Weekend with Friends

What a fun weekend! Our long-lost friends the Farrells arrived into town from the Bay area and we've been playing ever since. We started out at the Newport Beach Temple this morning:

Madeline and Emma

Andrew, Matthew, Ellie, Emma, and Madeline

Me and Sarah...with Andrew "photoshopped" into the picture, or so he claims, because I know he couldn't actually make it into the background of all of the pictures that Sarah and I took together...

Emma and Madeline (they are quite photogenic, don't ya think?)

Then headed to the beach:

2-year-old Ellie has boundless energy

Andrew jumping and making mud spirals

5-year-old Matthew showing off his Batman and Robin jumping powers

Madeline escaping from the waves

Did you know Andrew could do this?

Darling baby Alyssa.  Mmm.  Baby hunger.

Matthew collected a large bag of little shells

Now if we could just convince this awesome family to come be our neighbors!

Real Life

2014 has started our with a few too many sicknesses for my taste. I think we may need a re-do. Madeline had stomach bug #3 for the year yesterday and it's only February. She has already missed EIGHT days of school in 2014. She missed ZERO in 2013.  Even I have succumbed to a nasty virus. My house is a disaster. I've been slowly destroying my mountain of laundry. (I almost took a picture of it for your viewing pleasure, but was too embarrassed to.) This image should give you a good idea of what it looked like yesterday:

Anyone want to come help me disinfect my house before our favorite friends come to visit next week? Maybe come give Madeline a hug since her year has started out so rough?

So, what am I grateful for this lovely February day:

• Quiet time to blog (finally)
• A working washing machine
• Hot showers
• Steam cleaner
• Tom's health
• Great health insurance 
• Good books (I did nothing but read when I was sick. HA!)
• Quick recoveries
• Long walks
• Family to talk to
• Friends who are always willing to help

We live such a good life! How is your 2014 so far?

Weekend with Adorable Sarah

Who is Sarah? She is my newest niece and my kids' only cousin on the King side. Sarah Elizabeth is almost two months old and was blessed in church yesterday. We spent the weekend in Carlsbad celebrating with Tom's family.

Sarah's parents, Christina and Steve and her Grandparents.

All of us, including Andrew and Madeline who are hiding behind us

Best photo bomb ever!

Madeline and Sarah

Andrew and Sarah

Madeline trying to make Sarah smile

We all came home a little baby hungry. (I mean when's the last time one of my children fell asleep in my arms?) Hopefully, everyone will be satisfied with regular visits to see Sarah! Thanks for letting us come get our baby fill and spend time with family!