What's A Girl To Do

My baby sister just left to go back to Utah, after being with us for eleven days.  It's crazy how at the time eleven days seemed like a great length of time, yet her stay flew by way too quickly.  I'm pretty sure my little family scared her and her hubby away from having kids for quite some time.  She learned pretty quickly all that is entailed in making a house run smoothly.  I think she handled it all amazingly.  She did everything for me that I couldn't do.  She became a pro baker, house cleaner, nanny, chauffeur, therapist, and so so much more.  I couldn't thank her enough for all that she did.  She even put up with P taking out her frustrations on her.  Like always I never heard a complaint out of her mouth.  She would wake up bright and early to take P off my hands, so I could get a much needed nap.  I honestly don't know what I would have done without her.  

Luckily for her, her husband was able to take leave and come stay with us for the week.  I am so happy that it all worked out.  They had each other and Jordan was a tremendous help as well.  The best was watching his expression when P threw up all over Tyson while we went to Dog House, hearing Lucy have a blow out for the first time, and witnessing one of many meltdowns. 

We were able to fit in a few fun activities, such as the Farmer's Market, hitting up the Anthropologie sale, CPK, staying up late watching shows, and crafting up a storm.  Kiersten and Jordan were even able to take P to her My Gym class, Skywalk, the park, and to the swimming pool!  It was a fantastic week filled with many laughs and a few cries!  

Thank you sister girl for EVERYTHING you did!!!!  Lucky for me I get my mom and sister back on Friday to prepare for Lucy's blessing day on Sunday.

^^^ Hideous duck face! ^^^

My Sister Girl

My baby sis had to say goodbye to her hubby today, after only being with him for a few short weeks.  He unexpectedly got called to serve on another deployment, this time to Iraq.  In their three years of marriage this will be his third deployment, the first being right after their wedding day.  I honestly don't know how she does it.  I admire and look up to her so much.  She is NEVER negative and always looks at the bright side of things.  With so much to complain about, I never hear a complaint out of her mouth.  She keeps herself motivated and uses this time apart as a way to strengthen herself and their marriage.  I am beyond proud of who she has become.  She will be applying for her Masters degree here in the fall.  

Sister girl your strength is one I lean on often.  I know you and Jordo will get through this and together will become so much stronger.  You have endured a lot, but have so much to show for it.  I can't believe I get to be lucky one that gets to call you my sister.  I am only a phone call away! 

*****

Here are just a few of the pics, I was able to take of them before he leaves.

 Here is just one other example of all my sisters has been through, as well as a couple of posts on her thoughts here & here.

A Day At The Beach With The Girls

While the boys went and played a round of golf, the girls made it a day at the beach.  I was thrilled because my sister came down and spent the day with us.  I don't get to see her as often as I would like, so any chance I get to see her I jump for joy.  I love that P knows her by the name Dierst, because that's all I have ever called her.  I feel so lucky to have a sister and some amazing sister-in-law's.  It makes me all the more excited for P to experience such a special and necessary relationship.

^^^ My SIL Jana with her girls. ^^^

^^^ Remind me not to stand next to my sister girl when I'm about to pop. ^^^

^^^ Seriously hideous but a classic. ^^^

^^^ P with her auntie Cara. ^^^

 

Now Walk It Out

We made one last pit stop, before heading back to our home sweet home.  We couldn't leave Southern California without spending one last night at my sisters.  Her apartment is turning into our new vacation home.  I have said it before and I will say it again, I am beyond jealous of where my sister lives.  San Clemente has captured a little piece of my heart.  I enjoy everything about this town,  but mostly the perfect weather and the small town vibe.  I may even think twice about trading in my dreams of moving back to Utah, to live here.

We lounged around all morning and decided it was time to get out and enjoy some fresh air.  There is the most perfect trial, that runs parallel to the ocean.  I feel like I would be in the most impeccable shape of my life, if I moved down here.  Working out just doesn't feel like working out, when you have gorgeous scenery surrounding you.  It also doesn't hurt that the dogs are in heaven.  

^^^Cider's head poking out the window.  I felt bad we didn't have GiGi with us.^^^

^^^What I would give to be able to work out with my sister every day.^^^

^^^I have a thing for Palm Trees.^^^

^^^I felt like I was in the filming of a Baywatch episode.^^^

^^^The flowers were ridiculous.^^^

^^^Nothing beats all natural white noise.^^^

Tyson and Kiersten chose Mexican for dinner....  I was not a fan.  The chicken in my fajitas was atrocious.  They really enjoyed there burritos.  I guess a little give and take and some Coca-Cola Classic isn't too bad.

I love my sister girl so much.  I truly appreciate all that she does for me, even when she doesn't even realize it.  I can call her at any given moment and she will be there for me.  She is stronger than me in so many ways.  When I need strength, I look to her.  She gives great advice and helps me let go of the little things.  I live life a little more fully because of her.  Thank you Kiersten for being my example.  I love you!!!!