Confessions of a First Time Mother

Conference weekend is incredible! I love being able to stay at home with my little family and listen to a prophets voice and advice apostles give us. It is so wonderful to know that we have a living prophet and apostles just like bible times, but they are here to help us in our day! Heavenly Father has surely not left us alone in this life. I also love our little traditions of cinnamon rolls, crapes, and eating all kinds of delicious foods! It was so fun to have Carter with us this time, and he even watched some of the messages that were being given.

During conference I couldn't help but notice the repeated theme of family, the role of women, and the role of priesthood holders. Women are so caught up in making a career, being equals to men, that they have forgotten their divine destiny as women. My heart sank when Elder Oaks spoke about how many people in the United States live together before marriage, how many have children in wedlock, and just how much my little family is a minority. My husband and I met, dated, were married, lived together, and then had a sweet little spirit join our family in that order. We made our family the way we have always been taught, but the world teaches things a different way and for that reason we are the minority.

Now for my confession... I never really wanted to be a stay at home mother. Sure I wanted to have a husband, marry in the temple, and have children, but I always wanted to work. I have loved teaching with all of my heart, and never wanted to say goodbye. I was thrilled when after having Carter I already had a job partner so I could work part time. I loved my amazing team, and loved the school that I would be teaching at. All of those dreams came crashing down when Jason was moved to Nevada for work. I won't lie and say I was completely supportive and happy about the whole situation, knowing that God had a plan for our little family. I was the exact opposite, and I'm pretty sure I even gave Jason the ultimatum of his job or his family. Looking back at it now, I could never really leave the man I love simply because I didn't get my way. Honestly I think that Heavenly Father was trying to teach me that I need to be home. Carter needs to grow up with a mother who will teach him what's right and the things that are important in this life. He needs me to always be there for him, and now the thought of going back to work even part time breaks my heart. I have fallen in love with my little boy, and am starting to understand the reasons why I need to be at home with him. So many children grow up with broken families, families that don't have the stability and blessings that our little family has been blessed with. I should be and am thankful that I even have the option to stay home with this sweet little boy. With every giggle, every smile, every silly little noise and first mile stone, I am reminded of the reason I am here on earth. To have a family and raise my children in righteousness. Yes I may get pooped and peed on, I may have frustrations taken out on me, I may crave adult conversation and have to wait until the end of the day, I might feel overwhelmed with choices I have to make for my children, and my body may be far from what it used to be, but it is completely and totally worth it! I am in the minority because I have been blessed that way and understand that the children I will have here on earth have the right to grow and be raised in a family the way it was meant to be.

Children bring the greatest happiness that we could possibly have in this life. I know because I have felt it and feel it everyday. I hope that someday my little family won't be considered in the minority, and children will become a priority again. Not only children, but the importance of family the way it was meant to be!

WE DID IT!!!!

Well, our little family just got back from our adventures in Utah (like 5 days ago oops) and rather than bore you will all the crazy busy details I'll spare you and give you just some of the highlights of our trip. We were there for a whole week and so there are way too many details to expose.

First off, why Utah for a week? Well, Jason and I have a very bad addiction. We have a love hate addiction to running. Yes, that's right, running. Before Carter was born (like a week before) we decided we really missed running races. That's when we decided to sign up for the Huntsville Half. When the day started to get closer we scheduled Jason's ortho around that date, and then all of the sudden Jason had to get on a plane to go to Omaha Nebraska for a training. Well, instead of driving back and fourth in that week we decided, let's take a week off and play. So, long story short that is what we did.

Monday and Tuesday I was of course on my own to find new adventures and so Carter my little sidekick and I decided to visit Taylor Carter's cousin. Monday was spent resting from our travels and Tuesday was a big day full of playing with cousin Taylor... well, really just watching Carter play and Taylor sleep.

Wednesday Jason and I gave into our addictions and each when for a much needed run. We had to at least try to say we ran more than 6 miles before the big race. That's when I ran 9 and Jason ran 11. Then we zoomed off to spend the day and night in Park City.

Carter and Daddy chilling in our Hotel room

All ready for bed and sitting up on his own!

Thursday another addiction of mine was given into. We went shopping at the outlets and ended up buying Carter winter clothes, jackets, and shoes. I have found that I really am addicted to shopping for Carter, wither it be online, at a store, or even at yard sales. Yep I love buying things for him.

