Thursday, July 31, 2008

For Daddy!!

Mid-Life Crisis???

I'm not certain on the statistics, or the rules, but I'm thinking we got through a mid-life crisis at our house. Maybe it was a mid-toddler crisis. Anyway, the other day we were in the car on our way from a "mommy needs a break and a play place" visit to Arctic Circle to Julie's house when all of a sudden Winni threw her head back in her carseat, and with her hand up to her forehead said, "What am I going to do with my life?!?" A little shocked, I asked her to explain. Her explanation was quite simply put,

"The park....is so far away!"
"My house....is so far away!"
"Elijah...is so far away!"

Oh, to have such a crisis! I can only hope that things will start looking up when we move into our new place. The park is just over the back fence and Eli will be over, I'm sure, every Monday Wednesday and Friday either on his way to or from preschool, which is just across the street!! The planets must be aligned for Winni!!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Friday & Saturday

Woo Hoo!! Shopping!!!

Today we went to downtown Curacao. Finally, I was seeing the places I had seen online while looking forward to my trip. This is the place you see when your cruise ports in Curacao.






This bridge is the floating bridge, which opens up and becomes parallel to the shore.



We really wanted to be on the bridge when it moved, but after waiting about 10 minutes we decided it wasn't going to move for the little sailboat trying to get through.

The little sailboat



Me & Grady posing, and waiting for the bridge to move....




Then, as we got off, the buzzer rang and it got ready to move. So, we sat on the side and watched it, and found more crabs...Beautiful, but still creepy!!



And, we enjoyed the view! If that there building is a hotel, I'm staying there next time! What a view! It would be like being on a cruise, without the seasickness!!




We found a little Farmer's Market along the waterfront, here. I asked Walter where all this food was grown, since I hadn't seen any farmland, and we had driven the whole island. Turns out, they come from Venezuela, and this is how they get it there!



While shopping, we found some cool stuff, like hammocks and bags and t-shirts. We also found some not-so-cool stuff like.....more so inappropriate stuff! I was a little grossed out by it. However, my favorite T-shirt that we found went something like this....I wish I had a picture. Anyway, it was the back of a rather large woman wearing a swimsuit. The caption was "Where's Charley?!?" As you can imagine Charley was, well, unable to answer because he was stuck "where the sun don't shine!" Apparently he had been sat on, and it went unnoticed! Poor poor Charley.

One of the pilots had his whole family there with him, including a 14 year old daughter who loves to babysit, so, we got to go on a date!! We went to The Governor! It was so pretty! And the food was great. Not sure why I don't have any pictures of the place, oh yes, Walter has them and isn't willing to share. We had to have reservations and everything! We had a wonderful evening out! I just love being with my husan'! He is so fun and makes me feel like the princess that I TOTALLY am!!

Saturday, dreadful day!! OK, not really, but was was sad to leave. My flight was scheduled to leave around 2, but since the plane coming to get us broke down we were afforded an extra 4 hours in paradise!! Walter and I got to eat our leftover Chinese food from the other night! Mmmmm.....rewarmed fried rice! A little on the crunchy side! We had a nice flight to Atlanta, but we missed our connecting flight by 10 minutes!! So, Delta put us up in a hotel for the night and we got home Sunday morning! My mom and dad met us at the airport with Winni and Trae. It was so fun to see them. Especially the outfit Winni picked out. I guess I should say Trae and Big Bird came to see us!! She is so funny!!

So 8 more days Baby!! Can't wait to see you! MUAH!!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Thursday

Shete Boca



Today we went to "Shete Boca" or 7 mouths. Also known as "The Blowhole" to some, or maybe just to us! Either way, we went there today. It was pretty cool. However, we only saw 4 mouths, but who's counting!! This is us at the first one we went to.

The Pistol



The 1st picture was also at The Pistol. It was pretty cool. The water would all get sucked out and away from the land and then it comes flying in and explodes!! It was so cool!

Grady thought it was pretty cool, too! Walter thought this pose would be a good idea, I disagreed!!



