The New Quests of The Turetzky Family

It's kind of strange to leave Australia at 10:30am on Sunday and arrive in Los Angeles at 6:30am on the same Sunday. That's the weirdness of crossing the international dateline. Although me and Walt arrived back in the US early in the morning, we had a 6.5 hour layover before our flight back to Salt Lake. When all was said and done, we finally arrived back at my in-laws just after 5pm. I felt like I lost the last 2 Sundays, and I really did lose them to traveling, but crossing that international dateline is kind of strange! Australia was gorgeous and I couldn't have been happier to be reunited with Darren. And that was the greatest blessing of the past week: being together with my husband after 3 weeks apart (our longest time apart since we married). And if I didn't mention it already, no, Darren did not fly back to Utah with me. His trip was extended another week and he will fly home next Sunday. Me and the kids are staying another week in Utah. The following Tuesday...

Well, it may look like I'm posting this on Monday, but its still Sunday at home in the states right now! I arrived early this morning in Australia and have been enjoying a nice spring day here with my boys. Walt was once again a champ for our air travels. He's just such a sweet baby and I couldn't be more grateful! Speaking of grateful, I have a short list of the greatest blessings of the week. - An evening at the Provo Temple. My MIL was so sweet to watch the kids while I attended the temple. - Spending lots of time with my babes. I learn so much as a mother and feel so privileged for the experience. Lila told me often this past week that she loves me. She would look up at me with her lovely blue eyes and smile and say, "I love you, mommy," then hug me. - Being in the Turetzky home. Darren's parents are good company and the kindest people around. They've been so nice to accommodate me and the kids and watch Lila while we're gone. - Being reunited...

Well me and the kids are safe and sound in Utah tonight. We flew in on Thursday afternoon and have been having fun at the Turetzky's. Here's what I was thankful for this week: - A visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific with my grandma. There are so many of Heavenly Father's creations to see and appreciate! - I was grateful for the chance to serve my sisters. My two sisters that I'm closest in age to are both pregnant. My older sister is due next month and was put on bed rest this past week until she reaches 37 weeks (this coming Thu). My younger sister was told to stop lifting things (i.e. her two toddlers) and take it easy. I was able to go help these sisters out, along with the help of our engaged sister, Hilary. I was so glad that I could do something to help while I was in town! - We got to visit with my mom again. This was an unexpected surprise and happy result of my sister being put on bed rest (that my mom flew out to California while we were there). - ...

Greetings from sunny Orange County! Me and the kids made it safely to my grandma's house and we've been having a good time. Blessings this past week: Spending Labor Day together as a family and exploring a new park together. Having awesome Thai food in Austin with Darren and the kids. Having Darren in town on Tuesday to help get me and the kids passports expedited and the packing done. Getting everything packed and the house ready to be left for an entire month, with time to spare! My great friend who let Lila come play on Wed morning while I took Darren to the airport. My awesome visiting teacher who took me and the kids to the airport on Wed evening. My half-full flight and the Southwest employee who allowed Walt to have his carseat and his own seat on the plane (no charge). My incredible kids who were awesome on the flight and slept nearly the entire time. My sister and her fiancée who picked us up and helped me lug the kids and all our stuff to Grandma's. Lil...

Yup, we're headed on vacation again. This all came up rather quickly this past week, but Darren is traveling to Brisbane, Australia for work this month. He'll be gone the entire month (he was supposed to leave today but had a hang up with his passport, so he leaves Wed), so me and the kids are going on another vacation. In all honesty, life has been kind of crazy since we got back from our August vacation, so I've been a bit nervous all week about heading out of town again. Although I'm not sure how the little ones will behave for a month away from home, it will definitely be better than trying to be a single parent for a month.  Me and the kids are headed to California for a week to stay with my grandma in Huntington Beach. I can't wait to take Lila and Walt to the beach--I've been wanting to all summer! I'm also thrilled to see my sisters and their kids and let the little cousins play together. It should be a fun week. After a week in Cali we're heade...