Machu Picchu

We got up at 3 a.m. the last morning so we could be one of the first groups in line for our final 2 hour sprint to the sun gate. Even though we got up so early and really hurried there was one other group that was ahead of us. We had to wait until 5:30 a.m. for the trail to open so we spent the time singing and dancing. One of the guys in our group had all sorts of 80’s music that he was cranking on his phone so the time actually passed pretty quickly as we laughed, danced and sang. Having such a good group of people to share this experience with definitely made it even for amazing.

One the trail was open we all had our headlights on so we could see where we were going. This part of the trail was extremely dangerous in portions. Several months prior to our trip a girl had fallen off the edge of the trail and died. They still had the caution tape in place on that portion of the trail. Because of this there was a no passing rule. We were all hiking at a good pace since we were close to the front of the line. There was a girl in the group ahead of us that was SLOW! We were all getting a little impatient because she was essentially holding up the whole line. Finally she stopped and let all of us pass then we were back sprinting along as fast as we could safely walk.

I wished I could have taken a picture of the final set of stairs but we were almost running at that point and there was no time for pulling out the camera. They were called the grengo killers! It was a set of 60 stairs that were so incredibly steep I took one look and hoped and prayed I didn’t fall as we raced to the top. Most of the people in the group ahead of us had stopped and steeped to the side just before getting to the stairs to remove there jackets. We took the opportunity to quickly pass them so we could get to the sun gate first. Then they tried to pass some of our group on the stairs and it turned into a bit of a crazy situation. Now that we were in the lead we were really huffing it. That last 15 minutes was a killer and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep up that pace. But then we were there!

 

Sweating like crazy with the view of Machu Picchu stretched out before us!

We still had a bit of a hike to get down among the ruins. Such stunning views as we descended from the sun gate down to the guard tower and then among the ruins. We laughed amongst ourselves as we passed people who had clearly taken the train because they all looked fresh and smelled clean. We on the other hand looked and smelled quite different! But I was so glad we had hiked the Inca trail to the ruins because that is what made the whole experience so amazing. There is no way I would want to visit Machu Picchu without doing the hike – I can say that now, but I sure wasn’t thinking that way before we got started! The actual ruins were crowded with people, but on the trail it was a different story where a lot of the time there was just our little group because everyone was so spread out. The hard work also made the experience of glimpsing the ruins from the sun gate that much sweeter! Truly a once in a lifetime experience!

Now for picture overload!

Our tour guide giving us all the details for this amazing place.

It was hot as we sat there listening.

You can see the sun gate between the two peeks. That is where you first view the ruins from the Inca Trail.

You can see the trail from the sun gate down to the ruins cut into the side of the hill.

They built the ruins without mortar. The rocks were cut with such precision that they were able to construct their buildings without using mortar to hold the bricks together. Pretty amazing!

After we were done exploring we took a bus down the mountain on this super windy road to the town of Augus Caliente. Another hold your breath and pray experience.

Augus Caliente was a quaint little town. There were no cars there because the only way in is by a 2 hour train ride. Buses run from the train station up to Machu Picchu and back, but other than the buses there are no other vehicles. The river runs right through town.

And there are lots of colorful buildings.

They had a great little area for shopping. And lots of restaurants that lined their main street. We had the nastiest pizza ever for our last meal!

The train tracks that ran right through the center of town.

Leaving on the train for our ride back to Cusco.

What an adventure!

Zombies Vs. Aliens

Samuel finished his last year of the Let’s Play Music program in May. As part of graduation, each student composes their own piano piece to play at the final recital. It was so much fun to watch Samuel come up with the theme of his song and then see the creative juices flow. He decided he wanted to compose a piece about a battle between zombies and aliens. He told me the story he had in mind and then went to work composing the music. The piece starts out with alien ships flying, aliens parachute down to the planet, giant alien walkers land and begin their march to meet the zombies, shooting commences followed by bombs and then the alien ships retreat. You can take a listen to the piece he composed himself here.

As part of the Let’s Play Music National Program, each teacher submits a couple of students pieces for the original composition competition. There were 85 entries this year and only 4 trophies were awarded. Samuel actually won the trophy for most original composition! We were all pretty excited about that!

Samuel doesn’t always love to practice the piano. In fact he does a lot of complaining when things get hard, but we have come to an understanding that all kids in this household will learn to play the piano. Samuel the other morning asked me why he had to play the piano. I told him because Heavenly Father had given him a talent and he needed to work hard to develop that talent. It about caused me to burst out laughing when he said, “Oh why did He have to give me this talent!”. Despite his occasional grumbles, his eyes sure do light up when he finally conquers a difficult musical piece.

Here is another video of Samuel at his music recital. We were sitting on the front row at the recital and I had the biggest smile watching Samuel perform. He was just cracking up the whole audience. The kid loves attention!

And I got my first taste of the thrill of performing musical duets with the kids when Samuel and I got the opportunity to play a duet titled Russian Sailor for his recital. (This was us playing the piece for my family when they were in town a few weeks ago) I’m patiently waiting for the day I can accompany one of the kids on their first concerto!

