Spring break day 1!

My pretty girl had fun today when she had so much sand on her legs that it matched her freckles. 

Ryann searched all day long to find crabs and seashells. She came home with a huge bag that she shared with her cousins. 

Mac was exhausted most of the day so he spent most of the time lying down on the sand playing with his trains. 

Or screaming at me for walking near the ocean or not letting him eat sand. Poor guy. I feel like he is the only kid in the world who hates the beach. 

Night out

After women's session of conference last night my parents watched the kids so rich and I could go listen to one of our favorite musicians: John Brazell. 

One of my best friends senior year of high school was his older sister so that made it really fun too. 

Afterwards we went and saw insurgent and I fell asleep for some of it. Oops. Pregnant lady moment. Also it was pretty far from the book so I wasn't too stressed about the couple minutes I missed.  Overall I am not a critic of movies so I enjoyed it. 

Crazy hat day

Butterfly release

Ryann got a butterfly kit from auntie ashley for her birthday. They started as caterpillars for a week, then cocoons for a week or spans then butterflies for a week. It was gross to me but awesome to the kids. 

On release into the wild day ryann wanted to do it at school. She brought them to the playground after school and had quite the gathering of people. 

She named them all and it turned out to be auch a magical birthday gift. 

Thanks again auntie ashley!!!

Grandma and girls night

Grandma took us on a special date night for frozen yogurt. Yummy. 

How does your garden grow?

Sorry Erin!

I am posting some garden pictures because I am so excited that Things are growing in the garden. 

I don't really know what they all are because the missionaries planted the seeds. But I am sure excited to see what they come out as. 

Activity days

I am lucky enough to be in charge of our ward's activity days. These girls wanted to do some service for the animal shelter. 

They had fun making dog biscuits and catnip toys. They made over 100 toys and 50 dog biscuits. 

Then we went down to the animal shelter and were given a tour. The girls saw the cats, dogs, bunnies, chickens, and rooster. 

Softball

since we are spending 4 days a week playing softball I think there will be a lot more blogging and pictures about it. 

Last game ryann hit twice and scored twice. Wahoo! 

Wishes

I never ask what their wishes are. Hopefully that keeps them magical. 

St Patrick's day

I rarely pass up a good excuse to get the family together for a party. Today was no different. Katie made some amazing corn beef and cabbage and I made some awesome punch. But really the kids ate a ton, grandma and grandpa great were there, and Ashley's fancy dessert pudding was delicious. 

There was bubbles and baths, green plates and dishes from grandma great, and a lot of sneaking of treats brought by the leprechaun. 

No silly string fights, but Ethan had to leave early for the pinewood derby so we figured we would save that for later. 

Sleeping baby

Mac was really fussy today at church. Like I had to take him out during sacrament meeting. Which I have done maybe once or twice in his whole life! (Other than to breastfeed) he was beyond tired. I knew it and he knew it. 

I thought about taking him home to nap. He would get a great 3 hour nap if I did that. But I decided to stay at church where we had amazing lessons on repentance and forgiveness. Something I totally needed to hear. 

So then his nursery leader comes in and brings this cute sleeping boy to me. At first I was upset because now he wouldn't nap at home. I was betting that since his nursery leader let him fall asleep he wouldn't nap at home and now he would nap for the max of 45 minutes. I was totally right. 

However, this sweet 20 month old boy snuggled into me and slept with sweet baby snores. I was reminded of this sweet blessing that the lord entrusted to me during his short time on earth. 

I am so lucky. 

I also tried really hard to remember those feelings later on when he threw tantrum after tantrum when we got home. I didn't do a very good job of keeping a peaceful spirit, but as I was reminded in church today, the lord will forgive me and I can do better tomorrow when my baby is well rested. 

Opening day

Opening day for softball was today. Ryann played second base for an inning and caught every ball and grounder that came her way. She was super excited and I think that will help her stay excited for more softball. 

Also one of the moms made hair ribbons with "real diamonds" so that was awesome. And the sunflower seeds of course. 

Cara had fun playing in the dirt. After her first time at bat she came back to the dugout and said, "okay mom. I finished hitting the ball. Time to go home."  Yeah not so much. 

Rich coaches the 6 u kids so he pitches to them. He also said being a dad to 12 kids is kind of hard. He had over 4 miles logged after being on the field with them for a few hours this morning. 

Mac was not a huge fan. Around nap time we had to pull out Netflix and that saved us for a couple more innings. That and playing with another kid's toys.

Overall it was fun and here is to having a great season! 

Caralicious

My cute cara Kay has had some rough days due to daylight savings time. I think we are back to normal, but we'll see. 

On Tuesday night we went for tacos at the taco truck. She ate 4. More than Ryann!

She also told me she doesn't like the name cara and wants to be called ,"CK" or "Caralicious"   

Then today in class I saw her picture of goldilocks with freckles all over her nose... Just like cara. 

Man this girl is awesome. 

Garden for grandpa great

The Spanish missionaries in our area are always looking for service opportunities. I decided I could use their help to plant a small garden for my grandparents. 

It took 2 hours and a lot of digging to clear this out and get it planted. They were good workers and we had fun doing it. 

We planted an "early garden" so anything I could find that said early on the package. Carrots, radishes, peas, cilantro, onions, potatoes, and then some tomatoes for good measure. 

Hopefully it turns out. If not, it was a good experience for us and we will do better next time!

Hot dogs

I don't think that I posted about our trip to the new hot dog place in napa. This was the opening week and everyone agreed that it was delicious. 

I don't think that I mentioned how Mac now says "cheese " for the camera. He does and it is awesome. 

Personal best

Ryann was awarded a personal best at school yesterday for respectfulness. I am glad she got this one because at home over and over we try to teach her respect (like looking people in the eye) and I guess that means our hard work is paying off. 

Car wash helper

Yes cara washed the car with a bedpan on her head. 

She was a great helper 

19 + weeks

I think I look pretty much the same in my belly that I did with Mac for this baby. My weight is on target... No thanks to my diet of salt... But largely because I am still running 3 to 5.5 miles most days of the week. 

The salt thing is weird for me because I usually hate salt but right now I love popcorn and pretzels. Popcorn?! For anyone who knows me that is crazy because popcorn is the all time worst snack food I my book. 

The baby only moves a couple times a day but I have felt it start to move through my belly which is always fun. So far it moves way less than the other kids, so we'll see if it keeps it up. 

Dr Suess Day

The kids had Dr Suess day yesterday at school. We did crazy hair like the hoos from hooville. ( I have no idea if that is how it is spelled)

When I was in cara's class we made green eggs and ham. 

Mac enjoyed it as well. We tried to do his hair too. He wasn't a fan. 

And proof that I was there: