California trip

We got back from California late Tuesday night. Wednesday I had to be in town most of the day. Thursday and Friday was spent regrouping and unpacking and settling back into our routine. The boys had a campout Friday night and David went to the coast to spend time with his family and golfing in a tournament with all his brothers and dad. Finally, I have a few minutes to write about our trip.

We had tons of fun. It was so great to see all the family. My brothers and sisters and some of their families were all together on Sunday (my birthday). The only exception was my sister who lives back east.My moms house is not really big so with all the people there is was a bit crowded. But they have the most beautiful back yard and the weather was nice so it did not feel that crowded. I think everyone had fun that day and the little children were so adorable. My great nieces and nephews are awesome little people.

But I am starting with the happenings that were at the end of our trip- so let me back up to the beginning....

We drove down in one day. It was a long day and it seemed as if someone had to use the "biffy" every few minutes. I think it felt long for me because I was anxious to get there. Tuesday I got up early and ran 4 miles. We had no real plans for that day, just swimming and playing at the park. I made Hawaiian Haystacks - a first for mom and John - and they loved it! Wednesday we visited Grandpa Marsh at his property.
It was an interesting drive. The road was very curvy and we were high in the mountains.
Melissa went with us and it was great fun! The boys went surfing several times with Uncle Randy and his boys. They were naturals! Both got up and rode waves their first time out. Each night someone spent the night at Aunt Missy's. Thursday we went to the Aquarium. It was one of the best ones I have been to. We had such a great time and saw many, many interesting things.


Friday after the boys got back from surfing, Grandma taught Noah how to make spaghetti and meatballs from scratch. He did a terrific job as everyone really loved the sauce.

I guess I know who will be cooking spaghetti from now on at my house:) Saturday we spent getting ready for the party on Sunday. Sunday many of the family came to my mom's ward for church. Melissa sang in sacrament and I played for her. It was beautiful. Monday we packed the car. My mom sent home some things with me that she has wanted to send me for a long time. So we had to carefully pack the car so the kids still fit in;) Tuesday we got up early and were on our way home. The time sure went by fast. It seemed like it took forever for August to get here so we could go. I am so glad we got to go and spend time with cousins that the kids don't get to usually see. I love my family and I am so lucky to part of such a legacy.

Family Reunion

Last weekend we had our family reunion. Every summer we meet up the second weekend in August and all come together to play and have a good time. This year we went to Sunriver. The weather was awesome! I could not believe it - we did all the things we wanted to do and I think the kids had a great time. It was fun to have all the grand kids there this year. They got to do some really fun stuff. David rented a uhaul trailer and hauled everyones bikes down. The house had a couple of extra bikes there - so I could ride with everyone. Chad and I went on several very long bike rides and I also ran a few times with Chelsea. There are such wonderful bike paths all throughout the area. When we were not out doing something we were in the hot tub or playing scrabble (Noah is very good at getting 50 points with only a few letters - he beat me twice!), or eating. I think we watched a few movies - I read instead of watching TV and got my book finished. It was such a relaxing week!

We rafted down the river two different times. These pictures are from our first trip. David went both times with the kids and said that the first time was the best. It took about 2 1/2 hours to "drift" down river. The second time they put in at the top and got out half way down. That time only the little girls and Noah went. I guess that Hayden got out of the canoe for a while and swam in the river along side the canoe. She said the water wasn't that cold and of course she did not wear her bathing suit that time. I really enjoyed it - the scenery was so beautiful!

One of the days we went hiking and went to where the falls were. It was an easy hike and the kids were glad that we did not ride bikes from the house to the falls because that would have been a very long bike ride.

We had very fun time swimming. There were two different pools. Tuesday the kids and I spent most of the day swimming at both of them. Of course, I only had the camera at the one pool and did not take that many pictures because I was in the water almost the whole time!

The most exciting thing for me was that my last little baby learned how to ride her bike without training wheels. She has wanted to do this for a very long time but we live on a little hill and that has scared her. Here it was flat and she learned in no time. Luke learned how to ride his bike as well and boy was he a proud little man when he got the hang of it!

I totally love this weekend the best in the summer. Even with the little "disagreements" that happen when there are this many people all under the same roof in a small house I love all the comings and goings! I am so blessed as a mom to have this "little" family of mine.

Morning Has Broken

A couple of weeks ago the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang a song during their "Music and the Spoken Word" that I immediately recognized but I knew it was not a church hymn. They often sing many different kinds of songs but I was surprised at this one. Cat Stevens was one of the artists I liked as a teenager. I liked his songs a lot apparently because not only did I have his albums I have his song books. (still do - I hardly ever throw music away and so have quite a collection) They sang a song that he had done "Morning Has Broken". (written by Eleanor Farjeon) I love this song - and by the way I loved the arrangement they did of it. The lyrics have been running through my head for a couple of weeks now and this morning I went for a long run (7 miles) and as I was running and watching the world wake up it reminded me of this song. What a beautiful run - in fact, I did not really think about how far I was going and when I was back home felt so good I could have run longer - it was because of the beauty I was witnessing. The sounds I was hearing and the smells I was smelling. I love it here! My run this morning was on backroads and near open fields. How very thankful I am for all of our Heavenly Father's creations. When things are hard for me I can just go outside and see His hand in everything! I know His hand is in my life! What peace this gives me.

"Morning has broken like the first morning.
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning.
Praise for them springing fresh from the world.

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight, Mine is the morning,
Born of the one light Eden saw play.
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God's recreation of the new day."

(The song is now on my playlist if you want to hear it - just scroll down to the bottom and click on it)