Two month hiatus, aka sebatical

July 1-September 1 Jason took two months off before he starts his associate position at Durrie Vision September 1st. We are loving all this time we have to do so many things that have been put on hold while he finished his training on June 30. First of all, we are so proud of Jason and all that he accomplished during his 10 years of medical training. I don't think I could've endured all he did to reach the level he has. He's found a career he loves and I'm so happy that he's able to help people get better vision by using his talents. And secondly, we are having so much fun going on family bike rides, vacations, etc. during his time off. So grateful we have this time with you Jasey!

It's Hot, Hot, Hot in KC!

Kansas City has been super hot this summer. It's been a lot of early morning and late evening bike rides, ice cream, and air conditioning that's gotten us through the worst of it. Not to mention a hiatus to some cooler places around the world, but more on that later. Jackson and Kate enjoyed visiting the animals at the petting farm and zoo while eating some ice cream on the worst of days. In their mind ice cream can make the most difficult situations so much better...I totally agree!

Festive 4th of July

We had a great time celebrating the Fourth of July this year. I took the kids to a neighborhood parade in the morning. They loved the Smarties they were tossed from the participants. Then, we ventured over to the ward barbecue. It was super hot but Jackson cooled off by emptying the water cooler and eating about four large pieces of watermelon. That evening we went south to a small community called Stilwell. There we enjoyed free food, games, and an even bigger parade. It reminded me of all the fun I had as a child growing up in a farming community. By the time the fireworks started coloring the sky, we all were fast asleep. Love our country and love celebrating its heritage as a family.

Best birthday party ever...and it wasn't even theirs!

Jackson and Kate were invited to attend the birthday party of their friend Kevin. They were so excited. They loved going to the store and picking out his present (they both had a hard time parting with it later). KaSarah had the park all decked out in kid-friendly toys and games and treats. I decided I would just let the kids go at it and as you can see they enjoyed every minute of it (yes, the white turned pink shirt Kate is wearing is now white again, thank goodness!). Happy 1st Birthday Kevin!

Playing tag with the stomach flu

For some reason our kids got the stomach flu back to back to back in June. Not a fun way to start out the summer. It seemed like just as we were getting back to venturing to the local pool, one of them would come down with it again. Thank goodness for tub baths, Desitin, Tylenol and Pedialyte (we should invest in stock with this one)!

New house

We moved into our new home over Memorial Day weekend. My parents and brother Jeff came back to help us with the feat. I thought that moving just a few miles from our rental home would be easier than moving from Utah to Iowa or from Iowa to Kansas. Not sure it was any easier, maybe a bit harder as it drug out over two months. But, regardless of the heat, or the two dozen trips back and forth, we finally got all of our stuff moved in. That is moved in to the home or the garage (that was so full of boxes we couldn't get a car in until mid-June). Then a couple of weeks later our basement was finished and we could finish moving our things in. We love our new home. We love the fact this is where our kids are going to be raised and celebrate so many joys of our lives together. And, I really enjoyed working with our contractor to finish the basement. It was a great learning experience for me and I think it turned out really well. If you're ever in Kansas City, come visit! We'd love to have you over.

Summer fun

Jackson and Kate have loved exploring their new neighborhood together. It's fun to watch how close they've become. Jackson won't do anything Kate wants to do. And Kate, well she has to be able to do everything Jackson does. They love helping around the house: blowing the leaves, sweeping, watering the flowers, etc. They also love getting into lots of mischief: letting all of the air in the bike tires out, climbing into our cars as if they are going to be the chaffeur for the day, and the new pantry is now "theirs" so any time they want food, they go in there and get it.

OKAPS passed!

On Monday, May 22, I picked up a letter out of the mailbox that we had been waiting for since March. It contained Jason's OKAPS results. I didn't wait for Jason to open it but ripped it open and saw that he passed. I was so excited to tell him the kids and I raced to the balloon store before he got home to announce the results. Jason didn't quite understand who the balloons were for that said "congrats" until he saw the letter. We had such a fun night celebrating this tremendous milestone. We're very proud of Jason and all of his hard work to pass this important test. Now, on to the oral boards in San Fran this fall.

Goodbye Irina

For six months we had an exchange student from Germany living with us. Irina helped Jackson and Kate learn a lot of Russian during her time with us. We wish her the very best in her pursuits to become a physician.

Kansas City Missouri Temple

May 6, 2012 the Kansas City Missouri Temple was dedicated. Jason and I were so thrilled to be able to attend the special service in the temple. It was a cold, rainy day. We felt the spirit so strongly that day as we listened to talks given by the new temple president, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and President Thomas S. Monson. We love our temple and are so grateful to have it so close to us so that we can experience the blessings found by frequenting it often. We also loved having Jason's parents Sally and Greg come visit us one last time before they left on their mission to Vladivostok, Russia. We were able to attend a session in the temple the first day it opened.

