Anniversary of the Hard

My arms are filled with this precious baby.  All day everyday. I am thankful.

But today my arms were desperately missing the little one I never got to hold.

Honestly four kids is hard.  They are quite a bit of work and particularly with the youngest so young, but what I wouldn't give to be chasing a toddler in this mix.

Two years ago the grief began and today it still cuts deeply.

Trusting the Lord in his perfect plan even when it hurts and comes with so much sadness.

Colin's 4th

I cannot believe my snuggly, chubby, blue eyed baby is four.



There were early morning presents.  Picked out by daddy and probably influenced by the fact that this is the first birthday since the move.









There were chocolate waffles for breakfast



There was jumping with our new found friends.  He has been asking to go the "jumpy place" since we arrived.







The "theme" and I use that term loosely chosen by the birthday boy was Star Wars, Mario, and baseball.  And this is the most bored looking birthday boy ever.




But he perked up once daddy finally got the candles lit.



Then the day ended with more birthday present playing.





On turning 3,  and 2, and the big 1st birthday,  and tiny (well not so tiny) Baby Colin.

A Warm Beach Welcome

Our first Sunday morning in California we were able to return to the church we have attended for the past two summers.  I cannot express to you how lovely it was to see familiar faces and hug folks we haven't seen in months.

Post church Jason and I were super excited about Sunday afternoon naps.  Unfortunately none of the kids were.  Jason suggested we give it up and make a quick trip to the beach.  We went a bit further north than we have in the past and the weather was wonderful.  The warmest sunniest day we have ever had on a Pacific Ocean beach.

We didn't really have any appropriate beach wear (still were waiting on our moving truck), so this is how the boys began.


And well...



Note the two who ended up filthy and shirtless, and the one that didn't.  Yup, that's about right.

At first they at least attempt to avoid the soaking.



But then,





Sand!



Also, Miss Lydia's first visit to the beach.



And well,



She was unimpressed.



We have already had more beach days.  Even though the beach experience is different it is still wonderful to be able to escape for an afternoon to the sea.