Visitors and National Parks

Hi Everyone

I've been inspired to update the blog having received a letter from Wendy (Allen's Aunt)today saying how much she enjoys reading it.

As usual, we've had a busy couple of weeks. Anne, Pete and Emily were here for 2 weeks. I've included a photo of all the children and one of Abi at the children's museum - we went there on one of our outings with Anne & co. They explored Denver and the surrounding area. I took them to all my favourite places - the zoo, shopping, the parks, Breckenridge and they did quite a bit on their own too. Everyone had a great time and the house seemed very empty when they left. Allen was in Australia for a week of their visit but we didn't miss him that much as we were busy with Emily. I looked after her for an afternoon and it's amazing how you forget what one year olds are like. She was very good for me but I was still knackered by the end of it!

The day they left we packed up the car and drove to Utah to meet up with Carrie, Brian, Jake and Annie. We met at Zion National park to camp for one night. Allen and Brian went off and did a longer hike while Carrie, me and the children had a lovely afternoon playing the the stream, doing a short hike, looking for lizards and enjoying riding the bus that did an entire loop of the park. The scenery was amazing but the best bit was catching up with the Sweatlands and seeing the children getting on so well and really loving being outside all the time. The weather was gorgeous. There was even a peak called Jacob so both the Jacob's were very impressed. I've included a photo of all the children in a river - they came out pretty dirty.

On the Sunday we packed up and went to Bryce Canyon, another National Park about 70 miles from Zion. Bryce had very different scenery and I thought it was more impressive than Zion. We stayed in a lodge and the first thing we did was put all the children in the bath! I've included a photo of us with the breath taking Canyon behind and also a shot of Jacob and Allen coming down the Canyon. Allen and I were most impressed as Jacob and Abi made it all the way down and back up again. It was 1.3 miles but very steep in both directions. Again we had a brilliant night with Carrie & co and it was sad to say goodbye on the Monday. I'm hoping to meet up with Carrie a couple of times over the summer.

We've decided to camp at Bryce Canyon at some point during the summer holidays. Have now booked for DC, after driving non stop for 8 hours with the children we have booked flights to DC. We leave here on July 4th and return on July 26th - our 11th Wedding Anniversary. Before that we have a trip to Seattle and Vancouver to look forward to where we are meeting up with Marion.

Jacob had his eye appointment and surgery is booked for 5th August at 7.30am. I'm worrying already. School finishes next week - looking forward to doing lots with the children but 3 months seems like a long time to me.

Hope all's well with you

Rachael.

Abi's 4th Birthday

Hi

I know this is a bit late but, as usual, we've been very busy. Abi had a brilliant 4th birthday. On her actual birthday we went to the zoo and met up with one of her friends and his Dad and that evening the neighbours came around. Everyone had a great time on the trampoline and playing the chocolate game. Abi had her 2nd cake - ballet shoes (1st cake was with the Scottish relatives).

Saturday it was her school friends around for a party. Allen managed to disappear with Jacob to go to soccer and Abi and I prepared for 15 3 and 4 year olds. We had employed our 3 teenage neighbours to come and help for the 2 hours and it was a very good idea. One looked after the craft table, one monitored the trampoline and the other was in charge of the water pistols. So we could actually chat to everyone. We did parcel the parcel and the witches cardigan game - a game I remember my sister doing for me at one of my birthday parties. Both went down brilliantly and everyone left late and happy! Abi had a wonderful time and has had to make 30 thank you cards.

We went to a sci fi convention on the Sunday - very strange but Jacob and Abi loved all the Star Wars things.

Anne, Pete and Emily arrived on Friday so we've been out and about with them. It has been a shock having a one year old around again, you soon forget what it's like! Abi's been very good with her and Emily loves being with my 2. Jacob's not very forgiving though and has had a few trips to the naughty step to remember not to throw and push. He's had another treatment for his skin and I'm hoping only one more will be needed. His important eye appointment is coming up so we'll see what happens then.

Been very busy helping at school and continuing with Arbonne. Allen's been in Australia for a week and we have coped very well. It'll be good to see him on Saturday although we're off out for a meal that night - not sure what time zone he'll be on.

Next trip is camping in Zion with Carrie and co - can't wait, we really miss seeing them. Not sure how the camping will go but I am looking forward to seeing how the children are together and sharing a few beers with Carrie and Brian - and seeing the wonderful scenery of course!

Hope all's well wherever you are

Rachael.

The Turners and Grandma Melrose

Hi All
Sorry I haven't updated this for a while. We had a great time with Louise, Stuart, Cameron, Finn and Grandma Melrose. They stayed for 2 weeks and it flew past. We had a week skiing in Breckenridge that was enjoyed by everyone. Finn could ski down the greens by the end of the week and Cameron could do the same on the snowboard. Louise and Stuart quickly regained their skiing skills and we managed to go out a few times on the slopes with just the adults so could create a bit more speed.

One of the days Allen and I went to Vail while everyone else went dog sledging. We all had a brilliant time. Allen and I exploring Vail and the rest driving the sled and having fun.

