Trips to Mapleton

We have taken a few trips to Mapleton lately to stay with Jason's parents.  The first was totally last minute.  We were getting our house painted (YEA!...finally!!) and although the painter assured me that we could sleep there at night - after one night it was obvious that we could not - so I called my mother in law at 7:00 the next morning and asked her if me and kids could come stay with her for a couple of days.  The best thing about the Herbert's house is that they have everything I need to stay.  I hardly have to pack much - just the children and some clothes.  She has everything else already for us. 

The very next weekend we came and stayed 3 days with them.  Jason came this time and watched the kids all day while I went to BYU's Women's Conference for two days.  It was the best thing ever!  First off Jason was so nice and let me go stress free.  He kept saying, I will take care of it all.   I left early in the morning and came home pretty late (like 8 am to 5 pm).  I was uplifted and spiritually fed.  I went to classes on being a covenant woman, mothering, scripture study, prayer, patience, and that is just to name a few.  It was so wonderful.  And the best part was that I really missed my kids so much and came home so ready to be with them and be a better mom. 

Sometimes I find the more time I spend away from home the more time I WANT to spend away.  Not this time.  It really helped me fill my cup.

Grandpa Herbert had knee surgery a few weeks before we came and was using a walker.  Madison thought it was something fun to play with.  She loves her grandpa.  Whenever he came out she would crawl right over to him.

They also have a really fun yard, with fountains, water falls, bridges, rocks, mountains, etc.  The kids played and played and played.

I really wanted a picture of all four of them standing on the bridge smiling at me.... they did not...they won.