Happy Easter 2012

Easter Day was a beautiful day in Kansas City. We enjoyed a special church service focused on the true meaning of this wonderful day

. After our meetings, we ate a yummy dinner then waited for the kids to nap while the Easter Bunny hid some eggs for the kids. Jackson and Kate loved finding the Easter eggs and then eating their treats.

Just the kids and me

In April, Jason went to Chicago to attend the ASCRS meeting. So, it was just the kids and me. I always pack these weekends full of fun (and rather lengthy) projects to eat up the time. I am not (as my friend Heidi once explained about herself) a stay-at-home, stay-at-home mom (if you catch my drift). I love getting out and about with the kids. So, this weekend, we worked on planting flowers, going to the petting zoo, working on our new home (more on that to come), and going shopping. Yes, my kids actually love to go shopping. Maybe it's because I've forced them to love it by making them go with me so many times. On this particular outing to Macy's ( the store with the red star as Jackson likes to refer to it), Jackson got bored because I had a rather lengthy return to do (can you explain why I would receive a men's shirt from Maryland when I ordered new dishes?!?). Anyway, he decided to make his own fun by making a "hat" out of the mailing package we received. Funny kid. It gave me a good laugh and reminded me how much I love spending time with my children.

Brinton Reunion: Hilton Head, South Carolina

The Brinton family held a fun family reunion in South Carolina this year prior to Greg and Sally heading off to Russia in June. Hilton Head is a great place to vacation. We'd never been there but I'd love to go back. We stayed right on the beach which allowed for lots of biking in the sand, swimming, and building (or in Jackson's case, wrecking) sand castles. It was a nice time to be able to get to know Jason's siblings and their children better for the kids and for me. I have only spent about one year living near them so even after five years I still feel like I'm getting to know them. I loved my shopping expedition with Sally. We're always up for the outlet malls :). And, I enjoyed getting to know my sisters-in-law better through the many kids activities we tried to orchestrate. I learned that week, as I already knew, that I married into a wonderful family. So grateful to be a Brinton.

Grandma and Grandpa Godfrey

I love my grandparents. They have always been such a significant part of my life. While in Utah, I was able to spend the day with my grandma shopping and going to lunch. She hasn't changed a bit. She's still the fun, feisty, say-what-she-means sort of a lady and I love her for that. The kids and I were also able to take them to a special event my mom's company was hosting. It was fun for them to get to interact with my kids and vice versa. I especially enjoyed the rare chance to really talk with my grandfather (he's 91 years old) and get some insight into what he's loved most in life. So thankful for this precious time with my grandparents and my kids.

Friends

I love being able to reconnect with such dear friends (and family) when I go to Utah. In March, I was able to have lunch with Viola. She was my traveling companion when I was Miss Utah. It was so nice to catch up with her though it was difficult to learn of her mother's health condition. I loved having her meet my children as we spent many nights talking about the family I'd like to have some day and the man I hoped to marry. She has always had such a great listening ear. We were also able to have Mindy and her cute girls Brielle and Chloe over for lunch. Jackson loves Chloe and they were able to have fun digging through Nana's toy closet. I can't believe how quickly these girls have grown up and hope that they get to move to Kansas City next year (fingers crossed!). My best friend Melissa and her sweet girl Whitnee also came over for lunch. Melissa and I have been friends for life. She is always so much fun to be around and is consistently kind and happy. I love that about her. I feel totally at ease around her. The kids and I also drove to Riverdale where I met my two best friends from college: Maika and Holly. These girls amaze me with all they are doing with their families, in addition to winning marathons and triathalons all over the U.S. They inspire me by their determination and goodness. I'm so grateful I was able to spend time with these wonderful friends while in Utah (though there are many others that I'd love to be able to see when we go out their next). I feel richly blessed to have such good people in my life.

Park Valley

I grew up in a small ranching community in northwestern Utah. I had a wonderful childhood complete with a loving family, great friends, and endless amounts of fun on my grandmother's farm and exploring the country. I loved being able to take Jackson and Kate to Park Valley to show them my old house, where I went to school, where I played, etc. It was such a fun day and reminded me of those precious growing up years when your life is shaped by your surroundings. The country will always have a special place in my heart. I loved it then and I love it now.

Updates (from March): Salt Lake Temple

During our Utah trip in March, we loved visiting Temple Square. Jackson started singing "I Love to See the Temple." He and Kate also enjoyed touching the temple. When Jackson first saw the doors to the temple he ran up to them and started trying to open them. I explained he could not go inside until he was a little older and could understand the sacred nature of temples. He was not happy. He cried and tried shaking the doors open. It was one of those moments you realize that they get what you've been trying to teach them and as embarrassed you are that he's causing a scene you're also filled with a little bit of pride about why he's so upset. We loved the statues, the flowers, the food at the Nauvoo bakery and everything about that special place.

