California

I'm so glad we made it to California this summer even if we only got a few days out of it. This was my only weekend off before school starting and I told Ron it's now or never. I even threatened taking the kids myself (which he knows I probably would even tho I really didn't want to brave it with out him). We stayed in Buena Park this time close to Knott's Berry Farm. It's our Christmas gift that keeps on giving and we love it. We are really enjoying using those annual passes. Everyday was pretty much the same. We would hang out at Knott's Berry Farm for a couple hours. Then head to the beach. Ron found us a nice smaller beach called Little Corona Del Mar. It's a rocky beach which means lots of exploring for my kids to do. They had fun playing with crabs and finding Sea Anemone's. This time of year at Knott's was a lot more crowded than the spring, the kids noticed too. On Saturday they had to stand in a few lines and didn't enjoy that much. As we were planning out our events for the next day Noah announced "Tomorrow will not be so busy at Knott's. It's Sunday and people go to church on Sunday." Too cute. That night for family prayer Mason prayed "Sorry we aren't going to church tomorrow." I'm glad my kids are aware of the importance of the Sabbath Day observance. 

  

  

 Last day in CA we hung out at Huntington Beach.

April wasn't quite sure what to think of the ocean the first couple days. She didn't like getting sand on her hands and wasn't a huge fan of the water either. She tolerated it ok. It wasn't until our last and final day at the beach that she embraced the dirtiness and fun. She discovered the use of a shovel and stayed busy sprinkling sand in her pail.

Callie loved playing in the sand and even talked me into digging her a life size hole in the sand. Which I might add took me an entire hour and she only stood in for like 2 mins. (I'm rolling my eyes) Not an easy task, we were not well prepared. I dug this hole for her with a flimsy plastic shovel about 12 inches long. LOL

 Noah loved exploring the beach and the sand. He wasn't too fond of the cold water with crazy waves. I'm still laughing over his comment on our last day. He was a little upset that Ron had dragged him out into the ocean to experience the waves. Imagine him proclaiming this in his very disgusted stubborn voice "The worst part of California is the beach!"

Mason. Mason. Mason. This kid scares me. He LOVED the water a little too much. Those waves were huge and the riptide was incredibly strong. I personally did not really enjoy getting tossed around and jerked into the water confused on which way was up or down. Mason LOVED every crazy minute of it. We couldn't get him to come in, he kept going farther and farther out. Ron did good staying close to him but I was still a little paranoid. Mason stayed in the water the whole time we were at the beach. The last day coming home we had so much fun playing we stayed probably a little too long. Mostly because Ron and Mason were having such fun out in the water while April napped on the beach. That made for a tiring ride home when we arrived around 1:30am. But it was worth it. I really love experiencing things like this with my kids and watching them take life in.

 Knott's Berry Farm selfies

 "The Excelorator" the fastest ride ever and our favorite! 

 I lost my hat on this ride. Boo. Gone forever. Jaguar (Noah's 2nd favorite ride)

 This nap of hers was amazing! I even got to enjoy part of it.

Havasupai adventure

It's like I had this fantastic dream. It doesn't even feel like it really happened. We had the opportunity to go to Havasupai and play in the beautiful waterfalls. Making arrangements for my kiddos was a little tricky and complicated but thanks to wonderful friends and family Ron and I were able to get away for a few days that I will never forget. We started our trip off driving Wednesday evening to the hill top. We slept a few hours out on a mattress on the ground until we got rained out and finished up our sleep in the car. We woke up to a beautiful Rainbow.

We started hiking early Thursday morning around 6am. It's an 8 mile hike down to the Supai village. Then u continue down another 2 miles to the camp site area. Along the way you pass little Navajo Falls. We got to explore this area Friday afternoon with Erin and Tony. It's a fun little cove with an area you can easily access behind the waterfall.

Our campsite - the squirrels here are super resourceful. They can get into anything! Including unzipping your bags. We tried everything from tying our bags up in the trees to packing it in the tent. The squirrels actually chewed through our friends tent to get food! Crazy animals!

