Haley's Haven

I have to say that sometimes I do dumb things just because it seems to be the norm with everyone around me - I think I have a slow processor - sometimes it is impossible for me to react quickly on things. Anyway, when I saw the snake, for example, the lady immediately was like "Do you want to pet it, girls?" I didn't know she was going to drape it over Ana's neck - I know it was thinking "What a tasty little morsel!" And here I am, taking a picture, and all of the sudden I realize - WAIT! There is a huge snake wrapped around my KIDS!!! That, and also, the ponies. This sweaty kid running the pony ride asks Haley "Can you ride by yourself?" I, the slow, somehow suddenly mute mother, stand by while Haley confidently answers "Yes!" As she is lifted up, again, with me just holding the camera, it occurs to me that I saw an article the other day about how mean ponies are, so I say to the sweaty kid, "Hey, I am going in to walk next to...

Oh, man - what a great idea! You pay a dollar per person and get to do just about everything a kid would ever want to do! Check out all the photos - what an awesome time we had. This will definitely be something we do every year. I love this city - there is so much to do.

We spent last Saturday in sort of a weird way, getting the girls up at the absolute CRACK of dawn for this "red balloon" island-wide garage sale that we thought was going to be KICKING, but sadly, we were disappointed. Saw some beautiful houses, but it turns out that rich people have a lot of junk just like the rest of us :). So we went to Bagel Nation for a delicious breakfast and then spent some time at the beach - THAT made the trip worth it!

We are having a house built - we are really excited. We got into a new neighborhood right as they had dropped new home prices b/c of the economy. Anyway, here it is, in all its phases so far.

I am starting to realize that there is a world beyond myself and my family. I am starting to realize that I could probably actually quit hiding and start to blog again. It is interesting the things you go through emotionally when you leave a mission field - one of them is definitely the hiding reflex. But, no more!!!! Here I am - say anything you want, world!! Ask me anything!! I will not fear, for I am never EVER forsaken!! I am officially out of the closet! (Wait, not QUITE the right wording...) Anyway, here are some fun photos. Here is the park in our new neighborhood, and the girls on the nature trail. You would not believe how magical it is for them to have a nature trail. I love taking them out there. Yesterday we were out there to check on the progress, and we spent our time using large sticks to lift slime out of the ponds, then chased each other around, and then tried to creep up on a huge white egret, but he was wise to our stealthy ways.

Let's see if the portraits work this time...

Well, I have just been so overwhelmed these days, but not really. I mean, I can't explain WHY I am so busy, because if you looked at my schedule, you would say, Well, she works from 7-4, but...then what? Exactly. But still, it is so weird and so different to be a mom AND working full time. I have only done that for about 3 months of my life before, but at that time I had the extreme added luxury of having live-in babysitters and cooks - my mom and dad! And now, well, I guess the same thing is happening - we are living with Matt's parents, and so we get a lot of help with the kids for sure. So basically what I am saying is I am not complaining, but my days seem to be fuller now, so I don't get around to blogging. This is all just a big excuse paragraph! :) Actually, I am so wiped out at the end of the day that, after the kids are in bed, all I want to do is lay around and read. Reading is very therapeutic - I highly recommend it. I can provide a lengthy book list if ...