3rd Grade Field Trip to San Diego

The third grade at NCS takes an annual optional field trip to SD to participate in the Floating Lab. Its a boat that goes out and grabs things from the bottom of the bay and then the kids get to inspect them under microscopes as well as feel and touch them.  It's pretty neat. 

So, Justin took the three boys over to SD for the floating lab trip.  They had a blast. They spent time at the beach, did the boat, went to the Aquarium, and then the last day the Zoo.  Since they had to return that day early, the didn't get much time at the zoo, but they had fun none-the-less.  

When it's just the 3 of them they get along and play nicely together.  Its a nice break from the small kids and time with dad.  

It's a nice tradition to begin since they will all eventually go through 3rd grade! 

Look how cute they are!

Father Daughter Dance

This year Brynn got to go with Daddy on her first Father Daughter Dance with Branches Homeschool Co-op.  She was adorable.  All dressed up and looking like a lady (since she's a tomb boy it is rare) and ready to hit the town.  

They had a great time dancing and snacking and I'm so thankful for a husband that doesn't ever complain about outings with the kids.  This was special being his only girl and it was so precious.  I hope they have many more of these special nights. 

Pretty Girl, you are the light of our family. Our only daughter. Perfectly placed by God right in the middle, surrounded by boys. What a special life God intended for you to live.  We love and cherish you!

Mommy

Summer Swim Team....again!

We are going on another year of swim team and I just love to see these little monkey swim! It has taught them to be incredible swimmers and to do things they might be intimated about. To face the nerves and dive in.  I'm so thankful for the lessons that come with swimming and the summer friends they have made.  I'm not sure how long they will want to swim but I will cherish these days of them in the water. 

The heat gets to me a little. It is pretty hot out there watching them practice and going to swim meets. But, it is worth it.  

Trip to Prescott

We took a little trip to Prescott with my parents and stayed at Point of Rocks.  It was beautiful mixed in with some warm! The kids had a great time as they always do. Running around, getting dirty, climbing these amazing rocks, hiking to the lake, and eating treats.  They are just so adorable.  

I'm thankful my parents schedule these little getaways and then invite us to come along.  The kids love being in the motorhome and camping in general.   

These are precious memories for the kids to make with my parents and I know I will treasure them and they will too!

Ringing in the "Sandy" New Year

Justin and my dad took the three older boys to the Dunes for New Years while the little kids and I stayed here to enjoy some time together.  While the boys were off riding in the sand, my mom and I took the kids to Jambo Park (thanks to her purchase of a coupon).  They had a great time riding the rides and playing on the playground and eating a frosty from Wendy's on the way home.  The boys spent their time riding in their RZR 170 and mastering the bowls.

It was only their second trip our with the Razor and I'm amazed and how fast they have learned to drive and drive fast.  It makes my heart happy to have them enjoy riding out there.  I also think it was awesome of my husband and  my dad to take them out for a boys trip.  It makes for such awesome memories and something for them to look forward to.

Justin is always good about taking some pictures for me while they go do their adventures.  I'm thankful for that.  I don't want to miss out on even a second of their memories.

Turkey "Sand"wiches

We took a little trip to the dunes over Thanksgiving.  It was a lot of fun being back out in the sand after some time now of being away. I think its been almost 2 years since we've made it down there.  

My dad, G-d bless him, bought the kids an awesome RZR 170 that is just perfect for them.  We were all very excited to take it out for the first time.  It is the JOY of sharing something special from your childhood with your children that is so awesome.  I was given, by my parents, my first quad at age 7, smack in the middle of their ages now.  Learning to ride and then later learning to drive was one of the best thrills of my life.  I'm so thankful my parents, my dad, spent all that time and money and energy to take me down to the dunes growing up.  Now, I get to watch my children experience the same joy and thrill.  

The trip started with an unexpected delay. The motorhome wouldn't start but thanks to a friend of ours he came to our aid and helped my dad get it running for the trip. We were able to leave by around noon.  I was so thankful since I had packed and prepared everything.  The thought of cancelling was heartbreaking.

They did an awesome job learning to drive the RZR. Even the twins. I wasn't sure at first how they would do, but they did great and they loved it.

We joined a large group down there so there was a lot going on.  The kids were able to play and ride and just hang out. We barely saw them. That is when we know they are having fun.

We had our friend Eric Vollmar join us for the first time. He brought his dirt bike down and got a chance to see what it's all about down there.  I think he had a great time. 

I'm so thankful for my husband who puts in many hours of prepping, packing, loading, unloading, unpacking, driving, watching the kids ride, and the list goes on.  My dad also puts endless hours into preparing for the trips and making a way for us to go and have a place for me and the little ones to sleep comfortably.  It is a true labor of love.  Love for the children and love of the ride!

The buggy rode great.  The RZR drove great.  The kids were...kids and they are great! The trip was great!