Callie and Tulips

Two things I just love:  My cat.  And my tulips.

We do not usually let her outside for safety reasons, but today was the exception so she could smell the tulips.  And be my cat model.

What Is It With Babies And Grass?

Tyler and Lydia laugh at stories I tell them of when they first touched grass and how they would lift their legs up to try to get away from the weird textured thing that I set them on.  They really wanted to be present when I put Kathryn on the grass for the first time.

She seems resigned to her fate, unlike baby Tyler who lifted up all four limbs as high as they would go, and wailed, in his attempt to escape.

Of course, she also has a sweet brother and sister to comfort and reassure her.

Temple Challenge

This year at church, the Primary children have a challenge to visit and touch the walls of as many temples as they can.  We went to the Ogden temple this afternoon.  The kids loved being on the temple grounds so we stayed for quite awhile!  And just look at the picture, it obviously brings out the best in them. :-)

Pretty Lyddie

Prepared for Anything Tyler

With some random temple worker or patron. They invited her to be in their picture. :-)

 It's hard work being this photogenic!

 See that window in his smile?

 I was off in the distance with my camera zoomed in.  Apparently she was having a good chat with Heavenly Father.

Dear Zion!

With souvenirs tucked safely into pockets and giggling about the deer that stare tourists down in hopes of getting a lick of their ice cream cones (The gift shop people told us), everyone was happier today.
Well, Kathryn will be once she gets her rice crispies...Lydia, get down!

Today we did the Riverwalk Trail before making the long drive home.  I love that Zion has a few hikes that are stroller accessible.

Oh, Zion!

Since Disneyland didn't work out, we decided to add Zion National Park onto our trip instead.  Tyson has never been, but has always wanted to.  I went a few years ago for a photography retreat and fell in love with the place.

We arrived in the late afternoon and all (except for Kate) had our cameras out and ready to go on the Weeping Rock Trail.

 What you don't see documented are the awnry (I think it should be spelled this way), complainy kids.

 Actually Lydia was happy.  Our challenge with her was all the skipping (not in a straight line) on pathways with plummeting cliffs on one side, climbing on everything, and leaning precariously over ledges.  

Tyler got happy once we hit the first souvenir shop (after the hike).  

And Kate perked up with the continual dumpage of rice crispies on her stroller tray.  As seen here. 

 Weeping rock was only a little weepy (see droplets in the upper left corner).

Thursday Perfection

To get this - 

There's a whole lot of this going on.

And this. 

 And even this.

But you know what?  It's okay. :-) 

Old Town San Diego

Justin and Michelle are in the process of landscaping their backyard, so for now, it is a little kid paradise!

We like to visit Old Town San Diego when we come to California.  The Mexican food, the town square with its shops (we like the bookstore), and The Mormon Battalion museum.  It's so fun now, especially the interactive stuff for kids.  

Justin joined us along with Levi and Asher. 

 Panning for gold.

 There's something about a water pump that is just so fun for the kiddos!

My little buddy.

Just for fun - 

10 month old Lydia on her Opa's lap and 9 month old Kathryn on my lap. On the exact same bench at the Mormon Battalion Museum in San Diego. Just taken 4 years apart.

 I really like that Levi wore his superhero cape all over town. :-)