I wish we could live in California and be warm...duh, why is California so expensive? Just because the weather is the most desirable, well, dumb. So, let me tell you a little about our trip. Let's start with Sunnyvale and call it Part I. I finally got a good picture of my brother Ben. If any of you have been graced by his presence after about 7 or 8 at night you will recognize this picture. This kills me. This is what he looks like every night and you can't have a serious conversation with him because he just looks so funny and crazed. At night he starts pulling at his hair...I think to get the hair glue out or something, but this is the end result and it is so funny. (by the way, Ben was also in desperate need of a haircut and so this picture turned out even better) I love Ben!
Ben and Whitney so graciously let me and the boys stay with them. They were wonderful hosts and their apartment is darling. Whit has decorated it so awesomely. I love it...love the colors...and my favorite chair, which I spent the entire time in...I should have taken a picture of it. The boys had so much fun together. Feeding time was always...hmmmm, what's the word...
Kadin is such a sweet kid and I love how this picture turned out. He just has this sweet look and he's holding his blue dinosaur that had gone missing earlier. What a kid!
Ah, Carter and Joel just love each other. They really do have so much fun playing together. It makes me sad that we don't live closer to each other...maybe someday. Joel and Kadin were so good about sharing their fun toys with Carter and Mason. We love the Shafer fam so much! Thanks so much you guys!
Oh, yeah, for the bad part. So during California Part I, I got sick...um, sicker than I have been in years. I was so mad. I had come down to see Ben's family and my Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt and Uncle. Well, my Grandpa is getting older and I couldn't really be around him being so sick. I was so bummed. My Grandpa is such a sweet and loving man and I always loved his hugs and I couldn't hug him, even goodbye. Yeah, I cried. I had what I'm sure everyone has had, that awful bug...achy, tight chesty cough, sore throat, lost voice, headache, exhaustion...misery.
So, I'm pushing myself to make it through the airport with two kids (which I'd love to talk about later) where I know Joel is waiting on the other side...and I make it and we fly to Palm Springs (Part II)...where I am still sick. Luckily it is like, 80 or 90 degrees there and so I can be miserable outside and at least be warm. We stayed with Joel's parents and his sister Kelly and her family came while we were there as well.
The kids loved going to the pool. They had so much fun. Carter HAD to wear the float the whole time and was not nearly as brave in the water without Dylan there. We spent most of our time at the pool...eat, swim, nap, swim, eat, one more swim...you know.
This was Mason's spot of choice in the pool. He had more fun playing on the steps. It was hilarious. I should post these other pictures I have. All of them were so cute. I just want to eat him up...
Here is Troy, Todd, and Alex at the pool. Todd showed us a new trick...how to totally splash in a pool. It is seriously awesome and it is seriously the biggest splash I've ever seen. I mean he almost moved the entire pool of water to another location. Amazing. Alex is a brave little guy and he loves the water. He would just walk right off the edge into the water, whether someone was there for him or not.
By Easter Sunday we had almost the whole Thompson family gathered in Palm Springs. It was so great to see everyone, though we were so sad that Cami's family and Connor's family weren't able to come. We had a little Easter egg hunt and Nini got each family an Easter basket of treats. For dinner Nini made a traditional Easter dinner...lamb, lentils, unleavened bread, Bulgar wheat...everyone had to try a little bit and then we had ham and potatoes. Nini and Poger finished off the night talking about the week of the Resurrection. It was great. They are so good about keeping the right perspective and teaching their children and grandchildren.
By Sunday, Carter was getting what I had. He was sick. We were up all night Sunday night...I mean it, all night. He was coughing, or trying to cough and trying really hard to breathe. It was the scariest night of my life. After a whole night of sitting outside with him, taking him in and out of a steamy shower, we were at a loss as to how to help him...so we took him to the ER. Sweet, I know. The poor kid couldn't breathe. It was the scariest, most heart wrenching thing. We would just watch his chest cave and listen to him gasping for air. I wasn't sure if we should take him to the ER, (I guess I just thought, if we just wait another minute it will get better) I figure you only go to the ER if you've been shot, right? Let me tell you how excited I am for that bill to come. Anyway, they gave him a shot of steroids and a breathing treatment and sent us home with a prescription for more steroids...we figured we should put him on a weight lifting schedule while he's on them...you know, take advantage...just kidding...though the steroids caused me much grief. That kid was the most ridiculously out of control kid while on them. I asked the doctor at his follow up visit if this drug could by chance cause behavioral problems...and he said yes...seriously (Hmm, ever heard of "roid rage"?). Don't get me wrong, we had a great trip. We loved the warmer weather and being with family. Though I would like to go back and actually have a vacation. Joel was able to get in some golf and tennis and the night before we left I finally had a little more energy and was able to play a little tennis. Joel and Mason did things right and waited until we got home to get sick...so now we've all had it...well Mason still has it.
By the way, the day after we got back from 90 degree Palm Springs...IT SNOWED! I'm done...seriously.
Growing up, I always wanted to get married and have a family. I pictured it as being so amazing and wonderful. I had this mental list of all the things my husband was going to be like. Joel has by far, exceeded all expectations. I knew it would be wonderful to be married, but I had no idea it would be this good. I honestly can't think of a word that describes how awesome it is. Joel is amazing. He is the most wonderful man. I can honestly say that everyday, I am in awe of him. He is most definitely the spiritual leader in our family and I am so grateful for him in making sure that we are doing what we need to be doing...though I fight him along the way sometimes.
He is such an amazing father. He loves his children so much and is always amazed by them. He says often, "Aren't these boys so cool?!" He does such a great job of taking care of all of us. He is willing to do anything and everything. I had a really bad delivery with Carter and after I was amazed at all Joel did for me...I mean he did everything. I swear I didn't change a diaper until Carter was 6 weeks old. Joel is a humble man. There is never a disagreement where he doesn't come to me apologetic (even when it's not his fault or problem) and ask what he can do better.
He is a hard worker and is constantly serving others. Joel is totally smooth in the things he does. I remember when we were dating it was so fun to watch him drive a stick or cut up broccoli or roller skate...he's just smooth. He loves to find his way places and as we were dating we were always getting lost around the Portland area...all roads lead to Milwaukie, OR...though I'm not complaing, it's always fun to drive around with him. Joel is so much fun to be with and is so funny. It's hard to get mad at him because he always has some witty remark when I'm about to blow. He is a very doting husband and is always asking me what he can do for me. He treats me better than I ever dreamed of being treated. I love Joel so much. I am thankful for everyday that I have with him and I look forward to eternity with him! He is the best! Joel, you're golden man.
