home

Ryan enjoying a sunny day in Half Moon Bay

We're home. And it is good to be here.  EVEN THOUGH, it will probably take me two weeks to get the same amount of sleep that I got in one . . . I am happy.  Being away has given me an extra boost of enthusiasm and gratitude for the simple life I am blessed with.  

This morning I awoke to smiles and hugs from the girls and a nice, long cuddle from Ryan.  Being the little guy that he is, I think he probably missed us the most.  When I went in his room to get him, he sat in his crib and looked back at me with serious eyes.  I picked him up and he laid his head on my shoulder and just sat there.  I wish I could know how long he would have sat there without making a sound.  But of course a lot was going on and so I snuggled with him and then coaxed a little smile out of him, and then another, and then he was all smiles . . . 

It was a happy day.  I had more patience than I normally would have had when Emmy sulked because she liked Sophie's lei more than hers and when Sophie threw a tantrum at dinnertime.  

I know the high of a vacation will only last so long -- but I will enjoy it while it lasts.  

And I can't thank my parents enough for loving them so much and taking such great care of them!  (Doesn't it look like the kids had a great time?)

This little guy brings his ball everywhere he goes

Sophie is still a bug girl!

The joy of jumping in the waves

Love that Sophie has her baby doll

cute girl

Why Hello!

I'm back to the blog after a long break!  Right now I am typing this from a hotel room in Kauai.  In January, Matt and I hit our 10-year anniversary, so to celebrate, we are taking a one-week vacation - thanks to my  parents for staying with our kiddies and to Jo Ann, Suzi, Holly, and Jennilyn who have also stepped in to make things run smoothly for them.  Being gone from my life for a week has made me think a lot about all that happens in 7 days.  When I'm living it, time flies by in a blur.  I have a hard time remembering what happened the previous day, let alone the previous week!  All of the lunches made, dinners served, runny noses, owwies kissed, lost shoes . . . it all blends together.

Before I left, I was so excited to sleep as long as I want, read and play at the beach, and hop into the car and go without snapping someone into a carseat and packing snacks.  And don't get me wrong - we have had a WONDERFUL time!  But I miss my kids!  I am ready for my sometimes hectic, sometimes frustrating, usually exhausting, but very fulfilling life!

At Queen's Bath - ready to hop off a cliff into a beautiful pool

Love all of the flowers here!

There are roosters everywhere!

How could I ever leave these babies?!