Refugio

The end-of-summer-blues were postponed this year, as we enjoyed a great campout at Refugio State Beach with my family.

Local Influence

We enjoyed a little downtown SB "culture" the other day. But when we arrived home, I was surprised to see that Billy decided to set up a wishing well of sorts on our front walkway, for all the neighbors to try:


Inspired by our local homeless, he'd set up a little pan-handling station... which, to my relief, turned into a penny tossing contest for the neighborhood kids, with prizes for the winners.

So today the boys hosted a lemonade stand and actually gave people something for their money.

Jesus Wants Me for a SuNbEAm

Today was Grace's first day in Nursery! It's hard to believe she's already 18 months old (actually on the 6th). The experience went well, considering Grace's history of greeting other toddlers with a shove in the chest... it must be all those gentle interactions with her older brothers.

After she got a little more comfortable, the serious face softened and our fun-loving Grace came out. Check out her dare-devil balancing stunt. She's gonna be a bad influence on those other kids!



She, and a bunch of the kids, helped out with the closing prayer. And during the prayer she had to make sure her belly-button was still there. Oh, she's funny.

a boy and his worm

Billy wishes he could have a pet dog, cat, bird, bunny, even chicken. But right now, since we are still apartment dwellers, he has to settle for things like goldfish (dead x 3) and... worms. Is that the longest worm you've EVER seen?!

spring's a comin!

We visited the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens today and the plants were about to explode into blossom!

Thanks, Mother, for watching Grace so we could share this special adventure with just the boys.

family scriptorian

We've been reading through the scripture readers as a family and the story of Alma the younger struck Billy this time around. He woke up this morning excited to make a list of all the scriptures he wanted to read on his own.

Then he proceeded to read them (with a little help) from his Book of Mormon.

His diligence and desire inspires me.

after the rain, all the critters come out

It rained all day. Kids (and moms) go stir-crazy in the house after about 3 hours. So when Grace finally escaped outside she headed straight for the puddles, and of course, found the biggest one around!

Soon Seth joined in, never wanting to miss the action...

...and within minutes it was a party in the puddle!