I feel like such a weight has been lifted. For months, we have been planning and preparing for this one week in June. Countless prayers were offered, fasts were made, the temple was attended. And miracles were witnessed. Although not a perfect week, it was an amazing one nonetheless. Friendships were strengthened, testimonies grew, the Spirit was felt. Memories were made, all had FUN :), and I know that lives were changed. I am so grateful for His help in all of it. I am so grateful for EVERYONE'S help. It is truly a team effort and an enormous undertaking. I know I was inspired to "STEP UP".
We took a spontaneous trip to San Diego last week. It was very mellow... lots of beach time, swimming at the pool, and smiles. Very relaxing, which was just what we needed. We explored Balboa Park a little, and also stopped at the Getty Center on the way home. (amazing!!) I loved every second of it... I love being with my crew.
We had a busy week! Ellie danced in both her school talent show AND her annual recital. She did a wonderful job... SO cute! Noah also performed in the school talent show again on the piano. He's played every year since 1st grade! He also did a great job... he was sick the day before and we didn't even know if he'd be able to play!! He didn't even practice that day, but still managed a great performance. I am so proud of my talented kids. :)
We have a fun tradition... a couple times a year, we awake in the middle of the night to spend the day in one of the most gorgeous places on earth with people who make it all that much better. We stop for oatmeal in Oakhurst, decide on a hike... often changing our path as we go... depending on how much snow is on the path!!... and which trail Ranger Matt thinks would be best... make friends with fellow hikers... tell lots of stories... laugh a ton... feast on pasta salad and cookies with the MOST amazing views.... laugh some more... marvel at the beauty all around and thank Him for it... call our kids right from the trail (which is amazing!!!)... take LOTS of pictures... and then take some more... and depending on how late it is when we come down off the trail, and whether or not Pepito lets us out of the park... we stop for yummy Mexican food in lovely Oakhurst. Chips and salsa, although always delicious, are extra amazing after a day hiking. We come home tired and sore, but with light hearts and gratitude for a day well spent. Can't wait until next time!
I finally put together all the pics and video from our ski/board season this year. By the end of April, the kids were all looking SO good!! I absolutely loved our days together there, our days with friends, and my few days with just girls! :) This is, shall we say, thorough... (20 minutes!) but I loved every second of the season!
we LOVE to spend the first day of spring break at knott's berry farm!! we've been going for YEARS. as the kids have grown, they've slowly but surely braved new frontiers. it is so fun to watch! aidan got to go on two new rides this year that he LIVED for. he's still talking about them. as is austen. she braved the EXCELERATOR this year, which is one of my all time favorite rides!! she LOVED it. ellie was so sad to be 2 inches short to go on some new rides. next year. she is so cute... she was seriously bummed!! and noah is our fearless rider... always has been. he'll go on anything.
we were so happy to have friends there as well! the salways drove down with us and we loved having them along!! all of the kids have a buddy and we adore them! it turned in to a total fresno party when the christensens, the allreds, and the toomers also came. SO fun! the more the merrier! you can't have more fun for a great price at knott's! (i sounds like a commercial, but it's true!)
the next day we went and checked out the La Brea Tar Pits. corey has always wanted to go... it was pretty cool! the kids liked looking at all the bones they've found and finding out the story behind it all. definitely worth the trip to get there. we finished up the day at ikea and then headed home. the kids are STILL talking about it and can't wait for next time!
OK so we've been busy, what else is new??? I got three super fun ski trips in last month, and my friend Jen is not only funnier than I, but completely caught up with blogging them! So... here's a link if you want to know what we were up to last month. This link takes you to our trip to Tahoe, but on her blog are the other two trips as well. :)