We're HERE!

It feels so good to be here! We arrived in SLC at 12:30pm on Friday. We did very well on the flight over, all things considered, and came out in good shape. We had to get to the airport 2 hrs early and the security was such a pain. The kids had to take shoes off, we had to completely unpack bags, etc. They dug through all my formula, diapers, etc. and the kids' bags of play doh, Leapsters, coloring books, etc. It was not too fun but we made it. Both Austin and Olivia were great about carrying their own backpacks and not complaining about all the walking and waiting. They did great. The flight was 13 hours from Brisbane to LAX. Austin loved the personal TV and I think if the flight had been 20 hrs he would've been fine. He was GREAT. Olivia did just a little whining but also, for a 3 yr old, did well. I was glad I had bought new toys and made the little packs for them. Worth every penny. Ashley was a champ too. She didn't have any crying fits or anything. She had a nap in the bassinette after about an hour or so, slept through our lunch and woke just as we finished. It was great to have Mum there to juggle the kids and help with toilet trips. Never could've done it without her. All three slept well through the night- at least 6 hrs or so. I really had to push Austin to turn off the TV and sleep. It was hard b/c it was only 5 pm our time, so he wasn't tired, but I kept on him and they turned the lights out so he gave in. Mum and I couldn't get comfortable and didn't sleep at all, basically, but I was at least happy the kids slept. No complaints. We arrived in LA at 7am on Friday, November 10th, the same day we left Brisbane. Customs was such a breeze. That was one thing I was stressed about b/c it can take a very long time. The kids stayed right with us and patiently waited (I think they were a bit tired so it worked in our favor). We got to the Delta terminal, went through more crappy security, then had bfast at McD's and got to our gate (way out in the middle of nowhere) just in time to board. Perfect timing. Luckily our flight to SLC was only about 90 minutes so we were there before we knew it (anything compared to 13 hrs feels fast!)


Austin had a huge smile on his face when he saw his cousins Landon and Whitney. He just LOVES Landon to death so it was a big reunion. He showed them all his toys and coloring, etc. that he had on the plane. Olivia was also happy to see Whitney. Jill and Mom couldn't wait to get their hands on Ashley. They both commented that they have seen so many pictures they feel like they already know her. It was great to see my family and to be in Utah. Funny how I hated moving here back in 1993 and now I really love it. Mom had a great lunch for us when we got home so we really enjoyed that, then we just got settled in and relaxed. Lori later gave Mum a 45 minute massage, to practice for her cosmetology school. Mum loved it. Later, Lori and I went to Walmart at 10:30 just because we could. I was giddy walking through the door. They are open 24 hours, only closed on Christmas. Gotta love America. I had to get formula and I ended up getting a few little things, socks, etc. for the kids and snacks.

The next day we woke up late, about 9 or 10. We gradually got ready and Mum and I went out to the store and to The Quilting Cottage in American Fork. She loved it. We found fabric for 3 different quilts and I am sure we'll be back for more. They had a lot of cute fabrics. I love anything by Amy Butler and also found some new lines I liked as well. We were there about 2 hours then hurried back to help Mom make dinner since all my family was coming over that night. WE had a great pasta dinner then played games. We got a traditional photo of all the cousins in their new pj pants- my Mom makes them every year for all the kids. Ashley's were so tiny and adorable.

It feels so normal to be here, because it's obviously a familiar place. I keep having to remind myself that I am just here for a vacation and it won't last long. I am already trying to plan out my days so I can see everyone and spend time doing what I want to do. I hope that my kids will have fun here too. I don't want them to feel like they're being dragged around everywhere I want to go... but alot of our plans include their friends and cousins, so I guess that shouldn't be a problem. I have three suitcases waiting to be filled... let the shopping begin!

*BTW Blogger is not loading my photos correctly so this post has to go without*