My first Enrichment NIght

So last night was Enrichment, it was my first one. I can say this about the experience --it was eye opening. First off, I actually enjoyed it. I didn't know that I would. I learned a few key things last night that I really need to work hard on keeping at the forefront of my mind here on out. I learned that I cannot ask what needs to be done. I am the one in charge I've got to be the one making sure things get done. Secondly, I found how easy it is going to be to serve with these women on my committee.

Next time I will have had more involvement in the preparations and won't feel so awkward...so I hope. The other thing I learned is that I belong there. I realized I've never ever attended Enrichment before because subconsciously I didn't think I was worthy to be there. It sounds so lame to say that but taken my history into account, I was simply unsure of myself. But last night as I sat there listening to the lessons these ladies were giving I found I'm not too far off base and that I'm already doing a lot of what I should and that yes, I do belong there. I've made my way back from a deep dark ditch, but I am no longer that person nor am I still in that deep dark ditch.

So today, instead of being nervous or scared I am anxious and ready to take on my challenge.

Adios Primary!

So after almost 5 years in Primary callings in some form or another...I have been released. I no longer have my Activity Day girls, I am no longer teaching in any way. I am sad to see them go. I have watched so many of them grow, and actually was enjoying the first class I taught in Primary again in Activity Days.

I've been called to the Relief Society...I am the new Enrichment Leader. I am so outside of my element but am willing to learn. I was called for a reason, and I know that reason was more for my own growth than for anything I can really offer these women. If anyone ever has an incredible Enrichment Night, please forward the info...I could use all the help I can get.

Yellowstone

So we're back from Yellowstone, the trip was great but long. We broke the drive up into 3 days on the way up and powered through on the way home, making it in 2 days. The car was so packed on the drive up it was quite a joke. We stopped at Juan's the first night and stayed at Daniel's the second night. Quite to my delight Joshua decided to tag along and joined us for the week.

On our last day of driving on the way there, we caravaned with Irene's family and drove up through Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons. It was such a beautiful drive. During our stay, we saw all the major attractions - the Mud Volcano, Sulphur Caldron's, Painted Pots, Old Faithful, and many, many geysers. We saw tons of Buffalo, and even got to experience them up close and personal.

I discovered I am quite the city slicker and was constantly worried about lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Ok, just bears...but that's enough for me.

On the drive home, we made it in 2 days. I was so proud of my boy. He really did well. The first day, we only drove 5-1/2 hours. The second day, we drove 7-1/2 hours but made lots of stops along the way for a grand total of 11 hours of traveling in that one day. We did do lots of different things to pass the time with Little Leo like playing the "stinky feet" game...I've attached a video as that is the only way to get the full effect.

Camping was an experience, and Leonard and I intend to try it again. Next we want to try beach camping.

Papi's Chair

My father-in-law, Leonardo is an excellent grandfather and a good man all the way around. He is always looking for things he can do for his family - especially his grandchildren. Recently, we were at a family gathering at Leonard's sisters house. In her home, her playroom is set up with child size chairs for each one of her kids. Leo loves them! So of course, Leonardo drove all over town looking for a chair that would match our living room.

He found one of course, and Leo couldn't be happier with his new chair! Here he is sitting in the lap of luxury.

Exhausted

For a few months, Leonard and I have been planning a camping trip to Yellowstone National Park. We are going with my two sisters and their families as well as my eldest brother's family. It seems like we've been talking about this trip for months and now the time is nearly upon us and I'm left to wonder where has the time gone?

This weekend the greater part of my family is all going to Las Vegas for an awesome family party. Everyone looks forward to these gatherings. A 4-bedroom house filled to the brim with stubborn, loud, opinionated, mate-drinking Badal's. I LOVE IT. To give you an idea of how many people will be crammed into this modest home...the last count = 43 people. People will literally be sprawled out into every crevice of the house.

So as I prepare for our weekend in Vegas, I am quickly realizing I will only have 3 days upon our return to get us completely ready to leave for our camping trip. Initially I thought that would be plenty of time to pull it all together. Now, I'm not so sure. Leonard says my nerves are getting the best of me and that I'm over analyzing it...he may be right. I just want to make sure he has a good time. Leonard has never really camped before, therefore, does not have the fond memories that I have nor the desire for it. Little Leo I know is going to love it...6 days outside constantly in the dirt, life doesn't get any better than that for little boys.

So, I've begun preparing for everything all at once, and my mind is running all over the place making lists and taking mental notes. So I've got lots to do, not so much time to do it in, and I'm already exhausted....but totally stoked at the same time.

Go Big Blue

Last night we went to a Dodger game, it was Little Leonard's first! This was something Leonard has been waiting for quite some time. When I was pregnant, the day of our ultrasound, we were going to a Dodger game, since it was simultaneously his birthday. He instructed the technician to put our sonogram photos into an envelope for us to open later that same day when we were at the stadium "just in case" it was a boy. It has been a big dream of his to relive some of his own cherished childhood memories of Dodger stadium with his own father.

We have wanted to take Leo for a while we just weren't sure if he was ready. I have suspected he was ready for quite some time, and we finally went for it last night. Needless to say, I was right...he took it like a champ. We also took my nephew Jonathan with us. He comes from a family of Angels fans, but because of the special relationship he has with Uncle Leo he has been converted to a Dodgers fan. Leonard promised him long ago that he would take him to a game and he has never forgotten. We had a great time, and Jonathan spent the night extending our fun into today.

The boys did really well together, and Leo gets so much from having someone to coincide with on the home turf. He doesn't share very well, so it's good for him. After the game there just so happened to be a fireworks show. Jonathan loved this and was still talking about it this morning. I have attached a short video (about a minute's worth) of the show, it doesn't feature any people, fyi.

Going to games is something of a cherished tradition of ours, we have gone to countless games and is something I love to do. Going to baseball games with kids however, is so different. I usually am right in there with Leonard yelling and cheering and am very involved in the game...this time I was up and down, feeding and wiping, missing most of the game. It's all right though, going with kids adds a different dynamic. It's not about you and your own memories, it's about their memories, which is so much more important.

All and all, it was a great adventure and we can't wait to do it again now that we know Leo can hang like a little trooper.