Our Week

While the older kids were in school, I took the little kids to Knotts with some friends.

 The carousel was a big hit this time...we rode it 3 times in a row.  I'm getting dizzy just thinking about it.

Catherine will take the tire cap off the car if I park her stroller next to it.  I have to get creative about how to load her in the car.

Thomas really wanted to build a rocketship...so we did.  He read books and played in there for a long time.

At Robbie's piano lesson the kids play with Sis. Guthrie's toys.  Catherine got her own chair this week and got right to work commanding her people.

After the lesson, sometimes Sis. Guthrie needs help with things around the house.  Robbie helped her change some of her clocks this week.  I love seeing him serve.

We've played at the park a lot lately since it's light later. 

the girls fortress

the boys team

Tom trying to sneak  up the side to take over.

Brian went out there with the kids on Saturday, while I went to the temple. 

Accomplishments

Thomas has been interested in writing lately.  He wrote his name and came to show me!  Tom and a C for Catherine!

Robbie was awarded his Weblos patch and Arrow of Light last week.  He's had so much fun in Cub Scouts.  He can't wait to go to Boy Scouts.

Lydia earned her silver AR medal for the last trimester.  She worked really hard on it!

Robbie also got his silver AR medal.

He also received high honors for his grades.  Only 2 people in his class earned this award.

Robbie was asked by his teachers to represent his school at the Orange County National History Day competition.  He was the only 5th grader to represent the school.  There were some 6th graders that went too.  His project was on The Great Compromise.  Brian went with him for the whole day.  I brought the rest of the family down at the end.  He created this poster, wrote a paper, and was interviewed about his project. He didn't win, but it was a good experience.

It was a rainy day, so he carried his poster in a bag.

All set up

All the participants from his school

Brian and Robbie went to eat at Panda Express for lunch, too.

Basketball

Robbie and Lydia finished their basketball games for the league this week.

At Lydia's last practice, they had a kids vs. parents game.  Since I had Catherine, Robbie stepped in to play with Lydi.

Thomas even got in to play with Lydia's side.

Practicing shots during Lydi's practice.

Robbie's game

It's been a fun season. 

11 Months

Catherine turned 11 months!!

 Shes getting really fast at crawling and getting into things.

She gives the best hugs and cuddles.

She loves to watch the kids play basketball.  She cheers them on and snatches the basketball from them when she can.

She's a good baby, and we love having her!

Partner Retreat

Brian's law firm had a Partner Retreat last weekend.  The whole family was invited and we stayed at the Pasea Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach.

It's on PCH right across from the beach.  This was our view from our room balcony.

Even our TV welcomed us!

When we got there on Saturday, we went downstairs for a brunch by the fire.

And played a few lawn games

Then Brian had meetings to go to, so I took the kids over to the beach.

It was a little chilly, but the older kids played for a few hours anyway.  It was a beautiful day!

Catherine eventually fell asleep.

Brian joined us for a little bit after his meetings.

Then we headed back up to our rooms to get ready for the party that evening.

They brought in bounce houses, sand art, air brush painting, a fun live band, candy buffet, yummy barbecue dinner and arcade games.

Lydi on the surfboard

The next morning we went down for breakfast and played a few more games before heading off to church.