The Pistol was the coolest one. This pic was at one of the other ones. I didn't exactly pay attention to names...but don't we look so cute!! (Notice, no wedding ring!! ooops!! OK, really, I broke it, again!!)



To get to this "boca" we had to hike a little. They told us to watch out for the trees. If it starts to rain, do not go for cover. They are shade trees only. If the rain hits them and drips on you it is poison and will hurt! Lovely!! So, where do I go for cover?? Luckily it was a beautiful day!

When we got down close to the water we found tons and tons of hermit crabs, or maybe the shells were vacant?!? I wasn't about to find out. They give me the heeby geeby's, the way they stick their little pincher feet out of the shell and squirm around...sideways!!



It made for a nice hike for the day. We had lots of fun, too! We went with Jake, Lisa and Mike. We saw really big iguanas along with some "crazy" people hiking down to the mouth of The Pistol. It looked like fun!

More of me and my Gradypants!!





I realize this is a lot about my trip. But in my old age I'm already starting to forget some of the things we did! I must blog sooner than 2 weeks after a trip!!

Walter promised me that tomorrow will be a shopping day!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Wednesday

Wednesday

Today was a rest day for us...a work day for Walter. When they work, they work long hours!! Like 18+ hours! If you ask me, they deserve time off between working days!! And they are definitely stimulating the economy! Anyway, we decided to just hang out in the hotel room. I ate nasty Easy Mac for lunch and almost thought I was going to die from it. OK, not really. But GROSS!! Please don't feed your kids that stuff. It's disgusting!! I tried to read a little, but opted for more sleep. It was so nice. Oh, and I was on the computer a lot this day. I had received an email from my wonderful Sister-in law Steph who was watching my kids. Here is what she said...

Hey Amber!
how's the beach?
I just wanted to check in and let you know things are great. The kids are fine....other than a few new scrapes, they couldn't be better.
So.....I was just wondering....don't be mad or anything....but, Mckall got this hair-brained idea that Winni would love to go to the Mall with her and her friends. Because I know Winni, like her aunt Steph, loves to shop!! ;) Anyway, Mckall thought that winni's ears needed some renovations......do you like pink studs? I alreadey raked McKall over the coals....!!!!
Anyway here is a pic of their swim/bike party today!
Talk to you soon!
Steph

Basically I flipped out!! My response went like this...

the beach was great! we went on a catamaran to little curacao and snorkeled and hiked and had a bbq. some people saw an octopus and some turtles. I DIDN'T!! Then on the trip home we found ourselves in the middle of a dolphin pod. there were about 100 dolphins jumping around us. they were coming from everywhere!! it was so cool! however, i am now fried!! Grady doesn't have any color, because we lubed (?) him up so good, but my spray on 30 didn't quite do the job. actually, i couldn't find my 30, so i used someones 15, let's just say I lowered my standards and am now paying the price! That pic is so cute! New scrapes are fun, however, HOLES IN HER HEAD!! seriously McKall....SERIOUSLY!!! Besides the initial shock and feeling of wanting to kill McKall, followed by bawling for about 10 minutes, I might be OK with it. She seriously got her ears pierced?? I hope you ripped her a new one! Don't they require the parent's to say its OK? I'm sure you raked McKall better than I ever could, so I'll leave that up to you, but I am a little heart broken. Mostly because I wasn't there to hug her afterward. Did she do alright?? Did she scream? I'm surprised she let them do both ears, after feeling the first one. Or did they do them at the same time? Did she make McKall sing "twinkle twinkle" to her?? "don't be mad or anything"????? Honestly, right now I am, but I'll be over it by the time I get home. I guess I should have mentioned ear piercing before I left. Just so we are clear...don't pierce Trae's nipples! :) and no tattoos. if you really want to, you can cut Trae's hair, but not Winni's. and no mo hawks, just fohawks. i still love you guys. i love the smile on traes face in that picture! today im going shopping, if i can walk, that is! my fried legs tingle a little, but with enough aloe, i should be alright. i guess i can now shop for some earrings for winni! give my kids kisses and tell mckall that when i get home im piercing her butt cheeks together! :) love you all!