After we picked our campsite spot we went and played at Havasu Falls. This area was really pretty and lots of fun. The best part of this area was Ron encouraging me (more like making me) go out of my comfort zone. We swam to the back of the waterfalls climbed up and jumped out. Tons of water and a heavy current made it a little scary. As I crawled along the wall of the cliff getting closer and closer to the falls. The water pressure increased and was rising and it was hard to breath. Moments of doubt and panic crept in. A couple times I almost gave up and swam back. But Ron was with me the whole time leading the way guiding my hands. The waterfall mist and current made it difficult to breath, I had to point my face away from the direction I was moving. I was crawling along the wall blind. When we reached the point at the base of the falls where we could climb up. He helped push me up to the ledge where I had to take about 5 solid mins to catch my breath and give my pounding heart a break. And then we jumped out into the water. Such a rush of adrenaline, fear and excitement all at once. I'm so glad he made me do it (even if my legs got trashed from the rocks)

Havasu Falls

Thursday evening we hiked down to Mooney falls just beyond the campsite. This hike wasn't long but was a little strenuous. A good portion of the hike is completely vertical. You use chains and rock ledges to lower yourself down. So worth the risk to get this view. I've said this before and I'll say it again. It's so nice to have a good friend like Erin who enjoys being outdoors as much as I do. We make a good team and I hope to experience many more of these adventures with her.

  

 

Mooney Falls

Friday morning we hiked down to Mooney Falls again and kept going. There is a 3 mile hike that takes you to an area called Beaver Falls. This hike was incredible. You pass through miles of incredible greenery that resemble a ginormous strawberry patch. The landscape changes were incredible, one moment I felt like I was in the tropics  and the next I was in the dessert. I loved every miserable moment of this hike in and out of the water in my sand filled water shoes. We reached Beaver Falls and did some  jumping, ate lunch, and eventually returned back to camp. 

Beaver Falls

Friday evening we played in Havasu Falls again and checked out little Navajo Falls.

We hiked out Saturday morning. So glad we utilized the mules ($80 for a round trip of them carrying our gear! Such a steal! I do feel like my day pack weighed just about as much as my gear. I packed too much water. I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.) The hike out is a little rough because at this point you are exhausted, tired, sleep deprived and SORE! But it was amazing. I wouldn't change a thing. I feel like Ron and I grew closer as a couple. We really needed this and I am so glad I got to experience this with my best friend. I still can't believe he talked me into almost drowning and climbing behind Havasu Falls. I feel like I can do anything with him by my side. I can't wait to go back in a few years I want to bring my kids. They would LOVE it! 

Mom Moments

Last week Mason had an eye appointment and it was time to go. I had tried to get a sitter and/or see if any of my friends could help me out with the other kiddos. No luck. 15 mins before we had to leave Mason realized he couldn't find his glasses. He typically does very well keeping track of them so I tried not to get frustrated. We searched and searched for them. No luck. Time was up and we needed to leave. As we loaded up I couldn't help but feel a little dread build up as I thought about sitting in the Retinal specialist waiting area with all 4 kids. That quickly changed to panic as I pulled in the parking lot and realized I had not brought much for my kids to do. No tablets, no BINK or SIPPEE for April, and not very many snacks either. This was going to be an interesting Dr. appointment. The kids actually were pretty well behaved considering the almost 2 hour long appointment.
We stuck out like a sore thumb. The waiting area was PACKED with older patients who I am sure had some interesting comments buzzing in their heads about my wild herd of children. Amidst the chaotic appointment I actually had a few "Ah-Ha" moments. I am truly thankful for good health. Mason's eye is relatively a minor problem (huge to me) but small compared to most people's challenges in life. I thought about some friends I had with children that had very serious and life-threatening diseases. I can't even imagine living that day in and day out. I watched my kids in the eye exam room all intently watching Mason perform his eye exams and tests. I love how concerned they always are for each others well being. Noah and Callie wanted to help Mason with his eye exam it was really sweet when he missed letters and I had to stop them from correcting him. I nearly busted out laughing. I captured a couple sweet moments of little April in Mason's arms and Noah and Callie surrounding them both. I love how connected my children are (at times). It really is one of the highlights of parenting. Watching them interact and care for each other.

It's moments like this that remind me of how good I have it.

Noah lost his first tooth

Noah lost his first tooth today! He was so excited. It's been loose a week or so. He didn't even flinch when I pulled it out for him.

Noah is a pretty good kid. Very obedient loving and thoughtful. But occasionally we disappoint him. LOL While I was at girls camp this year Ron was watching basball on TV and the boys wanted to watch something else. Baseball won. Noah was not too happy and started muttering to himself. Ron got it all on camera.
Noah-"I'm not going to take care of you when you're older"
Ron- "Why?"
Noah's response "Because you're so MEAN!" With an extra emphasis on the word mean. haha I could watch that one all day.
A few weeks ago. I found this gem under the boys bed. The best part is he erased "Best Family Ever"

 This kids artwork cracks me up

Ron AKA Super-Dad

While I was at girls camp Ron got to handle the kiddos for a few days. He noticed Callie's swim suit didn't fit quite right so he took matters into his own hands and busted out my sewing machine. Not the best sewing job ever but I am seriously impressed. He really is super dad sometimes.