The Movers Are Here

This marks the first time Sally told me to, "take a picture."

She was all proud of her bundle of crayons.

She's wearing ratty clothes cause it was spaghetti night.

This was right after she came into the bathroom and told me to, "be reverent."

Didn't know she knew that word.

The aquarium has a new exhibit...the flamingos!

And I'm so happy they finally got a sea turtle. Loved this guy.

You can also see yourself on the big screen in the new exhibit.

Last trip to the aquarium!

Followed by a last trip to the farmer's market.

meat on a stick,

cupcakes,

and caramel apples

This was after a yummy dinner with friends (Cybill is one of our babysitters we love)

Primary Singers

These primary kids sing their little hearts out every Sunday and I love it.

Just one more thing I'm gonna miss!

(Justin's orders didn't get changed like we were told they most likely would, so we are still moving this week!)

Good Old Days Year 2

Started with a parade.
These guys made me shed a tear.

So did these guys for a whole nother reason.

The Balloon Platoon

Only in a California parade...

Last year we bought overpriced lemonade.
This year we spent our money on overpriced games and rides.

A kid from our ward was in the dunk tank.
Drew tried to dunk him but no luck.

The free bird holding won the happy prize this year.

The not about me night

that really was.

Originally: a good-bye dinner for me.

But then: We found out the military here messed up in giving Justin orders for us all to move to TX. The movers are scheduled to come Thursday and we still don't know if we're moving or not. 90% we're staying here til June. So I emailed everyone saying it was no longer a good-bye dinner. Just a fun night.

And then: Danna emailed everyone behind my back to ignore my email :)

So: I was surprised with a goodbye (just in case) and early birthday dinner at Lalla Grill.

You're looking at a delicious lemon coconut cake and me turning 4 years old.
Wish you could see the framed pictures and fresh flowers decorating the table.

Thank you Shawna

and Danna for organizing!

The favors were circus animal cookies wrapped up all cute that said,
"the birthday girl's favorite,"
and note cards that said, "don't forget to write."
So thoughtful.

Thank you ALL for coming and making me feel special :)

If you could tell your husbands to join the military and get orders to Georgia I'd appreciate it.

My Son Has a Crush on a Chipmunk

I overheard Owen whispering to Drew, "I kind of like Brittany."

Easter is Over

But I'm back looking at my pictures.
I think this is my favorite picture from Easter and really wish it was my child focused in the foreground.

She didn't want to get out of her car seat so

her car seat got out with her.

Candy Filled

This was a first for us...a night hunt. Between all of us (but mostly thanks to our hosts) 500 eggs were spread across the park lawn and everyone used flash lights to find them. So fun. Thank you B's!

With Sarah, one of the many people I will be packing up to take with me when I move.

Easter Eve

Justin left super early that morning for TX.

Owen woke up first (like always).

Then Sally (like always).

Then Drew (yes, like always).

Peeps come every year and Drew is the only one that eats them.

In-between conference sessions we went to the Heywood's ranch for lunch and a hunt.

the man table

with Brenna and Sarah and some cute little girls

with Sasha, our newest babysitter

on the tramp

And then...hunt #3 with the Zunigas!

with Linnea (taken by Jaime)

with Jaime and Micah (taken by Linnea)

Easter Sunday

The in-between session beach walk worked so well last conference we did it again.

proof that Sally's hair is not cut
(that was an April Fool's joke if you didn't read the comments on the last post)

No pictures from our delish dinner today at the B's.
Mostly wish I had some of people eating booger, barf, and centipede flavored jelly beans.

on that note...
Happy Easter!

Oh and PS last night I opened my scriptures and was very entertained by Philippians 4:11,

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever STATE I am, therewith to be content."

Yes, I can be content in the state of Texas :)

Emotional Cutter

Was feeling inspired by a certain celebrity child.

But maybe I should not do hair cuts when I'm feeling emotional.

At least she's too young to be mad at me.

A Good Thing

Just won this giveaway on Emily's blog (my friend from church and high school).

Isn't it so crazy that frame is made out of cardboard? I love it and am so excited :)

Lots of cool stuff at her etsy shop.

Thank you Emily!

My Melodramatic Monterey Post

The closest I could find to her crying

You know on American Idol when someone gets eliminated then they're forced to watch a video of their journey on the show while trying to keep their composure?

That's what I feel like.

My Monterey journey keeps playing over and over in my head starting with day 1 when we found Lover's Point for the first time.

We found out YESTERDAY that we're leaving Monterey on April 16...2 months earlier than planned. June was already too soon. April stinks.

We didn't think the military would move our entire family to Texas for Justin's 5-6 months of Iraqi dialect training (then we'll move AGAIN to be stationed in GA).

But in fact, they are.

Which is a very good thing to be together as a family, but before I get excited about that I need to mourn leaving Monterey.

I LOVE it here. It is my happy place with happy people.

And also I need to mourn the summer we won't be spending in AZ.

K now I will think about our entertainment options in San Angelo, TX:
Hiking with a llama.
Visiting a water lilly garden.
Going to a museum.

Nope, don't feel better.

But you know we will be doing that llama hike.