Monday, September 27, 2010

Kickin' it in Cali

Last week we went to California to visit my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew. We drove down with my parents. We were also lucky because my other brother, sister-in-law and two nephews were able to come spend time with us too. We had tons of fun. My brother, Dan and his wife, Emilee, are amazing. We had so much fun with them.


Our first night there, we climbed to the top of a mountain/hill. I can't remember what it's called but we watched the sunset from the top.


My dad was not posing on purpose but he does look pretty impressive. Dan was pointing out the sites in Riverside.
It was quite the hike uphill. But we made it.
At the beach, it was cloudy and cold but still tons of fun.
Trav loves the beach now. He didn't go much as a child.

Gage's first time with his feet in the sand. He loved it.
My cute sister-in-law, Emilee, and the hilarious and adorable Jack (who kept eating sand even though he didn't like it).

The waves got really big at one point. We didn't really go in the water because it was cold and there was a really strong riptide that day.

We built a sand chair and Opa did a lot of "thinking" in it.

We took a train from Riverside to L.A. I don't think I've ever been on a real train. It was fun but long (about an hour both ways).
The whole gang in China Town.

Walking around China Town in L.A. I think Gage was getting tired.
All the grandsons ready for church.

On Pirates of the Caribean ride at Disneyland.

Cute Jack with my brother Dan on the Pirates ride.


Trav had to get Gage a Mickey ears hat. I love this picture.

Gage did really well in his stroller. Everyone who saw him had to comment on how cute his hat was too.
The Angels Baseball game. They won!
Gage's first Merry-go-round.

I had to put this picture in because it shows Trav's ride on the California Screamer. Trav went on all the big, major rides with my brothers. My brother, Dan, somehow always new when they would take the picture because in every photo on the ride he did the same thing.
Trav's favorite attraction/ride was "A Bug's Life." Here we are with our 3-D glasses waiting to go in, Gage slept through the whole thing.

Mrs. Incredible just happened to be walking by and saw Gage, she stopped and wanted us to take a picture with her. She thought he was too cute. I have to admit I think she's right.


Entertaining Gage while in line for Peter Pan. That was probably the longest we had to wait. Almost every ride we just walked on.

Gage trying to pull the sword out of the stone. He just wouldn't give up, I had to pry his hands off.
Two cute boys in their matching Disney shirts.

Gage was super tired at the end of the trip. But we had a fantastic time. Thanks Dan and Em!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Thank Heaven for Little Boys!

Yesterday was one of those days. Those days when you feel like a terrible mother for no reason. Those days when you feel your doing everything wrong. Those days when the baby is crying and you don't know why and you feel like you can't do it any more. I think Heavenly Father knew I would have a lot of "those days" because he sent me a little boy who won't let me take things to seriously. When I didn't feel like I could do it anymore, I put Gage down on a blanket so I could go cry for awhile, but Gage wouldn't let me. As soon as I put him down he started smiling at me. Big genuinely, happy smiles. Then he started grabbing toys and giggling. I sat next to him. As he played, he kept checking to make sure I was still there and he'd smile at me some more. How can I feel sorry fo myself when I have a little boy who knows exactly when I need a smile. Thank heaven for little boys.