Mini-Vacation

Joseph and I took a much needed two night vacation to La Jolla, CA this weekend (just about one hour south of us).  We the toured the town, visited the San Diego temple, and sampled lots of food (due to a pregnant lady that needs to constantly eat!).  It was especially nice to have two nights in a spacious king-size bed and have the option to sleep in as late as we wanted.  

This picture is taken from the glider-port at Torrey Pines.  While there, we enjoyed sandwiches while we watched gliders take off and land across the cliffs.  Pretty impressive.  We even caught a glimpse of a whale off shore.

I took this picture with my kids in mind.  Who needs sea world when they can see all the seals they want in downtown La Jolla?

Since my legs aren't privy to lots of standing and walking these days, we spend a lot of time sitting and enjoying the ocean views.  This is another seal beach

Lots of babies and mommies.  Funny to see the relationship between the them.  Some babies obediently followed their moms, while others would take off repeatedly by themselves in the ocean, only to be promptly brought back to the sand by their moms... definitely reminded me of the personalities of my own children.

Nice to have a little R&R before life gets busy again.  Just as we are transitioning out of diapers, cribs, and strollers, we will be right back into them again.  We are looking forward it though, and beginning to get anxious to meet the next little member of our family.

Demolition time

Instead of tossing Joseph's old laptop, we decided to hand it over to the kids.  In about 24 hours, it was completely demolished.  The boys loved this activity, including daddy!  $100 goes to whoever can put it back together!

Good morning, bright eyes!  To this expression, Ruth would reply, "I am not bright eyes.  My name is Ruth!"

March Randoms

James had his first visit to the dentist this month.  He was SOO excited... I couldn't figure out how my timid toddler turned into the confident little patient.  We were a big fan of the hygienist who said, "open up those CROCODILE teeth" and even gave James a blue toothbrush!  

March is one of my favorite months in Callifornia: green, warm, and no bugs.  One day, it was warm enough to enjoy the sunset at the beach.

Can you blame me for being in love with this little face?

Fair lady meets magical crocodile

February Randoms

The kids had such a fun Valentines day.  It was literally a week of nonstop parties and treats.  The gals at our weekly park day put together a fun valentine exchange and topped off the event with cupcakes.  The best part?  .. frosting, of course.

Joseph had to go to work Presidents' Day, so we met up with some friends at Irvine Regional Park, definitely my favorite place to spend a beautiful day.  The kids climbed trees, stood on rocks, fed ducks, watched peacocks, and played on playgrounds.

As a treat, we decided to rent these fun 4 person bikes.  David was my copilot in front and while Ruth and James enjoyed the view from the back.  Most of the time I didn't pedal because David was the "little engine that could".  He biked and biked as fast as his little legs could go for almost an hour.

Group shot of the kids.  Thanks for the fun day, Lakey family!

It's a ...

Girl!  Looks like Ruth gets a sister!  Thinking about the prospect of having two girls makes me grateful for my own 5 sisters.  What a blessing to have them to share life with.

Sunday morning photo shoot

For some reason, when one child gets photographed, the others follow suit.  I thought the result was too cute not to post.

What every mother hopes for: a picture of all her children smiling for the camera!