More Williamsburg

Imagine listening to piccalos and the cadence of drums, and then you'll understand why David enlisted in General Washington's army.  Of course, James and Ruth couldn't stand to see him leave alone and so off they went, too.  It was so cute to watch all the kids try to listen closely to the directions of the lieutenet.  I'm sure that he felt like he was herding cats as they marched onto a large field and stood at attention as cannons fired.  

Williamsburg and beyond

We have just returned from a wonderful visit to the beautiful states of Virginia and North Carolina.  Upon arrival, the weather felt barren and cold, but 10 days later as we left, spring was in full bloom with flowers, blossoms, and birds everywhere.  How fun to witness spring unfold!  As we were boarding our first flight, Ruth was pulled aside by the stewardess and invited to meet the pilot.  She was even allowed to sit in the front seat!  Lucky girl!

Our first day, we visited Williamsburg, a huge restored colonial town.  Grandma and Grandpa Mumford, as well as the Biglers joined us.  We enjoyed tours, reinactments, and the lovely scenery as we walked from place to place.  The highlight for me was the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the footsteps of the courthouse... first time that I've ever heard it from start to finish.  As the crowd cheered, I felt a rush of excitement, almost as if I was actually transported back to 1776.

Crazy life

I found Emmy emerging from the boys' room in this cowboy get up.  Her little duck walk made it all the more adorable.  Whenever she wears a hat, she insists on pulling it way down over her eyes and WILL NOT let us fix it.

As I was loading the car for errands the other day, I found Ruth in my sunglasses ready to go.  I love how Ruth always promises me things in the future.  It always begins with, "When I'm your mother...." I'm a little scared of what life would be like with Ruth in charge.

I've spent hours at the sewing maching this month in an effort to make Easter dresses for the girls. This was my first time sewing from a pattern, so it was a huge endeavor.  I hated the process but now love the feeling of accomplishment.   I've altered Emmy's dress a little since this picture was taken: added some pink ribbon and took away the chin strap.  Since Easter falls on General Conference, the girls wore their dresses to church today.  Emmy kept her hat on the entire time, even through 2 hours of nursery.  I guess she's a hat girl.

James is one never to be left out.  His reaction to the whole Easter dress thing was, "no fair"!  I reminded him that I did buy a him a special sweater vest.  His response was, "yah, but you didn't SEW it!".  To appease my boy, I included him in the photo session.  Being with James these days is such a roller coaster.  He either very happy, or very angry, very energetic, or very mellow.  I call him my fact boy because he will daily bombard me with facts.  For instance, did you know that Chinese people drink water for good luck during Chinese New Year?  James has adopted this tradition and claims that the water he guzzles right before bed is for good luck.

We hosted the Peterson family for dinner Friday night, who made a stopover from Disneyland to see us.  We first met Ben and Vanessa when they were months away from expecting their oldest son.  We were just newlyweds and both attending Ohio State.  Now 11 years later, our crews combined equals lots of busy people.  Joseph and I both treasure these old friendships.  

A night at the Segerstrom Center

Ever since kid #4 came along, date nights have become very rare.  We recently decided that it was becoming necessary to amp up our dates and make more time for each other amid the chaos of everyday life.  Around Valentines day, Joseph sweetly surprised me with tickets to see the Sleeping Beauty Ballet by ABT.  The costumes, live orchestra, and dance was everything to be expected.  Deep inside, I still want to be a ballerina!

For two people who are usuallly in bed by 10 pm, our 11:30 bedtime that night felt crazy late (we don't even stay up past 10 for New Years).  Church was at 8 am the next day (Joseph with his 7 am meeting) and daylight savings robbed us one full hour of sleep.  Are we partiers or what?! 

Weekend happenings

We've had an unbelievably warm February, so there are already signs of spring everywhere.  This Jasmine has climbed over the fence from the neighbor's yard.  The smell is such a happy smell.  When I have my doors open, it will often drift into our house.

Emmy is so darn cute!  Joseph and I just can't stand it!  She sings everywhere we go.  Her favorite songs, besides anything from the Frozen soundtrack, are "I am a Child of God" and "Families Can be Together forever".  She knows all the words.  Just yesterday she discovered the usefulness of bags and has been carrying around a pink purse all day long.  She is very territorial about sitting on my lap.  I still have to put her in a baby chair sometimes because when she's in the "hold me" mood, that's the only place she'll be content.  

Here we are at ouf favorite family restaurant, Souplantation.  We've made it a tradition to come here the night before fast Sunday.  $35 feeds all six of us.. all you can eat salad, soup, pizza, pasta, and an icecream machine at the end.  For tired parents, this place is worth every cent!  

Thanks to unmerciful tile floors, we finally came to the end of our wedding dishes.  I loved my dishes.  This one will hang in my kitchen for memory sake.  Joseph talked me into trading in for white dishes.  I am sure they will be great for all purpose wear, but I will miss my bright, happy yellow plates.

Joseph is quite the foodie these days and especially loves anything made with fresh herbs.  Last weekend he planted this herb garden which holds (right to left) parsley, basil, oregano, cilantro, and mint.  He topped it off with 6 tomato plants.  Should be a tasty summer!

Nixon Presidential Library

On president's day, the Nixon Library here in Orange County waived admission fees and offered free cherry pie to the first 300 guests.  The crowds that showed up were amazing, so we were missed out on the pie, but we did manage to meet  Teddy Roosevelt,

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and

 

my fav, Abraham Lincoln.  

Sick and then sick some more

It seems like ever since the holidays began, we've had a steady stream of sickness in our house.  Once all four kids recover, it's usually my turn.  As soon as I'm well, the cycle starts all over again!  The stomach flu made it's way to our house this year (thankyou nusery), just in time for Valentines' day.  Within 48 hours, everyone except Joseph was sick.   This was a bad version: it took me a whole 7 days to to feel like I could get off of the couch.  I thought it was funny to see both boys hanging out in bed with gatorade mustaches.  And yes, we are sick again today...colds again (sigh).

My kids have all been blankie babies.  James' blanket has been so loved that the front and back are staying together by only a few strands.  If I weren't tied up in so many projects, I would have it fixed by now.  One day, I found all the kids on their blankies with legs up in the air.  Emmy thought it was the most hilarious joke!