Friday, May 6, 2011

The spirit of Adventure

May 6, 2011

Caleb constructed an airplane out of literally every pillow we had in the house this morning. He then climbed aboard as acting pilot and with Hannah as the Co-pilot/navigator. They looked at maps and flew away on an adventure.

Outside and Inside Adventures

May 5, 2011

Mike (the owner of the house) came by to work in the Olive orchard this morning before it got too hot. The kids and I were already outside playing so we watched as Mike went up and down the rows smoothing and flattening each one.
Hannah of course is by the peach tree again trying to be sneaky and pull off yet another young, unripe, peach.




























After we came inside Caleb and I found a blue bellied lizard in the sink. Now how do you suppose it got inside? We held it and admired it for a few minutes and then set it free in the backyard (hopefully to never see it again in the house : -).

From Bakersfield with Love

May 3, 2011

Connie, Amber, Alison and their Pre-k kids came to Porterville for a visit today. Umm... it was really fun. I just love to be around them.




























We chatted on the couch, ate some lunch and watched the boys play outside together. Grandma played inside with the girls for a little while. Hannah and Elena worked tirelessly to bring a sick grandma back to health.


Eventually our friends had to go home. Bye! We love you!!!

An outting




May 2, 2011

We went Mc Donald's for dinner tonight as part of FHE treat. The kids didn't complain and I didn't either. Any meal that I don't have to cook or clean up after is perfect to me. Cory suggested a crooked smile for the picture.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Relay for life

April 30, 2011

Every year we go to the Relay for Life. 3 of the 4 Grandparents I have died from Cancer. Every year, the Company my Dad works for, Aera, has a tent, so we pack up the kids and have a wonderful time. The theme for the Aera tent was Circus. The kids had fun posing for this picture. A few of the Employees daughters had a face painting booth. After one girl painted a butterfly on Hannah's hand she let Hannah paint a picture on her arm.
Every year since the first Twilight movie came out there has been a "Forks" spot at the Relay for Life. Yes, I realize I'm a dork but it was fun to pose with these kids that took their characters very seriously and also seemed to be excited to have there shirts off all day.
I love my Dad...
Right as we were leaving We saw Jennifer Kilmer and her kids. Her Mom is a 4 year Cancer survivor. Caleb and Hannah really loved seeing Michael and Emma for a few minutes. I'm always so glad when we go. I look forward to it every year. If you can go you won't regret it.

Back to Bakersfield


April 28, 2011

I missed my Parent's home this week so I decided to go there for a short visit. My mom met me at the Big O Tires by Target so I could drop off the car for some "work" and then hang out with her back home. After the kids were settled at the house, my Mom walked me around the house and showed me all the things she is working on or the projects she had finished. As I walked around the house I looked in each room and felt glad that they still lived in the house I grew up in. I do love that house. I'm glad I came for a visit today.

This is the life



April 27, 2011

It was a nice warm, sunny day today. We enjoyed it by spending a little time in our bathing suits and laying in the sun after we ran in the sprinklers.

On the Rez

April 26, 2011

Another Tee Ball game tonight for Caleb. It was also picture day and our turn to bring the snack. The people are warming up to us more and more. They remind me so much of the Polynesian people at BYUH.

Save Mart

April 25, 2011

We tried Save Mart this week for Groceries. It had everything we needed but (just like Porterville's Food 4 Less) is still more expensive than the Food Maxx in Bakersfield. For example Milk is a minimum of .60 cents more per gallon. Produce is more, sometimes $1.00 more per lb. (I'm not talking about artichokes here. I'm talking about the basics like Apples and Tomatoes). Save Mart did have everything I needed, each item was easy to find and the store was clean. Porterville has one more grocery store called Town and Country. I think I'll try that one next time and see if there prices are any better.
When we left the store the kids did on their own what I usually have to remind them to do: "Hannah hold Caleb's hand please," and "Caleb please hold the cart." From behind they looked so sweet that I took out the camera and snapped a quick shot.

Reunited and It Feels So Good

April 24, 2011

We headed to Bakersfield today to have an early Easter over at the Randalls. Hannah found the dress up clothes that Jill Galyan had donated to Grandma Connie... let's just say she liked them...a lot!
We didn't tell Caleb that Patrick was coming over so when Patrick walked through the door, Caleb and Patrick ran to each other smiling and happy. Unfortunately this picture caught the end of the "hug" and didn't capture the pure joy and excitement of the moment. It was very sweet.
We continued the Randall tradition, We all dye the eggs...
(A new tradition I hope) Have a sword fight with Papa...
Then hunt for the eggs in the front yard and pose for a picture.

Easter at the Marchesini's


April 23, 2011

Then we left and headed over to my Parent's house. We had the best time. My Dad had just gotten back from a big outdoor adventure, so of course he was way mellow, my Mom was at ease because she didn't have to do anything but sit back and relax and let Caleb and Hannah play at her feet. We talked and laughed and stayed way too late. But it was worth it because I can't remember the last time we had such a good time at my Mom and Dad's.