What was I Thinking!?

On Thursday, May 26th, Olivia and I boarded a plane for a two week adventure in Arizona! That's right.... TWO WEEKS, IN THE SUN! Oh yeah, and our purpose for being here is to babysit, EEEKK! I have never been to Arizona and I am excited to explore and soak in the sun.

     Security                Waiting at the gate        On the plane

 

Let me back track. While I was at Whitworth University, I was introduced to this wonderful family and was blessed to be their babysitter up until I was 8 months pregnant and they moved to Arizona. It broke my heart! Even though I knew I probably would not have continued to babysit, they meant the world to me. Last summer, they were back in Spokane for a visit and invited me over so that they could meet Olivia. While we were visiting, the mother asked, "so, what are the odds that we could fly you and Olivia down to watch the kids for two weeks while we go to South Africa?" 'Yes! That should not even be a question!' I had made up my mind, I was going. I was moving to the west side and had no plans to get a job at the time.

It wasn't until last week when it really hit me what I was getting myself into. Five kids. That's right, five. Olivia (1 yr 9mo), Henry (6), Rita (9), Anna (12), Shelby (14). Oh man, oh man. Going from being a fairly new mom to a mom of 5, one of whom is a teen, is quite interesting. There are also two dogs, a poodle and a purebred Great Dane (who is 2). And two horses. I sure do have my hands full! But these kids are great. Actually, they are the best. It will be a challenge but I am hoping to come away with Olivia knowing how to share and talking some more.

As you might imagine, I had to give myself a pep talk before coming down here. I told myself to not let anything happen because I am not able to pick up the phone call the parents. What do I do? When I got home yesterday from dropping them off at the airport, I broke one of the drawers in the kitchen... -_- Yeah, I will be calling the landlord on Tuesday to find out what I should do. Then today, one of the girls informed me that she tweaked her knee and that she was in pain. Great! I am trying not to panic but I know that knee injuries are nothing to mess with. The dogs caught and killed a large lizard. The girls were worried that it may be a poisonous lizard, so of course I had to dispose of it. I went and got a plastic Then Olivia broke the cute little bowl they bought for her :(

On a happier note: Olivia was a trooper on the plane! She was squirmy but not loud at all. She has pooped already! YAY FOR NO CONSTIPATION! And she LOVED being in the pool today. Pretty sure it is going to be hard to keep Olivia away from the pool. Look at this cute swimsuit they had waiting for her! <3 I would love to get Olivia into swim classes this summer. I should probably learn how to swim myself :/

Well, it is getting late and I need to head to bed. Here is a good night shot from Arizona. I want to find a place were I can get a really good shot before we leave.