June 24, 2011
Sometimes I want to shout it from the rooftops. Or from a bright red vintage fire truck. Now that’s style…
Life is good!
And when we’re on vacation, it’s especially good.
So I’m sitting here debating whether I should pack all these photos into one post or not. I’m worried it will be a long, lame travel log. But I’m having trouble cutting pictures because they say so simply what it was like for us while we were away.
All seven of us.
Together.
You might want to pull up a chair. Skim. Scroll fast. Skip the text if you want. But I figure, we’re friends right? You won’t mind if I share our week in St. George with you. (Someday we aspire to travel beyond the state border with our brood. We’re such wimps.) You can handle a long post if it’s mostly pictures, right?
Okay. Here we go.
We celebrated Eliza’s birthday while we were down south. Six candles, new books, a journal, bright pink nail polish, and…. a scooter!
We couldn’t buy one for Eliza and not the twins (being close in age does have its perks) and wow – were they happy campers! We toodled around the neighborhood that afternoon. It didn’t take them long to get the hang of it. Kids figure things out so fast.
We were sorely tempted to take everyone to the pool but couldn’t come up with a way to safely monitor five non-swimmers. (Eliza’s getting better but she still needs help). So Doug bought this pool at Walmart and it was the perfect quench for everyone’s pining.
Doesn’t that smile say it all?
We spent a morning at the Sand Dunes in Snow Canyon. This was definitely a highlight.
After trekking into the dunes and up a couple hills to find a good spot, I realized I left the camera in the car. Typical. I usually forget something. So I trudged back to the parking lot then back to our personal dune (run/walking in sand is a heckuva workout) and found everyone happily digging, burying, sifting, and laughing.
We had the best time.
Despite the dreaded eye rub you see in the background.
Love those orange eyebrows.
Sorry, I know. Feet are ugly. But I couldn’t resist. There’s nothing like warm sand between the toes.
You can probably imagine bath time that night. We had sand in every crevice, crease and corner known to humankind.
Doug and I took turns running in the mornings.
The “St. George House” (owned by Doug’s parents) backs right up to the desert where you can access a network of endless trails. It is a wonderfully lonesome feeling to be out there as the sun is coming up.
One morning I picked these flowers for the girls. I love the way desert flowers thrive – how they sprinkle tiny bits of color against rock and sand. Royal purple for Ali. Sunshine yellow for Sami. Electric pink for Eliza.
We found this amazing park. I’ve never seen anything like it. The physics of all the twisty, glidey, spinny things were incredible. Eliza and I were on one of the spinny things and I couldn’t get it to stop. I got laughing so hard I thought I would wet my pants. I haven’t laughed like that in years.
If you’re ever in the neighborhood, it’s called Cottonwood Cove Park.
They have a small climbing wall. Eliza mastered it quickly, but it was Ali who surprised us. Before we left she was flying up it all by herself.
Proud girl.
Even the boys did the climb. With (a lot of) help from Dad.
We still build our schedule around nap times. Even on vacation. Everyone is happier that way.
But getting them to settle down isn’t always easy.
During nap times we painted toenails…
Watched movies, took walks, and spruced up the house with original art.
On Sunday we visited the St. George Temple grounds.
Do you think the boys need a haircut?
If it’s there, she’ll climb it. Kind of a shock to look over and see your daughter ten feet off the ground, wearing a dress, and standing in the nook of a gigantic tree. I doubt anyone in the heavens cared, but I worried we weren’t being respectful, so I helped her down after taking this picture. Seeing her there made me stop. She’s growing up.
Loved the rose garden.
Per the usual, trying to get a picture with all five was a wrestle.
One I wasn’t in the mood to win.
Doug threw the boys. I could watch this trio all day – listening to them giggle and chase each other. Spencer’s way up there. Looks fun, doesn’t it?
On our last day, the girls and I took a long walk. This path was perfect for scooters.
And here’s Ali’s personality coming out.
Our last meal out was at the Pizza Factory. A favorite for everyone and anyone who visits St. George. Next to the Pizza Factory is Jake’s Old House. A darling shop we love to frequent. They sell all the “Life is Good” paraphernalia.
