Beach Day!

The marine layer that comes in off the ocean is finally starting to subside in the evenings, which means that summer must be finally here.  A few of our Larsen cousins joined us at the beach last Friday for a bit of ocean fun!

Milestones

James' first swim lessons.  This is day 3- finally used to the idea!

Last day of Kindergarten for David!

Sweet Mrs. Weller-  David and I will really miss her next year.

the kids

James as our "Fire Bionicle"

Not sure what Ruth is, but she feels pretty awesome!

This is "double plasma car riding"  Notice the new summer haircuts.  Afterwards James said to Joseph, "What, you made me bald?!!"

David and his cousin, Xander.  Two peas in a pod.

Dance Recital

It's dance recital time at the studio.  The students had their pictures taken a few days ago, so I went and snuck a few photos of my own.  I sure love these kids.  

Men in Black: Advanced Tap.  Our boy, Michael, sure looks authentic, don't you think?!

Take Five: Advance Modern.  The girls came up with the pose themselves.  Sadly, the girl in the center tore her meniscus last week, so she won't be performing.  

So sick

This is a picture of Ruthie at her worst: temperature of 102 for 5 days and a throat full of sores.  Diagnosis: hand, foot, mouth disease.  No fun.  While we were at Oakland our baby was home fighting a fever.  As soon as we got home I ran her over to Urgent Care and was told that this yucky stuff is going around.  So glad that she is doing better.

I love watching the kids play together... and especially love the fact that everyone is now healthy!

Oakland

Last Saturday, Joseph and I had the opportunity to fly by ourselves to Oakland, CA to attend the wedding of my sweet college friend, Heather.  It was so enjoyable to be together with Joseph in the temple, because so many memories of our own wedding 9 years ago came flooding back.  The spirit in the sealing room was so wonderful.  I am grateful that we were invited to be there.

Here are two of my besties from BYU, Crystal and Heather (such a beautiful bride!).  I sure love these gals.  It is amazing that we are still such good friends after so many years.  Some friendships are eternal!

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's day weekend was the best!  On Friday, Joseph took the boys for the annual Fathers and sons campout, so Ruthie and I got a little mother-daughter time.  We celebrated by painting her toes pink (she loved it!).  David's Kindergarten class hosted a little presentation for the mothers.  This is a picture of David's desk all lined up with surprised for me.

Me and my David.  I sure love this kid!

Sunday was a great day, even though we couldn't manage a cooperative group at picture time.  The boys were so sweet all day.  They surprised me with beautiful roses from grandma's garden and fun corsages to wear to church.  Joseph also surprised me with my very own Ukulele.  The extra hugs and kisses were the very best gifts.  I sure love my kids.  Though the days can be quite difficult with such little ones, the payoff comes in small ways...such as your 6 year old telling you he loves you all the way to Pluto and back, your 3 year old telling you you look "cute", and your snotty-nosed baby reaching to give you a kiss on the lips.

I hope all the mothers out there had a wonderful day!  Thanks to my own mother for teaching me that motherhood can be a joy, especially when you laugh along the way!