Spring Adventures

Oh, Spring. A time of fresh flowers, baby animals, and a peek into warmer months ahead.

These last few months have been very busy for our family. From trips and family visits to finishing up homeschool and getting our first sunny pool days this year, we have had many great adventures. Let me highlight a few:

My trip to Virginia

At the beginning of April, I was able to travel to Virginia with my parents and Wesley to attend my Uncle Scott’s funeral. It had been a year since he passed from cancer, and his turn to be buried in Arlington National Cemetary had finally arrived. The day of his funeral was sunny but cold, but my heart was warmed by the beautiful demonstrations of honor shown to a man who was an exemplary servant to both God and his country. I will always treasure the spirit I felt as he was honored that day. The part that touched me the most was the folding and presenting of the American flag to my Auntie Myk. It was slow, intentional, personal, and quiet. The reverence and respect shown in that moment specifically brought me to tears. It was a very special experience and I am so glad I made it a priority to be there.

While visiting Virginia, I was also able to spend time with family that I rarely get to see. It was so fun spending time with them. My parents and I then spent one day exploring Washington DC. It is a fascinating place with so much to see. I could spend months visiting museums, taking tours, and learning about our countrie’s history and government, but we only had one day to pack in as much as we could. It was exhausting but so fun, too.

Surprising Debbie

Went to Utah to surprise Debbie for her 70th birthday. When we were at her house during Christmas, she mentioned to Andrew that really all she wanted was for all her kids and their spouses to be in the temple with her and to also attend church with her so that she could show off her beautiful family. Well, we came together and made it happen.

It was such a special moment when she walked into the temple waiting area before the endowment session to see most of her kids and their spouses sitting there. She gasped a little and said, “That’s my family!” Afterwards, we went out for lunch and she shared how surprised she was to see us all there.

This all happened over Easter weekend, so we were able to celebrated Easter with family in Utah. My kids love spending time with their cousins. We treasure these moments in Utah.

Birthdays and Promotions

Wesley turned 1. I seriously cant believe it. We did a little smash cake while we were in Utah. He is such a ray of light in our family. He is also such a boy: very into cars and also throwing things (especially balls). He likes to play peek-a-boo with me when I come into his room in the morning to get him out of his crib. He hasn’t quite mastered walking yet, so he walks on all fours (Andrew says he looks like a crocodile) and is quite fast at it.

Madelyn graduated from kindergarden. The charter school held a promotion ceremony, and it was so sweet. My favorite part was when they were singing “Spread a Little Sunshine”. I am so proud of Maddy. She has learned so much this year. At the beginning of the year, she didn’t know all her letters and sounds, but now she is starting to read. She loves math and science. She is still my outdoorsy girl and loves to play in the backyard or go swimming. I love seeing her blossom.

In May we celebrated Grace’s 7th birthday. We bought annual passes to Legoland. It was our first time visiting there, and we had a great time. Grace wasn’t interested in trying the roller coasters, but she says that next time she wants to be brave and try them. We also decided to redecorate her room. We went to Home Depot, bought paint and supplies, and spent the next day painting her room a bright teal color. Even the kids helped. In those moments, I have to remind myself that the memories are more important than a perfect paint job. We are going for a Hawaii theme. She loves it.

Family visits

Bobby and Heidi and their kids came for a long weekend. Cora had a volleyball tournament in Long Beach. Lots of pool days. Lots of late night chats. We are always so grateful for family who are willing to come visit us.