Our visitor buoyed up the American Economy with the amount of shopping they did! Grandma being the most restrained, although she'll be back again soon I'm sure to help out.

There are a variety of photos. The family at breakfast, Cameron ready to hit the slopes, dog sledging, cousins together (missing Cameron though) and finally Abi and Grandma at Abi's early birthday party with the family. Our visitors are being missed although we are looking forward to Abi's God mum and family arriving next week.

Other news, Jacob lost his other front tooth so he's now Mr gappy. I never thought that would happen as all of his other teeth came in very quickly so you didn't really notice the gap. Abi's stilling having a hard time with Jacob getting money from the tooth fairy! Abi turns 4 on Friday. We have 17 children coming to the party on Saturday, may be more. I decided to do it at home. I was going to hire a bouncy castle but Mr Meany convinced me not to so I'm now planning activities and games instead. Abi's chosen a ballet cake which I am making. Jacob has started soccer, he has no idea what he is doing but is really enjoying it. His first game is Saturday so of course Allen has volunteered to take him while I cope with 17 3 and 4 year olds! We'll try and get a photo of him playing soccer next time. Hard not to call it football! The weather has been pretty hot - 28C yesterday, however it's due to snow tonight - very strange.

So I hope everyone is well, I'm having a lot of fun with my Arbonne business - if you want to know more let me know.

Rachael.

Easter 2008

Hi
I haven't managed to do an entry for a while so this one covers a few weeks!

Last weekend we went and saw Nemo on ice. It was an excellent show and we all really enjoyed it. Abi left asking when we could see it again. There's a photo showing Jacob in his Nemo hat and Abi dressed as a beautiful mermaid.

The weather has been very strange here. One day it's t-shirt weather and the next snow trousers. As we thought the sunny days were on their way we went out and bought Jacob and Abi bikes. I put them together, Jacob's taking about an hour and Abi's 20 mins. There's a photo of them on them. Since, we have cycled to the park and they are getting a lot faster. I'm hoping over the summer we'll be able to go on longer cycle rides. Stabilisers are on at the moment but I think, later in the summer, we may be able to start trying without.

There's also a photo of them decorating eggs. We had a fun time doing it with only one egg being dropped. You should notice that Jacob is now Mr Gappy at the front and his other front one is loose too. He seems so young to be loosing them all. Abi's most annoyed that she hasn't lost any and that Jacob is getting money from the tooth fairy and she's not! Jacob's saving his dollars for a matchbox dragon car thing. Abi has a long list of what she wants for her birthday. Unfortunately she's watching adverts on the TV and has some hideous things on the wish list!

The last photo is of our egg hunt this morning. Too much chocolate, but I'm sure Allen and I will help them eat it. Well not the Hershey bits.

Off to Winter Park for 2 days skiing. Jacob's got another eye appointment at the hospital on Wednesday. We have written down lots of questions this time.He had a dermatology appointment this week and had his spots treated again. This time it was not as sore for him and none of the bled like last time so he'll be swimming again soon. Abi's having preschool friends over Thursday and I do my first proper Arbonne party this coming week. Allen's family arrive Friday, not telling the children til Thursday! Have started cleaning and sorting for then. Finally put up blinds in the spare room and set it up ready. We have bought a sofa bed for Cameron and are hoping Finn will sleep in with Jacob and Abi.

So the next photos will include our Scotish family; we're looking forward to spending some time with them all.

Hope everyone's well

Rachael.

A Spring Day

Hi
Well we've been busy as usual. Went skiing last Sunday, Monday and Friday at A Basin, Keystone and Brekenridge respectively. Jacob and Abi are definitely getting more confident and faster. Abi may need another lesson but I think Jacob has it mastered. We had a good time, staying with people from Allen's work at Dillon on Sunday night. They had a lovely puppy, and for me to say that it must have been cute as I hate all animals! Jacob and Abi have now been on and on at me about wanting a dog. My response is that we can't have one until we move back to a country for good. Trouble is they don't really understand that and we don't know when or where that will be.

I've just completed my resume, the American term for CV I think. I'm taking it into Jacob and Abi's school plus another one very close by. I'm hoping for some cover work; we'll see. Also starting my Arbonne business seriously this month so we'll see how that goes. I was tempted to go to Atlanta for the National Training Conference but, in the end, decided not to. My main reason was a bit sad as I wasn't sure I could leave the children for 3 nights.

We had a great Spring day yesterday. Walked to our local park early and the kids played and ran around. Then we took a picnic to a park near Melissa's new house - she moved yesterday. The house is great but it's a reposession and had been empty for a year so it was filthy. I volunteered to clean the bathrooms for her. So I left Jacob, Abi and Allen at the park on a lovely afternoon and went and cleaned the most disgusting bathrooms I have ever set eyes on! Her new house is very different, big, airy and a super back garden. It's in a good location too, so a step up for her on the property ladder and we'll probably spend quite a bit of the summer over there. We came back to our close and the children played out for the rest of the day. The photos are of basketball practice and Abi on roller skates. Some very popular neighbours feature in the photos too. Jacob loves Sam and Sam is very good at letting Jacob join in.

