The Aquarium with Cousins!

We always love to visit the aquarium but it is so much more fun to visit with cousins! They were all in town for Linnea's birthday and baptism and we had such a good time spending time with them! We love our family so much.

Beach Bonfire Birthday Party!

Since I was focusing so much on planning a baptism the day after Linnea's birthday party, a beach bonfire party was perfect. Relaxing, not too much work and tons of fun! I chuckled after I viewed the few pictures that I got because Linnea is only in the background of one. She was off having too much fun the whole time! We enjoyed spending the evening with Leif and Jenn (my brother and sister in law) and their family, my parents, my great aunt, my grampa, Tera and Jared (my sister and brother in law) and their family, the Perez family, the Huston family, the Taylor-Jenson family, the Nilsson family, Becky, and cousins Morgan and Makenna. My little girl is growing up--I can't believe how fast! I know any parent can relate. I love being a mother to my sweet girl, Linnea.







Linnea's Birthday Statistics!

weight: 54 lbs.
height: 48" (4 ft. exactly)
favorite movie: American Girl Samantha
favorite books: American Girl Felicity and Samantha
favorite foods: strawberries, bagels, apples, pears
favorite things to do: go to the beach and jump rope
when she grows up she wants to be: a teacher and a mother
favorite color: violet

Summer Swimming Fun

There is a cute little swimming pool, steps away from the ocean, nestled in a park called "Lovers Point". I swam there when I was little, my mother might have even swam there when she was little. My children have taken swimming lessons there in years past. Yesterday we just went there for recreational swim. It's perfect because we can play at the beach in the cold pacific ocean water and sometimes chilly outside air as well, and then hop into the heated 98 degree pool to warm off. Yesterday was a pretty cool day here, maybe mid 60's, but the pool was nice and warm--there was actually steam coming off of the water! We had a lot of fun. We took a friend of Linnea's with us and the two of them and Gavin had a blast.

Happy Happy Birthday Linnea Dear!

Time for chocolate cake--is there any other kind of cake?
Linnea and I
Albert loves his little girl!
Albert, Linnea and Gavin
Gavin, Linnea and I
Gavin being silly at Linnea's party (I wish the picture wasn't blurry!)
Dallin, my sister's little boy
Maila, my sister's little girl
Carter, my sister's boy

Linnea is eight! We love our little girl so much and she is growing up! We love her so much and are so thankful for her. I'm telling you, she is my saving grace in a house full of boys. I feel sorry for people that don't have a little girl. I love being a mom to her--she makes it so easy! We are proud of the person that she is and becoming. Happy birthday Linnea!

Linnea's Haircut

Linnea and her friend went to the salon today and got a hair cut and had their hair straightened! They were quite excited and they look beautiful! Linnea has such perfect hair anyway with beautiful blond highlights that other girls have to spend a fortune to obtain. She is my beautiful angel, both inside and out.

Linnea and her friend, Becky
Linnea's hair is naturally wavy with a little curl and her friend has very, very, very curly hair.

Tech Museum in San Jose

Albert had the day off and so we took off to San Jose to the Tech Museum. It was so much fun! San Jose really has a lot of cool stuff for families. We learned about alternative energy and stood in a room that simulated an earthquake, water currents and the internet and much more. The kids loved it. Unfortunately Jacen wasn't with us because he was at scout camp but he's been there before.



Albert, Linnea and Gavin
Linnea and I in front of the pirate ship! Arghhhhh!
We were waiting for a show to start. It really was more exciting than we are letting on!

Summer Fun!

On a warm, sunny day we drop everything and go to the beach! The laundry could be overflowing the hamper, the dishes might stay dirty in the sink, the beds might even left unmade. The ocean calls to us and we succumb to bask in the warmth of the sun and feel the cool ocean breeze. I took my two of my children (Jacen was at soccer camp) and my sisters three children to the beach and we enjoyed a beautiful and unusually warm day there. I'm so grateful to live in this beautiful place and feel like I'm on vacation most of the time! Summer has begun and we are ready to live it up!

Tribute to Fatherhood

On this Father's Day, I have been thinking of the great men in my life. First of all, I think of my Dad. I am proud to relate to Enos in the Book of Mormon when he says, "I, Enos, knowing my father that he was a just man--for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture and admonition of the Lord--and blessed be the name of my God for it--" My Dad was a great example to me. He continuously chose the right and led a life in congruence with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I always knew he had an unshakable testimony of Christ and lived accordingly. He blessed me and our home with the Priesthood. He served others willingly and happily. I always have looked up to my Dad. I always thought he knew just about everything. I still do. I always knew that if I ever needed him, he would be there. There is no doubt in my mind that he would do anything for me. When I think back to my youth, I have so many great memories with him. I remember camping trips and road trips, board games and card games. I remember him helping me with my homework. I cherish the memories of him reading to me every night and sleeping for a few minutes at the end of my bed while I went to sleep so I wouldn't be scared. (Sometimes I think he fell asleep first <: ) I remember my Dad praying with me at the side of my bed every single night. I feel so blessed to have a Dad such as he was. Thank you, Dad. I love you!

I am blessed to have great men in my life. I cherish my husband with all of my heart. He continuously sacrifices for our family and loves me and our children dearly. He puts us first. He serves his children and he serves the Lord. He has such a sweet and sincere testimony that makes me love him even more. He treats me like a queen and takes the responsibility of fatherhood seriously. He understands that he is raising valiant children of God. He loves to play with them and talk with them and learn from them. He is a great example of service and shows them his dedication to do what is right, even when it differs from what others may think. He has amazing patience with me and our children. I love my husband so much and love him for what he has become and will become. I'm so glad to be partners with him through this life and all eternity.

We spent a week down in Southern California with Glen and Yolanda (Albert's sister and brother in law). Albert was working down their and the kids and I went along for the fun of it. We all enjoyed visiting with Glen and Yolanda and their two girls.
Cousins looking cool in their shades!
Kicking back in the shade waiting for their caramel apple.
Linnea and Lauren play in the water. Cousins are so much fun!
Here's Gavin! The kids had so much fun playing in the water in Glen and Yolanda's backyard. Of course it was nice and sunny and warm in southern California.

Congratulations to our 6th grade Graduate!!

Jacen graduated today from 6th grade! I can't believe I have a 7th grader!! I'm so proud of him for being a great student. He is extremely self-motivated and works hard on everything he does. He excels in every subject and I never, ever have trouble getting him to do his school work. He comes home every day and just completes everything and does a great job. He is a joy in that way! I'm so proud of him. I'm sure he will have many more academic successes in the coming years.
Here is a picture of Jacen and I after the graduation.