Grandpa Great Turns 90

I leave to pick up my kids in 30 minutes from their last day of school.  How's that for cutting it to the wire with my goal of being caught up before they finish the school year?

My Grandpa turned 90 on May 5.  To celebrate this wonderful man, we had an extended family reunion in California.  It was so fun to see my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles- some that I hadn't seen since we moved away from Utah 11 years ago.

I have one large, loud, fun family. 

We flew in Friday night, spend the night at Sara and Bens, and then drove up to Pismo Beach on Saturday morning, stopping in Solvang for some Danish pastries on the way. We spent the rest of Saturday on the beach.  It was heavenly. 

Audrey meeting London. 

Austie bringing D her favorite drink.  We take our drinks very seriously. 

Grande with his grandbabies. 

Sunday we had church at the beach house.  My Grandpa told stories and bore his testimony.  

It was awesome. 

My little family. PS. I have learned I never do my hair on vacations.  Kinda wish I would have. 

My family. 

My entire family.  I love these people and so proud and happy to call them mine. 

There was some wrestling with my Dad and cousin, naturally. 

Audrey and her Grandpa Great. 

After church we went to the pool to enjoy more time together. 

Pool and then ocean.  My kind of view. 

Sunday night was my cousin April's birthday. 

The food we had was so good.  My mom and aunts really outdid themselves.  I basically showed up and ate. A lot. 

My mom did this cute craft with the kids on Sunday night.  She used the candy DOTS and toothpicks to have them build little structures.  She talked about how DOTS can stand for Depend On The Savior. It was a huge hit and every time we eat DOTS from now on, we will remember to depend on the Savior, and my Grandpa's birthday weekend. 

Joshua and Joshua.  I think they look similar. Cute boys. 

 The man of the hour. 

Savy wrote Audrey this note. So cute. 

Monday morning was his actual 90th birthday. We all came together for an amazing brunch to sing and celebrate.  We gave him his book of our 90 plus acts of service we did.  He loved it. 

Grandpa Great with all his great grandkids.  His youngest grandchild is only one year older than his first great grandchild (Audrey).  How's that for an age span?

I don't think we ever got a perfect picture, but that's the way it should be. 

We then had a piñata for Cinco de Mayo.  People had to leave then and it was sad to say goodbye. We didn't need to leave until that night, so we headed to the beach. 

I love this beach bum. 

Playing in the sand. 

Jenn. Krisinta and me.  One year ago we were about to leave for our Grand Canyon trip.  It was fun to see these girls with their kids.  

It was a wonderful weekend celebrating a wonderful man.  My Grandpa is truly worth celebrating.  

I love him dearly. 

April 2014

Audrey for Hobby Lobby, found in the ribbon section.  It has been fun getting texts from all over the country saying they have seen her.  This is probably my favorite picture of her, ever. #mylittlecovergirl

More for Hobby Lobby.

Rachel, Ryan and their twin boys came to visit us.  It was so fun to have them, and spend some quality time together.  My kids looooooved having two little friends to play with! 

After General Conference my kids were super motivated to read their scriptures (we might have told them if the finish The Book of Mormon we would take them to Disneyland...a trip to Disney had already been planned, they just didn't know it). Regardless, it was cute to see Joshua "read" his scriptures. 

Notes from Joshua. 

We hosted a baby shower for Taysia and these were the cute favors.  The theme was "You're the apple of my eye".

Carma. Me. Taysia. Chrissy. Kelly. 

How my kids sleep when I'm having a party.  Ear phones.  Such good sports.  Although look at his arm...not sure how he slept at all, that looks so uncomfortable. 

Joshua on Hobby Lobby's Facebook.  He sat in that recliner and immediately kicked back and got comfortable.  It must be something all boys are born with: how to get comfy in a Lazy Boy. 

My Grandpa was turning 90, and so my entire extended family did 90 plus acts of service and complied it into a book for his birthday. 

Here are my kids acts of service. 

We had some beautiful weather and the kids were "exercising" in the backyard.  Joshua ran 20 laps, and Audrey and Austin ran about 10, and would high five me every time he passed me (sitting on a chair reading a book- The Book Thief). 

Stretching. 

All of the kindergarten from Joshua's school went and sang at a nursing home right before Easter and then did an egg hunt. 

Easter egg hunt on Good Friday.  No school. 

Joshua and Austin's well child check. 

Audrey and I went on a date to see the ballet, Beauty and the Beast.  As soon as the lights went down, I remembered how much I don't like going to the ballet.  Audrey loved it though. Guess we will be going to more. 

Moms and daughters at the ballet. 

So grateful for this day, my Savior, and my family-both near and far.  Happy Easter. 

My friend Heather had her baby girl on Easter! Audrey and I went to go visit her in the hospital with Alyssa and Hayden. 

All the girls. 

My amazing sister is running the Boston Marathon today! I wish so badly I could be there to cheer her on (and carbo load with her before, and celebratory eat after with her). I am so proud of you Sara! 

Run your heart out. 

I have a new niece! Welcome to our crazy family, Kensie! We love you more than you know.  My sister is a rock star. She was in the hospital for 45 hours before she was born. Ryan- can't wait to see you as a Dad. I already know you will be amazing.  The best part about this situation? They will be moving close to us in six weeks! Eeeeeekkkkkk!!!

I did a show at this gorgeous venue.

It's always fun working, but when it's with close friends, it makes it even more fun. 

Audrey played volleyball this spring. 

Milo and Joshua.  These two are such cute little friends.  After a soccer game.  Between Audrey's volleyball games, and soccer games for Joshua and Austin, Saturday's were busy. 

My kids loving on Kensie via FaceTime. 

Reliving my glory days at Audrey's dance.  (a video of me doing an ariel and Audrey's cute little voice saying, "Be careful Mom!") #myhipflexerhurts

Contemplating the meaning of patience while waiting for Audrey to finish dance.