Abi did an assessment at preschool, it was a trial by a local foundation who asked teachers for student volunteers. We were asked for Abi to take part and she loved it. She came out very well. 2 years above for general ability, spot on for letter recognition (good as I've done sod all so far with her) and a year above for problem solving. I think they'll assess her again in a year.

Jacob had treatment at the hospital for his Molescum Contagiousum (thought it sound like a spell from Harry Potter!). The actual treatment didn't hurt but afterwards they all blistered and bled. We weren't warned so I was a bit annoyed at the doctor. It does seem to have removed quite a few though. He has got to go back in 3 weeks, not sure he'll want them touching him though poor boy. Also have an eye appointment this month.

Yesterday it was a lovely 20oc, today it's minus 4 and snowing, what a change! Looking forward to Allen's lot coming out at the end of the month and then Anne, Pete and Emily next month. Allen may be off to Australia too so busy as ever.

Hope all's well
Rachael.

Valentines

Hi

Well as you would expect Valentine's Day is completely over the top here. I loved it, as did the children but it did take a bit of planning ahead. Jacob had to provide cards and gifts for 21 and Abi 11. Abi wasn't allowed to put names on hers as it would be too difficult to hand them out?! So we spent the week and a half before Valentines Day making our cards. Abi only needed one afternoon as she's a crafty girl, Jacob however took his time over the week. He did have more and wanted to do all the writing himself. We baked cupcakes the day before and enjoyed handing out all the treats on the day. Allen sent me flowers for the first time in 13 years on Valentines Day, which was a lovely surprise. Well not so much a surprise as he phoned to see if I'd got the flowers before they were delivered! There's a photo of us with the flowers and bits Jacob and Abi got too.

Since Allen's been away Jacob managed to have 2 days off sick. He wasn't that sick as you'll see from the photo of him on the tyre swing along with Abi's friend Cody and Abi too. There's also a photo of Abi with Sweetheart. The bear she made at the Build a Bear party. Sweetheart has been a major success and even Jacob asked if they had army outfits to put the bears in (unfortunately they do!).

Off to the Childrens Museum today, went to the zoo Saturday and gym yesterday. It's President's Day here today so no school. Also going to buy the Transformers DVD as lots of things are on sale due to this 'special day'! Am busy mastering DVR - a way you can video off the TV without a video (not sure we have it in the UK yet?). So far I've managed to record Night at the Museum in Spanish (didn't realise we had HBO in Spanish) and cut the end off a Scooby Doo film. Not popular with Jacob at the moment although I did redeem myself in his eyes by recording 3 Power Rangers episodes. Allen returns on Wednesday which we're all looking forward to.

Hope everyone's well

Rachael.

Bat Mitzvah's and Bears!

Hi All

Well Shawna's long awaited Bat Mitzvah finally arrived this weekend and it was more extravagant than most weddings I've been too. We all had a great time, hopefully you'll see some of what I'm talking about in the photos. Firstly the service was different. It was all in Hebrew although there was a Rabi who translated lots of it into English for the non Jewish people there. It lasted an hour and a half and Jacob and Abi survived pretty well. It was very interesting with the arrival of the Torah from the Ark and lots of ceremony too. Shawna did a great job - I obviously didn't understand a thing, but it seemed like she did a great job! Then the proper party started. Dancing was on the agender before any food. Shawna and Mindy (her mum) were hoisted up on chairs and danced about - see photo. There was also dancing around in lots of circles doing cross steps. I though this was a Greek Wedding thing. Everyone got involved and the kids loved it. We did then sit down for food although people danced through out - see photo of Allen, Abi and Kelli (our neighbour) dancing. Also note Shawna's name in lights on the wall. Mindy had gone to town on the decorations. There were large balloons and streamers hanging from the ceiling. Lolly pops with Shawna's name on together with tins of mints and lip glosses all bearing Shawna's name and the date. There was a photographer taking photos that they developed there and then and just gave to you. We've got a lovely one of the 4 of us. They did games for the children and there's a photo of Jacob proudly holding a blow up guitar he won. We left at 9.30 as Jacob and Abi were very tired but the party continued and Shawna finally left at 1am. I'm glad we've experienced a Bat Mitzvah, if we do so again I may research Juadaism a bit more so I don't feel as stupid!

Today Abi and I experienced our first Build a Bear party. Beckett, in Abi's pre school class, turned 4. There were about 18 at the party and they got to stuff a bear, name it, groom it and play. There's a photo of Abi at the grooming station. After the party we chose an outfit for 'Sweatheart' (that's what Abi named it). She put it in a princess dress identical to the one that my mum bought for her for Christmas. It was good fun but I will be avoiding the shop in the future as Abi will expect a new bear each time! Jacob went to a friends during this and was not remotely interested in Abi's bear when we picked him up which was great.

Allen's in the UK for the next 10 days so my sanity will be serverly tested. This is the longest he's been away since having the children. As he pointed out at least it's not a 15 month stint in Iraq like the Americans get here.

So here's to 10 days going quickly!

Hope all's well, our phone number has changed - 303 731 9636

Rachael.