5th Grade Fieldtrip-Grand Canyon

Hayden had the incredible opportunity of attending his 5th grade field trip with his friends at school.

On Monday, May 13th, at 10:45pm at night, we dropped Hayden off at the school for a three day adventure to the Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater, Lowell's Observatory, Glen Canyon Dam and many more places across Northern Arizona.

The first night they were to sleep on the bus. Hayden was in heaven as we dropped him off at the school and was one of the first in line to board the bus. He couldn't wait for this adventure of a lifetime to begin. He was so excited when he saw Chris, one of the boys in his group for this exciting adventure.

When Jackson showed up, his excitement almost became completely over the top. The anticipation brewed within him.

What a trooper and great sport that Aunt Suzi is. Her willingness to go chaperone these 5th graders so that Hayden could have this opportunity, is so selfless. I did have to laugh so hard as I talked to her in the morning and she informed me that there is no possible way to sleep on a bus with a group of 5th graders. She was exhausted and the adventure had just begun.

I was so excited for Hayden. I loved that he was wanting to go and be with his friends. I loved that he had Suzi with him so he would feel safe and secure. He has grown up so much this year and I have loved watching every moment of the young man he is becoming.

Hayden's group for the field trip. Suzi was responsible for Hayden, Jeremy and Chris.

In the morning, the bus stopped at Denny's, where the kids could order whatever they wanted for breakfast. Oh how that pleased Hayden.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip for Hayden was going to the Carl Hayden Visitor's Center. He loved seeing his name on the building and everyone made a huge deal out of it.

He was off for an adventure and so excited to get to float down the Colorado River.

Hayden and his buddies out on the water. I love the great friends he has in Jackson and Chris.

Jackson and Hayden in the museum. They had the time of their lives.

Hayden was in awe at the size of the Grand Canyon and the sheer beauty.

5th grade group shots!

Hayden loved feeling so grown up at all the restaurants. He loved being on an adventure with his friends. He loved the feelings of independence that he gained on this trip. I loved the confidence he gained.

He really does have a great group of kids that he gets to associate with at school.

Hayden had a great time! Night two, he slept in a room with three other boys. He did great at getting himself to bed, up and ready in the morning and packed back up. He conquered so many fears. He had so many wonderful opportunities to travel Northern Arizona and make incredible memories.

A shout out to two wonderful people who helped this to happen. Grandpa, who gladly donated his tax credit, so that Hayden could have this wonderful adventure. And to Suzi, who willingly gave of her time, energy and money to attend this field trip with Hayden. She gave him the confidence to venture out away from home and have this chance of a lifetime.

Hayden, I am so proud of you and your willingness and desire to try something new. Some of the best parts of life are had just outside of our comfort zones. You overcame so many fears and challenges and had such an "I can do it" attitude. I am so proud of you and am so grateful for all the adventures that you can call your own. I love you, Bud. As always, I am so proud to be your mom.

Crazy day

I can honestly say that Tuesday was one of the absolutely most exhausting and crazy days of my life. All the kids were out on Spring break. Jodi had doctor appointments for Brigham and the dentist appointments for both Brig and Talmage. Suzi had a meeting and couldn't take Cooper and Ollie. Therefore, party at my house. Technically, Brooklyn, Hayden and Cooper were supposed to babysit. I was going to do my usual supervising but staying put on the couch. Oh was I terribly mistaken.

Brooklyn did a great job and really tried with mr O. But, Ollie man was way overwhelmed with all the noise, completely overstimulated and a quite exhausted from all the stimulation the previous day and complete lack of routine. Add two tired boys in the mix, a little spaz man Talmage and it was quite the day. Hayden was exhausted and put himself in time out in my room to escape the noise and chaos about two hours into the day. He too was completely out of control and done with the chaos and noise.

I curled up in the chair out front and tried to stay put. That was my intention. However, kids don't always cooperate with the plan.

Poor Suzi, when she got here, I just wanted everyone to leave. Jodi laughed that she can tell when I am done. I tell whomever that I don't need anything but to just hurry home.

Such relief swept over me when that door closed. I looked and Hayden and called mandatory nap time. Of course, that elicited tears. Many tears. Hayden sobbed at me and I back at him. We both cried ourselves to sleep.

I cannot believe that a mere three hours could take me down that bad. Not to mention, Jodi helped me for an hour and a half. So in 1.5 hours, I about killed myself.

I cried and cried that night. I thought I was literally going to die. I guess this body of mine is still so weak that anything and everything takes me right down.

It has been three days since that day, yet I still hurt so bad and am so sore. I cannot believe how quickly my body shuts down. How badly I hurt. How miserable I still am.

I want to record these feelings so I know where I am at physically today. To know how weak my body is so that I can joy in the progress from here on out.

I also want to record the overwhelming and completely exhausting days when tasks that should be easy aren't. That bad days occur. Some moments feel like an eternity. But they pass. The hardest challenges become more bearable.

And although my body is extremely weak, struggling to do even the most basic of tasks, I am still grateful to be here. The pain helps me know that I'm alive, still here and still fighting.

As I look at this picture, I smile. Because even amongst all the chaos, pain and struggles, I absolutely adore these cute kids. And although overwhelming, there were some precious moments that I cherish.

And who wouldn't love Ollie repeating, "I love Jer." And expressing over and over that I was bright like an angel. Good times even amongst the struggles.

Adventure time

When Suzi has the boys it is always time for an adventure. She spoils the rotten and plays and plays with them.

With Cooper and Ollie in town, Suzi promised them tons of fun.

Hayden was able to join them on Monday for a day of marathon adventures. First up, Suzi took the boys for laughter and thrilling adventures at Amazing Jakes where they ate pizza, rode bumper cards, played video games, yelled, laughed and ate ice cream until they were sick.

Then they were off to the Lego store. Possibly one of Hayden's favorite places on earth. Of course, in true Suzi fashion, the spoiling continued. What lucky boys! The boys got huge lego sets. Hayden called his dad to tell him he got a set that was expert level for ages 16 and up. Thomas was just elated to have another project to work on. He teased Hayden that he was going to super glue it as he went, to make sure he only had to spend one weekend working on the lego skyscraper. Hayden laughed and giggled that his dad was going to get to help him build Legos. It is something they had done together for years until lately Hayden can build them in no time flat. (I see a Sunday afternoon nap for me while the boys tackle the Legos). All kidding aside, Thomas loves working with Hayden on projects and will have so much fun conquering this with Hayden.

The boys came home exhausted but with humongous smiles on their faces.

No surprise at all when Hayden was fast asleep by 7:30pm. Great day for the boys. I bet an exhausting day for Aunt Suzi! Thanks Suzi! Hayden had a great time!

Hayden and "the girls"

Hayden and the girls!

Hayden 11, Katelyn 11, Kierra 11 (Katelyn's friend) and Kiley 10

Crazy goofy wild adorable fun kids

Love my cute nieces! Love how much fun my Bubba has with his cute cousins.