Okay, I know that it has been forever since I blogged. We are doing so much better and over the swine flu. It only took two weeks. And we did not spread it as so many of our neighbors and friends did. Don't worry, those of you travelling to Utah, the swine flu epidemic has died down.

We have been very busy, crazy busy into the summer swing of things. We enjoyed fireworks, picnics, and even our first family camping trip. My boys loved it. We went to Bear Lake. We stayed at the local Koa as I didn't want to go too primitive with the baby. We got to our campsite at 7:30 p.m. and had enough time to set up camp and eat before a fast moving lighting storm rolled through. We piled into the van and watched. Twenty minutes later we surveyed the damage. We lost the cooler lid, but we retrieved it, and a small leak in the tent from the wind, not much worse for the wear. Mom and Dad had a long night but the boys really loved it.

The next day we headed to the lake. We enjoyed ourselves there, but at about 3:00 p.m., we had a microburst wind that picked up our canopy and blew it down the beach and destroyed it. It was brand new. Oh well.

Some things I learned.

1. Way too much work for overnight.

2. You can be too hot camping.

3. You may start a camping hobby by taking daddy and boys camping for the first time.

A Pandemic Statistic

Utah is the most active state in the nation for the spread of the swine flu. We are only behind New York in the number of deaths from the flu. Doctors here are not even testing for the flu unless you end up being hospitalized because there is so much of it. They estimate that over 10,000 people in the state of Utah have had the flue already. Doctors don't think there will be much of a need to vaccinate for the swine flu here as everyone will already have contracted the disease.
Well add my family to those numbers. My kids started swimming lessons two weeks ago, where they contracted the disease. They immediately passed it on to all members of our family. Fortunately, Nick and Nate, and Daddy were able to be treated with tamiflu. Unfortunately, I didn't get to the doctor soon enough to benefit from the tamiflu and just had to suffer the full course of the flu. Kevin is the one we are most worried about. He is too young for tamiflu and is taking some antibiotics just to help, however he is suffering the most. He isn't so sick he needs to be in the hospital, but pray that will remain the case. We hope is young body is able to get him over the worst soon. Pray for him.
Unfortunately, we had to forfeit swimming lessons and came away with the swine flu and a hefty pharmacy bill.
Thanks to our city residents for staying home when they are sick. We appreciate it.

Starting Summer

So summer has unofficially begun with the Memorial Day holiday. In the Suarez family it is under full swing. We started out a couple of weeks ago with a sleepout with daddy on the lawn. We bought a tent a couple of years ago and have never even opened it. This year we decided we better open it and try and figure out how to assemble it as we would like to actually go camping this year. So we set up the tent and daddy and the boys checked out whether it was adventure worthy. Daddy didn't sleep too well and the boys came in the house a bit cold at 5:00 a.m. in the morning but very excited to take it to the lake.

A couple of days later we went as a family to Hogle zoo with Nick's preschool. We had a lot of fun riding the train and the carousel. Nathan cried when we couldn't keep riding the carousel. We also enjoyed seeing the animals. Of course, we also had to attend Nick's preschool graduation. They put on a fine program for us and signed and sang many songs.

For the memorial day holiday we chose to go on a picnic with Porfirio's parents to a local park. The kids had entirely way too much fun. They ran, jumped, played soccer, and basically wore out their parents. We sure enjoyed ourselves though. We are looking forward to a very busy summer. We start swim lessons next week, were going to Idaho, then camping, family reunion, holidays and much more. I am sure we will create many fun memories.

In the meantime, I am busy in the garden. I really hope that we produce well this year. We really need to rebuild our food storage. Hope you enjoy the picts.

Celebrating!

We have had a wonderful couple of weeks with the family. We really enjoyed the blessing of Kevin. Thanks to all those who travelled to share this special moment with us. I was especially grateful to Grandma and Grandpa Hill for making the effort to travel and share this special moment with us. I am so thankful to have Kevin in our family.

Kevin is such a good baby. He is cooing and trying to talk to us all of the time now. He is very calm and rarely cries. He is ticklish and out right laughs when I tickle his belly. He just brings so much joy to our family. It is a small miracle he is in our family and we are so thankful he is. He is growing and thriving well. I would not trade him, even for a girl. We love you!

Kevin will be having his birthmark removed in a series of two surgeries next year. They are day surgeries only, and will not require hospitalization. We are thankful for that.

We also enjoyed a wonderful mother's day with Porfirio's family. I am so lucky to have married into such a strong family. I count myself very lucky as many people's family are not close and good friends. I am thankful to Porfirio's mother for teaching him compassion, love, responsibility and the many other strong principles my husband has.

Of course, I must honor my own mother. Mom, I am what I am because of you. You are such a good example to me of perseverence, strength, love and service. I could spend all day listing everything positive you have influenced in my life. I have not noticed or given you the appreciation you deserve. Thank you for everything. I love You!

Enjoy the pictures

Hillfield Aerospace Museum

Since Daddy has been working so much lately, seven days a week, he decided to take the morning off and take the boys to the airforce museum. It has expanded since we have been there three years ago and it is free. They have added a whole new building with some more of the modern planes. They also have an education center where kids and adults alike have the opportunity to play in and with flight simulators. We had a lot of fun with daddy and actually learned something. We appreciate daddy taking the time to be with us.

Next weekend is Kevin's blessing. Those of you within travelling distance are invited to attend. There will be a meal served afterwards. The blessing will be on Sunday at 11:00 am at the church by our house. Shortly after, Daddy leaves for his vacation, so it will be a while before we get to play with him again. Thank You Daddy for the fun time.