We had a really good time with Mara and Ricky. They went shooting and hunting with James in the morning while I chilled with the kids and made some apple pies. We all went out to lunch at McDonald's so the kids could play. Then, we rested while they were at the temple. I gave Ricky a haircut, we had dinner, and then Devin came over to play games. I didn't get to participate because Samantha was fussy and didn't go to bed easily.
Samantha's first Sunday at church was anything but smooth. She woke up 15 minutes after Sacrament meeting started and screamed. As I took her out, Lewis starting screaming because he wanted gum. While I was feeding her, I got milk all over my dress and had to send James home for a change of clothes. I was late to Primary because of it and I felt really scattered because of it. I think music went okay, though. Lewis pooped during Sunday School and as James was changing him, Lewis stuck his foot in the diaper and got it all over his sock. Samantha screamed all the way home from church, but other than that, everything was perfect. (insert sarcasm) We did have a peaceful afternoon. Mara and Ricky had to leave right after dinner to get back to Rexburg.
Samantha was cranky and hard to get to sleep both Sunday and Monday nights. It really was a bummer because I had to do a huge shopping trip for our trip and the week after (until the end of the month). I was exhausted both physically and mentally, but I made it. Little did I know that this week was just going to get harder...
Packing did go remarkably well on Tuesday. We arrived at the house in Hurricane around midnight with a few incidents of crying, but we only made two stops!
Our activities in St. George I will summarize or else this post will get really long.
Wed.: Red Hills desert garden (loved, tons of cool plants and scary Halloween decorations), Pioneer Park (would be better if we were hiking, but cool red rocks), lunch at Tonaquint Park (amazing! a whole complex of stuff), train ride at Thunder Junction Park (loved, also cheap), St. George Children's Museum (lots of fun, not crowded), carousel ride at Town Square Park, Judd's General Store (small, but nice, and delicious malts), dinner back at the house and then relaxing in the hot tub.
Thu.: Las Vegas! Natural History Museum (amazing Egypt exhibit), lunch at the Feast Buffet (totally delicious, really nice waiter), exploring the Bellagio (loved the fountains) and Caesar's Palace (cool show at the Atlantis fountain), Del Taco on the way back, really pretty drive (especially the small slice of Arizona).
Fri.: explored town square a bit (no tour of Brigham Young's home because I knew it would be too long)., took James to the Urgent Care, bought pizza for a late lunch, dropped James off at the hospital, cried a lot, ate dinner and put kids to bed, Melodie and Joseph arrived late to help out.
Sat.: Town Square for the Halloween festival, lunch, carousel ride (all of which were great), quick visit to James at the hospital, Thunder Junction Park (train ride, play time, splash park), showers at home, dinner, reading books with Grandma, movie after the kids went to bed.
Sun.: got everyone ready and was all set for 9:00 church, Lewis threw up, did laundry and church at home instead, James got home from hospital, lunch, went to the St. George temple and visitor's center, talked to family after dinner
Mon.: cleaned and did laundry, left for home
The amazing part is that we got ahead of schedule on Thursday, which actually meant we got to do some of the fun stuff twice (like the parks.) The only thing we didn't get to do, really, was go to Zion National Park, but I guess we'll save that for another trip. I loved being in St. George, despite the crappy hospital stay and Lewis getting sick. It's really a very pleasant area this time of year, not too hot or cold.
Other blessings: Samantha going to bed earlier (8 or 9) and EASILY and only waking up once. Out of nowhere, she started doing a 7-8 hour stretch for the first part of night! I have actually been pretty well-rested except for the first night when we got here really late.
Being near a big hospital with specialists! There is really good medical care here, so after the initial disappointment, I wasn't too worried about James's health.
This makes our unlucky streak of October/November continue for the 8th year of 10. Maybe our next family vacation will be less complicated? I sure hope so.
Since being home, it's back to normal except for a stomach bug running through the house. So far, it's affected Lewis, Joseph, and Kenny. I wish I could wave my magic wand and make everyone stay well forever! Thank goodness for disinfectant and washing machines.
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