The Torture of Moving

A particularly lovely shot of me being alone in the Marriott parking lot trying to haul all of my crap into the hotel, alone, with a mini Dennis the Menace. Alone.*

I've had a "terrific" 2-day whirlwind trip to Visalia to try to find a place to live. Good news: We found a house. (Thanks to Rod scoping out the landscape for a few weeks on the hunch that we might be moving to said locale).

Before I do a victory dance, let's back up a bit.

Tuesday morning: After finding out at 9:00pm Monday night that we were moving, and that Rod started his job the next day at 8:00am, I decided that I would need to take a trip to Visalia to find a house. Also, a little less earth-shattering but worth mentioning-- my favorite trash TV show didn't record on my DVR so I had to watch the slow-loading ipad version to get my fix of hating the "Provo Belmont/Arlington scene" on for the day, (did you guys know a Provo all-star is on the Bachelorette this season bringing disgrace to every Mormon?...of course you did) while I packed up lunches etc for the 3 hour drive I had ahead of me. (ugh...how's that for a run-on sentence?)


Then I went in to wake up the boss.
Morning mom. Not a bad way to start the day, I have to say.

After getting all packed and ready, I loaded the buddy up for the drive. Neck pillow and all.
That is where the cuteness stops.

To avoid boring you with the details, I will just skip to the low points. (Mind you--3 hr car ride. No husband. Multiple housing appointments. No nap.) We arrive to meet up with Rod at his new facility around dinner time (first day as an administrator...boy, did that man have swagger in the nursing home) .

As we get out of the car, Landon decides to throw a tantrum that can only be described as body possession by an ungodly entity...for (not exaggerating) 30 solid minutes.

I didn't take my camera out for that.

Imagine: Rod's first day at a new building, wanting to make a nice "administrative" impression on all the staff, and his 18 month old is screaming bloody murder in the nursing home administrator office, lobby, and front lawn (it seriously sounded like we were torturing him). Then we try to move the "display" out to the car and he flails so much that I have to set him on the grass so that I don't drop him while he does "log rolls" across the grass and concrete path, kicking, screaming, and punching.

(a far cry from this precious angel...)
**He finally settled down when I think he had no more vocal chords or energy left.
That wasn't the low point...But I won't get into the rest because it will sound like I dislike my child, which is absolutely not the case.

Wednesday Morning: Ah, a new day. Landon was exhausted (because he didn't go to sleep in the hotel until 10:30) and slept through my morning shower and "ready" ritual. When he did wake up it was a much better experience...
Since Rod had to leave early, Landon was happy to "help" me load all the heavy suitcases and take a ride on the cart.
Not too sure about all the moving business...

There were cuteness moments caught on tape. 13 seconds worth watching.

*I know it sounds like Rod is a bad husband because I had to do everything *alone* but work has been unusually demanding lately. He's a great guy. Promise.
**Landon is the bomb. (as you can probably tell...) I think if I were 18 months, 3 hrs in the car (which probably seems like 3 weeks in 18 month old time) and having to live with me while I stress out would probably be enough to send me into a tantrum as well...

Swimming in the hot tub.

Landon gives me this face more often than I would like...


Who likes swimming in a hot tub? This one does.

I was just thinking...

Bath time is so much better when it's a party.

2 Weddings and a Missionary (3 of 3)

It's a rare occasion when you find a true friend out in that Hollywood mayhem of living your dream business. I've found the longer you are there (LA) and the better jobs you get, the less creepy the people are... (I'm remembering reluctantly attending auditions for an "amazing independent film" in some creepy guys "common area" of some run-down San Fernando Valley apartments etc). Sure there are lots of acquaintances, nice people, and memories made with people of whom you think fondly, but a REAL friend--I only consider myself to have made a handful of those while pursuing Hollywood.

One of those real soul-sisterly friends I have is Mimi.
This is Mimi and I before dancing at the 2009 Emmy's with Josh Groban.
I remember meeting Mimi the first year I was in LA at an audition for "Show Me the Money" (which she booked and I did not) and thinking she was more friendly and kind than most girls at an audition. I forget exactly when we became great friends, it feels like we have known each other our whole lives. We went on to work on a number of dance jobs together over the years, which then turned into lots of double dates with boyfriends who were not right for us, which then turned into double dates with boyfriends who eventually became our husbands. (yay!)

There are many things to love about Mimi, including that she was once Pineapple Fanta of the "Fantanas (oh yeah!)." She artistic, non-judgemental, a great person to share a laugh with, and loving. I've never once, in the 5 years that I've known her, hear her say anything negative about anyone (seriously). That's why it's always especially wonderful to see a friend who you love, adore, and respect so much find their deserving match. I knew when she and Mike got engaged that I would be shedding many tears of joy at their wedding...and let me tell you, this girl is one hell of a wedding planner.

Here are a few pics I snapped over the few days we were there.