Amber

Finally...I got this email...

Amber Gunter..................did I forget to tell you JUST KIDDING about the ear piercing?????? WELL, She really does NOT have them pierced!!!! Mckall did mention that it would be fun and that she thinks we should do it....but SERIOUSLY do you think I would let that happen to your little ANGEL while you were gone?? ....and not let you have any of the fun? NOT!!!!!!!!!!! Now I feel bad that you are pissed and crying and thinking that we are bad babysitters and would let Trae get a tattoo and pierced nipples!!! REALLY AMBER!!!!! hahahahahahahahaha!!! OK time to laugh...............hahaha.......it was only a thought in Mckall's little sweet head! NOT REALITY!! We just thought you needed a little funny!......eventhough it was I guess NOT so funnY!! hahaha!!! Don't rip my head off ok? hahahahhaa!!
Love you!
Have fun!
See you in a few days!

Steph

OK, maybe I freaked out a little! At least I had something to do that day. And then I got an email that Trae stuck an air soft pellet into his ear and they had to take him to the dr to get it out. He's fine and all, but dang! What a fun day for Steph! Thanks again for watching my kids...checks in the mail! Well, at least "something" will be when Walter gets home with it!

Walter got back around 7:30 and he was exhausted. He wanted to just go to sleep, but I told him NO! So, we went down and ate at the Tanga Bar. When Grady was tired we took him back up to the room. Walter had homework to do, so I went back to the Tanga Bar. I needed to make up for not drinking a Pina Colada for 2 days! So, I told Walter I'd be right back...and about 2 hours later I showed up with a chocolate shake and a smile! He's so forgiving...and the chocolate shake only helped my situation!

Tuesday

This morning started bright and early!! I think it was like 7 or something! Seriously!! Today we went on a "cruise" of sorts. We all boarded Jonalisa, the catamaran that would be our home for the day. We were cruising to Klein Curacao, or Little Curacao. It was a beautiful 1 1/2 hour ride out there. Walter was on baby duty, because I had to stay out of the cabin so I wouldn't ralph! SUCCESS!! Klein Curacao was definitely little! First we took a little hike to the big abandoned ship and the little abandoned boat. On our way there we stopped at the lighthouse. Walter is a lighthouse fan, so he went up to the top. It was pretty cool. I'm not sure what the story is about the big ship, but from what I hear, the story about the little boat is about jumping on opportunity. Apparently the boat owner fell asleep or something and ended up drifting onto the shore. He called for help and someone came and got him. He came back the next day to get his boat and it had been stripped of EVERYTHING!! Poor guy!

After the hike we went back to our side of the beach and got ready to go snorkeling. We lotioned up Grady and ourselves. Mike offered to babysit, so we were off! We heard that people were seeing sea turtles so we headed in that direction. Well, we didn't see any!! But, while we were not seeing anything, some people over in another area saw an octopus! AWESOME!! Seriously, there were so many things on this trip that I totally ALMOST saw! Some of the guys went scuba diving off the boat and came across some cool stuff. Oh, and a human skull. I'm sure there is a story behind that too! Again, I didn't see it! Then we had a BBQ on the yacht. They had some great food! It was about this time that I realized that I had BBQ'd myself!! The back of me was toast. I didn't think it was that bad, but the next morning I had a hard time walking. In fact, the rest of the trip I had a hard time walking. So so so sad!! Since this is the 2nd time I've burned myself while snorkeling, I think I'll wear pants if I do it again!! Anyway, after the BBQ we headed back. We drove a ways, and then they pulled out the sails. So beautiful!! Who'da thought a piece of fabric on a stick could be such a photo op, but it was amazing. Once we started sailing we saw something jump in the water. I tell you, this time I saw something....DOLPHINS!! Lots and lots of dolphins. Seriously. They loved us! We had like 50 around our boat, and then we would look out and more were coming to swim next to us. We had our cameras going like crazy!! It was so cool! We seriously saw over 100 dolphins. A MAZE ING!! So cool!! Because there were so many pictures of this day, I got a little crazy and made a slide show. Aren't we so cute!!



