The Grundbergs Go to Carlsbad Caverns

Disjointed Vacation Catch-up---

We sidetracked on our way home and decided to drive over to Carlsbad Caverns. Who knew when we were going to be in the ole southwest again, and so we thought we’d better cram in as much as we could--and cram we did! We zoomed over New Mexico at break-neck speed in order to reach Carlsbad before closing. (Props to Steven).


Yes, I'm usually not a fan of the whole "scenery-without-any-people-in-them." I mean, I can see pictures like that on the internet. But I couldn't help it--it was just too friggin' awesome.
For some reason, I have a million pictures where Steven is making this strange Elvis-like face. It must be his thing. I'm also diggin' Stevie's pirate stance.
I apparently decided that this enormous, phallic-type stalagmite was picture-worthy
Try looking past the annoying blare my camera flash gave at the amazingness behind them. It was just awe-inspiring--straight out of Lord of the Rings. Steven and I decided this is what Mordor must of looked like (THAT'S RIGHT, WE'RE LOTR DORKS!!!!)
This picture was an attempt to use the "night vision" function on my camera, in order to capture the absolute awesomeness within.
There's a reason I'm smiling so broadly--it was only 59 degrees down in the caverns. I was ready to hike all day. Not really, but theoretically.

In summary, Carlsbad was probably the most amazing thing we saw on the trip. I was dumbstruck by the whole thing, and we only got to see one teeny section of the Caverns. I'd like to go back someday--but not anytime soon.

Slide Rock State Park

Okay, I'm running a little behind, but now now comes part three of our vacation hi-jinks. On Wednesday, we went to Slide Rock National Park. I was so excited to go, because the park looked really amazing! The river had carved out all these amazing little natural water slides in the rock that you can play in--kind of a homemade water park.

The drive down was absolutely breath-taking. But once we got to the park, we found out that there was a dangerous bacteria count--and therefore we weren't allowed in the water AT ALL!! I was so bummed that I just wanted to turn around and drive back home. But everyone convinced me to get out and have a looksie, and I'm glad they did.

Like I said, the scenery was amazing. Here's David and I posing in front of some of the water slides.
There was a little bridge that allowed you to cross from one side of the creek to the other. Stevie is doing a strange little gremlin-dance to demonstrate his glee.
Here's a picture of a brooding David--I think we wore him out a little bit.
I love this little Father/Son shot of Steven and David.
Our candid family photo
Phil and Jess's family shot--don't ask me why Phil deemed it necessary to straddle Jessica like that.
Afterwards, I was pretty pooped. Let me rephrase that--I wanted to collapse into a puddle of nothingness. But everyone else was still rarin' to go. We stopped several times on the way home to take some pictures of the beautiful scenery.



And this is how I really felt when it was finally all over

Jenn & Benn's Wedding

Last week was absolutely insane. I have so many things to blog about---it's going to take THIS entire week in order to catch up on LAST week's antics. So here goes.


Steven’s sister was getting married in the Mesa, Arizona temple, and so we packed up the kiddos and made the 18-hour trek out into the desert heat. (Which, by the way, was surprisingly pleasant. Sure, it was ridiculously hot, but at least you didn’t have that horrible humidity). Steven insisted on leaving at 9 PM on Thursday night and driving straight through—something I swear I will never take part in again.

Jenny’s wedding to Benn was lovely. I always get teary in temple weddings. In fact, I bawled through most of my own. It was really wonderful to see Jenny and Ben get sealed amongst all their family and friends.


