How we do sports in our family....

I always assumed that we would be like most other families in the world who taxi their kids from sporting event to sporting event and whose lives are ruled by the sport seasons. That was sort of what I was planning on.

Then I had two boys signed up for soccer one season and I quickly realized that that was not going to work for me. I did not have the energy or desire to spend every afternoon/evening in the car or watching a practice or game, or trying to get my babies to take naps in cars or on the sidelines. And I could not figure out how to be in two places at once. There's a secret to that, and I don't know it.

After trying to do the two kids in sports thing, I came to the conclusion and told my family that it was not going to work for us. If they wanted a sane mother, we were going to have to do it a bit differently.

We decided that as each sport/season came around, one child would be allowed to participate and the rest of the family would support that child for that season. Then, when the next season came around, a different child would get the opportunity to participate and the whole family would support that child. And so on.

That worked pretty well for a while. I did feel guilty, like I was depriving my kids of something they should have had, but I knew my limits. Then, I felt completely vindicated when Elder Oaks gave his Good, Better, Best talk in General Conference that touched on this topic. I knew I did not need to feel guilty any longer and I haven't.

At one point we actually decided to not enroll the kids in any sporting seasons and to take the money we would have spent on that and buy a pass to the Provo Rec Center instead. That way we could all go swimming as a family unlimited times and it would be a recreational activity for the whole family. We did that for a year or two.

When we moved to Monticello and enrolled the kids back in public schools, I knew they would want to participate in school sports. The first spring we were here, Cambria was invited to play Spring Volleyball, which is pretty much club volleyball. There was a lot of driving to neighboring towns for weekly tournaments and again I realized that it was more than I was up for. Particularly with a young, nursing baby. I told her that I was not sure I wanted her to do it the following year, and thankfully she didn't really want to be in it again.

But we have had kids in Cross Country, Football, Track & Field, Basketball and Drama, Band, and Choir at MHS.

There are people/parents in town who follow their children to every game all over the area as well as the state. With a family as large as ours, we have not been able to do that. Even if we wanted to. So again, we modify our expectations and it works for our family. I tell my kids that if their meet, game or event takes place within an hour of our home, I will most likely come watch, unless there is something pressing at home. I have, at times, gotten to go to State competitions, but its not expected so it's always a nice surprise for the kids if I do go.

Cambria and I were talking one time about it and she said she was fine with me not being at every event and that it made it a bit more special when I was able to go.

As a coach for Track, Curtis has been able to be at all the T&F meets with the kids through the years.

So between the two of us, we do the best we can to support our kids in their athletic/music endeavors as they explore their talents and interests. We are thankful for the opportunities they have had to try things to see what they are interested in or what they might be good at, as well as what they do not like.

Moab Giants

Since we were heading up to Utah Valley to attend cousin Emma's baptism and to drop Curtis off with his parents, we decided to make a small vacation out of it. We left home as early as we could so we could get to Moab right when Moab Giants Museum opened. We wanted to be able to walk around and see all the replicas without getting heatstroke. Even at 10 am it was really hot. 

This museum is very new, having just opened in the last year. We watched it being built and when we saw the large replica dinosaurs out on the grounds, we knew it was something we were eventually going to spend the money to go to. 

Fortunately for us, they have a 'locals discount' that allowed our whole family to get in for under $40. For a family our size, that's a real bargain. (last year it cost us about $120 to get into the aquarium in SLC) We did the Dinosaur Walk first thing, then went back and watched the movie and went into the actual museum part. Then we went into the gift shop and bought some souvenirs. I was surprised that even their gift shop prices were not extreme, it seemed quite reasonable to me. They also have a cafe, which looked like it had good food, but we didn't go into it. Maybe next time.

Here are some fun photos of our adventures:

The gang just inside the gates, ready to go...

The whole thing revolves around dinosaur tracks and how they formed and created. 

Every different replica has a placard to explain what type of track it is and gives an example of the type/species of dinosaur that would make that kind of track.

Sadie channeling her inner 'raptor' 

Just the right height for a 'smooch'!

I was blown away by the size of this one...

I absolutely can't imagine being near a live creature this size. The ground would've literally shook with each step...

And can you imagine the size of it's 'cow-pies'?

Had to do a little cheer stunting to be able to reach the tip of its tail...

They had a few places set up for fossil digging. There were misting stations for the waiting and watching parents. It was a very welcome thing.

The salt cedar was in bloom....I love the color and feathery nature of its blooms.

Had to do a little rodeoing on the Triceratops. I loved that there were some replicas that were open for touching and climbing on for photo opps. That made it a lot more fun.

Charlie going for his 8 seconds...

Soren trying to stay on his wild mount...

James wasn't too sure about being in the 'hot' seat.

It really was hot and was hurting his legs...

Sadie was pretty comfortable on hers...

Hannah was multi-tasking...yoga and rodeo at the same time...

I've seen large skeleton exhibits before but to be able to see a fully fleshed replica was incredible. I'm so glad they are extinct. I would hate to have run into any one of them...herbivore or carnivore.

This was the final replica, the piece de resistance....The T-Rex

Can you just imagine that thing chasing you?

I loved how they put it in a perfect place for a great photo. 

I thought the kids did a great job 'running' away.

Sadie seems to know something Cambria does not!

Soren and I were in trouble....he was catching up with us fast...

They had a playground and some other fun things to climb around on....

Sadie trying desperately to save Hannah

Charlie doesn't look too scared for being in a T-Rex's mouth...

Looks like he got Sadie, too.

Soren trying to escape

They had some really cool exhibits inside the museum. This one was really fun for the kids. It had a couple of games that were projected onto the floor, one was Tic Tac Toe, and the other was a track recognition and trail game.  It had some other interactive things, like you stand near an exhibit and act like you're trying to catch little dinosaurs as they run past. The other people can stand by a monitor and see you on screen as you try to catch the little CG dinosaurs. 

Hannah and Soren playing Tic Tac Toe

James doing one of the other activities

They also have a short 3D movie about the creation and evolution of the earth. Of course, it is depicted from an evolutionist viewpoint. But the 3D graphics were cool and don't we look cool in our sweet shades?
(We often talk about creation and evolution. I don't know what processes Heavenly Father used to create and shape this earth, nor how long it took, and it could very well have happened exactly like the scientists think. But we always emphasize that the earth was created by Heavenly Father for a purpose and that was for his children, who we are.)

My crew waiting for the movie to start

The glasses were a bit large for James' head....

I would not include this picture but James wanted to take a picture of me so I thought I would put it on this post. I think he did all right, even though he so wonderfully captured my extra chins. ;)

this is a much better angle

They also had this cool swing in the playground. All of my kids who tried it declared that we need to put on in the backyard, or in their bedroom!

Soren 

Isn't he dressed well for Moab? A black T-shirt and dark gray sweatpants???

Hannah

Cambria and Hannah

James

We had a blast at this attraction and I'm glad we took the time and shelled out the money to visit. It was well worth all that we spent! I hope we'll be able to go again when they get their 5D aquarium opened up. #MoabGiants