That night I zoomed from Park City all the way to Layton for a very exciting dinner and girls night out for me :). I was able to visit with two of the most amazing teachers in the history of my career. It was so wonderful to see my old team mates again and bask in their awesomeness and cute babies. I was a little sad Carter didn't come with.

Friday we visited my old school, I saw my old classroom, listened to teacher conversations, and got really sad for ever having to leave my job. Carter is totally worth it, but I really wish we could have stayed in Utah too. The Cheesecake Factory for dinner was the perfect way to end an evening and cheer me up.

Ok so now for the gory details.... Saturday morning, the day I surely thought I would die... We woke up at 6 am to board a bus that would take us all the way to Huntsville Utah and the beginning of a race that seemed like it would never end. I was freezing and convinced that if my muscles didn't give out first, my lungs would collapse from the sheer coldness of the morning. Getting to the starting line an hour before being able to start was just another way to torture us. Once the gun was shot and we started making our way, I was engulfed in my playlist of music. Having only ran 9 miles 2 days before this race, I thought for sure I would be a goner. Well folks, 2 hours 10 minutes later I crossed the finish line with a huge smile on my face. My only goal was to run the entire time no matter how slow I might be, and I did it! I was on a roll and certainly on a high when I wanted to keep running after crossing the finish line. Jason of course did tons better than I (2 hours 3 minutes), but my excuse.... I just had a baby gosh!

Waiting for the bus... I am so COLD!!

Riding the bus to the start line!

Before the race, trying to keep warm in the sun.

We both survived! Don't we just look attractive?!

Don't mess with someone who just ran 13.1 miles!

Sunday was a relaxing day, and after church we found ourselves back in the car riding into the sunset. When we got home our house was freezing! It snowed yesterday evening too. Oh man what did I get myself into with living here?! At least we will be able to enjoy conference with our working pellet stove (it wasn't working at all a day ago). I love conference weekend!! Yep well, that is all for my random ramblings today. Have a great weekend!

I am an Aunt!

Well, there have been quite a few exciting things that have happened in the Osborn family recently. This week not only did our cute little man turn 5 months old, but my sister-in-law had her cute little baby! She had Taylor Mark on Monday September 9th, 8lbs 7oz, and he is something precious. My brother who recently was deployed (he's in the army) was able to come for his birth too! What I would have given to see Tain change a diaper and hold his sweet little boy.

This week was full of fun with our little Carter, as well as new callings, lots of work parties/invites to dinner, and yet another trip to Utah :)

Monday we ended up being invited to go to The Star Hotel in Elko for dinner. For those of you not from the middle of nowhere, The Star is a pretty big deal. It's a basque style resurante that pretty much costs an arm and a leg to dine at. The food however is delicious and you always walk out of there not ever wanting to see food again. Best thing about this trip for us (we've been there once before) we made new friends and got a free meal. I loved being able to interact with adults too, that was pretty nice :)

Tuesday Carter became a whopping 5 months old. Our little guy is growing way too fast! He is more than likely going to be crawling in the next couple weeks because he is sure determined. We can no longer lay him on the floor and expect him to stay in one play. Our actively little cutie is all over the place rolling to where ever it is he would like to go. We are going to have to baby proof our house soon, and boy is that going to
be a project.

Wednesday was Jason's first Cub Scout activity that he was in charge of. His partner in crime was going to be 45min late and so I was crowned Jason's assistant. What a bunch of obnoxious boys. This is going to be a great calling to help Jason grow, I can feel it. It fact, our experience drove us to a late night drive (30 min away mind you) to DQ for some much needed ice cream. That and we were invited to dinner at The Star again, but said we'd be the party for desert.

Thursday I was able to get out and have some mommy time with a couple of other moms in the neighborhood. We were insane and decided that some insanity in our lives would make us happy, but didn't realize how sore it would make us lol. It was totally worth though I must add. After I had my mommy time, Carter had his first every play date with a little boy his age. He slept through half of it, but it was refreshing to spend sometime with more people.

Friday was spent packing, cleaning, and driving to Utah. Not really my idea of a great date night, but we were able to see my sister and watch World War Z with her and her husband. Can't really complain... I really love our trips to civilization. They keep me sane.

Saturday I was able to see two of my roommates who I haven't seen for seriously 3 years! We had a delicious breakfast at Kneader's and although I totally kept telling myself we needed to get pictures, I completely and utterly had an epic fail. I remembered just as we were all driving away. It was so wonderful to see them and feel like really no time had passed.

