Family Vacation -- Day 2

On Day two we woke up and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast overlooking the bay.  It was beautiful and relaxing.  Once we were ready we headed to Patrick's Point for the afternoon.

This was our view from the condo.

From the moment we planned this trip Ava has been excited to visit "the rock beach" (Agate Beach) and collect rocks.  As soon as we got to the beach she got out her bucket and shovel and started scooping up rocks.  Ava loves to collect rocks, so this was the perfect place for her.  The one thing she really wanted was a purple rock, but I don't think we found one.

We all enjoyed the warm day at the beach.  We all came home with a little collection of rocks too.  Rich had fun skipping rocks and I played with my camera.  After a bit we ate lunch and then hiked back up the trail to explore another part of Patrick's Point.

Heading down the trail to Agate Beach.

Rich and Ava about half way down the trail.

Ava was pretty attached to Rich during this trip.  With all the changes about to happen (Rich became the Bishop when we got home) this was their chance to spend a lot of quality time together.

Almost there and ready to hunt agates.

Ava was so excited to scoop up rocks I couldn't get her to take a break and look up for a picture.

My cute little rock hound.

Rich skipping rocks.

I collected a few rocks of my own.

By the time we got back up to the top of the trail Ava was getting a little tired, so we decided to hike one more easy trail.  We headed out to Wedding Rock.  It was a short trail with a beautiful view at the end.

Ava was pretty tired by this point and was trying to convince Rich to carry her down the trail.  We made her walk to Wedding Rock and then Rich put her on his shoulders part of the way back.

This is the view from Wedding Rock.  Ava is sitting on a rock wall on the edge of a cliff.  I was really nervous and kept telling Rich to hold on to her tight.

When we finished our day at Patrick's Point we headed back to the condo for a treat.  Earlier in the day we got goodies from a local bakery.  Ava ate a dolphin sugar cookie and drank hot chocolate.  The rest of the evening we enjoyed hanging out around the condo.

Ava was excited about her cookie at first.  After a few bites she was done and didn't want it anymore.  We learned it was really a ginger flavored cookie and not a sugar cookie.  It looked cool though and Rich finished it off.

Ava was excited because we let her enjoy her treat in front of the TV.

Family Vacation -- Day 1

The Wednesday after my birthday weekend we headed to the Redwoods and California coast for a vacation.  Ava has never been to the Avenue of Giants or Trinidad, so I was excited to share this experience with her.

On Wednesday we left early to get to the Ave of Giant with plenty of time to explore.  Unfortunately, we hit a lot of road construction and it took us much longer to get to the Redwoods.  Ava was a good sport and kept busy with her homemade bingo game and listening to a story on CD we got from the library.  She was much more patient the Rich or I.

We all were excited once we began to see redwood trees.  Before we got to Ave of Giants we stopped at a drive through tree and walk around a bit.  Since we didn't have much time at the Ave of Giants we decided to explore the Founder's Grove.  It was beautiful and the perfect place for our little family.

After exploring the Grove we hopped back in the car and headed to our temporary home.  We arrived in Trinidad just before the sun started to set, so we enjoyed a beautiful show.  We decided to stay in a condo, so we could have a kitchen.  Each morning and night we loved eating with a beautiful view of the Bay.

Happy Camper!  Ava and I made this bingo game with things we thought we might see on our trip.  She loved it and to my surprise it kept her busy for most of the drive.

Rich had to make a pit stop.  Lucky for him there was a giant rock to give him some privacy.

Rich and Ava driving through a tree.

Rich and Ava hanging out in the hollow a tree.

Ava and I sitting on the tree trunk.

Ava decided she wanted to hug this big redwood.

This tree dwarfs Ava and Rich.

Just having fun.

Ava wanted me to be the baby, so she could be the mom.

Family photo at Founder's Grove.

It is nice that Ava can take pictures of Rich and I.  She is my little photographer.  She loves directing us and getting a nice picture.

Ava and Rich walking on a giant fallen trunk.

They walked all the way to the end and then came back.

Down the stairs on the back of the trunk.

I never get pictures of me because I'm busy taking pictures.  I'm trying to make sure I let others take pictures of me, so I can be a part of the memory.

Ava giving me a good squeeze on top of the tree.

Ava taking a picture of me, taking a picture of her.

Ava checking out the Founders Tree.

Ava enjoyed playing inside all the hollowed and burnt out tree trunks.

Ava and Rich peeking out of a hole inside the tree.

Look how strong Ava is...wow!

Ava enjoying the view and sunset from our temporary home.

Happy 36th Birthday to Me

This year I turned 36 years old.  It is funny because I don't feel much older.  According to Ava I'm not old yet, so that makes me feel good.  This year we celebrated 3 days in a row.  It was a long weekend, but a lot of fun.  I enjoyed spending time with my family and felt very loved.

