spring break = moab

Well, spring break was over a month ago, but here are the pictures from our fun at Moab.  As usual, we had a blast and enjoyed every single minute (okay, maybe that's an exaggeration) of it.  Andrew and his family were down there as well, so we even had some company, which made it all the better.  And, you know what?  I was able to maintain our "special diet" the whole time we were there.  Everything homemade and GAPS legal.  That's right.  A little advanced preparation and it was easy peasy... or just plain crazy.  But, the kids were happy, I was happy, and Adam was happy since he got to sneek away and enjoy dinner at a burger joint one night.   But, seriously, how great is Moab?!  Now, on to the pictures:

Our Razor ride was a little more... intense this time.  The pictures don't do it much justice, but I thought for sure we were going to somersault a couple of times.  Then again, I've never been a big Jeep Safari sort of gal, so maybe I was being a tad wussy. 

The trail was actually super fun.  Having Andy's family with us was a huge bonus.

One worn out Little Miss.

Luke had filled his shorts so full of "crystals" that they were literally falling down.  He had to hold them up like this the whole way back.  

Ah, Sand Dune Arch, thank you for providing plenty of sand to fill every last crack and crevice of my children's bodies.  

Elise is a big fan of the sand.

 Isaac learned a valuable lesson on this particular hike.  We decided to do a hike that we have done in the past and have loved.  At a certain point you can go left or right.  We have gone left in the past, and decided that we should see where the right would lead us.  Isaac immediately had concerns with that decision. Well, at first it wasn't all that impressive and Isaac started complaining that we should have gone the other way.  He was having a pretty bad attitude about it at one point, and wasn't quite agreeing with us that sometimes it's nice to try something new.  WELL, the right paid off!  We found some really cool pools of water  and we all agreed that it was actually cooler than the other way.  Adam and I were very grateful for those pools that day... the lesson wouldn't have had quite the same impact if the hike had ended up sucking.

So, we learned something about Elise on this trip.  She has an obsession with plastic water bottles.  I really think she had one in her hands 90% of the time we were there.  And, to try to take one from her brought on wailing and gnashing of teeth.  She would even wake from a slumber if she heard the crinkling sound of the plastic when someone was drinking.  We're happy to say that we have broke her of her addiction since being back.

FROG!  Luke saw a frog on this rock wall a mile away and immediately scurried up to catch him a new friend.  Unfortunately, the frog was too quick.

time just flies by

Okay.  So, it's been a while since I've updated the blog.  And, since I can't remember much of the last few months, other than being all consumed trying to house break the dang dog, this will mostly be lots and lots of pictures... I think pictures are more interesting than words, anyways.

1.  One major change in our home, second to the dog, is a semi-intense diet change, aka GAPS.  I won't bore you with the details, but basically, the kiddos and I can only eat food that I have prepared (to ensure it's GAPS legal).  I have to say, I was quite nervous to start on this journey, but it turns out that my kids attitudes have been beyond amazing.  Especially Luke and Asa, whom I had expected to fight me the most on it.  Little Asa, is a pro at turning away treats offered him because they aren't part of his "special diet".   Even their teachers have been amazed at how well they have handled it - enjoying some carrots while their classmates are munching on Goldfish.  And, an added bonus (well, I think it's a bonus), is that for the first time since having these boys, they actually have an appetite.  They eat!  And, they will eat just about anything placed before them.  I never thought I'd see the day when Luke Pulley would eat sauerkraut, and actually like it (which my boys pronounce 'sauer-crap' - not even realizing the humor in it... I have yet to correct it, because it's too funny).

2.  Isaac's school had their big 'Hope of America' program.  It was surprisingly... enjoyable.  One of those things that only a parent would appreciate.  Even Adam, who couldn't produce a good enough reason to get out of going, enjoyed watching Isaac.  It took me back to my own patriotic program at Scera Park elementary, singing along with Neil Diamond's, 'Their Coming to America' - which a group of old ladies performed a dance number to, interestingly enough.  It was fun to watch Isaac, and be able to pick him out among his peers based upon his movements, efforts, and such.

3.  Here are some pictures of a visit to the zoo.  What's so special about going to the zoo, you ask?  Well, the fact that I took all four of my kids by myself, managed to keep track of them the whole time (for the most part), and actually had FUN, warrants some recognition.

PEACOCK!!!  Had this been the only animal that we saw at the zoo, Luke would have left, happy as a clam.  They're pretty much his favorite animal (for now).

No way!!  A peacock lover's dream come true!

I love the face.

4.  Somewhere over the last few months, Luke learned to ride a two wheeler!  What was the hold up?  Me. Or, Adam.  Either way, we dropped the ball with taking the time to remove the training wheels and get the poor kid riding on two wheels.  With Luke's personality I expected it to be a little (a lot) rough... a lot of pouting, a lot of 'I'm never's', and a lot of collapsing into a heap of frustration (on my end).  But, wouldn't you know it, he just took off, and never needed my assistance with any of it.  So, it just goes to show that once in a while, your kids do surprise you.  Unfortunately, we failed to get a picture of the big day.

5.  Lots of pictures which sum up the last few months, not to mention a strong need for me to do my poor girl's hair once in a while:

Elise...

... sure...

... likes...

... Gus.

Boy, he sure puts up with a lot from the kids.

HAIR!  I tried to capture Elise's awesome nap hair, but this doesn't quite do it justice.  You just never know what you're going to get when she wakes up.

A true musician.

Now there's even more competition for the heat vent in the mornings.

Elise loves to sit on people's heads when the opportunity presents itself.  She especially loves to sit on Gus' head... but, this isn't Gus... it's Luke.

Isaac loves his Jazz jersey.  It's his go to shirt after school.  He even hangs it on his wall at night on occasion.

This was the first (and only) time I got to see Isaac ski this last winter.  Since he goes to Soldier Hollow, it's a regular thing, but alas, winter is now over, and I never made it out with him.  At least I was able to support him in his very first olympics.  What a fun school!