Aunt Kelley spoils our kids

While we went to Hawaii, my sister Kelley watched the kids, bringing her youngest, Lizzy along. They had a great time and were super adventurous!

Hawaii Days 4-7

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Saw so many cool fish!

Yummy donuts

Awesome hiking adventure with Mr. B's mission buddy's company

Ready to go

Swimming hole

Sea turtle in Hale'iwa

Delicious shave ice at Aoki with Noah, Mr. B's friend

Geckos love shave ice too

Turtle bay swimming and relaxing, followed by delicious dinner at Uncle's fish market

Last day, my birthday: massage, lunch, relax, fly home

Hawaii Days 1-3

Over Spring Break, Spencer's parents took us to Hawaii (Oahu)--what an incredible experience!

Lounging at the hotel pool 

Spencer runs along the beach in Waikiki 

Bellows Beach

Guacamole makings from KCC market

Laie temple tour

A wonderful day at PCC 

March

Boys' glow dance (Ian went too)

Date hike at Fort Ord

Date night at Exodus Escape Room

Happy birthday Ian! We took his friends to see A Wrinkle in Time and back home for cake and playtime.

Fun times with Josh, Audrey, Declan, Claire, Porter, Mako, Coner and Boston.

My cute readers

Pi day! The Smiths joined us for a dinner of pie and ice cream.

Laura's birthday weekend

I spontaneously flew up to WA to celebrate my sister's birthday. We had a wonderful girls' weekend!

Metropolitan Market--the cookies, yogurt, treats, yum! 

Anthony's sea food!

Mekong Thai--a favorite! The mango and sticky rice was WOW.

Mani-pedis with Laura and Lindsey

A lovely visit with Grandma Gayle

One morning I awoke to snow! It melted quickly. I loved my visit!

Jan and Feb at the Briens

The first two months of 2018 were mellow and normal and it was so nice to have a slower pace. We had some beautiful days to be outside, too!

 We had fun at Forest Grove night at the high school girls basketball game. The kids got to shoot hoops at halftime and get jerseys again. And of course, buy concessions, their favorite part.

Audrey did a dance clinic and performed at halftime at a game a couple weeks later, too. 

My parents and Ben came to visit us over President's day weekend. We had a lovely time with them. Also, my kids remembered their cross stitch and had fun getting back into those. Such concentration!

 Ian and Declan passed their purple belt test. All the kids are struggling between enjoying karate and hating it, but I think it's worth it to keep them in and teach them hard work and discipline. 

 We have been enjoying nice family time, with movie nights at home, baking or making ice cream cones, and enjoying quiet weekends together, doing chores and yard work and taking it easy.

 I caught Declan engaged in a book--such a rare and beautiful sight! I hope he becomes an avid reader like the rest of his family members.