Birthday Wishes

For Iris' 4th birthday I let her and Owen decorate the birthday cake.

 

 

They were so excited and did a really great job!

 

Can't forget the sprinkles!

 

Samuel with the kids.

 

Mom too.

 

What a beautiful girl!

 

Iris,
Your mom and dad love you so much!  I still remember the day you came into this world!  You were absolutely beautiful then, and you remain so today.  You were so clingy-you didn't even like Dad!-and yet, over time, you gradually opened up.  You are an absolute delight and we are so grateful to be your mom and dad!

Bodega Bay

Exploring Bodega Bay was a first for us, and visiting this beautiful spot gave us some much needed family-time.  Everything was stunning and we can't wait to go back and stay over-night.

Play time!

My son.

All smiles...and a funny face.

 

Don't you dare, Bella!

 

If you're being kind you're thinking, "Lucky Olivia!".

If not, well... :)

 

The set-up.

 

Our tradition: 

Writing in the sand.

 

 

Ava's tradition:

Wet!

 

Gabriel soaking up those rays.

 

Here's Owen hating the sand. 

Yes, he really, really dislikes it.

 

Sand soup!

 

 

 

 

Me and my girls! 

Hey!

Where's my Iris?

 

Who doesn't like throwing wet sand?

 

If you've never been, check -it out!

Just bring a sweater...or two!

Primary Temple Activity

Our kids were so excited to attend the Primary Activity at the Sacramento Temple.

 

Even Gabriel was in on the action.

 

Among other things, they made a temple out of sugar cubes and spoke to a couple who served in the temple.

Thank you for a wonderful activity!

Fingers & Toes

My in-laws are the best (there's my awesome mother-in-law Clista)!

Do you see me?

Do I look like I need some major pampering?

 

Yes!!!

 

Leah, my crazy sister-in-law in the zen pose is getting a leg massage by my equally nutty sister-in-law Rachel.  I love these girls!

 

Our barrage of beauty supplies.

Who knew we needed so much to look presentable!

 

 

The feast!

You know I'm addicted to food!

 

My sister-in-law Jessica getting her soak on while we all laughed and talked about who knows what!

Thank you Elizabeth for organizing this super-fun night.  And thanks to everyone for just being you.  I love being with sisters.  There's a spirit that's catching and it brings so much peace to the soul.

Loves

A father's kisses.

There's nothing like them.

Sous Chefs

I am so grateful for my kitchen helpers!

 

They are a blast to work with and I love to see their culinary creations!

 

 

Check out their beautiful pizza pies!

Now that's "amor'e"!

Fairy Tale Town

On a crazy Saturday I took all my kids (minus Gabriel), plus my nephew Jacob to Fairy Tale Town.

 

They had a blast climbing the treehouse...

 

...checking out the animals...

 

...climbing on giant stinky feet...

 

...posing as you-know-who...

 

...meditating...

 

...singing pirate shanties...

 

...and generally, reflecting on a fun afternoon!

It was quite the outing, and I was grateful for the opportunity for the kids to just be kids!

Construction Zone

We visited dad on the site of a construction project.

 The kids especially dug the hats, though Owen was constantly having to fix his.

Thanks for the tour!