Fun in our own Backyard

We have had some fun since being home. Sunday night we got together for family dinner with the Waites and Blackwells. The weather was nice and the kids really wanted to go outside. So we let them all go to town...forgetting that it had rained and there was water sitting in most of the toys. There was a nice amount of water in the wagon-which quickly turned to mud as the big kids added dirt. Tyler found his way right over when he heard water and started splashing around like it was the coolest bath he had ever had. He was covered head to toe (in his church outfit) in mud. He had a blast and we just stripped him down to his onesie and enjoyed a real bath that night.

Tonight we had the Waites over for dinner. Again, the weather was nice and the kids all wanted outside to play in the little pool we had set up...so, being the coolest parents ever we all just strip 'em down and let them play. The kids loved it and the adults didn't mind getting splashed too much. Ben showed us some of his swimming skills he learned last week. Maddy and Tyler just splashed around and enjoyed the cool water.

Home Sweet Home

Being home is always a good thing! We sure did have fun in California though. Our last morning was full of funny things the kiddos do. It started with sis finding the weights and walking around with them. Unfortunately we didn't get the best picture of our kids pumping iron- but they really were...promise!

We also finally got a picture with Uncle Jordan. He is great with the kids and we had a blast getting to talk with him and catch up on life. We are excited to go back in a few short weeks for his High School Graduatoin.

We made it on the road about 8:30am and were home by 1:00pm. Traffic wasn't too bad. We got bogged down for a bit but then the kids took over and we made up the lost time ;) {disclaimer: no children were harmed in the taking of these picutres. We were actually stopped in the beautiful town of Baker, home of the world's tallest thermometer}

{Ya- I know Tyler doesn't look like he's having much fun but you really should have heard him laughing all the way home. The only thing he didn't like was when cousin Ben would steal his pacifier or blanket...or kick him...or hit him...}

Tyler was so excited to see his daddy when we got home. He would cry every time we got in the car because he couldn't be held by his best buddy. Tyler was so excited to nap in his own crib again that he spent a good 20 minutes just shaking the crib, turning on and off the lights, and pounding on the wall. Once he realized everything was just how he left it Tyler passed out for a great two hour nap. When we woke up we enjoyed dinner at In-n-Out and Tyler even got to sport a little hat.

We had fun running around town with Ryan and it is so good to be home. Back to our routine (or not so routine) life. Hopefully we can find some fun things to keep posting.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

We had some fun despite the rain. All five of us crazies made it to Mission Mall to play in their little kid friendly spot. There were only about 5934 unsupervised children running around, stomping on my child, but Tyler still enjoyed playing somewhere new for a bit.

Once Heather and I got sick of searching for our kids we shooby-dooby(ed) on down to Ruby's for a yummy lunch. The kids were starving and we were craving a delicious shake. Sooo good! Our little ones turned on the charm after getting some food in their tummies. Madelyn has been so funny being a little mommy this trip. She's been giving Tyler his pacifier, rubbing the boys' backs, helping them share, and feeding Tyler his food!

Benjamin got a fun car to play with and loved watching the train go around and around. He even got to end lunch with a gumball from the fun machine.

Once we were home the kids had fun just being with each other. I made Tyler wear his jacket around all day since it is stinking cold here. I couldn't resist taking some pictures of the little guy with his hoodie on. He is just so wonderful. We are hoping for a good night's rest and a quiet car ride home tomorrow. We are bound to have another full weekend of house hunting once we get home...wish us luck!

It's Raining, It's Pouring

Sadly, our adventures in California have come to all but a stand still. The powers that be decided now would be a good time to open the heavens upon this promised land. It has been raining for nearly two days solid now. We still managed to get out to go shopping though- and run through the rain with our kids. We all look so out of place since all we brought with us are shorts (oops). We definitely got some dirty looks for taking our kids out in the rain dressed in so little- but the kids sure loved it!

Due to the weather we are doing what everyone does when it rains...baking! Heather made some banana bread and I made some cookies. We are trying to remember what to do in California with kids when it's raining. We might make an outing to the mall and have a little treat at Ruby's...if only Tyler would wake up from his nap!

Weather woes aside- we still have some dang cute kids so here are a few pictures of what our kids do best- eat!

Auntie Morgan comes to visit too!

One of my best friends since High School, Morgan, made the time to stop by and see us last night. She is one of those genuinely good (and absolutely hilarious) people. We had so much fun together working at TLC (for way too long) and playing and now she is just as good at playing with the little ones.

Her mission was to hold Tyler until he liked her- but that didn't take long. Tyler went right to her when she came in the door and loved her every second after. Even Ben and Maddy wanted to play. Ben would have Morgan cock the guns (nurf guns) then run around shooting stuff. The kids loved having the attention of one more person.

Morgan was also blessed with the experience of witnessing bath night. It's funny to have someone new in the loop to ask, "how do you know what to do?" I swear that's exactly what I thought when I first had Tyler too- then you just make it up and it looks like you know what you're doing! Hope we get to spend more time with Morgan soon. We have been so lucky to see all these friends so far- and it's only Thursday!

Our Date with Popa

We got to go on another fun walk this morning and get in a good morning nap and then we had a great date with Popa Dunn. Popa came and picked us up at my parent's house. Tyler got a cute stuffed tiger from his Popa (which was immediately shared with Benjamin and Madelyn) then we headed down to Dana Point to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Popa goes bike riding all the time at the beach so he knows the good places to eat. We grabbed some yummy fish and chips for the adults and a corn dog as big as Tyler. There were a lot of fun people and dogs around so Tyler enjoyed every second of being outside in the salty air.

After lunch we got some ice cream as a special treat and then walked around Dana Point Harbor. We sure are lucky to have such a wonderful great grandpa. We miss having him around to ride with Ryan and enjoy his company.

Visiting with California Friends

We had a blast yesterday going on walks, playing with cousins, running errands (finding some wooden puzzles for Tyler's birthday), swimming in the spa, and seeing our old buddies Michelle and Bradley.

Michelle and I worked together for the school district. We saw more of each other during our pregnancies than anyone else. We had the same doctor, worked with each other, delivered at the same hospital, we both worked with the Young Women in our ward, and we both ended up have C-sections. Needless to say, we have quite the bond after all the fun times we've been through. Tyler and Bradley were born only two weeks apart. They have had some fun times- typically their visits involved some crying and sleeping- until now.

It was so much fun to see the boys actually "play" together this time. Both boys are big, smiley, and adorable. We loved visiting and hope to see them both again soon!