Here's the a picture of all the Grundbergs. Of the zillions of pictures taken, this was the only one where everyone actually has their eyes open.
A picture of the present Grundberg sibs. What's with Peter's look of insanity?
It was very hot that afternoon, and none of us had thought to bring water bottles. There happened to be lime trees on the temple grounds, and somehow all the boys managed to pilfer some lime to harvest the juice. Can they take away our temple recommends for that? :)




The Sisters-in-Law with Jenny

I get a bit kooky when I'm dehydrated.
Here's two of my favorite wedding pics of Jenn and Benn:


We found out some really wonderful news on the day of Jenny's wedding as well. My brother and sister-in-law have been trying for a few years to have a baby. Well, out of the blue, Phil just blurts out on the temple steps that JESSICA'S PREGNANT! We were all so thrilled that we cried. And what's more, she's 7 1/2 weeks--so our babies might be born in the same week! Such a happy, happy day

A shot of the two pregnant ladies, taking refuge under the shade of a palm tree.

I Spy With My Little Eye...

We're obviously on vacation right now, and I have oodles to report, but I just wanted to immortalize our little car trip game today. We like to play "I Spy With My Little Eye" when we're feeling particularly impatient. Here are some direct quotes from today...

David: I spy with my little eye something a pancake.
Me: Is it a pancake?
David: YAAAAY!

Stevie: I spy with my little eye something big and 57 years old.
All: Puzzled silence.
Me: Is it Daddy?
Stevie: YAAAY!

COMIN' TO ARLINGTON...for real this time.

OKAY, FOLKS, we're coming to Arlington this weekend and I am very excited. Steven can't go, but I decided to drive up for one of Stevie's friends' b-day party. A little extreme, true, but both Stevie and I really want to go and that's that. We're driving up on Friday and will be tentatively driving back on Monday (but it really doesn't matter because I have no pressing engagements). Joey is letting us stay with him at the house. So if anyone is up for a little hangin' out this weekend, or even if I could just stop by, I'd love to see ya! SO STOKED!

Looking for a New Nest

Well, we’re in Galveston this weekend looking for a place to stay. It’s going to be tricky because we have to find a rental that will allow us a short-term lease, because we’re planning on buying a house in September. Steven’s going to be getting double paychecks through the summer (thank you Arlington ISD), which will leave us with a nice big down payment for a new mortgage. We could always just break the lease if it really comes down to it, but I do prefer not throwing money down the toilet.

I am NOT looking forward, however, to moving TWICE in the next 6 months. But, if it means a lovely 3 bedroom-2 bath is on the horizon, I guess I can brave the storm.

As for the trip down, I just want to thank the good people who invented portable DVD players. How in heaven’s name MY parents drove US around the country without a DVD to distract us is beyond me.

Home at last...

We're back from Galveston, safe and sound. We had an excellent relaxing time. David, unfortunately, was a bit more vocal on the trip home, and often serendaded us with random screeches, shouts, and the like. Driving was a bit hairy anyway, because it rained like mad the entire time! But we're finally home, and now we have to face the zillion of things on our to-do list this week. But right now I think I'll just block it all out and warm up some soup.

Oh, and I've lost my digital camera, so not a picture one of Galveston! Dag-nabit!

Just Keeping Up

Another great potluck Thursday yesterday (Hooray Betsy!). It was so nice to sit, eat mostly food that, thankfully, I didn’t cook, and talk with all the other moms about everything and nothing. Sometimes you end up clicking with someone you never thought you’d get to know. Mom used to always tell me how important it was to develop female friendships after marriage. Anyway, it was great fun and good conversation while the kiddies played.

We’re driving down to Galveston again today to visit Dad. It’s a very crazy time to go, what with the Choir program being next Sunday AND the Easter Egg Hunt to put together for next Saturday. But we really wanted some time to just VISIT with Dad, instead of having to work while we’re down there. So this is our official relaxation vacation (I’ll try to remember that while driving 300 miles with two little monsters in the backseat).

Lastly, it’s Fitness Accountability Friday, and things are still going my way! I lost another 2 lbs and have only 10 more to go before May 1st. (Knock on wood).

Feb 29: -1 lb.
Mar 7: -2 lbs.
Mar 14: -2 lbs.

Leaving for Galveston...

See you next Tuesday!