Carter met his first ever cousin! He wasn't really sure what to do with him because he couldn't get on the floor and play with him. It was so awesome to be able to hold that little baby though, and visit with his awesome momma.

After that, it was more driving in the car all the way to Logan where we met up with our really good friends for dinner. After dinner Jason ran away with the boys to a football game, and I got some much needed visit time with a really good friend and her cute little kiddos. We had fun catching up and watching our little babies (Jace and Carter are a week apart in age!). When the guys got back to report a very lame game (score was 70 to 6), we played ourselves some monopoly deal and ate some more food :) I was very upset however, when Jason realized he had taken my sister's car keys by accident. We were not planning on seeing her until later Sunday evening, but when you have someone's only car keys that kind of changes your plans.

Poor kid spends more time in his car seat than at home!

Sunday was an early morning with yet more driving. We said goodbye to our friends with promises to see each other again soon, hopped in the car, and drove to rescue my sister and give her her car keys. Everything actually turned out quite well, when we were able to attend church with my aunt and see her brand new house. Her son (my awesome cousin) just turned 12 and they had a special setting apart for him at church. There was a party afterwards and Carter was able to play with his aunt, uncle, and some of my cousins. We were even able to see great grandma and grandpa. It was wonderful.

Now we are home and back to our crazy lives in the middle of nowhere. I am happy to report, we will be back to Utah for a whole week of adventures on Monday! Have a great week and enjoy these awesome pictures that I happened to get off of Jason's phone :) Tootles!

  

Carter with Uncle Tain!

Just mowing the weeds down in our yard

Weekend Adventures

Well.. The Osborn's had an eventful weekend, and loved that it was a long one! Our biggest adventure was our exciting once a month grocery shopping trip to Twin. Sometimes we go to Utah, but this weekend we decided a get away in a hotel with a hot tub and swimming pool was what we needed. That is when we decided to drive 2.5 hours on Friday night with our cute little man entertaining us the whole way. Lately he has been quite the talker and loves to make himself laugh. Silly little boy.

When we got to our hotel room, we got Carter ready for bed and Jason and I enjoyed some Ben and Jerry's on our "date." It's funny what you call a date once you have little kiddos. Who knew escaping to Twin Falls with Carter sleeping in the same room and a pint of ice cream would ever be considered a date. 

Saturday we woke up, got some breakfast before our little bug woke up, and then got ready to go swimming. Carter loved the water even more this time! He loved kicking his little feet and splashing in the water with his hands. I think he enjoyed his bath afterwards even more, because it was so warm. We can't wait until he can actually get in the hot tub with us. I think he'd like that a whole lot more than the cold water. 

"We're going swimming?! What?!"

After our swimming adventure, we decided it was time to shop until we dropped. We ended up going to the mall and exploring every store we could find with children's clothes. Our likes in shopping have also changed with our little one. I never want to go shopping for me anymore, but I love going shopping for things Carter needs. We got him some pretty cute fall/winter outfits for pretty cheap. We also got him the coolest costume for Halloween that we can not wait for him to wear! Halloween is going to be so fun!

After grabbing some grub at Buffalo Wild Wings (probably Jason's fave place ever!), We made one girly stop for me at Micheal's that was having a huge sale on paper! I was so excited to get 360 pages of awesome paper for $20! I am going to have so much fun with the Cricuit the next couple of weeks! I can hardly wait to get started on a baby book for Carter too! I love being crafty sometimes! It's so fun :)

Once feeling awesome about all the stuff we got for the amount we spent, I suddenly realized we weren't done yet. Grocery shopping was the whole reason we went (and to make sure we still knew what people looked like)! It only took us 1.5 hours and almost $200 later, but we got it done and headed home!

Sunday was a nice chill day and my very first time teaching the 4 years olds in primary. It was so exciting when I showed up, not knowing where to go, no one knowing that I was even called to be the CTR 4 teacher, meeting 7 of the crazy little ones I will be wrestling by myself every week (they all weren't there either), not having a manual, and playing hide sister Osborn's phone. Oh boy, I'm gonna love primary! Jason gets to have Carter for the first two hours too... luckily it went well this time when he slept pretty much the whole time, but we'll see what it is like for him next time. 

