Family photos

 My dad was recently married. We have had to slowly say goodbye to family photos up on the wall. I took digital photos of them for memory purposes. I can't really store these huge canvas pictures. I am content with them off the wall. It is just nice to look back every so often and remember what life was like here on earth with my mother. I love her so.

Fun at Ventura Beach with cousins

 The kids cousins came down and visited us. They are from St. George so we had to take them on the beach tour. It was chilly, but we had our usual beach fun. We saw some seals in the harbor and the pelicans seemed to be especially active that day. We have missed Bailey and Boston and Jake and Wendi. It was nice to see them.

                            Everyone has to have this cheesy sand art done sometime in their lives right?

I have loved living in California because the coast feels like it is part of me. I will be sad if we ever have to move. There is something so peaceful about a beautiful sunset over the ocean.

     Gavin had his Birthday on January 1. He turned 7! Is is still into sports and is always playing one of them.

Aubrie turned 5 on January 28th. She loves dance and loves the color pink and purple. She is also very active.

My girls in their Hawaiian dresses that grandpa brought back for them from Hawaii. They are so beautiful.

 Santa wrote letters to the kids last Christmas. They were surprised that Santa knew if they had been naughty or nice. It was magical for the kids. We had a humble Christmas. Not too much. My mom was missed, but we knew she was watching all the Christmas festivities.

I'm so glad when DaDdY comes home!!!

Josh is so busy with school that when he is home he spends such great quality time with the kids. We love our daddy!

ASPEN GROVE the greatest place on earth

Aspen Grove. And they say Disneyland is the greatest place on earth? Oh no! This place is beyond. Provo Canyon at this time of year is beautiful. It felt like BYU campus all over again. It is BYU sponsored and so it was like an extension of the campus. Aside from the fact that Josh could not attend, we had a great time. This was a great family reunion. The car trip was rough, but we made it. We were even able to spend some time with cousins in St. George on the way up (not long, but some time is better than none right?) The kids were in their camps with their counselors from 930 to 430 everyday. They hiked, swam, played and had crafts all day. I was able to do whatever. A little nap, a little guns, a little archery, a little talking with the family, and a little lecture. I could pick and choose what I wanted to do. So great. I hope we can do this again sometime. My kids loved it and so did I! No cleaning or cooking for 4 days! I only wish I took more pictures. I took very little of my cousins, aunts and uncles.

Surprise 50's theme night for grandma and grandpa Nielsen

So apparently, outside of the state of CALIFORNIA you can have fun without having to sign a waiver or two.:)

Great grandma and grandpa Nielsen

Of course, smores

A little archery

Hanging with the kiddos

Gavin's group was the BOBCATS

Aubrie's group was the TROMPERS. Anna's was the ROMPERS, but you all know how well she does when I leave her. She made it through the first day and half the second in her group.

The whole reason why we were able to spend time together. 60 years and going strong!

The Merchant sisters aka, "Firefly," sang for my grandparents

Gavin's new favorite activity- Badminton with cousins- great cousins?

a little lanyard making

Spending time with cousin's and second cousins

Just a little family resemblance

Our grandpa

Our Handsome 1st Grader

I have to say that I have a little anxiety about sending Gavin out into the world (aka first grade at this point in time) and not knowing what he is doing. We are lucky to have neighbors/friends that my kids love to play with where I feel they are safe and comfortable. Now he is where there are new friends and new adults. I know it is vital to my child's growth that he interact with all types of personalities , but I have a feeling this will never be easy. I am glad he is social and makes friends easily. This is a new season with new sports and activities bringing with them, new opportunities and experiences. He is growing so fast and we are grateful for him and all he teaches us about the parenting process.

So, I have to say I have some anxiety about not being able to know what Gavin is doing all the time. We are lucky to have neighbors that Gavin and Aub

Vegetable Garden

The vegetable garden this year has been great. It produced a ton of carrots, yellow and red tomatoes, red onions, jalapenos, cilantro and squash. Let's just say we have had our share of fresh salsa this year. Yummy!

Swim lessons...yet again

I love Simi Park and Rec. The people are genuinely nice and we always have a good experience, especially with swim lessons. The teachers are so great. Aubrie and Gavin have loved their teachers every time and they both are swimming great! What is summer without swim lessons!