The Sunday Precedding an Evening in Excellence

Mother, Meg and I finished up Meg's project on Sunday afternoon.  We are a happy group!

 This beauty is just so beautiful. I can't stop starring.  She's my baby sister.

 During our worship hour, I sat by mis padres and fed off their devotion and love for eternal gospel truths.

 We played games in the perpetual sabbath mess.

Then Wednesday night, Meg presented her projects after a lovely meal.

Brown Babies

So, these brown babies should have used a bit more block.  Thanks, Grandma B. for that beautiful skin.

Fall Break

Santo Tomas, Mexico was simply a perfect beach vacation.  Both sets of grandparents aided in the beauty and splendor of the week.

Our first night.

The children were in the ocean within 15 minutes of our arrival.

Each evening we gathered for family scriptures and prayer.  Maddie impressed her grandparents with her reading.

Austin spent most of his time in a kayak.  He paddled our two little boys for hours.

Maddie made Maisie into a mermaid.

Both Eddie and Ryan napped everyday on the warm sand.

These two love-birds were carefree and relaxed.

These two grandpas spent time chatting, watching dolphins and running along the shore.

Nick and Ryan were pretty lucky to find themselves in this group shot.  (The red villa in the background is where we stayed.)

Seeking shade.

Austin brought new games to master.

We played "Five Crowns" this evening -- I won! (My darling mother brushed my hair.)

Sunset on the sandbar.  (L-R: Nick, Andy, Grandpa Ron, Maisie, Grandma Kim, Emily, Meg)

Both grandmas and Grandpa Ron spent one afternoon "chasing" the exiting tide by moving their chairs lower and lower along the shore.

The beginning of a sand wall.

Ryan loved every minute.  His best smile.

One evening we four found ourselves as the last stragglers on the sandbar.  The conditions were perfect for chatting and finding sand dollars.

The roof-top diners.  Our dinner table was much quieter without them.

Aunt Emily was the perfect aunt, as always.  She played with the bigs and littles, and she didn't get anyone else sick!

Andy and Nick allowed themselves to be pummeled for two hours while the waves rushed over, around, and through them.  All the while they giggled.

These two made cookies juntos.  My favorite was the macaroon with a salted caramel drizzle.

Once we stood by each other.

I didn't hear anything but joy from this Eddie.  He loves any water with zero-entry level.

Our last night and no one wanted to come in.

A huge shout-out to Austin who made all of this possible.  He planned, prepared and provided all the gourmet food accommodations.  I suppose the best summation is that we are counting down until next year.

Nursery Boy

Ryan is 18 months old.  Today was his first day in nursery.  I asked Meg to take a few pictures of him before church.  These two were my favorite.

 His grin was not to be found.  And, his feet were too fat for his new navy/white spats that would have completed his outfit perfectly.  So, my only option was his converse.  Tennis shoes to church, that's a first.

 He did very well.  Eddie fed him all his food and they played nicely together.  They were a happy nursery pair.  I was the one who cried.

 My killer new dress (via my friend).  I need a navy puffed cap sleeved blouse.  Any one know where to get one?

I had to post this ditty because they are simply my darlings.

School Lunch

Maddie begs me to come and eat lunch with her every week.  We've only been twice this year, but I should really consider going on Tuesdays.  

 On Friday morning the entire school runs the Ocelot Trot.  Maddie ran 1.5 miles in 15 minutes, passing most of the students.  I told her she deserved ice cream.

Scouts

I have eight wolves that call me Akela.  Yesterday we fulfilled our community service project and held a canned food drive in front of the local grocery store.  The boys were thrilled with every can received.  We filled that entire bin to the tippy top.  Check.

 Side note:  Eddie loves Bartlebee.

It's Conference Time

General Conference came around again so quickly.  We spent eight hours together lounging, eating and listening.  How blessed we are to worship and learn in our own home.  We are excited to ponderize and learn more about the three new apostles.

 First round of junk.

 These two are besties right now.  It's really sweet to watch them love each other.

 These boys were bored and found a "quiet" game.

 Meg's brilliant selfie shot.

Sew it Goes

Austin graciously bought me my own chromebook.  I personalized it right away in hopes that I will be the sole user (that's a lofty wish).  Case and vinyl, ahhh.