The year was 1999. I was turning 21, and had decided after much deliberation to become a nanny. The family that hired me had two children, Kathryn (Katie) and Michael. Katie was 6 and Michael had just turned 2. Before this, the only place other than Utah that I'd been was Hawaii, where I lived with my family for about 4 years... I truly was in for an experience of a lifetime! The Goodman family welcomed me with open arms, and made me an instant part of their family. I had to adjust to the new lifestyle of "living on the East coast". Their home was nestled amongst many tall trees in Maplewood, New Jersey. It was raining as I arrived and I was just glad to have made it after a cancelled flight and lost luggage which is a story for another time! They were having a "good bye" party for the nanny that I was replacing which was a bit overwhelming but nice to be able to meet some other of her friends that lived in the area. I met Katie and Michael who were excited with all the guests and excitement of getting a "new Nanny".
They were such adorable kids!
The transition happened quickly as Tiff was leaving in a few days and had only that much time to show me the ropes. I was so thrilled to be living in a different part of the country that I had never seen before, and excited to get to work. I loved being able to be with the Goodman family for one year and was sad to leave them! I had no idea how attached I would be to these kids, they were my family!! I had many opportunities to see and do so much on the East coast, with weekend trips to Manhattan, spending time in DC, and going on vacation with them to the Jersey shore and Williamsburg, VA. I loved my road trip with friends up to see Niagara Falls, and Palmyra, NY to attend the Hill Cumorah Pageant. I loved being involved with the Singles group there, and had opportunities to go to the DC Temple! It was always fun to attend the singles ward in NYC which was held in the building that is now the Manhattan Temple! It was awesome! Many memories and experiences!!!
I was so lucky this past week to have the Goodman family FINALLY make it to the west coast to see many sights that they've not seen before! They stayed with us here in Tooele, and then down in Hurricane with my parents, since we were taking them to Lake Powell for the day. The kids have grown up, Katie now is 15 and Michael is 11. Its so weird to see them grown up because my memories of them are the cute little 6 and 2 year olds! I am so glad to have seen them and I hope to see them more often in the future! They are like family, and I just love 'em!!
Sue and Mark treated us to a fun day at Raging Waters! I felt like a kid again screaming down the slides! We loved the wave pool too!
Here we are with everyone plus Tiff, their first nanny. She is from Brigham City so she came down to SL for the day to see them! We had lots of fun reminiscing!
Kate and Michael loved playing with my kids, and Easton loved their entertainment. Kate has turned into such a great babysitter! I'm glad they are returning the favor!! =)
Here we are at Lake Powell. My parents were so sweet to be their personal tour guides! Plus I got to go with much thanks going to my sister Lisa for taking on the kids ALL day long! Thanks you guys! We had a blast tubing, jumping off rocks, and splashing all the lizards! Its amazing how even though I've been to Powell so many times, we still find as Mark said, "hidden gems".. Love that place! I was thrilled to see the Goodman's, its been way too long! Can't wait to get together again, hopefully sooner than later!!! I just love you guys!
7 comments:
you need to write about when you thought you were getting mugged in the city! I remember bits & peices, but we need the whole visual!
How exciting you got to see your NJ friends! I consider them friends too since they let me stay at their home. Oh my heck that was such a fun and memorable trip! And as usual I'm jealous you got to go to Powell.... love that place. But seriously WE need to get together! If only life weren't so busy, but I guess that's better than being bored. Love ya lots!
I was thinking you were here for a few days. I was hoping to see your cute family, but I now understand why this trip down was a little to busy. I am glad you got some time with them. How fun to see the kids grown into teenagers.
What an awesome post. I remember hearing that you went to the east coast to nanny but I can't believe it was that long ago. Glad you got to see them again. And when Lisa posted that she had your kids all day, I was wondering why. Now I know. Glad you had a great time. It's always nice to see people from your past :)
Yes, you guessed right at sarantastic.blogspot.com. It's. :) Semi-anonymous because of my work in online marketing ... :)
It looks like you had a good time!
Seeing thoes fall leaves makes me crave fall! Its my favorite time of year! and I bet it is breathtaking in NJ!
That is way neat!! I liked this post! So fun to get together again after all these years!! :)
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