San Francisco 2015

Spring Break 2015 is already over, and we traveled 2100 miles by car.  Every mile was worth it because we experienced San Francisco like a true tourist group/family.  Funny, though, that many of the tourists paused to gawk at us.

 Lyndsey made us the most delicious food -- including home made waffle cones that we filled with luxury ice cream.

Jelly Belly factory was next.  We toured the plant and ate tons of jelly belly beans.

Then we visited Uncle Cecil and Aunt Nona.  It was a real treat to catch up with them.

 Then we climbed on the rocks at the top of Mount Diablo.

 Next day was touring Alcatraz.  We did not leave any children on the island, but Eddie did manage to run straight into a cell bar.  A giant goose egg and a long nap were his consequences.

 Fishermans Wharf up next.  Austin bought us doughnuts, a ride on the carousel and clam chowder.

 Eddie, the happy rider.

 I stepped back to see why many were stopping to point at us.  This is what we looked like.  Relatively normal.

 Thursday found us hiking in Muir Woods walking across the Golden Gate Bridge.

 Our bus certainly proved to be a commercial carrier.

 Tree hugger.

Friday was Capitola Beach!  A chilly day ocean side, but that never detours the children.

Boy Scout Andy made a fire on the beach with an old sock and litter.  The kids used towels as a wind guard.

 Matching cousins.

 This baby ate handfuls of sand, and pooped handfuls of sand.

This girl wanted to record her natural beach curls.

 Pizza finished off the perfect day.

 Well, kids crashing in front of a show truly finished off our day.

A brilliant vacation.  

Afternoon Hours

Eddie was watching this video of himself that Andy took yesterday afternoon.  Four boys all around me.  And the laundry.  And the homework.  And the laughing.  And the joy.

Water Week

Ryan learned a new skill.

I made many gluten, dairy and sugar free foods this week.

 Larabars for my VT ladies.

 Austin bought his practice!  He's preparing the food for his first staff meeting.

 Saturday we picnicked in the park with amigos.

 And today it's been raining all day in this desert.  More rain on the pool cover than off.

 We are memorizing "The Living Christ" for the next 12 weeks.

Every time I wear this shirt that I embroidered, I giggle.  Because I DO got milk.

 The rain in the desert flooded our basement.  Happy Sabbath evening.

Thursday's Quick Break

What a long week without Austin.  But, we survived.  We always do.  I don't know how.  But we do.

Early out day and five parent teacher conferences on Thursday.

I took the kids for ice cream just after dinner.  (I took them Friday as well.  Saturday we ate a boat load of  candy instead of visiting Peggy the ice cream lady.)

 However, on Thursday night, just before the weekend storm hit, we caught a quick break.  I found my four bigs teaching him a new game.  They sat together for an hour.  Austin was trying to beat Andy's high score.  I don't think he did.

Favorite Holiday

Valentine's weekend was fantastic.  Friday night we had friends over for dinner and games.  A new tradition.   I hadn't laughed that hard in so long.  Enjoying a night with my love and watching him laugh and relax was brilliant.  

 Saturday we drove to "The Resort."  The entire afternoon we jumped rope and played in the pool.
Evening time and we headed for Mexican cuisine.  You might think I didn't get ready for my date, but don't be fooled, I braided that perpetual bun of mine.

 Sunday was lovely and peaceful.

 Monday brought dirt to be moved and an army of happy helpers to help.

 Home again to matching dino pajamas and Meg dressing up baby boy as a girl.  It's funny.

No TItle (Which is a Title)

Just one of those weeks were everything is mundane, yet when I look at the pictures I took I realize that my children make my world marvelous.

Maddie's "kinderdarten" hat.

Eddie's daily vocational training.

Wegetable Wednesday.

Stop it.  I actually put make up on and crimped my hair for our date.  Austin forgot to compliment me.  So, he'll just have the bag lady for the next year until I try that again.

Sunday's weather was just brilliant.  We played outside and went for a walk.  (Those middle children are hard to find.  Maisie's head is between Meg and Andy.  Nick is racing for the slide behind Meg.)

This baby is perpetually teething.  He awakened caked in boogies and so,

this cute little DoTerra humidifier is running constantly beside him.  The essential oils that are being released make my room smell like fall.

It's not often that a selfie can hide the upper quadrants of my legs.  This one did.   Mom and Ash told me that this little ruffled sweat shirt was worth its high price.   I listened.

 These boys.  Their vests and colored shirts are all over this blog and insta, yet I just can't help staring at them.  Where did I ever get four boys?  I was certain when Meg was born that I'd have eight girls.  Little boys are grand.

Bear Mountain

Austin, Andy, Ryan (via the KELTY) and I climbed to the top of Bear Mountain.   It was projected to take five hours.  We summited in 1.5 and were down in the same amount of time.  Our legs were burning and were sore the next day, but it was just delightful to be together.

Bye Bye Birdie

I found this gem.