I can’t say enough about this program. It really is fabulous.

As one musical chapter closes, a new one continues with me as his piano teacher. What an adventure!

Who’s The Fairest of Them All

The time had finally arrived for my sister to cash in on one of the birthday favors I owed her. Kambree was turning 4 and wanted a princess party. The only problem was she really wanted Cinderella to come to her party and we don’t have that princess costume. Luckily one of the girls in Trina’s ward had a Cinderella costume and sweet Shemri (we went to high school together and Trina moved into her ward– isn’t the world so small sometimes!) agreed to play the part of Cinderella while I was Snow White.

 

Shemri and I were laughing so hard as we donned our costumes because really Disney princesses aren’t 30 something with wrinkles and gray hair! Shemri did a fabulous job as Cinderella, she was coming up with all sorts of fun and crazy things to say to the girls. I was sort of the lame princess who for the life of me couldn’t come up with such clever things as sparkles coming out of my shower!

A couple of days before the party I was trying on the Snow White costume and wig. After I put on the wig, Bella took one look at me and said maybe I would look better with the bow in my hair (the wig really was ugly!). After trying on the bow she took another long look and said maybe I should put on the costume. After I was in costume she paused and said maybe I should put on the shoes. When you’re counting on the possibility of the shoes making you look better you’re just out of luck! Samuel came into the room and said I was making him uncomfortable! Now to be fair, I didn’t have on makeup and the wig was really hideous! I decided I better not wear the wig the day of the party and that was a good call.

The girls seemed to have a great time and no one noticed that Bella kept calling me mom and Trina and Grandma kept calling me Amber instead of Snow White! And we got another use out of Chuck’s castle creation.

Run Isaac Run

This little guy has been begging to run with Samuel and I since we started our summer morning runs.  He really does like to run and Chuck and I have often remarked that maybe one day he will be a runner, but I have been reluctant to let him tag along because in my mind I could picture the outcome – tears, fits and demanding to return home.

I told him at the end of last week that the next time we ran maybe he could try and come. I had completely forgot about our little conversation, but Isaac remembered. This morning as Samuel and I were lacing up the running shoes Isaac politely told me that I said he could come. I was not excited, but I told him to get on his shoes and he could try and keep up. I also told him if he cried and threw a fit because he was tired he was not going to come with us again this summer (yes, I wanted him to know I meant business!). As we headed out the door, I had very low expectations knowing full well that today was going to be a wasted exercise day and kept reminding myself not to get frustrated when Isaac started to cry.

Off we started up the trail by our home. We don’t run fast and we only go 1 mile, but it is uphill (Remember I’m NOT a runner by any stretch of the imagination!). I was in absolute amazement as Isaac kept pace with Samuel and I. He had the cutest smile while every so often pointing out the fact that he was keeping up. And I was absolutely beaming as we reached the half way point and we turned around to head back home. He really was going to make it! Not once did he complain, not once did he even hint that he was tired, he just ran right along with us talking and laughing. He was so proud of himself as we ran into the driveway. Samuel added to his joy as he told Isaac how great he had run. I gave him a giant hug and told him we would buy him some new shoes and that he could go with us every day if he wanted. I bought him those shoes this evening and he was so excited he wanted to sleep with them.

I love this little guy! He truly amazed me and absolutely made my day. Now I have a different picture in my mind - In a few years I’ll be begging the boys to let me run with them and they will be the ones telling me to try and keep up!     

Yeah for Summer!

It’s been awhile since I’ve touched the blog. Life has felt extremely packed with all sorts of good things over the past few months and I just haven’t taken the time to capture them here. I feel like I’ve been going and going simply trying to keep up.

 

I have been anxiously waiting the end of school. I absolutely LOVE summer!

I finished my little Summer banner the day before school was out. It literally took me all day to finish that thing! Whenever I have a project with a deadline I’m always amazed at how much time it takes. I don’t know why it continues to surprise me – I mean with 3 of my kids still at home all day and doing their best to “help” me, project completion is just not speedy! I like the bright cheery colors so much we still have the decorations on our window!

The last day of school Samuel woke up and was so disappointed when he came downstairs and everything looked like a typical morning. He looked at me and said, “Don’t you care that I’m done with school today? I guess you’re just not very excited for me to be home.” Poor guy was expecting the decorations to be out before he left for school, but I was planning the surprise for after he got home. A few minutes later Bella ventured downstairs and was also disappointed the table wasn’t decorated. But as soon as we dropped Samuel off at school I informed the other kids we needed to hurry home, make brownies, ice cream, get a pizza and decorate before Samuel got home from school. The other kids were relieved I hadn’t forgot about our Welcome Summer party.

As I waited in the car to pick Samuel up from school, I felt a little lump forming in my throat and tears wanted to spring to my eyes. Samuel will be in 2nd grade next year and my sweet Bella will be in Kindergarten. I am so excited for summer, but a little sad at how time just seems to be flying by so quickly.When we walked in the house, the other kids excitedly yelled, “Surprise!” Jenna was a little confused and kept telling Samuel, “Happy Birthday Hat”. Samuel was super excited about the little party.     

