, sushi, Chuck E. Cheese’s, Toy Story 3 – 3D.  Of course it was not enough and he had a fit that he wanted a party with a billion friends and another cake because the cake and party with his cousins at the cabin didn’t count…Maybe technically his is still only 6 years and 366 days?

We still had a fun day with all that Mom had promised, but still waiting for the magic.

Shhh

We snuck out last night.

You know way back when you lived under your parent’s reign, feeling a little feisty and just HAD to get out?  Some how, the role is reversed now, but I still get those feelings.  Only now it is lying to the children instead of parents, doing something edifying instead of naughty, feeling satisfaction instead of guilt and speaking Spanish instead of Pig Latin.

We made plans to see the music production “The Lamb of God” at Gammage.  We invited Katie to join us and had cued her in on the sneakiness of the evening’s events.  It took some extra thought when plans were being made in the present of little ears.  Sometimes we had to spell out words that would cause questions or reference things in a round about way.  The conversation at dinner the dinner table was most interesting with Jarom’s fluent Spanish, Katie’s broken Spanish, My limited Spanish, the kid’s pretend Spanish and Roxwell’s jabbering.

It all went off without a hitch (except for the moment of panic when Jarom noticed our tickets were for Friday night instead of Saturday, but they still let us in).  The house was as we left it, kids fast asleep, the babysitter had a peaceful evening and there were no bad reports to apologize and stress over.

A Day at the Beach

Last week we went to San Deigo for the Marcus and Ashley Neilson’s wedding.  It was crazy and fancy and romantic and whimsical.  I took zero pictures because I was too timid around the paparazzi who’s clicking was in surround sound minute by minute.  Why bother with my cheap point and shoot when there are 20 fancy camera’s all taking the exact same shot?  Here is one I stole of facebook because we are smoking’ hot.

And one of the newly wed because they were pretty cute too.

Next we did The Mormon Battalion Center with the whole Bagley lot.  It was amazing, and excellent for kids.  It was very well done, interactive and informative.  Of course the missionaries were super friendly and it was all free.  I would call it a trip highlight.

We followed that up with a day at Legoland, where the kids had a blast.  Layne couldn’t fathom how they made the logos so big.  I couldn’t fathom the time it took for people to construct so many life size, intricate and detailed replicas of cities and buildings and people.  All in all, if all it were was the Dragon Roller Coaster, the Race Track and Duplo Land, we would have been better off.  It kept the kids busy and entertained though.  They never complained about being tired of walking or hungry or even asked for us to buy them something while we were there.

Finally, a day at the beach.  Mission Beach.  It was covered in sea weed, cloudy and cold, which didn’t put a damper on things at all.

Layne worked on digging a hole to China.

Brik can have fun doing anything, at this particular moment it was running from a wave while holding up his elastic bare hand-me-down swim suit.

Roxwell is obsessed with birds (eww). 

 There were plenty of those around.  

He tried his darnedest to catch one, but they just liked to tease.

Jarom found clams.  Roxwell gave us the idea to eat them.

So we did.

The were really sandy, there must be a way to clean them.