Flying from Salt Lake to Palm Springs, Landon learned how to say "cheese" at the airport. Now his pictures are so much more dignified.

The desert is so much more beautiful from above while sitting in A/C. Aerial shot of the Grand Canyon on our way down south.
Ah, sleeping baby on a plane. Perfect on so many levels.
On the night of the rehearsal dinner, it was 1500 degrees, important people were passing out left and right--the shade, however was nice. Loved the view we had for the ceremony.
This is one of the only pics I have of Mike, (my bad) he was a great master of ceremonies at the talent show.
How awesome were Meems' bouquets? I loved the combo of springy flowers with succulents. I had never seen that before and thought it was so perfect for a Palm Springs wedding.
Beautiful Bride.

Look at this set up. LOOK AT THAT. One of the most gorgeous weddings I have been too.
I got to have the honor of sitting at the wedding party table with my handsome husband because I was one of Mimi's bridesmaids. :)
I loved the dresses.
The ceremony was conducted by a Rabbi and was a very touching exchange of vows and familial acknowledgements by both Mimi and Mike. However, Mimi in the bouncing wedding chair was in a close rivalry with the ceremony for my favorite part of the weekend.
Growing up Catholic, I bet Mike didn't imagine that he would be doing this at his wedding someday--but I'm sure he's so glad that he did. :) A great tradition. So fun.
Did I tell you that Borat made an appearance?
Lots of dancing, So fun. Great live band. Perfect weekend.
Back with the babysitter--Landon learned how to turn the ice bucket into a hat. We're so very proud.
Looking forward to next trip. But probably not as much as this little guy.

2 Weddings and a Missionary (2 of 3)

Rod's younger brother Tod got married to Betsy on Mexican Independence day in the Bountiful, Utah temple. Arrrrriba! They were a very happy, handsome couple and I am glad we got to be a part of the big day.
I didn't get a lot of great pics but here are few I did happen to take.
I see three Mr. Bean's and one Creeper in this picture.
They had their reception where we did, at "The Point" and I have to say, I enjoyed their reception more than ours because I actually got to eat, relax, and enjoy the view. Not to say that I didn't love my wedding, but it was just kind of funny to be back in the same place I was married only this time toting the little Prime Minister Landon. Didn't the little PML look dapper in his prep-school suit?
Us, pretending like we have it together.
Married BABIES!!! Andie Marshall (Landon's cousin) and Landon . jk.
This is a little more accurate.
And of course we had to get the all testosterone picture. Luckily Landon learned how to "fold his arms" last week.
Congrats to Tod and Betsy!

2 Weddings and a Missionary (1 of 3)

We've had a busy few weeks, (thank heavens--something to keep my mind of the fact that we have to move at any given moment only we STILL don't know what city we will be in yet...) so yes, trips to Utah and Palm Springs to celebrate some great milestones of our family and close friends have been a welcomed distraction. I guess I'll start chronologically with the missionary.
I love little diaper butts. Landon has been on a few airplanes in his day but this was the trip where he realized that we left the Earth. He loved take-off but once the cars got a little too small, he was in my lap holding on to my neck for dear life with some worried tears. Luckily, he was a little more calm and introspective as the plane landed.
Next stop: The Ranch. These aren't pics from Christmas, that is May 3rd folks. This is the main reason I don't live in Utah, for anyone who is wondering. I feel for all who do in the winter time. Landon had fun with Grammy in the snow.
He also loves to bug his cousin Sophie. They have a good laugh.
Elder McKinley Smoot with the 3 Stooges. I can't believe my baby brother is old enough to be on a mission to Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Oh, did I mention that Landon had diarrhea for 5 days while we were in Utah? That was especially awesome. We both survived the worst diaper-rash on record with a little help from Grammy and Grampy, along with cornstarch and butt paste.
He was a good little toddler when confined to his towel so we could "air it out."

My Dad is obsessed with Chuck'o'Rama. So that was the pre-MTC lunch spot. Unfortunately this was the best picture I had of the four of them.
It was a beautiful day in Provo when we dropped McKinley off. It's days like this that make be re-think the comment on the picture above. Landon loved the big lawn and the big lawn mowing equipment, and even whispered to me after chasing the missionaries around who were enjoying their P-day, "Mom, I hope they call me on a mission."
Now wouldn't that be something...
It really went more like this "Mama! Ball! Tractor! Kinlee. Bye bye. See ya."
Which I took to mean..."I hope they call me on a mission."

Some NYC favs

It wouldn't be vacation without picking up crappy souvenirs.

Just a few little trinkets I really liked when I went to the huge old Macy's in the Big Apple.
I actually ended up buying this because I thought it was cute. It reeks of plastic and I don't know what I will ever put in it, but I thought it was darling.
I debated on this one.
Obsessed with Pylones. These adorable quirky creations from a cool company in France.
A little pricey but so cool and artsy.
Macy's was having a floral show so the building was always packed with tourists like myself taking pics (I might have gone back 3 times...maybe).

great trip.