Mineral King

We finally made it up to altitude again...It seems like it had been so long since we had been in the high mountains and I really missed it.

our campsite on the creek.

Educating the kids in the ways of creek-dipping!...all three kids. Josiah, Kaila and...Baby #3, 6 1/2 months old, tucked all safe and sound in my belly!

Kaila opted out, just toes for her.

Josiah and I went big... obviously it was freezing!

I went home and immediately began researching where to take kids backpacking...unfortunately, we have a few obstacles still standing in our way of making a back-country trip...

a two year old, a three year old and me being 7 months pregnant. Believe me, if we could pull it off, I would go backpacking this summer, but it's not looking like a great time. 

Cant wait for the next adventure...

Father's Day

Father's Day Weekend found us spending the night on the coast in Shell Beach. Ry and I rode with the kids down to Avila along the Bob Jones Trail, met up with Granny and Tata, then we all went to the Avila Valley Barn and ate lunch and got ice cream.

We came to shell after my last (extra-long) week of work and, needless to say, we were all tired and ready for the relaxation. Josiah decided to rest on a pile of warm sand in the parking lot while waiting for the trolley. 

Then, on Fathers Day itself, Ryan and I enjoyed biking to our local favorite coffee shop and talking while the kids played in the kid corner and drank their special hot chocolates.

Later that evening, we went to the Sea Venture on the ocean to listen to my dad play music for happy hour and then have a big family dinner. 

I have so many amazing dads in my life. First there was my own dad who loved me from the beginning, and Ryan's dad who was loving him at the same time. Both amazing fathers. 

Now, I get the privilege of sharing life with Ryan as a father. He is patient, sensitive, caring and nurturing. He reads to the kids, takes them fishing, cooks us great super-healthy breakfasts every single morning, and he carries our family through everything. Plus, he is hands-down my best friend and the person I would choose to hang out with and spend my free time with any day. He points me towards acting in truth and love and doing what is right, in all circumstances, and helps guide me into living a more peacefully balanced life.  I could never have asked for a man who was a more perfect fit for me. 

Above all, I am so thankful to The Father, for all of the fathers in our lives.  

Love Art

J and K came home from preschool the other day with their binders full of their art projects. J. is so proud. He shows his art projects to everyone who enters the house. 

What can we say, the kids love art...

...yep, they love art...

...especially when it comes in the form of blueberry-scented markers.

No Naps for Us!

Me: J, K, it's time for quiet times! Go to your room and pick out a book to read.

Them: No mom! We're hiding.

Me: I can see you.

Them: No you can't.

Ok. Guess that settles it. Who knew it was that simple?

March-May

Well, blogging hasn't been high on my list of priorities lately, but I have a feeling it will come back soon (I'll explain on the next post...) As for now, I just wanted to update the last few, super fun, months...

Easter in Chico

(pollywogs)

(Dad's Birthday)

Kaila's First, Professional Haircut

so serious! She did great!

Easter in Atascadero

My granny hosted! 

Camping in San Simeon for Ryan and My Birthdays

Who's that little thing sleeping under the bench seat!?

 Terra's Birthday

Feb-March...Whew!

The last month...plus...in review.  It's been so, so good...I've had to be resting on all our downtime!

Week 1, Valentines Day Weekend

Happy Valentines Day Camping Trip to Santa Barbara...and the first camping trip in our new van!

Here's their little snuggle spots, Kaila on the ground and Josiah on the front seat. Ryan and I sprawled out in the back. So cozy and...easy! That was the best part!

On a hike, with our sweet friends RJ and Anna (unfortunately not pictured). We love them!

Ending the camping trip with a quick stop-off at the Santa Barbara Zoo...

...not surprising these two fell fast asleep as soon as we started the drive home.

Week 2-Parents in Town, on both sides!

Such a full-of love week, not many pictures, but lots of memories! Time at the beach with Mom and Dad Lucio and time at the Lily House and dinners with Mom and Dad Hayes

Weekend 3- Adults only escape to Bear Valley

Lyndal's good friend Taylor let us stay at her cabin in Bear Valley, and us and two other couples cozied up in the cabin in the snow for two days. Ryan and I spent all day together cross country skiiing on some great slopes, all groomed for skiing! It was awesome!

Weekend 4- Lovin Home

Biking to the local coffee shop...

Outdoor movie night at our house with our Bible study...12 adults and 13 kids under the age of about 8! Snuggling under the stars on a warm A-town night, watching a movie and roasting hobo e'claires...how much better can it get?

Week 4- First Week of Pre-School

 Yes, Josiah is in socks. We were in a rush and his shoes were in the car. I just like to focus on those beautiful smiles. They go four half-days a month, every other tuesday and thursday.

Week 5-6-Prayer

Our bible study had a tragedy, one of the families lost their sweet boy in a tragic accident. He was only about 3 1/2 years old. I would be remiss if I didn't write a note of the event that is still heavy on our hearts and playing a part in our daily lives.

Week ?- The things that keep me busy in-between...

One day, I thought the kids were all napping, and I laid down to rest. From my bed I heard a clucking in the hallway, that's right, a clucking right outside my bedroom door. I jumped up to see Kaila with a very-put-out chicken in her arms. She was in socks, so she graced the house with a trail of leaves that marked her path from the chicken coop, to the kitchen (why??), through the living room and down the hallway. Then the chicken freaked out and made a mad flap-dash for it's life. (I can't say I blame the thing. Kaila is kinda terrifying when it comes to small animals. She just loves them so much that she's always threatening to hug them..to death.) Anyways, Kaila gripped that chicken's leg and shielded her face with one arm as it frantically flew in a half circle around her head and body, raining down feathers all over the hallway. I couldn't be mad. I helped her secure the chicken told her to freeze while I ran and got the camera.  I snapped this picture then made her carry the frazzled chicken back outside...and then I vacuumed.

Weekend 7-March 14-16- Camping Trip to Big Sur

With an 80 degree, sunny weekend and good surf on the horizon, Ryan and I packed up and headed up to Big Sur to go camping. It was, by far, one of the best camping trips we have had in a long, long time. We relaxed, we surfed big waves, we slept well, the kids frolicked and played on the beach and on the grass at Plasket Creek Campground...No complaints at all. It was even easy packing and unpacking due to our new van. In and out. Simple.

Week 7- 8 Year Anniversary

Ryan and I celebrated 8 years on March 18th. Lyndal came and babysat while we went out to a nice dinner and then took a hot tub under the stars. This picture above is actually an engagement picture. Seeing us surfing together, younger and a bit more carefree, actually reminds me of how Ryan and I felt on our camping trip just two days before. I am soooo lucky to be married to such an amazing man. This picture reminds me of the joy and love we have for eachother, for God and His amazing creation, and for riding the wave of life together as we grow with our kids, our home, and our memories. 

(sorry for the sappy refrence, but it's true, it really does remind me of that ;)