Spring Break 2018 -- Beach Days

We spent two days at the beach over spring break.  It just so happened to fall on the 2nd anniversary of my dad's death.  I found myself feeling inseparably connected to him on his beach.  The beach we visited every year as family.  The place where we would go as a family to escape it all and watch in awe as Daddy would ride the waves and drink the atmosphere into his soul.

 I miss him.  Daddy, this heart is for you. 

 I am trying to teach my kids how to love the beach just as much, but I can't, because I don't get in the water -- it's way too cold.  I'll teach them how in Mexico where both the air and water are warm.

 I guess my children don't need too much help -- they love the sand and the surf.  Let's just say I was super smart and make them wear sweats to play in the sun.  They thanked me for the cover.

 We went to CA with our friends the Bliss family.  Here are our girls and theirs'.

 Here are our two big boys.

 Here is the group digging holes, racing waves and enjoying every second.

I do love the beach.  I do love my daddy.  Here's to two years of learning how to live with loss and choosing to move forward by placing all my hope in the atonement of Jesus Christ -- repentance and resurrection.

Spring Break 2018 -- Disneyland Day

Experiencing Disneyland is a once every seven years venture.  This year was a goodie!

We arrived at the tram at 7:30 am so that we could be waiting at the gates at 8 to hop on the "Peter Pan" ride.  It was a good plan.

 The one photo with all my peeps in it.  We still look fresh and dry.

 Eddie is excited for his first ride.

 Teacups

 "Storybook"

 "It's a Small World"

 Austin and I rode the "Matterhorn" juntos.  All these rides are better than I remember.

 "Space Mountain" picture.  Meg and I screamed the entire time.  FUN!

 Molly fell asleep.  I sat behind her and read my scriptures for the day.

 Anxiously awaiting our Riverboat Cruise.

 "Jungle Cruise."  I think the tour guides are so funny.  I'm the only who every laughs, but it gets me every time.

Then it rained for a couple hours.  We found relief at the pizza store ($56/5 slices), the Star Wars museum and the "Nemo" ride.

 The Carousel was one of the last rides.  (I stood and yelled to each of my children as they passed.  After the fourth call, the man next to me asked me how many children I had.  Then he gave me a high-five and told me that one child did him in.  I was smug.) 

 Meg and I thought the castle was really pretty. We stayed to watch "Fantasmic," all the while Eddie begged to go home because Disneyland was boring and we should be in bed.

 Oh, the "Star Tours" ride with the crew, another fun one.

Everything about today was really great.  I thought I really fun to stick together and stand in lines, eat, laugh and play.  Austin was a great navigator, and the kids were great sports.  I'm good for seven more years.......

March Madness

I totally think I already posted all these pictures.  That's how I work I guess, in absolute idiocy.  Here is my handsome boy.  He passes the sacrament each week and goes to all his other church meetings.  He's preparing to be a fine missionary and young adult. <3 p="">

 Nick and Austin worked together on a mighty fine pinewood derby car.

 Here we are at the derby.  Nick's car raced really well.

 These two boys thought so.

 So did this little scamp (her daddy brought after me without ruffle socks, bow and coat).

 Here is our Webelo!

 The racing fans.

 After the derby Andy's science fair project was due.  Nice.

 Ryan and I find quiet moments to read and learn.  Maisie captured us via a blurry photo.  Oh, well.

 This is big!  I took my two little girls and pierced their ears.  They both look so darling.  I broke all my own "mom rules."

 Maddie before.

 Maddie after.

 Molly right after.

 Maddie and Molly three minutes after.

 Molly the next morning.

 Aunt Whitni came to town to love on Grandma and Grandpa B.  She invited us over for her family-famous sugar cookies.  They were so delicious!!!!!  We just love Aunt Whitni!

 Saturday we packed all day in preparation for our spring break trip.  I took a picture of Austin taking a picture of Maisie and Molly.  It's a rare occurrence when he takes his phone out for a picture.  As you can see, this was well worth it.