We spent a few minutes in the shop, but it was the fire truck out front that stole the thunder. It’s parked across the street from the Fire Station. The boys loved the buttons, gadgets, and the steering wheel.
Evening light shone strong against gray storm clouds and I couldn’t get enough of my little family all spread about on this cherry-red beauty. Couldn’t look away from these people I love, blazing in and out of white sun.
Spencer’s face, with that happy signage floating behind him, sums up life’s great paradox. It’s all about perspective, isn’t it? We’ve had clouds, fires to put out, engines that wouldn’t start, roads that sent us reeling, and tears at so many turns, but life is good.
Yep, life is good.
andrea
Loved seeing your pictures. I felt like I was there with you. Spencer got some serious air there. Your family is beautiful.
Kerri
So much fun! I'm glad you guys had a great getaway.
Sarah
I loved seeing your vacation photos. We stick to nap times too on vacation…they get so tired with all the walking/playing. And I like your little boys hair long…those irresistible curls! (I will wait for you to read Cutting Stone, and then you can tell me if I should keep with it! 🙂 I trust your opinion on books more than anyone!
bostonshumways
Cath, Life is good. I love these pictures. I especially love the "family photo" attempt one. Classic. I love your family. I just wish you lived next door to us.
Grandma Honey
Beautiful pictures…beautiful children!
Shelli
I didn't think your post was long, lame, or boring…I loved seeing your darling pictures and the images of your fun vacation together! I think it's great you even attempted a family vacation! Great memories. You are a great mom. Love you Cath.
TheKristencarol
I liked all the pictures too. Your feet are not ugly. Going to St George is still sometimes too far for me to handle with my 5.
catharvy
Andrea – I know. Serious air! How are those VA woods? Sure miss you.
Kerri – A fun getaway it was!
Sarah – I would guess you stick to nap times too! As for Cutting for Stone, I'll get to it within the next month and let you know. Once you're soured though, it's hard to go back. I might be right there with you. We'll see. Anyone else read Cutting for Stone? It's about twin boys who grow up in Ethiopia.
Saydi – Ditto that. I wished we lived next door too!
Grandma H – you're so sweet. Hope you are well!
Shelli – Thanks for the kind thoughts. LOVED seeing you a couple weeks ago. It doesn't happen often enough. Next GNO – you pick the date!
Samsel – You crack me up. St. George was about all we could handle. A further drive, a plane ride, theme park or the like would have pushed us over the edge! How was girls' camp?
Jess
I just found your blog.
And wow.
Wow! Sorry I'm sure you hear it all the time.
I though having just two kiddos was hard. 🙂
I loved it. Loved reading it. Loved the pictures.
Even the beautiful feet of what I imagine is a very hard working mother.
Wow.
K.
I'm going now.
I'm going to link to you and tell some friends to visit.
Wow.
Sorry.
Anne Marie
Lovely pictures! That park, your adorable girls on their scooters, your boys' curls (I seriously love them), painted toenails, your darling peach skirt, desert flowers, the sand formations….so glad you got some family fun in.
Yes. Life is good. I'm so grateful for the moments of clarity when I can really see the beauty in the rough rawness of my daily life. Thank you for sharing that.
In answer to your question below, I have never read Walden before so this will be my first go at it. I'll let you know how Mr. Henry David and I get along.
catharvy
Jess – Your comment made me laugh. Yes, we hear "wow" a lot. The best one-liner I've had in a while was during this trip. We were walking the golf course when a woman with her dog stopped us and said to me, "Aren't you dead? You must be exhausted!!" We struck up a fun conversation. Love your blog. And I really appreciated your comment. Thanks for reading.
Anne Marie – "really see the beauty in the rough rawness of my daily life." – I need eyes to see more readily. I'm always so grateful for your insights. Yes, please tell me if you and Walden are compatible! xo
ron jay
Those are the cutest little toes I've ever seen! and Cath, you think your feet are ugly but they're very pretty