When we got home, we all took a wonderful nap and headed outside for a nice walk. That is one thing I really do like about living here. We go for walks almost every night and it is so peaceful. It is fun to look at all the different houses, enjoy the scenery, and walk in the middle of the road with out worrying about cars coming. I especially love the time we get to laugh with Carter while he watches the world around him with great fascination. He makes everything fun! In fact, we were able to feed him his first official food that isn't rice cereal! PEAS! He wasn't so sure he liked them at first, but after a couple of bites he couldn't get enough. Feeding him is so fun!

Ready to eat his first real food.. PEAS!

After the first couple of bites, he couldn't get enough

Monday Jason didn't have to go into work because of the holiday, and I loved having him home! Carter slept in until 9:30 and Jason and I were up by 7, so needless to say we got so much done. I'm pretty sure yesterday was national work outside on your yard day. That's what everyone did. We mowed our lawn of weeds and I got to ride a riding lawn mower for the first time. Let's just say that I think the next time we have to mow our weeds down, I will make it my chore. It was actually way fun. 

In the evening we were invited to a little ward get together with a couple of families in the ward. It was so nice to socialize with people who actually live near us, and it was funny to find out that we all have the same attitude about this place. Why do we live here?! Lol. All the women talked about how crazy they are going with living out in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do. Although they all love that their kids love the space that they have... I'm pretty sure I'm going to have lots of things to do and many people to visit this week. I'm so glad things are looking a little better here and maybe my posts might get more exciting. Well... Happy reading!

P.S Here are some pics from the play date Carter had a couple of weeks ago. She is one and loved playing with Carter under his toy. They are so cute!

Carter's play date before our trip to Utah

So... I'm pretty sure Carter has a girlfriend already. I'm in trouble...

Family!

Well… We are back from Utah, and what a fantastic weekend we had! I am so sad that our weekends always go by so fast, but then again they always give me something to look forward to.

We were on our way Thursday night and arrived at my sister’s house pretty late. They had just gotten back from watching a movie with my brother and his wife. It was a quick hello and soon we were all snuggled in our beds being sad and excited about the weekend’s events that would unfold.

Friday morning Jason and I met some work friends (Jason’s) for a delicious breakfast of Kneader’s French toast (life changing and delicious!) I had fun showing off Carter, while Jason and his coworkers talked about business, HR, and changes with their company. I had a very strange moment while listening… that wow… I’m all grown up now!

We had to say goodbyes and head up to Roy for Jason’s ortho appointment. A little secret… his appointments will be coming to an end soon! We’re excited!! While we were there I couldn’t help but think of our house, memories, and the amazing people we were able to make friends with during our short time in Roy. It will always be one of my favorite places we lived.

Later we were able to see some old friends from Logan and spend some much needed time with our whole family. As my sister Kira said, it was Mark Ballantyne Reunion Part II. Everyone was finally together, and who knows how long it will be until the next time we’d be blessed enough to be together again. The best part of the night was our entertainment… Carter eating his rice cereal J

Saturday was mostly spent at Scheels where we looked at everything. We even stopped and took pictures together and went for a ride on the Ferris wheel. When our bellies started grumbling we grabbed some lunch at Costco and ate our delicious hot dogs outside.

Karalee my brother’s wife (she is due any day with Carter’s first cousin!!) was looking pretty tired after our trip to Target, so we all split up with a plan to rendezvous later for dinner. Jason, Carter and I actually ended up visiting my Uncle Aaron in Pleasant Grove. He was awesome and was more than happy to have us stay the night with him. Having 8 adults and a baby camping out in a small living room at my sister’s house, while fun, was a little difficult. We were also able to visit with some of my cousins who will be racing away off on other life adventures of their own. One going on an LDS mission to Mexico, and another headed to D.C. in a week for an internship. It was so good to see them.

Our rendezvous dinner destination was chosen to be at Goodwood. It was there we laughed, played uno with tiny cards, and passed Carter around. Our poor little sport had been so good, but with only little cat naps all day and being toted around… I think he just had enough.

After dinner we all went back to my brother’s house where we played games, wore mustaches, and had our family picture taken. We are some very attractive people with mustaches. Around midnight with a very tired baby in tow and being sad we didn’t have a place where we could all stay together, we left for my uncle’s house.

Sunday was a very sad day. We got up, ate breakfast with uncle Aaron (he made delicious pancakes and hot chocolate), got ready for church while we waited for little Carter to wake up, and headed back to Tain’s house to attend church with him. Every one wasn't quite dressed for the occasion, but we attended a wonderful sacrament meeting, and the time when Tain would leave started to sink in. After lunch I found myself holding back tears, it was time for my family to leave not knowing when we’d all be back together again. My mom and dad heading off to Washington, my little brother preparing to leave on a mission for two years, Jason & I heading back to Nevada, Tain being deployed and across the world from us, and all of us being separated again.

