Ocean Games

Brad and the girls jumped over the waves as they rolled in.

We ran and splashed in and out of the water.

Made sand castles

And then the girls came up with their own new game.  We traced each other's shadow making people designs in the sand. 

 

We were sad that Beckham slept the entire time.  We missed him, but were glad he finally got some MUCH needed sleep.

A Race and a Day at the Ocean

Sunday evening, we headed down to Jamestown Rhode Island for Brad's first Road Bike race on Monday Morning.  I was really proud of him.  He did a great job.  And as an extra bonus we got to spend the day at an amazing beach enjoying the sun {90 degrees}, finding ocean creatures and swimming in the water.

{Brad and I laughed as the girls ended up neck deep in the ocean before we even had a chance to change them out of their clothes and into their swimsuits.}

Columbus Day Weekend | Part 2

We spent Saturday morning trading turns at the temple.

While I was at the temple, Brad took the kids to the American Girl Doll store... As you can imagine, it was a hit. (He even took pictures without me mentioning it!  What a great husband!)

We spent the afternoon at this park.  Swinging, collecting acorns, pretending to be tree dwellers and playing the silly face game.

Liv won.  She has no inhibitions when it comes to making crazy faces.  She was especially proud of this one.

Human Jump Rope {Gwen's Debut} (you can scroll through the very first part if you want to get straight to the action)

The Klein's come to BOSTON!!

Wow, I was about to say last weekend, until I realized this has now been 3 weeks ago. . .  I'm really behind, and time is going by too quickly!  3 weekends ago, my sister Angi made a quick trip to Boston with her husband and two oldest kids.  They were only going to be in town for 24 hours starting Thursday night, so we picked the kids up from school, got everything ready and left as soon as Brad got home from work.  We met them in a cute little town called Rockport.  Home of a red building that is speculated to be in the most paintings/works of art ever.  In the morning we took a quick trip around the little fishing village and then the mandatory trip to the beach to collect seashells.  {I always know how to entertain my family. . .I just take them somewhere to collect cool rocks or shells.  Its always a hit with us. . .we come from a long line of collectors =0).  Angi is no exception.}

 

 Then we drove to Boston to walk the freedom trail.  On the way there, I drove with Angi and the girls, Lauryn, Olivia and Gwen and Brad drove with Grant.  Angi told me stories of funny things she has done the entire way there.  Angi's stories are my favorite ever.  I cried laughing most of the 45 minute drive.

 

Some of the highlights of the freedom trail were Mikes Pastries and Gwen's participation in the street act.  I will post a video as soon as I can figure it out.   She was really brave!

My Little Buddy

Since the girls have started school.  This little guy has been my daily companion.  Beckaroo thinks any kind of outing is a fun one.  Even when we go to the store, it counts as a special date =0).  I like him because he belly laughs at all of my jokes.

Everything about this little man makes me happy.

Good Morning

This is one of my favorite sights:  Our kids, climbing into bed with us in the morning as we're waking up.  For someone who does not like little people in our bed while I'm sleeping, I LOVE it when they come join us after we've woken up.  Pillow talk makes for the best conversations and the best bonding time.  Not to mention the best cuddle time.  I have lots of happy "pillow talk" memories from my childhood.  Does it get any better than this kind of good morning?

Currently. . .

I have a camera full of pictures from our weekend mini vacation, but my computer's hard drive is completely full.  No room in the inn, which means I can't journal about them until I remedy that problem.   In the mean time. . . The morning after we drove home, the sun came up and I suddenly was ready to act like it is Autumn.  So, I got out some (very little) Autumn-like things that we have, heated an Autumn smelling candle, and made soup for dinner.  That's what you do when its Fall, right?  Oh, and planned some leaf activities with the kids.  The colors are spectacular this year!  Along with all of that, my mind has turned to my gratitude list.  It was one of my favorite things about last year at this time, and I am confident that it makes my life better every time.  SO, I'm starting it again.

I am grateful for things in my life that make me happy:

1.  I took pictures for 3 sets of people last week.  One Senior, one family and one teeny, tiny newborn baby.  I was really happy with the results  and had a blast doing it.  I am REALLY grateful for the opportunity.

2. Today at 11:30, I get to go to assist with Gwen's lunch and then with Olivia's.  It has been the best opportunity to get to know people in our community.  It makes me feel a part of something, and allows me a glimpse of my Ladies' school lives.  Not to mention that when they see me, they give me the happiest smiles on the planet.  I love that.

3.  Last night I dusted our chandelier that hangs 12 feet in the air with a feather duster banded to a broom handle.  Don't ask me why, but that makes me happy.

4.  I am playing on a co-ed volleyball team, I got to set last night for 2 outrageously good male hitters.  There is something so satisfying about that.  If I can't be a man with hops hitting on a 10ft net, I may as well set for one!!

5.  Yesterday was my maiden voyage back to the gym and I made it through my class (I wasn't sure I would!)  I already have more energy, and woke up bright eyed and bushytailed this morning!

6.  We swam in the ocean at Newport Beach on Monday.