Oh yes, I guess I should explain the Marines. We were enjoying the beach and all of a sudden 3 black boats came cruising over. I guess it was the Dutch Marines and the US Marines doing some training stuff. Walter thought they were so cool! Then there was a helicopter that flew all around us. I guess they are making sure we weren't smuggling drugs. I hear that is frowned upon!! Luckily the only drug we were on was dramamine! It was pretty cool, though!

After such a great day we headed back to the hotel. The guys had to work the next day, so they have mandatory crew rest and have to go to bed by like 6:30, and honestly, I didn't have a problem with that at all!! I ate a subway and was out before 7 PM!! Luckily Grady was exhausted too. What a fun day!!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Day 3

Isn't this fun! It's like I'm posting while in Curacao, only I've been home for 2 weeks! hahahaha

Monday

Everyday started out at the Tanga Bar for their buffet breakfast. Mmmmm....pancakes and eggs. You just can't go wrong. Oh yes, and the company was, well, delightful??



These things were everywhere!! I couldn't get anyone to tell me the difference between a gecko, a lizard, and an iguana, but I'm pretty sure I saw all 3 at some point during my stay. Most of those times while eating! This one came right up to the table and Walter put this piece of bagel in it's mouth. I was a little creeped out, but I guess I'm weird!?

I was so excited for this day! I mean, from what I had heard, the only thing to do in Curacao is to go scuba diving!! So this was the day...and this was the place...



Ohhhhh....stretchy pants!!

Jan Thiel Beach! It seriously was HEAVEN! I thought it was the best beach. I mean, what beach has an entrance like that?? There was also a "water park" on the other side. I think it had some small kid stuff, like you see at the Rec Center pool, any rec center pool! It was so cool, and beautiful! So, this is where we went diving. This was my first time diving "for real"! I became certified back in the day, like totally 1994 ish! So, I wasn't exactly practiced. There is a video somewhere, which I hope I can get my hands on to share with you, where you would wonder if it was me scuba diving, or if you had just run into the weirdest looking octopus EVER!! It was awesome. My goggles got a little foggy, however, and I wasn't comfortable enough to clear them, so they stayed foggy. At one point in our dive Jake pulled me aside and pointed at a rock. I pretended to look and acted like "oh that is the coolest whatever I've ever seen!" In all honesty, I saw nothing!! What I should have seen was a ginormous LOBSTER!! Well, let's just say I'm glad I didn't try to get a better look. I probably would have lost my head!!

After diving we were starving!! So, we ate at the little restaurant on the beach. This was our motley crew...



These people were so much fun! The 2 guys in the front, Dan and Dan were so bikini crazy! They could not go a few minutes without hitting on a girl. It was fun being on the other side of the beating. Hearing the inside scoop while hitting on girls, rather than being hit on....ya know, since that is the story of my life. It was nice for a change! ;) So, anyway, Dan and Dan asked one of the guys to take their picture, but the instructions were something to the effect of "zoom in really close...it's ok if we aren't in the picture!" Turns out there were some cute girls sitting behind them. It took me back to high school. What a good idea!

I ordered this amazing salad. It was called Baked Brie Salad. Seriously! There was brie cheese baked onto my bread. It was so cool! and yummy!!



And I can't forget the handsome guy next to me! Doesn't he look so cute in his rash guard shirt? I got it for him for Father's Day for when he goes diving. I didn't know I needed to tell him NOT to wear it to the table. He got made fun of so much. What do you think of him...given this pose and caption...


"Flame ON!"

Totally Fabulous 4! The best part about this picture is when I got home and showed these pictures to Winni. Her response was perfect. She saw this picture and said, "Mommy, Superhero!!" Ahhhhh...Priceless!