My mom said something while we were all together laughing at Carter go crazy with his rice cereal. She said, “This is joy.” Every time I think of my family now, that’s what I think. Being surrounded by people you love and who love you, just spending time together and enjoying each other. Our families really are joy. I am so thankful that I have a family who is so loving, and finds joy in the time we are able to spend together. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to start my own family who will share memories like these. I can’t believe sometimes that I am so lucky to have my family for eternity. We will be together forever, and because I know this, I know that we have a wonderful opportunity to build this relationship here on earth, that we will have for forever. It’s all because we have such a wonderful loving heavenly father and God.

Now that we are home, I miss my family like crazy! Our next adventure will hopefully be in another couple of months when Tain will be able to bless his little baby. Oh I hope he comes soon! Here is to a wonderful weekend, and wonderful memories to have and share later on. Have a wonderful week! 

A weekend full of firsts

This weekend was actually quite exciting, even though we did just end up staying here. Not the exciting that you experience at an amusement park, but the exciting that comes from having children. This weekend marked many of little Carter's firsts! Every little new thing they do is so much fun!

Friday was Carter's doctors appointment. He was weighed, measured, stuck with needles, and handed back to us. That little man is so brave though and he took everything like a champ. I might be just a little selfish when I say I like it when he gets shots because he's so cuddly, but really I hate them because they make my poor little baby miserable. We basically cuddled on the couch all day and I had to drug him to help him with the pain, but it was actually a pretty enjoyable day. 

Saturday we had an exciting adventure with our lawn mower running out of gas, but we made the excuse to go into town for some much needed socialization, shopping, and fixing of Jason's car. While in Elko, we ate at a new place, bought my first cricuit cartridge, bought bumpers for Carter's crib, got him a bumbo, and some rice cereal! I could hardly wait to feed Carter his first solid food! 

After our busy day in town, we decided a walk would be refreshing. We go on a walk almost every night and it has become part of our routine, so because of all Carter's firsts, we decided why not put him in his stroller for the first time with out his car seat attached. Boy did he look small, but he loved being able to see where we were going and stayed awake the whole time. I think that going for walks from now on will be his favorite thing to do.

He looks so tiny

That night we finally fed Carter his first meal, and he loved it! It was so fun and so messy, so I'm glad we waited to give him his bath after. It has become a part of his routine now, and I'm pretty sure his favorite part of the day is eating his rice cereal :) That same night we also put Carter in his own room for the first time over night! His room is all the way on the other side of the house and so I have found every excuse not to have him in there yet. Once the crib went up, bumpers went in, Jason said it was time and he was right. Needless to say I did not sleep very well that whole night, but our little Carter bug was just fine snuggled in his crib in his own room!

Mom feeding Carter :)

ADORABLE!

Sunday was a very relaxing day with the highlight being rice cereal again. He also experienced his first power outage! We didn't have power for about 2 hours probably because some lightning. We were very thankful when it came back on before it got really dark.

Monday we had FHE. That was quite eventful, because Carter had his first massive blowout while we were on a walk 3 miles from home. It was delightful, and I'm pretty sure he enjoyed the part where he played in it. It was bath night all over again for him, but I don't think he liked the part where we put him in the shower with his clothes on and hosed him down. Oh the joys of pooping children :)

Now Carter and I are just hanging out with Carter's very first fever from teething. He is also going to have his very first play date at our house tonight. I just hope he's not a grump. Happy Tuesday!

A Sweet Little Vacation!

Carter's favorite auntie :) lol

We left Tuesday night right after Jason got off work and made our way to great-grandma’s house. The car was packed and ready by 10am, but of course with a dedicated husband… we had to wait until he got home from work. It was at great-grandma’s house that we put a very sleepy Carter to sleep, and we got some sleep ourselves. It felt like Christmas and I really didn’t sleep that well because I could hardly wait to be home.

Riding in the car

As soon as we arrived in the Tri Cities we were whisked off on an adventure floating the Yakima River. Last year Jason, Kira, and I had quite the experience kayaking down the river. It began with a rescue mission to rescue Kira, and ended with me getting sucked under a tree and Jason rescuing both of us without his kayak. This time we survived without any casualties, lots of water fights, switching floating devices, and Dyelan floating with a life jacket the entire time. When we finally got out of the water, a planned 2 hour trip ended 4 hours later with Dyelan being majorly late for work. I must say however, this time the floating adventure was definitely a success.  

