Headin home

 Thursday--After 2 full weeks in California,it was time to start  home again.  We had a great time.  It's always hard to go back to the realities of life, work, and school.  Thanks to Mom, Dad and Tami for putting up with us for so long.  We loved getting to spend time with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Thelma.  Love letting our kids play with their cousins, now if only Traci's kids will learn my name :)

On the way home.  Derek is listening to Haley's Ipod and singing "We didn't start the fire" and playing on an Ipad.  Man kids these days have it good!

Wednesday May 8

Today was a great day.  We picked up Maddison from school early,  and then picked up Grandma and Aunt Thelma and we went to Irvine Park.  We let the kids play on the playground and then Mom and Dad met us there with a picnic lunch from Cortinas.

 This peacock was very interested in our lunch.  Tyler was very interested in this peacock.  I had to keep pulling Tyler away because I was pretty sure the peacock was going to bite his fingers.

 

After our picnic lunch, we went into the zoo at Irvine Park.  

 Kevin was still at his conference in LA so he couldn't be at the zoo with us.  Haley decided she should take pictures of each and every animal so she could show her daddy.

The kids love their grandparents!

 After all the kids had lined up with their eagles, Tyler ran up and stood at the wall.

 Tami didn't believe the length that was posted on the wingspan of this eagle, so I lifted up one of the kids to measure, well then of course I had to lift every kid, and then the kids decided they wanted to lift me.

 We then stuck the kids up a tree for a picture :)

It was really neat to spend this day with Grandma and Aunt Thelma.  I was really happy that they were able to join us.

May 7- Tuesday.

Today I took the kids to a ceramic painting place.  We then met Grandma, Aunt Thelma, and Tami for lunch at In-n-out.  Where Grandma bought all the kids strawberry shakes.  Back to Grandmas for a little while to hang out.  Then back to Mom's to play games, have dinner and some ice cream.  Unfortunately for us it rained off and on Monday and Tuesday so I wasn't able to take the kids swimming, which I had promised I would, so I was trying to find whatever I could to keep them occupied!

Monday-May 6

Kati and Carlos brought the kids these masks from Mexico.

The kids spent the morning doing puzzles and then they would take my camera to take pictures.

 When Maddisn got out of school we went bowling.  They have an after school special that included drinks and pizza.

Shopping!  Found this on sale. :)

Cinco de mayo-Sunday

Today was the day we were supposed to be driving back to Utah.  On Friday Kevin got approved to stay for a conference in LA for work so we decided to stay with mom for a couple extra days.  Traci was in the process of packing up for her move, so her kids stayed with us Saturday night and Sunday.  It was quite the house full. After church we took the kids to the park.

 My kids climbing on top of the slide.

 grandkid picture.  I can't wait until they all know how to sit for a picture.

 That day Tyler was awful, he cried and screamed and wouldn't let me put him down.  Well that night, Traci's kids left, my kids went to bed, Dad went to bed, and Tami and Mom drove Kevin to LA and went to pick up Kati and Carlos.  Within minutes of all this, Tyler turned into happy boy.  I think he needed some mommy quiet time.  I sent Kevin this picture and he said Tyler was just happy because he knew he got to sleep in Kevin's spot in the bed.

Yep, enjoying the bed.

May 4-Water Slide and Family party

When I told the kids we were planning a trip to Grandma's house, Isaac got really excited and said "you know why I like going to Maddison's house?  They always have a water slide."  So I related the story to Grandma and of course she planned a party with a water slide.    

 Derek is my little daredevil.

 Daddy even went this time.

 Tyler and Great Grandpa hanging out.

 Logan made a friend.

 Yep, Dad is throwing me in the pool.  Again.

 Tyler loves cupcakes.

Kevin left the party early to drive to UCLA to see BYU's #1 men's volleyball team, play for the National Title.  Unfortunately even though we had already beat the other team twice during the year, BYU lost the title in 3 straight sets. But Kevin and Aaron had great seats.