Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is the hardest part about living far from home. That word feels so darn permanent, and because we don't know when we'll be able to fly our family back to Cali again, it kind of is. I'm not very good at goodbyes (I'm either way too emotional or not emotional enough, and either way is just sad) and unfortunately I passed my lackluster goodbye skills on to my Talmage-boy. Leaving Cali was rough I tell you, really rough. And to be really honest, the last 10 days in New York has been pretty crazy as well--those two boys are not too happy with us right now. Not at all.

 

We did have a fabulous family fiesta hosted by the Big Wig's to send us off. Mexican food potluck = total, complete and utter success! The food was delicious and it was so special to have so much family together. Thank you Papa and GG for such a great party!

 

 A whole lot of love in this here picture!

 All the Wiggy men! (one of the highlights of this party was hearing Everett constantly call for "Unco Buck!")

 

 Me and my lovely Mom and Grammie

 

 Back by popular demand was GG's amazing chalk art! Talmage wanted to be traced running super fast, and Everett basically just wanted to stomp on his traced-self!

 Me and my Grammie!

 

We took a Tuesday red-eye to New York and knew we needed to keep the boys entertained all day so that they would be nice and tired for the plane ride. It was a major success. Mema and Pepa took us to Fairytale Town and Funderland, and those boys were exhausted by the time we got home!

 The Queen and King.

 

Pepa bought a keycard so that the kids could hear a story and a song at every corner. I originally told him not to buy it, but it was Talmage's favorite part of the whole day so I'm glad he did. T would patiently stand at each box and listen to the whole story and the whole song. It was awesome. Thanks Pepa!

 The boys vs. the slide. Luckily they won. I was a little nervous for a second!

 

 Me and them.

 Everett wants you to know that he doesn't really like Mother Goose all that much. Or at all.

 There was an old lady who lived in a shoe. Now she lives in New York and still doesn't know what to do...

Funderland certainly was FUN! The boys got to ride everything they wanted, and my Mom and I even took a spin on the dragon rollercoaster! The whole day was such a great way to spend our last few seconds in California!

And then, after a tearful goodbye, we boarded a plane and at least a few of us slept the night away:

Some More Summer Stuff

This catch-up game is never fun! We're leaving for New York on Tuesday, and I've told myself that I need to be totally up to date with blogging by then so that I can keep everyone updated while we are there. Hence, six blog posts in a row and this one: the "everything else" post!

 

Citrus Heights Parade:

 

 

Treats from the Ice Cream Truck:

This kid is way too smart! When the ice cream truck comes around he knows who to scream for--Pepa!

Cooking with Mema:

 



Dancing in the California Summer Rain:

 

 

Weekly Monday Dinners at the Big Wigs:

Visiting with Great Papa

 



 

The end of Talmage naptime:

Sad, sad day!



Water balloon fights with Papa:

Backyard camp-outs with Daddy:

Milkshake Monday (or any day!) with Mema:

 

Temple Date:

 

Swim Lessons:

Sidewalk chalk with GG:

What a fun summer it's been!

S'Mores

When we got back from Utah, James had purchased all the fixins for s'mores and we had ourselves a campfire that very night. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I think this was my children's first time ever eating those delicious treats! They were head to toe sticky after we were done, but they had so much fun.