Going for a walk... had to add this picture because it's so cute!

Thursday was a definite girl’s day. All the ladies set out on an expedition to find a cute little swim suit for our sweet little Carter. After looking at all the babies clothes, taking Kira to get a haircut, and getting sad about not buying any school supplies this year, we ended up at a nail salon. It was there the Ballantyne girls got their girl on and got pedicures! I love my toes!

After relieving the boys of a sweet sleepy baby, we all got ready to go to the rope swing. There is an awesome rope swing in Benton City, and it was there everyone jumped out of a tree, except for me. Carter was even routing me on, but after 1 attempt and contemplating my life… I decided heights and rope swings in trees just weren’t my cup of tea. I went swimming instead J

Headed to the rope swing

He is falling kinda funny

Jason going off the rope swing

Siehara landed pretty funny too :)

Friday was a wonderful day. We got up early and headed off to the Farmer’s market in Richland. I love farmer’s markets and looking at all the things people make and grow. We ended up with giant zucchini (2 for $1!), a jar of jalapeños (for Jason of course), corn, honey, tomatoes, and a delicious fresh fruit smoothie. I think Siehara, Kira, Dyelan, and Andres got some snow cones too. Just in case you were wondering, our visit was a success.

What do you do after going to a farmer’s market? You got to Costco of course! There we tried lots of samples, got some awesome deals on diapers and wipes, got all the food for our river adventure on Saturday, and bought ourselves some delicious pizza for lunch. Yep… basically way awesome!

As soon as we got home we gobbled up our pizza and got dressed for the temple. Kira watched little baby Carter for us while all the adults attended the temple. It was so interesting to attend a session in the Columbia River Temple, because it is so tiny! Jason and I are used to all the big temples that we have had so close every time we’ve moved, but it was pretty special to be in that temple again. In fact, we attempted a re-enactment of our exit the day we were married. I’m pretty sure we just looked like huge dorks, but oh well.

His life Jacket is a little too big, but he's still a cutie!

The big party started right about 10pm when Siehara, Kira, Dyelan, and Jason returned with supplies to make Ballantyne shirts! We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning spray painting awesome designs on T-shirts to remember our long weekend together. They all turned out pretty sweet!

Saturday was the Mark Ballantyne Olympics with the biggest and only event being tubing. We headed out early morn and claimed a spot on the beach for Grandma and Carter to chill. For this event, my dad drove the boat as crazy as he could and try his hardest to have us wipe out on the tube. We were all timed and went up against each other to see who could get the best time. My best time was 3min 25 seconds, but I was de-throned when Dyelan went up against me and got 1min 49 sec and I only stayed on for 1 min 3 sec. Kira and Siehara even beat my second time! It was a blast though, and I loved taking breaks and jumping off of the boat into the water. Best day ever!!!

The t-shirt I made :)

Hanging out at the river

Carter in his Ballantyne onesie at the river

The most intense ride ever!!!

I'm a gonner!

We stayed at the river until early evening, and decided we were all too wiped out to continue any longer. It was then we took the winner of the Olympics (Dyelan) out for dinner and ice cream. Where did we go? Well… DQ of course! We were all so exhausted however, that once we got back Carter had a bath and everyone went to bed. We thought a movie might have been a good idea, but I’m pretty sure it would have had all of us sleeping by 5 min in.

My sleepy boys <3

Sunday was a sad day. It was the day that Jason, Carter, and I had to say goodbye to return to our little home in the middle of nowhere Nevada. I almost decided to stay while Jason continued on by himself, but 2 weeks without your best friend or daddy is a very long time. That’s why I am home now, bored out of my mind and getting excited to get started on Carter’s bedroom.

Even though we had to say goodbye, Carter was still a happy boy

On our way home however, we did have a very nice visit with Carter’s great grandma and grandpa. They fed us delicious food and sent us on our way. Oh man, I love getting together with family. It is always so hard to say goodbye too, I’m pretty sure there were tears as we went over the bridge into Oregon…. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family, and blessed with a countdown of 2 weeks until we see each other again. Until that fantastic adventure… have a wonderful 2 weeks of summer!!!

Tuckerd out and headed home :)