Back in Action!

It's been almost a month since I last updated the blog.  There has been a lot of excitement, adventures, and big changes, so buckle up!

We end last post with the end of school and residency.  We took some family time and went on a real vacation to the beach.  We are probably the lamest North Carolina residents, because everybody goes to the beach multiple times a year and this was our first time since we moved three years ago.  I'm proud we actually made it and double bonus because we had so much fun!

We arrived in the early afternoon and went to the aquarium.  The kids enjoyed looking at all the fish sharks.  Liam was on overload and just staring at everything.  We also got to see an albino alligator, which was pretty cool.  We let the kids play on the playground there for a bit before heading to our rental.

We decided to do a late afternoon beach trip with dinner.  The kids were so excited to get in the water.  It was beautiful and warm and our rental was close enough to walk.  It was a little exhausting for the kids to walk after playing at the beach, but they made it.

The following day as our beach day.  We got there early in the morning to claim our spot and get settled.  The time went by so quickly with the kids playing in the sand and water.  Tim did the boogie board with Hyrum, which he loved.  Tim also found an amazing conch shell.  He was standing in the surf and something hit his ankle and he pulled out a beautiful shell.  I wasn't sure we were aloud to take it because in some places you can't, but we did.  Sorry North Carolina if we were supposed to.  It now has an honored place on our mantel.  

We slept the night there after getting Chinese for everyone but Tim and Liam.  They got burritos.  We made it home in good time and spent the rest of the day preparing to head to Illinios.  The only downside to the beach trip is several of us were sick with yet another runny nose and cough.  

Tim was able to make the drive out with us, so we did the trip in one day.  The kids did well, but it was exhausting.  We were all glad when we could get out and stretch.  There was plenty of fun to be had while visiting my parents.  

The kids enjoyed multiple ride on the mower...

Eating lots of grandpa's oreos...

Riding Big Ben the old horse...

                                                 

Dress up and pretend...

                            

Wrestling...lots of wrestling...

And running in the sprinklers.

We were there over Independence Day and celebrated with some first works.  We discovered that Illinois doesn't really do first works.  I ended up buy and pack of all smoke things.  The did get to do some poppers.  Everything was so tame that they got to light them with grandpa. 

In between all the fun and helping grandma with her PT there was lots of whining and general grouchiness.  Oh, and a few more got sick before it cycled around and I got sick again.  Lucky me!  Liam probably wins the most tantrumy way to have a tantrum of all our kids.  I can't remember what set him off (it didn't take much), but he ended up dumping out the container, throwing it before righting it again so he could fold himself over the edge and smash his face against it.  This put him in the perfect position to fuss.  As frustrated as I was, that brought out a chuckle.

Unfortunately, we also had an ER visit.  Our third in 11 months (insert face slap emoji).  Poor Lila ran in front of a swinger and got hit in the mouth. It was forceful enough to knock her down and the way she landed broke her collar bone.  It took me a while to realized something more was wrong.  She was bleeding pretty bad in the mouth, but after 10 minutes of crying and her avoiding all hugs I figure it out and we headed to the ER.  I went prepared for a several hour wait, but we were in, out, and home in about two hours.  Thank you small town ER!

We headed home on Friday after mom was given the green light to drive.  It was just me driving home.  It was definitely a first, but we broke it in two days and brought plenty of toys and snacks.  The kids did surprisingly well.  We had some general fussing, because things I would normally be able to help them with they either had to figure it out or wait.  I also just had to be okay with Liam fussing before and after naps.  There wasn't anything I could do and he was fine, minus a restful nap.  I think 6.5 hours was a good stopping place.  We stayed in a hotel and ate Subway for dinner.  The kids loved it especially since I let them have soda.  Liam struggled to fall asleep that night and it didn't help that I hiding in between the beds popping up every once in a while to tell Hyrum or Lila to lay down.  We left the next morning, but not before enjoying breakfast at the hotel, which was a favorite.

Liam also enjoyed a different view on the way home.  Generally, I wait until they are two to make the switch, but he meets the height and weight requirements and I needed to be able to reach him more easily.  

We were all very glad when we rolled in just after lunch.  We made good time and only got slowed down a couple of times due to construction.  The kids have spent the last 24 hours getting acquainted with their toys and adjusting to home life.

Some general life updates.  Tim started fellowship.  He enjoys the other fellows and all the doctors he works with.  He attended a conference with everyone in Virginia and will attend a conference in Seattle virtually this coming week.  From what he has gathered July is pretty easy.  August is when things pick up.  He will have clinic all day and most evenings he will be covering sports.  This goes through November and then things calm down.  

Hyrum will be homeschooling next year.  There are a variety of reasons for this decision and both Tim and I felt that for this year it was the right thing to do for him to help him.  It isn't something we plan on doing forever, but will take it one year at a time.

Lila is picking up a threenager attitude.  I still think she is easier than Hyrum to work through each situation, but it's still unpleasant.  She still has her bright, happy personality that shines, just with some cloudy moments.

Liam is talking so much.  He loves to repeat everything we say and will do it in two to three word phrases.  I love this stage!  I also hate this age, because he is ramping up the terrible twos.  Please refer to the above story of his tantrum.

I am wrapping by brain around being home and getting everything prepared for the fall.  We will have a lot happening with Tim's schedule and schooling for both Hyrum and Lila, but I think the time will pass quickly and it will be a good thing, so I don't get too trunky.  I'm ready to move on from training!

We hope everyone is doing well and we'll update next week!