Cali-fun-ia!

Oh California.....How I love to think I could live there. In reality, I don't know when the crowds and pollution and all things negative would catch up to me, but for now, I feel like it's almost a perfect place. I think the ocean plays a big part in that feeling. No matter what we have planned for ourselves - we can always be guaranteed that our time at the beach will be the highlight. It's just like no other place.

Everybody's going surfin... surfin USA! In Newport Beach

 

 La Jolla is another one of our favorites

 

  Sam's best friend from his highschool years lives right on the beach in Newport and was nice enough to take us all out and try boogie-boarding or surfing. That water was COLD. But fun we still had! Also, I was tired of asking Sam to take pictures with me in them- so for the beach trips, I decided to just turn the camera on myself and forget the rest - but yes, for futures sake/proof- I was there! :)  We had one night eating out at a gorgeous place near Balboa Island with a friend of Sam's. The kids were on their best behavior (despite the open flame right next to the table, that I half expected Reese to launch his napkin into.., which he didn't - thankfully) They really enjoyed all the adventurous food options and I was super proud. One of those great gems that actually all turns out! Way to go kiddos! It was a beautiful night.

 

Last but never least - The San Diego Temple! My ultimate favorite. Always so amazing to drive up to. I really hope that the amazing spirit there will rub off on my kids and stay with them forever. What a gorgeous place. Till next time!
  

We Heart Sea World!

For Spring Break we took a little jaunt to California and bravely resisted our kids' chanting to go to Disneyland in hopes of avoiding the large Spring break crowds. Our decision to go to Sea World was a great one not just because some of our friends spent 4 hours at Disney only to go on 2 rides but also because Sea World is one of my most favorite places. That and of course the animals which were, as always, completely amazing.

 

 

   

 

Freezing cold after the rapids ride, but they still loved it enough to keep doing it! 

Happy Father's Day to the Best Daddy and Grandpas we could ask for!! 

 

 

Happy Mother's Day 2012

Now with my post about the amazing women in my life complete - I can move along and document my mother's day this year. The kids and Sam had a really cute, unique idea this year, instead of buying or even making cards, they spent time working on these masterpieces for me! It was very adorable and I loved it!

Each of them took a square of the driveway to artistically display their mother's day message. So cute!

After church we came home and I spent as much of my afternoon outside as I could get away with. It was so nice to sit in the yard, sipping on a soda and watching the kids make more art with the sidewalk chalk.

Elle came over for some snuggle time and also to ask me if she could turn on the sprinklers... My answer to her being no was what prompted her various pouting reactions as seen here. Ahhh... I love that I still have one snuggler.

Our neighbor across the street ( Reese's friend Danny ) came to show us some little bird eggs that had fallen out of the tree in his yard. We went to see where he'd found them only to discover several more. It's kind of sad to think of so many little eggs falling out of the nest - The kids didn't hurt them but we couldn't think of what would've caused them all to fall. That being said it was still really neat for the kids to get to hold them.

For dinner I requested my family's special marinated bbq'd turkey and rice pilaf, but after church we needed something quick to hold us over - result - hootenanny pancakes! They're always a treat - and speaking of treats, I felt pretty treated by my hubby.... I'm not sure what to credit more,  Sam's thoughtfulness or the fact that the new City Creek shopping center has brought the glamour of Tiffany's to our very own Salt Lake City! Just kidding, Sam, you're amazingly thoughtful and so sweet. He picked this bracelet and added each of our kid's initials on it as charms. It's official, I've got a gem. Love to you all and especially to my sweet little family. I hope it was a happy Mother's Day for all!!

 

 

The Real McCoy and Mother's Day

This right here is a picture of the real McCoy. Two of them actually.

These two women continue to be my example for true motherhood, womanhood and righteous living. Grandma Helen Jesse Melton Peterson. Known to us still as Grandma Melton - turned 94 this year. She's always been an example of joyous living and taking life by the horns. I will always think of her as the one to laugh and make fun of herself first and to be the one to say what a wonderful blessed life we lead. We nearly lost her last August only to be shown that she wasn't ready to go anywhere and whatever she does it'll be on her own good time. She continues to bless us with her spunk and love for her family.
 My own  Mom is also truly amazing and continues to this day to be an example of pure selflessness, loyalty and love for her family. We Love you Mom! Where would the world be without our amazing Grandmothers, Mothers, Sisters, Aunts and all the good women who help shape, mould and teach us?

Speaking of amazing women, I also must include my sister Laura. She is such an inspiration to me and I can't think of anyone I'd rather have as my sister. She's hardworking, fun, good, and beautiful. Her laugh and smile light up the room and she's done so well to teach her beautiful daughters how to be warm, wonderful women themselves. I admire and love her so much. She is definitely also one of the real McCoys.

The rest of these pictures are just to be enjoyed. Taken at Jessica's wedding reception -which I'll be blogging about soon. I just love to see my grandma out enjoying herself and seeing all the grand kids and great grand kids come to show her their love. What an amazing woman. What a blessed family.  I also have been blessed with a very loving, strong, and giving Mother-in-Law. Sam's Mom Mary has been an example of faith, generosity and fun. We are all so blessed by our mothers and I'm so thankful to be able to say that.

 

It is a beautiful life!

 

Easter Day!

Lately all of my pictures have been on my phone, so some of these aren't the best - but hey, we're documented! Easter was wonderful, gorgeous weather and this year we spent the day ( after church of course ) with my siblings down at Laura's house.


Morning Easter baskets and some cinnamon rolls I made!

Such fun with cousins

Here they all are except for my Brother Mark's five kids - they couldn't be there due to living in Idaho.

Fun family!

 

Here's a few more...

Oh goodness, someday I'll have time to write more but at least we can start to enjoy seeing a few of these pictures!

 

 

 

 

Birthday Back Log Repeat

Our birthdays came and went as they do every year - I just had to post these pictures of my friend Jessica when she dropped by with my Birthday surprises. She makes me feel like a kid. I embarrass my kids when I'm around her. It's good fun :) Just a side note - She bought me that belt so I had to slap it on for pictures - and I think it's cute how much Elle loves her she just had to get in on the fun. I don't blame her though because Jessica will often come over and have tea parties with just Elle. So cute.

I love Elle's face in the pursed lip picture - She's got it down!  and the picture of Sam and I before we headed out for our hot-date is unfortunately blurry but that's what you get when you trust the 6 year old to take your picture.

And 11 days after mine, Sam's birthday was here with the always requested banana cream pie! He's such a handsome hubby - just thought I'd throw that out there. Hope everyone's having a great week! TTFN