Monday, July 06, 2015

The Upheaval

Well, it's happened. We have once again dug our family up by the roots and transferred it to a different pot. After our month and a bit in Utah, we have arrived safe and sounds in Manila, Philippines. Our transfer isn't complete yet. We still have a month to spend in a hotel here in Makati before we will settle into our new apartment, and though we like it here, I think all of us are ready for a little more room and independence.

Our time in Utah was just, plain, awesome. Yes, living out of suitcases was hard. Yes, not having a place of our own grew tiresome. BUT, the kids had so much time with cousins and family. They had freedom to run around yards and neighbourhoods without worrying about heavy traffic, or who knows what else. Logan fished his little heart out in Utah and Montana. (He had more luck than his dad and uncle.) The boys played at the playground at both grandparent's places everyday. We hiked mountains, took long walks in open fresh air, played with puppies, went to carnivals, and took a ride in the back of grandpa's truck. The kids walked to parks and snow cone shacks all by themselves. Logan mowed his first lawn and went through the temple. It was just soo nice to be with the people we love. It was sad to leave.
        Even so, the trip to Manila went amazingly well. We lost one flip-flop and had about an hour layover in Seattle, but other than that, we can't complain. We flew with the sun almost the entire journey. It was so strange to look out the window of the plane to broad daylight, when I knew how late it truly was in Utah. We lost fourteen hours on our flight, and within a few days, we were all feeling it. We left Utah thursday morning, and arrived in Manila friday night. Our host and ride were waiting for us when we arrived. Dan and I hadn't slept at all, though the kids each crashed for a few hours on the plane. We were really loving our decision to buy them each and i-pod. We'd gone back and forth about it and in the end, I think it was the right thing to do. We had zero melt downs on the plane, and the hours flew by. It was really nice!
        We all spent most of the day sleeping Saturday and half of Sunday, and then got up and went to church. I can already tell that we will be liking our new ward. Everyone is from everywhere, so we all have similar experiences to pull from. Poor Dan had to dive right into work Monday morning, while myself and the kids spent the week trying to get back to "normal". I'd never experienced jet lag like this before. We were all just grumpy, and exhausted. The kids would fall asleep in funny places without warning. We are all doing much better this week!
         Thankfully, our hotel has free breakfast and a pool, so we have established a pretty easy routine. I'm noticing already, that Filipinos really like to feed you. Our breakfast area has a buffet, and you can order off of the menu. I've tried a few times to not order, and just eat off of the buffet, but my waiters always look a little panicky about it and suggest foods for me. They seem much happier when I order! :)
   Everyone here has been so nice. They call me and the kids Ma'am and Sir, and when I mentioned to our waiter that he could call me Becki, he said, "Yes, Ma'am Becki." He's called me that everyday since. The city is large and congested, but feels a little safer than where we were before. I honestly haven't seen much yet, but I'm really excited to. We've arrived at the rainy season, and it hasn't disappointed us. It's rained everyday so far, but the humidity still makes it very hot, so it's like a steamy iron outside.
I guess that's about all for today. I plan on updating weekly here! We'll see how that goes!

Here are a few pics from our time in Utah!



Look who's taller than Abuelo!





Truck Ride with Grandpa B!



Up on the Moutnain!



 Turtle Rock (Named it myself when I was a kid!)

Grandma Great's grave.


Hanging out with cousins





 This little piggy went to sleep!



 Hill Airforce Museum

Fishing with Em!




 Garcia/Kanigan Cousins!






Montana Time...












Shooting...







Visiting Old Main Hill in Logan, Ut.







Pool Time with Kanigan Cousins.












Shoe Shopping with Owen....sigh. :)


Time with the Toones!

A new haircut!


Alpine coaster. Ellie wasn't really as happy as she looks here. This was taken before the ride!


A visit to Temple Square.


 Love these guys!


These guys too!!



Little "Almost birthday sharers"! Just a few hours apart.

 Temple Day!


So happy to see this pretty girl...

...and her cute kids!


 Granmere!!!




The lost Havaiana.

Our new view.

Trying out the hotel robes.



 Just some pretty Utah shots...Dry Lake, Sardine Canyon.

Cache Valley, near Avon.




 American Fork Canyon...

 Antelope Island...




View from Avon Cemetery.



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