Temple Open House

I love the Kansas City Missouri Temple. We are so grateful that we will be living 45 minutes away from a temple. It has been so long since we've had a temple this close. Last Thursday, Jason and I served as tour guides at the open house. I was nervous about what I would say and how I would answer questions, but it was a great experience. I felt inspired to know what to say and actually was very calm when it was my turn to be the "voice" of the tour. Jason, of course, did an exceptional job answering questions and directing the tours he led. It was such a special experience for us both. Then, today, I took Jackson and Kate, along with Irina who lives with us from Germany, to the temple. Jackson was so excited. As soon as the film began he said "There's the temple." It made the people in the room chuckle. It made his mom very proud. He loved carrying the temple pamphlet and thought the shoe covers were funny. He did really well for most of the tour but then got the wiggles and so the end of the tour was a bit more challenging. It was special to have my two children experience the inside of the temple.

Sewing revisited after 16 years

I was inspired by so many Iowa friends who do some AMAZING sewing, home decorating, upcycling projects that I decided to drag out my sewing machine (all the way to Kansas from Utah) and see if I could remember anything. So, tonight, I made Kate a little skirt. It was a lot of fun and I actually remembered more than I thought I would. So, thanks to those great Iowa ladies who helped me get back into creating. (By the way, Jackson was jealous the skirt wasn't for him. I guess scrubs for him might be up next... :)

Hogle Zoo on St. Patty's Day

The last time I went to Hogle Zoo was when I was in elementary school in Park Valley, Utah. Needless to say, it's been a while (like a couple of decades or so). So, I thought it would be fun to take Jackson and Kate to Hogle Zoo. We were happy to have my parents join us for our adventure. Kate loved the Tigers. She got so excited when we saw them. She would growl at them. Quite frankly, I was a little scared of them, but not my Kate. I think she would have tried to pet one if she could've gotten close enough. Jackson liked the monkeys and the giraffes, but favorite parts were the train ride, carousel, and the super-fun animal shaped playground.

Utah, We Love Thee!

The kids and I headed to Utah for 15 days (the most time since we moved from there about four years ago) in March. We stayed at Nana and Grandpa's (Jason's parents home) while there as they are preparing to serve a mission for three years starting this summer. I don't think I realized how much I love Utah and being close to family until we were able to spend this time there as most of our other trips back to Utah have been rushed. I love the feeling I get in Utah: I'm home. I love the sights: mountains, Temple Square, familiar faces. I love the food: can I say Cafe Rio enough here? I love it's beauty and the peace I feel there. Instead of trying to put all of our adventures in one post, I'm going to break each out in separate posts so I can share more details about what we did there.

Tasty soup

Kate is my good eater. She loves to eat (well minus rice and oats, but that's another story). Fun picture watching her make sure she got every drop of her chicken noodle soup.

Oh the joys of COSTCO

Jackson and Kate love going to COSTCO with me. They enjoy looking at the books and eating the snacks while I shop. They've become friends with many of the sample employees (which means we get extra sometimes). And, they love the COSTCO frozen yogurt. Good times.

Gymboree

Jackson and Kate enjoyed attending Gymboree music, art, and play classes during the past several months. Jackson especially liked the play and learn course that allowed him to run and jump and slide in creative ways. For example, one class was centered on the post office. They used letters to slip into the "mailbox" (aka a slit in the slide ladder) and then "stamped" the letters by jumping off a platform onto a cushioned mat. Kate loved the rocking horse and the inflatable tubes. We enjoyed meeting other children and moms and loved Miss Cheryl and Miss Shannon. Can't wait to start again this fall.

California sun and fun

The kids and I made our annual trek to Palm Desert, California for a week of fun in the sun with my mom. I really love it there! Well, I didn't really enjoy the insane traffic we braved ( in a minivan nonetheless) when we arrived Friday afternoon. We enjoyed the warm weather (70s and 80s and came back to snow and 22 degree weather) and spent most of our days outside. Mom and I worked out for two hours a day - our routine 5 mile walk followed by lifting weights. We swam with the kids (the pool was a little chilly and I put on a brave face for my two kiddos). We ate yummy ice cream (ever heard of Ben and Jerry's Milk and cookies? My new fav and Jackson's too). We shopped until we dropped (or until we both spent our allotment :). Jackson and Kate enjoyed exploring their "new home" but didn't adjust well to the time difference. Most mornings we were up at 5. The kids loved driving the cars we found at every store we went to (Jackson is still learning that pretending to drive is almost as fun as spending the money to "really" drive it) and talking to the ducks swimming in the lake at the nearby Marriott. We loved our time with Grammy and can't wait until next year. (Note: Jason couldn't come with us this year as he is studying every spare minute for his upcoming boards examination. We'll all be glad when that's over!)

