Our Family

We were blessed last Sunday to finally bless our little Spencer with lots of family around. We were waiting until we were out in Utah so that Ben's folks, my mom, great grandparents, and some aunts could be there. We did at the house which was perfect for our group. It was a wonderful experience and Ben gave a beautiful blessing. Spencer was just about 3 months old and due to his chunkiness we had to get a medium size blessing outfit, cute little chunk! It was a wonderful gathering and so nice to have so much family around. I never got a picture of all the men in the blessing circle, but they were: Ben, Grandpa Fluhman, Great Grandpa Hayes, Spencer, Matt, & Stephen.

Grandma & Grandpa Hayes (Greats)

Daddy & his boys!

Sweet baby Spencer all in white

Grandma Dove (Great)

4 Generations: Spencer, Me, My Mom, & Her Mom

Aunt Susan, My Mom, Grandma Dove, Aunt Lucinda

On Saturday we had a Fluhman family reunion. There was a lot of food and of course a repeat of the "big" slide. There were a few complications with getting the slide set up, but once it was up there was NO stopping the insanity. I never went down, someone had to stay dry to take of the kids, but Ben made up for it. I am AMAZED that no severe injuries occured!

Ben Flying Down the Slide

Big Spencer holding Little Spencer

Charlie, Ben, & Isaac playing with the Squirters
(I love all these little boy cousins)

Natali playing with Baby Jakers

Dad Fluhman joining in on the Fun

Ben flying off the end.

I don't have a picture but I don't want to forget the memory of Stephen flying off then end of the slide head first and football tacking Mom to the ground and getting her soaked. Poor Mom, none of us could help her because we were all laughing too hard to move, including herself!

After riding in the car for 14 hours to Utah we were ALL ready for some outside play time. Thankfully Grandma & Grandpa Fluhman's was the perfect place to run free.

Baby Spencer is 3 months old. He is a joy and delight. He is smiling and attempting to laugh. He is sleeping through the night (such a blessing). I love him. He is my therapy through this crazy 4th year. Love you little guy!

This was another one of my classic childhood toys. The "TEPEE". I saved bringing this out for a special day, a day where I needed the kids to be really entertained. They LOVED it. I loved it! I spent a lot of time plotting on how to get it back with me to Iowa. But alas, it stayed in San Diego.
My Grandma Chase made it back in the day...maybe I should call her and place an order.

Saturday morning we started off bright and early knowing it would be my last Saturday here in SD. We went and got McDonald's breakfast (a tradition with my mother that goes back many years) and while there decided that we wanted to go out to La Jolla to see the temple. So that we did! We first went to Deseret Book across the freeway and found some deals. Then we went to the distribution center to look for a blessing outfit for Spencer...shocker the kid needs a medium for his fat little neck! Finally at the end I tried to get some pictures of me and the kids, but the kids had other ideas and after a few shots my camera died. But nothing (except for being inside) beats the feeling you get being on the temple grounds. We just wish our dad could have been there to. The day was ended with a fun BBQ at my dad's eating, playing, and visiting with Genny's family...and getting our Hawaii souvenirs.

Last Thursday we packed up and headed off for another evening at the zoo. This time though we would be joined by some more family. Brandon, Sandy, and the girls meet us down there for a dinner picnic, trips on the skyfari, and a walk through the new elephant enclosure. Natali loved being with her cousins, especially Courtney. I LOVED the help and attention that Brandon gave to Isaac! It was a fabulous evening.

Every time we leave the house we have this encounter. The kids touching and trying to get into the "Red Car" and me saying..."no, no...don't touch" or "hurry up we need to go" or, "sorry there is no room for the car seats!". The "Red Car" I must confess is fun to drive!

Last Friday we met mom after work and headed off to an evening at the Zoo. The kids had a wonderful time. My mom has an annual pass and decided that Natali needed one too, since we would be going multiple times before leaving. Iowa child...San Diego Zoo...makes sense to me!

We went over to the rhinos and giraffes. The giraffes were putting on quiet the show.

Then we found a little corner to set up and eat our picnic dinner. I LOVE that you can bring in your own food. Mom offered to feed Spence a bottle so I could relax and eat dinner as well.

We walked around some more and saw the bears and my favorite the orangutan. Love that guy. Then to finish the outing Mom took Natali across the Skyfari while I stayed behind with the boys. Another great adventure.

This is for you Ben! Amo-te