And we’ve spent the past week since school got out in a mad dash. The boys and Jenna still wake up at 6 - no sleeping in around here. Each day has been filled with fun activities as well as squeezing in daily Learning Time, piano practice, baseball games and dance, tumbling and karate lessons.

Yeah for Summer!

Almost the Best Mom

I helped the kids make a giant blanket fort in the family room this week. They were all super excited about this creation.

Samuel made me laugh when he said, “Mom, thanks so much for doing this. You’re the best mom in the world!” Then he paused for a minute and added, “Well, sometimes you’re the best mom.”

Yep, the side of me that plays and has fun is the “best mom” in my kids eyes. The other side, the tiger mom that sits at the piano bench, tries to make sure brains don’t turn to mush, teaches the kids to work and harps that we can do hard things is sometimes the “worst mom in the world”. I think we all need a little of both! So I’ll take my boy thinking that sometimes I’m the “best mom in the world”!

The kids had so much fun with the blanket fort activity we had to do it again the next day, this time moving the kitchen table into the family room to create a more stable support structure. The kids were thrilled when we suggested they could sleep in the fort that night.

As with most activities at our house, there was a bit of chaos. Isaac was under the table and something fell in his eye. He was screaming hysterically and when I finally pried his eye open I saw a little chuck of wood. I fully recognize I could NEVER be a doctor or nurse – I just don’t have the stomach for such things. Seeing that piece of wood in Isaac’s eye and trying to rinse it out while he kicked and scram was horrible. I finally had to call Chuck and luckily he was able to run home. I held Isaac tight in my arms while we waited for daddy. When Chuck saw the object he said exactly what I had been thinking, “How are we supposed to get that out”. Miraculously it eventually floated to the corner and I was able to get it with a tissue. After that little episode, Isaac was warning everyone to stay away from the table. Never a dull moment!

First Week of Summer–It was a Busy One!

Our first official week of summer was a busy one!

Grandma and Grandpa came for a visit.

We celebrated Grandpa’s birthday. My uncle Tracy, aunt Laura and their girls were in town so they also dropped by for the party along with Trina and Wes. We had a house full!

We took the kids on a new hike to see petroglyphs. I can’t believe it was the end of May and we had to break out the jackets! Of course it was early in the morning and we are sort of wimps when it comes to cool temperatures.

We had so much fun on this hike we decided to do the hike again this time taking Grandma and Grandpa along.

That day it was not cold!

Chuck set up our “redneck” pool and even Isaac was willing to take a dip this year.

We took a bike ride to the park.

We made an early morning trip to the sand dunes in Snow Canyon with friends.

We spent time swimming with dear friends who have moved, but were in town for a visit.

We played outside before it gets too blazing hot!

We made suckers by melting Jolly Ranchers – thanks for the idea Kristin! Super easy and the kids loved them.

While Chuck was home during lunch I had him help with the Coke and Mentos experiment. I wanted to capture the explosion and knew I wouldn’t be able to by myself.

And it didn’t disappoint! I forgot to warn Chuck that it would instantly explode and squirt quite high. Love the look on his face as he was trying to quickly jump out of the way!

Look at those faces! In the next instant Isaac completely took off running. It was fabulous! Samuel then had the great idea that next time we should put the pop in our mouths and then add a Mento just to see what happens. I think we’ll give it a try. Maybe Chuck will be our guinea pig!

Samuel started baseball and has games two nights a week. I’m so glad baseball is the only sport he really likes and that the season is quick.

Because keeping these three out of trouble during the baseball games is tiring business!

Samuel also had karate promotions.

He is now a blue belt. He tells me all the time is goal is to get a black belt. I’m sure he will do it!

We took the kids to the very tiny museum at the airport. They were having a couple of planes do a demonstration.

As I sat in the cockpit I thought this was another thing I would NEVER want to do. I imagined being in that cramped space with the hatch closed for hours and I know I’d go crazy. I need room to move!

With school out, I’ve gotten back into early morning running or biking with Samuel and sometimes the other kids tag along. This weekend we took the kids on a new adventure right by the house. We live in a beautiful area! 

Eventually everyone was in tears! It was a little long and steep for Samuel and Bella and the other kids were just hot in the trailer even though it was early. Poor Chuck, Samuel and I finally took off at a faster pace and left him with the three crying kids. He’s a wonderful patient dad!

And this is what our fridge and pretty much most of our house looks like. I finally convinced Chuck that as soon as summer started he needed to help the kids and I learn to speak Spanish. The vast majority of time while he is at home he just speaks to us in Spanish. Of course from time to time the kids tell him they don’t understand what he is telling them and then he will speak in English. After our first week, I feel like I get the jest of most things he is saying although there is no way I could speak anything yet. Isaac is doing great at picking up words. Jenna made me laugh this week when she told Grandma on the phone that she was the baby, guagua (baby in Spanish) princess. Thanks to Chuck for going along with another one of my crazy ideas!

Yep, we’re off to a fun filled summer!