Kate's doctor's appointment

Kate had her one-year healthy child visit a couple of weeks ago. Stats: 22 lbs. and 28 inches. Her head circumference is in the 95th percentile (lots of brains in there Dr. Yu said :). She also had to get five shots. I hate the feeling as a mom of holding your child and them smiling at you and then they see your face just as they feel that poke. Kate wasn't happy, but she's immunized and ready to face flu season.

Kansas City

We thought we'd be in Kansas City for a year while Jason finishes a 12-month refractive fellowship at Durrie Vision. Turns out, that we'll be making our home here long-term. After months of interviewing with various practices around the nation, Jason accepted an offer from his current boss, Dr. Dan Durrie, to join Durrie Vision. We are thrilled. Kansas City has felt like home to us since we moved here last May. We love our ward, our friends, the climate, the non-stop to Salt Lake City, and much more. We met some wonderful people during the interview process in Orlando, Atlanta, Memphis, Utah and California. So grateful for the time they spent showing us their beautiful cities. I really loved a lot of different things about each city, and had pretty much found a house that would be "just perfect" for our growing family wherever we moved. So grateful for the Durries, Stahls and all the people at DV who have made such a positive impact in our lives.

Christmas

We spent Christmas in Kansas City. My parents and brother were able to come out for a week and join us. Anyone who knows me knows I love Christmas. And, I love spending Christmas with my family. Jackson and I went and picked them up at the airport Christmas Eve. He and Grandpa looked for Christmas lights all the way home. We ate a yummy Kansas City barbecue dinner, then opened presents (pajamas) and read the Christmas story. Santa found his way to our house around midnight. Thank goodness he came early this year because Jackson woke up at 2 a.m. and luckily I was able to convince him to come sleep with Jason and I until 6ish. Christmas morning we opened gifts, ate pancakes and went to church. I love having Christmas fall on Sunday. It brings the right focus to the day. The program was amazing. Our Relief Society president is also the ward choir director (yes, she volunteered for the latter assignment) and did an incredible job. She really is a phenomenal lady. Jackson received a bike and his "fireman" engine and Kate a princess car. They are so cute riding around together. Christmas night we ate a traditional ham dinner and enjoyed helping Kate and Jackson have fun with all of their new toys. The next week was spent going to the gym (had to try and get rid of all that yummy food we ate), fixing things around the house (my dad is a whiz; Jeff, too), playing with the kids, etc. I also went shopping with my mom. My favorite bargain find: nice grey window-pane slacks from Ann Taylor for $7.00 :) Love that! Sure loved having my family here. We also enjoyed talking with Greg and Sally and Sam via SKYPE. So happy that modern technology allows us to communicate with loved ones around the world.

Updates...and lots of them so scroll down :)

Fun moments with Kate

These pics highlight a few fun moments with my Kate. She loves to ride the rocking horse at the Gymboree class we take Jackson to each week. She loves to wear mommy's glasses and get her hair done and make-up, too (she insists I put blush on her in the morning. She stands there waiting until I brush her cheeks, then satisfied, she goes on her merry way. Silly little girl). Love my princess Kate.

New Year's Eve date

Jason and I went to dinner at Pierpont's restaurant for New Year's Eve. It was a beautiful setting in the historic Union Station downtown. We like going there. Wish I had felt better that night (tummy troubles) but the dinner was good and the company the best ever! (and, sorry about the grainy cell phone pic...)

Playground in the Winter

Yes, it's the dead of January and we're going to the playground often. Can you believe it? Love it. I have also discovered how much of a "girly" girl Kate is. I sat her down in the dirt for a minute while I helped Jackson climb up onto the tallest slide and she looked at me like I was doing something terrible. She refused to touch it and plead (well, cried) for me to come get her off of it. Funny girl.

Scared of the train

Jackson loves trains. We can't read enough about them, watch enough "Thomas the Train" (although his favorite is James), and play with them enough. So, why when we took Jackson to see the amazing train display at Union Station in downtown Kansas City, did he refuse to ride on the train? No idea. But, he wasn't having it. Oh well. Maybe next year.

Christmas decor

I love Christmas. I love decorating for this wonderful holiday but found this year that I really dislike when Christmas lights don't work. Anyone ever seen Christmas Vacation? You know the part where Clark drumrolls and tries to plug in his lights and they don't work? Yes, that happened to me. Not once. Not twice. But so many times that most of our Christmas lights are in some city dump. But, when we finally got the lights to work on the tree (well, most of them anyway) and the stockings were hung, I loved how it turned out.