Utah Visit--A Missionary Returns

The main reason we went to Utah this summer was to join in the fun when my brother, Jonathan, returned from his mission. He was only in town for a short time before he reported to the Naval Academy. We made the most of his time! We ate way way way too much (I came back home to a prenatal exam where I weighed in a bit over target weight, ha!) and laughed and cried late into the night. I love my family, I really really do. I truly enjoy their company and admire each of them. I dearly hope my kids grow up to be friends with their siblings like I hope I continue to be with mine.

(Bonus, we got to see some of the Lambournes, too! And a few friends here and there. I wish I'd had more energy to see more people but honestly I was still barely coping with the days and keeping all the good food down.)

The kids thrive under the attention of all the aunts and uncles and grandparents. They are the luckiest to have such love and trust.

The kids had swim lessons provided by grandparents, plus extra free swim days. We hiked to Timp Cave and enjoyed the coolness of being inside the mountain after a good walk up. Purple Turtle is always on the requested food list.

We got to ride and groom horses at my friend's farm. I miss my horse days every day.

A couple hours at BYU cemented the boys' hope to go to school there (we are keeping expectations very low and hopes very high on that one!). Found my grandpa's rubbish bin in the Law School, even with all the construction going on in the building.

Eliza Bee Becoming 5

Eliza began taking dance when we moved to CA. She had been waiting and waiting. She loves her classes and continues to dance around the house. Her first recital in June was pretty cute, all the little sparkles and tutus! She also got to do a special dance with her daddy. She adored being on stage. For weeks afterward all her drawing pictures were of dancers on stage with stage lights glowing.

I try to pull out the camera to do a portrait session for the kids near their birthday. So far Eliza has always and is still the most willing to have a fuss made about her! I wish I could have her confidence when she looks in the mirror or has a camera lens aimed at her. She is perfectly assured that she is beautiful and interesting and all that. And she is.

I haven't the heart to cut her hair yet. She's had a trim or two here and there but I know as soon as we cut off her baby curls they won't be back. Liza Bee is a big kid, no question. She's still little in some ways and I'm in no hurry to grow her up.

She loves pretending to be a kitty cat, playing with (and bothering) her brothers, playing the piano, drawing her way through trees and trees of paper, making wildflower bouquets, and dressing up--either for the day or for make-believe.

Eliza's actual birthday was in Utah, when we were visiting family. We put together a tea party with lemon and chocolate cupcakes and attempted marshmallow wing bees on each one. It was fun to try, and maybe if you squint . . . ;) It was wonderful to celebrate our girl with so many loved ones (I have a picture but promised my sisters I wouldn't put it up on the internet!) and be spoiled by all the family.

Cousins Come for Spring Break

I had some big road trip plans for spring break (heading south, visiting some of my oldest, dearest friends, Grand Canyon) but they had to drop for various reasons. I was pretty bummed. Also, unbeknownst to all of us at this point, a baby was growing and my first week of morning--aka all day and night--sickness was about to arrive.

I was delighted when Aunt Jessica and Jeralyn decided to drive up to see us and spend some days out and about, making our spring break a stay-cation. Cousin time is always a good time.

I remember I was feeling pretty yucky these days, but I'm glad we have a lot of other really great times to remember in addition. And apparently I hid my nausea and exhaustion pretty well because when we announced the baby a few weeks later everyone was surprised. So how's that for good acting? :)

We spent one day in the city, admiring the bridge and eating treats. (I ate two bites before I felt very sick and have regretted not being able to enjoy more almond chocolate croissant ever since!)

We showed off our favorite beach, Pescadero, and some true Northern California weather. The sky was cloudy and the ocean grey and the air crisp and clear. I love it.

I was glad Collin could take some time off work and drive with us to Muir Woods. I'm not sure I could have managed driving the winding roads with how queasy I felt, being a passenger was bad enough. But walking through the ancient glen helped enormously. The kids got some wiggles out, the smell of the redwoods settled my stomach. It was beautiful for the soul.

We got frozen yogurt and then it was time to go home and relax. Or rather, play very hard and wildly until cousin sleep over time. You know, I look at these pictures and realise why maybe the kid-sized blow up mattresses haven't lasted as long as I thought they might. Ha!

On the last morning we drove part way with the cousins and before saying goodbye we went to the Monterey Aquarium. I have pictures somewhere but can't find them.

It was so wonderful to have family come visit us during Spring Break and make it 100 times more fun than it otherwise would have been!