Family time

I was not a good picture taker apparently when my family was here for the past 2 weeks. But here is some of what I got.

We went to the beach the first day Ryan and Katie were here. It was a beautiful sunny day, but in true Oregon Coast fashion it was very windy too. I took a lot of pictures, but 90% of them were of the backs of kids playing in the ocean.  The kids had a lot of fun playing in the ocean, and we found the Oregonian part of Olivia, the part that is ok getting numb and sandy.

Nolan was a little less interested in getting numb and sandy, unlike Hazel who was soaked and rolling in the sand. 

George and Violet wandered down the beach to some rocks exposed by low tide.

There wasn't a lot of  sea life on the rocks, but there were a lot of little pools and streams that had warm water in them.  Here is Violet with a dam barricade that they built, Corey would be so proud.

The next day we went to the cemetery to let balloons go. This time the kids all attached pictures they drew for Great Grandpa. It is so important to Great Grandma that the great grandkids feel comfortable visiting the cemetery, and that they remember Great Grandpa. I love doing this.

I didn't know it was possible for one family to have so many cute kids.

April

Instead of doing a few different posts for April goings ons, I decided to combine them into one....

First we celebrated Grandpa Butchers birthday, which would have been his 83rd on the 3rd, with a fabulous lunch of wiener wraps and a visit to the cemetery to release balloons. 

It is so very important to Grandma for the great-grandkids to remember Great Grandpa and to feel comfortable visiting the cemetery.  

Great Grandma asked the girls what they remembered about him, and sweet Hazel said she remembers him always reading his Bible. I love that. 

This month was also the Father Daughter dance put on by Park and Rec.  It was originally scheduled for February, but was rescheduled due to SNOWMAGEDEN 2014.

A couple of weeks we went to Flying M Ranch to go horseback riding with a lady from church. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time.

The girls got the opportunity to put the horseback riding lessons to work.

Finally...Easter. We went to Oma and Opa's house with the Thomas', and Steve's boys.  

We always have a fun time. In years past we have hidden eggs multiple times. This year we hid 91 eggs and that apparently was enough of a challenge, because the kids didn't ask to do it again.

April was fun. Looking forward to May and warm weather.

Thank Heavens for Mothers

I have been contemplating this post for a while now. And I just don't know how to do it justice. This is a THANK YOU post to my mom. From the time I found out I was pregnant with Violet she has been so helpful, to say the least, with taking care of the needs of my girls. She calmed my fears when I was when I was pregnant. She quit her job to watch Violet so that I could continue working and then with out even hesitating took on watching both of the girls. I cannot express enough the weight off of our shoulders knowing that they are being watched by someone who loves them and wants the best for them as much as we do as their parents. She is so available and never even blinks an eye when I ask if she can watch them a little extra because I have to work late. And she brings the girls to me everyday at work so that I can nurse Hazel and see their beautiful faces. It is amazing to me that I can drop them off every morning and the smile on her face is like she hasn't seen them in a year, when in fact it probably hasn't been 15 hours. And the girls love her just as much. I have been sick recently and she came and got them in the morning and I was able to just be sick and all that encompasses. I was able to sleep, sleep, sleep, and be miserable. Like I said at the beginning of this blog, I just don't know how to do this thanksgiving justice. My mom is the most unselfish, loving, compassionate, honest person I know. She strives to all things for Christ and with the love of Christ. I am glad that this has been my example growing up. I hope that I can be as supportive and wonderful for my children someday. I love you mom.

Happy Birthday Dad K

Today is my father in law Bob's 50th birthday. It's a bummer that we don't get to celebrate with him, because he is in Bellingham, WA and we are in Oregon. But todays blog is dedicated to him. He is one of the sweetest and thoughtful people I have ever met. He is always very willing to help anyone who needs it. I am glad I am part of his family. Happy Birthday!! We love you!!

I have a question today- Are you lucky enough to have inlaws that you get along with?

I have wonderful inlaws and get along great with them all. I am very blessed.