The most amazing little boy

I want to tell you the story of the most amazing little boy. He went for a hike with his mom on a small local mountain (see the tallest peak behind his shoulder).

 She kept trying to talk him into turning around because she didn’t think he could make it to the top. He’d stop and rest and even draw in the dirt when he needed,

but he kept going. He could taste victory, and had his goal in sight and nothing would keep that little boy from the top.

He trudged on, even when his little legs were so tired, he stopped every three feet to rest. He was determined to reach his goal. His mom gave him a piggyback ride for only 20 feet. Then, he saw the sign. The marker that meant he did it. And he wanted down. He wanted to do it himself. And so he did.

He made it all the way to the top. And then he hiked back down. Well, most of the way. His little legs were so tired and his mom gave him a piggyback ride. What an amazing little boy!

Happy Birthday Briley!

Briley turned 9. I asked when I got old enough to have a 9 year old, and a friend said, "Today." And I smiled. I can't believe she is 9. She told me some of her favorite things today.

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite animal: horse

Favorite food: gnocchi

Favorite book: James and the Giant Peach

Favorite scripture/story: The Good Samaritan

Favorite school subject: reading

Favorite free time activity: reading

Favorite place to go: Grandmere and Papa’s condo

One place she would go: Washington DC to visit the President

Favorite birthday moment: riding her bike at the church

She has grown so fast. 

 After dinner, she got to open her presents...

and we saved the best for  last. But look at her face. I am sure she is thinking, "Really? This is the best you could come up with? I really don't want one of these!"

 Doesn't every kid want a big bike? Not mine! She was so terrified of it, but we convinced her to give it a try because she would get the hang of it eventually.

 And she almost crashed but Daddy caught her...

and then she tried some more...

 and wore her Daddy out so cousin Orrin took over. But she did it! She learned how to ride a two wheeled bike on her birthday!

                                 And we came home for some much deserved ice cream cake!

A camping we will go

We decided late one night to head up the coast to find a place to camp. We found an incredible place! Big trees, soft dirt, grass, blue sky, no ants or pushy squirrels, and the beach. Doesn't get any better than that!

On the drive up the coast, we saw dolphins and Emma was the lucky one to have that window.

Briley made friends with the neighbor's dog.

Skies may have been blue, but it was frigid! So we stayed in the car (kids watched a movie and I read) while Andy kite boarded.

This was our attempt at a family self portrait while hiking. It almost worked!

Easter

Not one of them could stop munching long enough for a photo...mental note...next year photo first!

What can I say?

So I make them work to find eggs!

Egg in hand headed for the basket, eyes on the move looking for the next...

Checking out what's inside the eggs.

What's left...

I hate Easter Eggs

I hate dying Easter eggs. I hate the smell mostly. My brother had poison oak a lot as a kid and a natural remedy to dry up the poison oak is vinegar. I have some not very pleasant images to go with the smell of vinegar! So I created another activity for my kids.

We decorate cookies instead.

Just as much mess, but a really tasty alternative!

The beach...finally!

This year has started off so cold compared to last year and we finally made it to the beach in March.

They were all so happy, as if part of them that had been missing was finally returned. I guess if we ever move it will have to include the beach!