Speaking of priceless. This evening we decided to go see Wall E. We got a group together and headed to the theater. I couldn't figure out why they were giving Spencer such a hard time for holding Grady. The ticket lady kept asking him, "your baby?? your baby??" He kept telling her it was our baby. I was expecting the usual, "so cute!" cause he is...but no! She wanted to know who to charge the $5.75 to! Thanks lady! It totally DIDN'T make up for it when you gave us a coupon so that Grady could have his own popcorn!! Needless to say, screaming or quiet, I was not going to leave the theater and miss any part of the show. I should have changed his poopy diaper right there in my seat, but I had myself to think about, too. I hope he enjoyed the show. I'll just take it out of his education fund!!

We had an early morning planned for Tuesday, so no Pina Colada tonight! :(

So, anyway, Day 2

Sunday.

We had church in Mike's room. It was so nice to see how they improvise. It was even nicer to know that even when they can't get to church, they have the power and authority to still partake of the sacrament and have a spiritual meeting. I loved being a part of it. And, ironically enough, as soon as "church" was over, we all headed to the grocery store. Since they are part of the Netherlands, there groceries mostly come from Europe, thus the boxed water and the handsome models!!



Next came our trip to Porta Marie.



BEAUTIFUL BEACH!! It was so pretty. We got to snorkel a little and enjoy the water a lot!



Grady handled the heat really well. You know, he went into the ocean everyday we were there, however, never once with his mommy!! Can you believe it?!?! Every time his feet got wet he would coo. It was so cute, or so I hear!!

On the drive back from Porta Marie we pulled over to check out the Pink Flamingos!



For a desert island, this place sure had some cool stuff!

The food we ate was great. And, right about this point I would tell you what fantastic place my wonderful husband took me for dinner...however I can't remember!! After he tells me, then beats me, I'll fill this one in!

OK, beating done. We went to Il Forno. It was a cute little Italian Restaurant. Think, Brick Oven in Provo, only it was all outdoor seating. I, of course, couldn't pass up the chicken pizza. It was so yummy!! Walter had a great lasagna. They charge by the drink, so I "secretly" ordered a second sprite! I was hoping Walter wouldn't notice, so that when we got back to the Hotel and joined everyone down at the Tanga Bar I could still have a Pina Colada. My husband thinks I'm the biggest dork for trying to scheme him out of a few extra bucks, since he would never refuse me a Pina Colada, but I like to think that my limiting myself allows me to help provide for the family!! :)

Oh yes, and I musn't forget...



HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!! Welcome to your 70th year!!

To this day, my dad always wants to be older than he is. Someone please let him know he has already received all the perks of growing up! They've given him everything they will give, i.e. drivers license, opportunity to vote, senior citizens discount. All they do now is take stuff away!!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

CURACAO

I realize that I haven't blogged my WONDERFUL vacation, yet. The reason is not because I don't find it blog-worthy, it is because I want it to be an amazing post! I want you to taste the salt water and feel the sunshine and enjoy the virgin Pina Coladas! Let me just start by saying "I had an amazing trip!" I have so much goodness to share, so hang on, this could be a long one!



CURACAO DAY 1

We started early! Our, Grady and I, flight left at 12:30 AM on July 5th. We headed for Atlanta. We got there around 6:30 and had a 3 hour layover. So, Gramps and Nana (Walter's parents) came and took us to breakfast. They drove 2 hours just to see us. Thanks Walt and Maddy, we love you! They had never seen Grady before and he was such a good boy for them. He woke up, smiled, giggled and went back to sleep! What an angel.



We made our connecting flight and had a whole row to ourselves. So, we slept nicely! We got to Curacao
around 2 PM and were picked up by Jake. He was there to pick up his wife also. We knew the other person was on the flight, but we didn't figure out who each other was until we got there and found Jake. Walter was working, so we went to his room and got some more sleep. Finally around 7:30 he was able to come and see us! It was so good to see him. He was exhausted (I know it sounds nice to be in the Caribbean, especially when you hear they don't work everyday. However, on the days they do work it's a hard 18+ hour day!)! So, we went down to the Tanga Bar at the hotel and had dinner. I got to hang out with his buddies and meet those with whom he spends his summers! It was so nice to finally be with my husband again. Oh yes, and of course we had to start the Pina Coladas! And then I couldn't stop! I think I drank one everyday while I was there. I would be careful not to eat too much dinner so that I could get a Pina Colada later! hahaha



I think Grady fell back in love with his Daddy immediately! Everybody just loved him. I never had to hold him while I ate. People always volunteered to watch him so we could go swim. Even the waitress' would take him and show him to everybody. It was so cute!

