Congratulations Julyssa!

My friend Julyssa had her baby, and I am so excited for her! It's a boy and his name is Dylan. I just wanted to share this fun news.

The Lake

On Saturday Evening we went on a picnic at Turlock Lake with our friends, the Bittons. Because it was so late in the evening we were the only people on the beach, which was great. The kids were able to run free and splash around in the water. Grace enjoyed exploring the shoreline and dipping her toes in the cold water. She also had fun chasing her friend Spencer. Eve, who started out very uneasy on the sand, was actually digging in it by the time we left. Both girls really seemed to have a blast. Aaron and I also really enjoyed this family time together.

The next morning of course was mother's day. I had a lovely morning sleeping in and enjoying a nice breakfast made by Aaron and Grace. It was great to be able to reflect on my wonderful role as a mother. I love it! I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing. I get such a kick out of my girls and the funny things they do, and the tender ways in which they express their love... Like when Grace looks at me for a few seconds and then says, "I love you Mom." Or when Eve puts her head on my shoulder and lets me hold her a few moments longer. It's definitely worth the trials that come along with motherhood. To read my "Top Ten" that I wrote last year click here.

Micke Grove

We went on a little field trip with Grace's playgroup this morning. We drove out to Micke Grove Zoo which is a "mini" zoo about 45 minutes north of here. I was also watching my friend's baby, Faith, all day so we brought her along too. It was an adventure to be on an outing with three kids. The double stroller sure came in handy for the two little ones, and Grace wanted to run around with her friends anyway. So it really worked out quite nicely. Grace's favorite things were the monkeys, and Eve was fascinated by the sea lions. We had a very fun time. Here's a picture of all three girls smashed in the back of my car (It's the only picture I took of the trip since I had my hands full the rest of the time.) They actually really enjoyed the drive and the two youngest slept most of the way there!

Little Ballerina

Grace started her ballet class three weeks ago. She calls it "Miss Lilly's Ballet School" (from the book Angelina Ballerina.) I think she really thinks her teacher's name is Miss Lilly.

The first week she absolutely would not participate. She sat next to me the whole time and watched the other girls dance. Afterwards she was in a very grumpy mood and we stopped by Aaron's office on the way home to say hi. When he saw her he asked her what was wrong. She folded her arms and with a frown said, "Dad, I danced badly." He asked her if she would dance for him if he came to her class the following week and she said yes. So, the second week Dad showed up and she was delighted. She was a different child and was dancing without hesitation. It was cute to see that having her daddy there gave her so much confidence. Now she looks forward to going to class, and is quite social. I think she enjoys talking to her little friends in-between turns as much as the actual dancing part! Up above is a picture of her with her cute little class, and down below is Grace practicing with her teacher.

Nursery

Eve is officially part of the Nursery class at church! She has been going for a few weeks and seems to love it. She has absolutely no problem saying good-bye to Mom and Dad for two hours, and hello to toys and treats! It certainly beats having her disrupt Sunday School time again, and end up crying in the halls. It is so hard to believe that she is a big-girl now (relatively speaking.) and that I have my Sundays back!