Birthday Bowling

For Albert's birthday he wanted to go bowling so we got together some friends and family and had so much fun. I have only been bowling a few times but I think I need to more often because it was so much fun. And of course it's even more fun when going with such fun people!

cello

Linnea has been taking some time choosing just the right instrument to learn.
She needed to pick two instruments and then her instructor would have the final decision based upon putting the band or orchestra together.
She originally was deciding between violin and flute over the past year.
Then she went to a large meeting and heard and saw the instruments and chose #1: violin and #2: trumpet.
Then she met in small groups with her instructor and was able to try the instruments and hear them played and really get up close with them.
After that session she changed her mind to #1: cello and #2: flute.
I LOVE the sound of the cello and it sounds beautiful played with the flute (me thinking of playing with her) and of course I would also love for her to pick flute because I could help her and I have an extra flute. I really loved her choices and didn't care which she learned.
Her instructor had the final decision and Linnea is playing the cello! We rented her instrument for now and it's beautiful and plays beautifully and Linnea is already learning the notes and how to play. It's VERY exciting.

We will have a band/orchestra here in our house soon. Albert has a violin (doesn't know how to play) but he even asked me to go get him a beginner music book for it.

The Zuniga family PLAYS!
The family that plays together stays together! (I know....corny.)

Birthday Boy

Albert is the birthday boy!

We had a nice dinner at home with chocolate cake for dessert.

I'm so grateful for Albert.
Here's 33 reasons why he's got my heart locked up tight:
1. He holds and honors the priesthood of God.
2. He's very patient (with me and others).
3. He says what he thinks.
4. He loves our four children.
5. He supports our family.
6. He gladly makes trips to the store for things I forget.
7. He doesn't judge.
8. He tries to be better each day.
9. He gets along with everyone.
10. He always tries to do what is right.
11. He's not afraid of doing hard things.
12. He puts up with my faults.
13. His smile.
14. He takes care of me.
15. He perseveres through difficult times.
16. He follows the prophet.
17. He is honest with himself and others.
18. He can be a little boy at times and simply have fun.
19. He understands what is really important in life.
20. He sacrifices for his family.
21. He thinks of others first.
22. He's health conscious.
23. He's careful.
24. He's not afraid to dream.
25. He's realistic.
26. He's always warm.
27. He gives great massages.
28. He's supportive.
29. He loves Jesus Christ.
30. He's in it for the long haul. (eternity!)
31. He avoids temptation.
32. He always tries to be a good father.
33. He loves me.

Funny...

Kitchen Table

They say it all happens around the kitchen table. I guess that's why Micah insists on being there. And he insists on being on TOP of the kitchen table.
It makes me nervous but I've come to accept that that is just where he wants to be and I'm living with it. Little daredevil. Here he is really excited about his new bird puppets. He LOVES birds.

6 a.m. run

Jacen started Seminary this school year. I take him to the church for a 6 o'clock scripture study designed for high school students. When we arrive in the church parking lot in Skyline Forest Drive, it is a dark twilight outside. I stretch for a moment before taking off into the forest for my run. I'm kind of nervous at first. This area is notorious for mountain lions and I am usually alone. I try to make a little noise as I'm running (thinking it might scare off anything? but maybe I'm just alerting something?). I glance behind me often. If I hear a noise, I may jump. I look into the woods to both sides and can't help but imagine what may be lurking within. I have even thought about mythical creatures. Why do I let my imagination run away from me?

My body is warm and I have climbed a sloping hill.
The sky is considerably lighter one mile in. I'm approaching some houses. Well, at least someone could possibly hear my scream.

I'm in my groove by the end of mile two and relish the steep hill I am approaching. How I love a good hill! I can feel my hamstrings strengthening. I think my previous imaginations were silly and I'm so glad to have this time running, clearing my thoughts...time to be introspective.

I turn the bend and see a beautiful view of the Pacific ocean along Pebble Beach's scenic coastline. My breath is taken away as the sun has risen.

I decline back through the forests finishing up my four mile loop. They are beautiful as the sunlight tries to find its way through the morning fog.

My favorite time of day.

Reason #204

Reason #204

Why you need a 10 year old girl...

You have someone who gladly helps your squirmy 6-year-old do his homework.

What I did this afternoon....

...baked bread...

...and played dress up.

A girl is never too old to play dress up. Do you ever?

Future H.S. Trumpet Player

Gavin dressed up in Jacen's band uniform and is playing his own trumpet that Grampa Sirman got him. He's all ready for high school band!

Jacen said I will never get a picture of him in his uniform but I will!

It's All About Micah!

Micah's new toy!
It came in the mail yesterday from Amazon and you seriously would have thought it was Christmas at our house...for everybody! Micah especially was SO excited.

Micah tries to crawl into everything! He seriously can't think he'll fit into this little bucket! I LOVE this little chipmunk cheeks!

One of Micah's favorite activities is getting my dish gloves and loading them up with crayons and pencils.

At the time, Micah is so excited about cars! And don't you just love all those curls! It's going to be awhile before I can cut them off!

After receiving my cel phone bill, I think he's been downloading things with my phone. Great!

My little boy...already loves to read. Now if we can just get the book turned around the right way....

I promise I'm not scrubbing his face off!

Micah loves climbing on top of the table these days. It's kind of driving me bonkers. This time he got Linnea's water and stuffed brussel sprouts in it and then drank. I think Linnea let him so that she wouldn't have to eat her brussel sprouts.

Uh oh. His hand got stuck.

Micah learned that he loves cheese. More often then not, he has a cheesy face.