Get Low

 May 2023

May has a way of feeling even busier than December. All of the end-of-year school things, the kids wanting to do warm weather stuff outside, wrapping up extracurriculars...it adds up to a lot, but it is so fun . 

Michael just being Michael

N's one birthday request was homemade pizza.

Michael and Matthew are both soo sweet with babies. We were babysitting for friends and these two could have hung out with the baby basically the entire time. They are so gentle and calm-it's refreshing.

Andrew went on an epic adventure this month! He and a work friend (and the friend's brother) went on a backpacking trip on the lost coast trail (I think). They spent a day driving up, shuttling to the trailhead, and camping at the trailhead. Then they had two days out on the trail, and then a short way back to the car (again, I think). I believe they covered around 28 miles, and the interesting part was that they had to wake up super early in the morning because many areas of the trail are unpassable during high tide. They saw tons of seals, beautiful sights, and a few other creatures. It sounded awesome. 

Taking any chance to snuggle a baby. 

I really love it when they get along

Adaline and Matthew have been taking music lessons from the same teacher for the last four years and finally have to move on to private lessons. It feels like a sad day because we all love her so much. 

The weekend after Andrew got back from his trip was maybe our busiest family weekend we've ever had. Friday night was a primary campout. Linda took the kids on so many rides on the mule, we roasted marshmallows, the kids rode scooters, and everyone stayed up way too late. The cows woke us up super early in the morning, and we made breakfast for everyone, had some more play time, cleaned up, and headed home. 

We had a quick shower and change clothes before heading out to a friends' baby's baptism and older son's first communion. It was so fun to celebrate with them and meet some of their family. After the ceremony, they put on an epic party complete with kids swimming in the creek at their house. From there, we hurried over to the kids' music recital. We had to take the kids into the bathroom to try and clean off the sand, fix hair, change clothes, and do the best we could to look presentable. It was a little bit of a feat, but we made it to the recital just in time. Michael, Matthew, and Adaline all did a fabulous job showing off what they had learned over the year. They did a less fabulous job of letting me take a serious picture of them. 

Just your everyday grocery shopping with Alex. You never know what you're going to get. 

Andrew and I seriously have so many pictures like this of Alex showing us the things he wants us to buy him. 

Cute friends, celebrating a birthday 

We have some awesome friends whose kids' ages line up perfectly with Adaline, Matthew, and Alex, and everyone has fun playing. They have an awesome property and it's so fun to visit with them while the kids running around exploring. 

Black Diamond Mines hike for the win-again! The kids can lead the way because all the paths eventually connect with each other (though we do sometimes end up needing to blaze a short trail to get back to a main trail) and there are plenty of rocks to climb. This trip we got lucky and ran into some friends we had just met via swim lessons. The kids were instantly stuck together again and significantly lengthened our excursion, which was fun since they were enjoying it. 

I cannot get enough of this goofy kid. 

Park rangers in the making

Michael colored/put together a packet of sunflower seeds at school. When he got home, he and Alex had the idea that they should try and sell them...for $10 each. I tried to stay out of their way, and only offer small bits of input when they were frustrated, but they were incredibly patient and put in a good amount of work, and ended up selling both of the packets! (for $5 each, but still!)

I was trying to catch his "sussy face" on camera. He loves to try and trick me these days, but he cannot keep a straight face while he's doing it. It cracks me up so much. 

Another day, another fabulous set of accessories

Showcase of the Arts! Matthew and Adaline did such a good job showing off all they've learned in personal safety, art, music, and PE. It was fun to watch. 

Michael's class had an art show. His self portrait and starry night were awesome! His starry night is the middle top. Nailed it!