On Friday we celebrated as a family with dinner at Round Table and then presents and cake at home.  Rich and Ava did a wonderful job making one of my favorite cakes.  I felt loved, appreciated, and a little spoiled with all the wonderful gifts I received.  First, Ava gave me a box of See's candy and told me I didn't have to share.  I also got a couple cookbooks, photo reflector/diffuser screens, flash, and Frye boots.

On Saturday we celebrated with my parents and brother.  We went out for an early dinner and then hung out at home.  We ate some more cake and ice cream too.

On Sunday we headed to Gridley to party with Rich's family.  I celebrated my birthday along with Nathan.  He turned 13 and is officially a teenager...crazy!  We enjoyed roast, spaghetti, and the traditional Bowling chocolate cake.  The cousins had a blast playing together.

Ava and I getting ready to open my presents.

Luca always likes to smell the presents looking for food.  He was pretty excited about this box because it was full of See's Candy.

One of the cookbooks I got was, "The Brown Betty Cookbook".  It is a cake cookbook with a lot of delicious recipes.  Ava was excited by the idea of helping me make some cakes.

Rich had Amazon gift wrap this gift for fun.  It was TOUGH to unwrap.

I was really excited to get this flash for my camera.  I look forward to playing with it and learning how all the functions work.

My new riding boots.  I LOVE BOOTS!

Ava helping Rich make my frosting.  She is making sure it taste OK.

Ava and Rich sang to me before I blew out my candles.  I don't think I made a wish, but I feel pretty blessed and couldn't ask for a better night.

Night-time Snuggles

One night last week Ava just could not sleep.  We put her to bed at 8:30pm and she didn't go to sleep until around 11pm.  It was strange because she didn't seem to have anything bothering her.  Around 10pm I had Ava come and snuggle with me in the rocking chair.  It wasn't long before Luca hopped up with us.  I rocked Ava and sang Primary songs to her.  I was hoping somehow this would calm and soothe her to sleep.  After about a half hour she was still awake, but appeared more relaxed.  Rich put her to bed and she eventually drifted off to sleep.  I still don't know what it was all about, but I like to think she just needed snuggles from her mommy.

Here we are all snugly, happy, and a little uncomfortable.  Yes, I know I have some sweet hair.  I decided to grow it back out and at night I pull it out of my face.  Rich is a lucky guy to be married to a super hot, stylish lady.

Ava's Great Idea

Yesterday Ava and I enjoyed one of our traditional donut picnics at the temple.  The day before she comes to me and says, "Mom I have a great idea (new phrase of hers).  Let's have a donut picnic at the temple today."  I agreed it was a great idea, but we couldn't do it that day.  The next day was fine, so we made a plan.  I love that we live so close to the temple.  I love that Ava likes to visit and walk around the beautiful grounds.  Even though we have been to the temple many times Ava still gets excited as we drive up the hill and she sees Angel Moroni on top.  What a blessing!

I love to see the temple!

Yummy!

This is Ava being silly and pretending I'm the donut.

Primary Talks

In August Ava gave her 2nd talk in Primary.  She did a wonderful job and amazes me.  She was brave, happy, and well spoken.  Ava is AWESOME!  Please enjoy the talks Ava shared.

Ava’s 1^st Primary Talk:  3-17-13

Jesus Christ is Our Savior

 Heavenly Father loves each one of us.  Because He loves us, He made a plan for us to return to live with Him again.  No one is perfect.  We all make mistakes.  Heavenly Father gave us a Savior to help us when we make mistakes.  Jesus Christ is our Savior.  Jesus loves us so much He offered to help us.  Jesus took upon Him our sins and taught us how to live.  If we follow Jesus we will be happy here on earth and will be able to live with Him and Heavenly Father again.

 

8-25-13

Heavenly Father Hears & Answers My Prayers

Heavenly Father loves each one of us very much.  He wants us to talk to him.  We can do this through prayer.  In 3 Nephi, chapter 18, verse 19, Jesus told us, “Ye must always pray unto the Father in my name”.  Throughout the scriptures the prophets prayed to Heavenly Father for help, guidance, and comfort.  We can do the same.  Just like Jesus and the prophets of old we can pray to Heavenly Father if we have a question, need help, or need comfort.

I pray every day.  I thank Heavenly Father for his many blessings and then ask for things I or someone I know might need.  I say prayers with my family and by myself too. 

Last winter I said a special prayer late one night when I was alone in my room.  Our neighbor had a dead tree hanging over our house and my parents were worried it would fall on the house during the storm.  When I heard the wind blowing I decided to say a prayer.  I sat on my bed and prayed to Heavenly Father.  I asked him to keep our house safe during the night.  After the prayer I felt better and went to sleep.  During the storm the tree did not fall and our house was safe.  After the storm we were able to cut the tree hanging over our house.

I know Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.  I know this because when I pray I feel good inside.  I know Heavenly Father heard my prayer to keep my house safe.  I am grateful he protected my family and helped me feel calm.  I love Heavenly Father.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.