Turns out, blogger doesn't want me to tell you about all the goodness at once. So, I guess I'll do it a day at a time! Maybe I'll sneak in a few days into one for ya. Maybe this will just be the test to see who really loves me?!?!?

Friday, July 25, 2008


HowManyOfMe.com
LogoThere are
24
people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?



Good thing I got married! There are 261 Amber Peterson's!!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Small Miracles....

HOLY CRAP!! It is 8:20 and my kids are ALL in bed...ASLEEP!! What a blessing this is. They have been staying up til around 11 PM and getting up at 6 AM! And yes, I realize it is a holiday in Utah, Pioneer Day, but ya know what?? I'll watch the fireworks out my bedroom window, unless I go to sleep before dark. Wouldn't that be nice! :)

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Hey, I've got an iDea!!!

Ahhh.....But he looks so sweet and innocent!!!


My kids are just so creative! Sometimes I wish I had the mental capacity that they have. Better yet, I wish I could think of these great things perhaps a few seconds before they do. Like the other day at Adventure Days when Trae found a golf ball and decided to throw it at poor little Kimber. Her ear swelled up so fast! Then, after a popsicle from said Adventure Days melted in my van's cup holder, later that same day, Winni informed me that Trae was painting the seat. He had gotten a hold of a "paint brush" of sorts and was painting my passenger seat arm rest a nice red! Apparently Winni knows a little better. When you have a "great" idea you share it with your cousin and have them do it, that way it isn't your fault. Well, today her great idea was to pour sand INTO Trae's ear. I guess Eli thought it was a fantastic idea, so he did it! Poor Trae, I'll never be able to remember all the things he has put, or has had put, in his ears. Good thing he knows sign language!! Hey, did you know Trae is 2 now?!? I'm so excited!!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Walter Gene Gunter the Turd!!



My little Trae!! What a stud! In the hospital all the nurses would come into my room to see the "little rock star baby!" And he is still rockin! He is so cute and so fun! He has so much ENERGY! Every morning he wakes up at about 6:30 and his lazy mom gets him out of his crib and brings him to her bed! Then he leaves me to find "bompa" outside working in the yard. He loves to work right along next to grandpa. He still doesn't talk much, but for what he doesn't say he makes up for in sign language. That kid has a sign for everything! Including when he wants to play the Wii! He is seriously hilarious, and so cool.



We had so much fun today for his birthday. We started out the day with the doorway to his room decorated. Then we headed over to the park for the Neighborhood Patriotic Breakfast & Children's Parade. We decorated Trae's bike with a big 2 and streamers and a balloon. I think he liked it given the only time he got off of his bike was to eat breakfast, then he was making rounds again!



And, since he is such a complete boy, except for when he wears girl shoes, we had a "sports" themed birthday again! With a lovely Basketball Jersey Cake! Just so that nobody left the party feeling bad, I made sure to go neither blue (BYU) nor red (UofU or UGA). We stuck with the green and Trae helped me decorate it. I could just eat this little boy!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY!! Life just wouldn't be as great without you!! My little T-Bone!

Oh yes, and sweet baby Grady slept through the party, while sucking his finger. ahhhhh!!!!



And because I thought this was HILARIOUS check out how Winni plays T-Ball....




Adam Sandler, anyone?!?

Friday, July 18, 2008

Hello out there?!?! Has anybody seen my bed???


Oh yes, there it is!


Well, as soon as I get the laundry folded I'm giving myself permission to blog like a maniac!!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

I'm totally MIA and loving it!! See you in a week with lots o pictures!!