Monterey

We all love going to the ocean and this spring we had planned to go to Monterey about three different times and had to cancel each time because the weather wasn't good. We finally got some good weather and we were able to spend a couple nights there. We stopped in Moss Landing on the way there and the way back home since Jesse (and Atreyu) love the cioppino there so much.

We got to the hotel in time to do a little swimming. It was the first time we've taken Cosette swimming and she loved it. She seems like a natural swimmer with the way she was kicking her legs and splashing her arms.

The next day we went exploring at the beach and we were lucky enough to go at low tide. There were so many tide pools to explore and Jesse, Atreyu, and Cambria spent at least an hour searching for shells and pretty rocks.

That night we ate dinner at Hula's Island Grill. Our table was outside and even though it was a bit chilly, they had these big propane heaters and Jesse actually got too hot before turning one of them down. Cambria and I shared a delicious burger and they boys got some ribs and seafood. The fries were so yummy I had to get a second order of them.

The next morning we had some amazing donuts for breakfast at Red's Donuts and celebrated Cambria losing one of her teeth the night before. She was worried the tooth fairy might not find her in Monterey but she did.

We then went to Lover's Point and climbed on the rocks right there on the ocean. It was so beautiful and I found the perfect rock to sit on looking out over the ocean while Cosette slept and Jesse climbed the rocks with the kids. It was so peaceful watching the waves come in and hearing them crash into the rocks. I am a mountain girl but I do love the ocean.

With an hour left to play Jesse, Atreyu, and Cambria went swimming in the chilly ocean while I had the perfect excuse of needing to tend Cosette so I couldn't get in. They had so much fun playing in the waves and Cambria even found a starfish. Once they got out, they didn't act near as cold as I thought they would have.

We had a wonderful few days and I have to admit that I really do enjoy only being a few hours away from the ocean.

Jesse and Cosy

This morning I left Cosette with Jesse while I got breakfast for the other kiddos and I came back and saw this.

It was just so cute and it's now one of my favorite pictures.

My Silly Kids

The kids and I went to visit Jesse at work and while we were waiting for him to come out this is how the kids kept entertained.

I Can't Get Enough of This Baby

This girl has my heart. She is so sweet. She's full of smiles and love and she brings so much joy to our family and home.

Kublacon

This past weekend we went to Kublacon near San Francisco. It's a big board gaming convention. There were tons of games that you could "check out" from the library and learn to play them. There were so many people sitting at so many tables playing so many different games. We realized that it's an event where you probably want to stay for at least two days and you don't want to bring young children. Atreyu wanted to sit down and learn some new games but Cambria still doesn't have the attention span for that yet. We just walked around and looked at the different games and the different vendors selling games, dice, expansions, and so many other things. It's definitely something we want to go to again.

The Big 35

It's hard for me to believe that I just turned 35. I seems like yesterday I graduated high school and went to college. So much has happened in my life since then and yet I have so many clear memories of those days.
We were able to celebrate my birthday by attending the Oakland temple open house. It was such a wonderful experience to take the kids to the temple and for them to be able to go inside. They were so well behaved and they came out being very excited for the day that they would each get to go inside the temple again. It was so peaceful and I'm grateful my children were able to feel the special spirit that is there.

Since we were so close to San Francisco already, we decided to go to Japantown. We had some udon, teriyaki chicken, and some other seafood that the boys really enjoyed.

We looked around the shops and I found this giant squishy fox stuffed animal that was super soft. I didn't want to spend the money on it but Jesse knew I really liked it and he bought it for me. So now I have a giant stuffed animal to snuggle with on the couch.

We finished the day by getting face ice cream. It is so cute and so yummy.

I'm thankful I get to spend my birthdays this family of mine.