Tunnels for Thomas

The boys were making tunnels the other day and sending their Thomas trains through again and again. Thought it was cute and something to capture :)

Ellwood Mesa

On Thursday morning I had one of those annoying 5 minute doctor appointments. I took the boys, who did great because they love checking on the baby, and then promised a fun adventure afterward. I packed a cooler of drinks and food and we drove out to Ellwood. As soon as we pulled over on coronado by the trail to the Monarch grove we were surrounded by butterflies. It was such a warm sunny day that all the Monarchs were very active. The boys ran up the trail and followed the signs to the grove, picking flowers and playing in the dirt along the way. There were butterflies galore once we got inside the eucalyptus grove, it was magical. It had been a little while since I visited there during the peak season. The boys really enjoyed watching all the butterflies flutter around as we sat on a fallen tree and had a snack.

When they were ready we continued our hike out to the open mesa and walked to the cliff to admire the sparkling ocean. William was very concerned that Zachary was going to fall off the cliff once we got close and bear hugged him so he couldn't move until I picked him up. It was very sweet. They played in a tree cave, climbing on tree branches and swinging sticks. We spotted county fire engine 11 parked out on the mesa and all the "guys" exercising on the trails. William wanted to go check out the engine so we made a big loop to walk by the fire truck and touch it. William and Zachary walked & ran the whole way back to the grove and then back to the car. We could not have asked for a better day to enjoy nature and the beauty around us.

Our trip to Utah

The Wrenns took a family vacation to Utah for a week to go and visit family. It was a perfect trip. One thing we did differently in our travels this time around was taking it a little slower. Instead of plowing through the 11 hour drive all in one shot, we broke it up and planned to site see a little. We stayed in Saint George and took a detour to Zions National Park! The weather was amazing, we hiked in t shirts and flip flops and admired the beauty of the mountains there. The boys did so great hiking around too. We first did a 2 mile hike to the Emerald pools & back, William hiked the entire way and Zachary did a good portion of it. We all really enjoyed being in the nature there. Then we drove to the Narrows hike, ate a snack & walked for another 20 minutes or so along the river. It was so wonderful to finally experience Zions. Some day We will go back and experience it a little further :)

We made it to Mapleton just in time to celebrate my niece Reanne's 9th birthday with the family. My sister made this chocolate cake that was heaven on a fork & we visited for the rest of the evening. Sunday morning we woke up to dumping snow! What luck! A hike in the warm sun one day, perfect driving conditions, and then fresh powder for Billy to ski on! We went to church with Kristy and her family so William and Grant could go to Primary and Sunbeams together- so cute. Family dinner included My parents, Tracy, Grandma Mills, Aunt Brenda and the Bourgeous family, it was so wonderful to be around so much family. And oh how we have missed those Sunday dinners.

Monday, Billy had a great day of skiing at Sundance with a discounted ticket, free lunch and fresh powder. Couldn't have asked for anything more. Thanks Tracy!

The rest of the week flew by. It never snowed again and the warm sun returned which made driving conditions on our return trip a dream. William played with his cousin Grant everyday, all day, and had the time of his life. They got along so great, it was so fun to watch them. Zachary did his best to keep up and played really well with the boys as well as Reanne and Sierra. It's everything you could hope for when it comes to family :)

I got to hang out with Kristy, my parents and Tracy quite a bit through out the week, it was so nice. We went on a few outings but mostly hung around the house enjoying each others company. I got to see my Grandma's new house she just bought a mile away from my parents home. It was so wonderful to see my Grandma again and know that she is well taken care of and surrounded by family now. I went to Novell on Friday afternoon and met Tracy for her pilates class, it was fun to work out together & it really kicked my booty too.

Billy and I got to escape for an afternoon to Salt Lake City and do a session at the temple! It was so wonderful and such a great experience. Something we have always wanted to do, see the SLC temple and experience it's beauty. What a special place.

It was such a treat all the way around to take this trip. One last escape before baby boy #3 comes and fire season heats up. I wish the family was just a little bit closer together so I could see everyone more often, but I sure enjoy the times I get to be with everyone. Love you family!

(I realized after this post that I am the worst at taking pictures! Hardly took any our entire trip!)

Billys Birthday

Yesterday was Billy's 29th birthday. I made him a yummy lunch to take to work with a little happy birthday note. When he got home I surprised him and made arrangements for us to escape for a couple hours to Cold Springs Tavern for dinner for two :) Dinner was SO GOOD! The tavern has such tasty food. They bring you homemade bread to start off, we ordered artichoke hearts baked in this cream sauce for an appetizer, next salads & chili for Billy and then our dinners. I took about five bites of my blue crab stuffed ravioli & Billy ate half of his baby back ribs, baked potato and veggies before we couldn't eat another bite. (we have full meals for lunch/dinner today!). Our waitress, who happened to be the wife of one of the forest service battalion chiefs, gave us our appetizer for free and sent us home with a big helping of complimentary cobbler! Lucky night. We came home to find our boys having lots of fun with the neighbors, it's so nice when the boys can be babysat at home. That doesn't happen very often living back here. We had a little family party with funfetti cake & homemade chocolate banana ice cream :) tradition continues! Streamers & 12 helium balloons to enjoy all over the house, and some new running clothes for Billy. The birthday boy said it was the perfect day.

The boys and I also made homemade cards and I have to post William's. He did some great water color and then wrote his birthday note all by himself. I told him I would write down a message for Daddy and he said "no Mom, I want to write it all by myself" and he did! (well, i told him which letters to write). Can't believe how fast he is growing up.

Happy birthday Billy- I love you!