Family Time

Sunday. . . April 5th. . .Sleepover with Doney cousins.  We enjoyed organizing toys into various piles on the floor, eating yummy cereals, and playing games while children slept.  

Thanks, we had fun . . .

Monday. . . The Egg Hunt - Mimi and Papa's backyard

Papa's Banking Service. . . Papa has always been a reliable source for all of our banking needs.  Here he is making dollar exchanges for coveted quarters.

Break Away

Saturday,  April 4th . . .  Alison's game.  Mimi and Papa came to see her play.   After the game, we went to their house for a couple of days.  The kids love spending time with  grandparents and cousins.  What a great way to start out our Spring break!!

School Days. . .

This week we had a few things at the kids various schools. . . 

Friday. . . Lindsay had a "Little House" party.  They have been reading Little House in the Big Woods together as a class.  She is addicted. . . she said that she would have loved to live like Laura Ingalls.  "Don't you even think that I look like her mom?"  (Except, for the teeth, I guess so, maybe.)  I think Lindsay was born into the wrong century.  She is now reading Little House on the Praire (#2) and wants to read the whole series.  I think there is 9 in total.  I am sure grateful for libraries. . .

They had a pancake breakfast, crafts, and games.  Getting to play with yarn and sew at school were the highlights of the day!!

Alie had her "Spring Party" the same day.  I was busy inside organizing a craft, but I did manage to snap a picture of her outside doing an egg relay.  Spring Break here we come!!

Earlier in the week. . . I actually was able to fit her new hair cut into tiny ponys.  Between the ponys and the white dress, I had to take a picture.  They are two of my favorite little girl things.  I just cannot resist a cute, crisp white dress!!

Ryan made the school activity list. . .which is rare for this junior high schooler.  He was in a play for his drama class.  Well, he wasn't "in" the play, but he was the narrator.  He really wanted an actual part, but in the end, had a good time giving character to his voice.  Great job Ryan!!

"Twin Day" was on Wednesday.  This year they chose to dress like each other instead of with a classmate.  This made it much easier for me, since they dress alike so much anyways!  I wonder how long this will last.

Last but not least. . .  Tuesday. . . Justin's classroom birthday celebration.

I did not notice until afterwards that he is surrounded by all girls in this picture!  His buddies Carter, Quinn, and Logan were much wiser.

Miss Lawson made him a birthday crown, which he still is wearing around the house.

Phew. . . vacation. . . it's here!

Four. . .

Monday, March 30th. . . Justin turned four today.  Coronado. . . a great place to try out his new bike.  So beautiful. . .and the kids love riding along the water.  After school, we loaded up bikes, scooters, and skateboards and crossed over the "big bridge" leading to the island.  This part is always exciting!  After blowing out the "lightsaber" candles on his cake, the kids played at the park, and then we headed down the bike path that leads to the Ferry landing.  On the way, the kids stopped at different breaks along the shoreline to throw rocks.  Justin loved doing this!  Also, there was a bird that kept going underwater for several minutes before resurfacing, and a game was soon made up to try and find and follow this bird along the way.  Lindsay made sure that all birds on land were forced into flight.  There were sailboats, aircraft carriers, and other types of boats that the boys were excited about.  We ate pasta and bread "knots" at the Ferry landing and watched the sun go down.   Justin fell asleep on the way home, blue frosting still on his lips.  I can't believe he is four. . .the time has gone so quickly.  Happy Birthday buddy!!

 

Backpacking. . .

Friday and Sat, March 27th/28th . . . Ryan's first backpacking hike with the twelve year old and varsity scouts.  They hiked up to Kitchen Creek Falls in the Laguna Mountains.  With all of their gear, they hiked four miles in to set up camp, cooked dinner, and collapsed.  Ryan said the stars were amazing, with just a slight sliver of a moon.  In the morning, they hiked without their packs to the bottom of the canyon, and then up to the Falls.   Ryan did a great job with his camera getting photos for me!  Then it was back to camp, packing up, loading it all onto their backs, and making the six mile trek back down.  This part was apparently pretty rough.  Good thing the boys had their walking sticks to help hold them upright.  Very fun guys!