Moss Beach

We took the kids to the beach after church for a relaxed Sunday afternoon.  They loved all the exploring and discoveries.  Every little thing was amazing to Ryder and Jack.  Sarah was excited to be more of a teacher.  They touched anemones, sea snails, mussels, and a variety of other tide pool creatures.  Sarah even spotted a small fish.  The kids also loved seeing the seals on the beach.  

Taking our kids to the beach is one of the most relaxing activities we do as a family.  They are so good and they just don't get bored.  On Monday the boys took their collections of shells and rocks around to our neighbors to show them their "discoveries."

Spring Break and a visit to Oregon

Our typical roadtrip is up to Sacramento and back for a quick weekend.  About once a year we drive to Oregon to visit my family, the other times we visit we fly.  The kids have become accustomed to flying to Oregon and Ryder asked about halfway through the drive if we could go to the airport and drive.  Not this time.  We did split the drive up and we stayed at a hotel in Yreka.  The kids were so excited, I felt bad for anyone next to us, we arrived to the hotel at 1:30 a.m.

Halfway there.

Building and creating forts.  I didn't get a picture of the finished product.  They were pretty impressive.  The boys fort even had a chimney.  

Easter Eggs.  Boys outside, Sarah inside.

Future NBA stars.  We took the kids to see the Nike Hoop Summit where the best USA high school seniors played against the best (under 19 yr. olds) from around the world.  It was a close game and the USA lost in the last 2 minutes.  

Geoff Petrie was there and the kids went and said hi.  Ryan gave him some advice for the KINGS.

 

Oops, you missed.  Nice form.

Easter morning was almost as exciting as Christmas.  The boys did sleep in so we started the day quietly.

Easter dinner with cousins.

Growing up with 5 brothers, the holidays were always interesting.  The spiritual part lasted a few minutes and then they would get rowdy.  Things have changed a little, but not much. Uncle Spencer started taping up one of the twins, then Uncle Jason thought it would be funny to make them Siamese twins.  Let the fun begin.

The boys decided after building forts one day that they wanted to make swords.  Grandpa was happy to grant that wish.  Notice who has the biggest one.  I should have brought Grandpa's sword home to keep my kids in line.

It's kind of mean to eat in front of the animals.  

We drove back to California  and had a few days left of Spring Break.  We went to the Jelly Belly Factory and to see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D.  Fun times.  

The kitchen

The boys, the kitchen, and me.  This last week while I was on the treadmill Ryder wanted some peanut butter.  Instead of coming to get me, which rarely happens if they are feeling the tiniest of hunger pains, he decided to open the jar himself.  Since it was to hard to twist he decided to smash in the lid with some scissors or a knife.  Mission accomplished.  He had his spoon and was eating peanut butter.  

A different afternoon and another one of their creations...Krabby patty sandwiches according to Jack and Ryder have bread, cheese (yes, they even used the cheese plane), parmesan cheese, and ranch.  All mashed together.  Tasty and messy.

Today, I made french toast for breakfast.  The kids had eaten and I walked Sarah to school. While I was gone the boys decided they wanted a second breakfast.   They had cracked eggs and mixed in blueberries and raisins.  Then they were microwaving them.  Ryan was in the shower and I walked into the house and discovered my two little chefs at work.  There were cracked eggshells on the counter and dish towels soaked with eggs.  We did turn their creation into pancakes.  

You might think by now that I would have those magnetic locks on our cupboards but I still hope they will learn to come and ask for a little help.  Oh well, I just need to teach them how to clean up better.  And now when I leave them alone for awhile I leave a plate of apple slices on the table.

Musicals

We were fortunate to be able to see some of our cousins perform in Seussical and Beauty in the Beast.  The boys were so excited to meet the Cat in the Hat.

Jenna was the littlest fish, she was also a jaguar and the Elephant bird.  Lauren and Abby also particpated and did a great job.  Cousin Emily played Belle in Beauty and the Beast.  She did an excellent job.  

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Sarah's choir performed selections from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for their spring concert.  She is quite the singer and performer.  She has a lot of spunk and is very expressive.  

Surfing on the USA (that's what the kids call it)

How would you pretend your bed was a surfboard on the ocean?  Stick lots of toys under the mattress, stand on it, wiggle and say "WHOA."

Wipeout.

Grandparents

My parents made a quick weekend trip to visit.  Sarah and her choir group sang the National Anthem at Little League opening day.  Later the boys and Grandpa Doug made hot dogs for everyone for lunch.  Of course, the kids made it to slurpee-town as well.