Getting closer to now

March was filled with another lucky visit with my family! Alecia’s leaving on her mission meant it would be the last time I would get to see her for at least 18 months.  Maggie and I flew into SLC stayed with my Grandparents for a few days

stopped to play in the sand and water at the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point

and saw Alecia off to the MTC. 

Then the whole family headed west to take us home. Luckily the kids were off school for spring break!  We stopped at Sutter’s Mill and went through the little museum there.  You like our cute bonnets, I know you do. :)Before we headed the rest of the way home, my dad stopped and helped us pan for gold for about an hour.  It was so much fun!  There is such a rush after sifting through so many rocks to find little flakes of butter yellow GOLD.  My dad likes to pawn off his obsession so when he buys a plot in Alaska to mine, we’ll all want to come join him. (HAHAHAHA! – no thanks) It is cool though. Maggie entertained herself almost the whole time we were panning by spinning and walking on the gravel.  Man, she loves that stuff.My brother found some gold! He was very excited by the whole business.And we found some very friendly ducks by the river at Sutter’s Mill. It’s a neat little place.  I totally recommend it to anyone interested.

We got home and, of course took the obligatory drive around San Francisco.  We’ve found a fun little beach, Baker by name, that has a beautiful view of the Golden Gate bridge

and some fun artillery bunkers to walk around.

Alex got attacked by a wave…hehe.

We played lawn, I mean beach, darts and my dad passed the time searching for buried treasure.

The rest of us went to Fisherman’s Wharf, saw the old timey arcade and went into the submarine! Super neato, and cramped.Maggie took some rest time in the stroller, chillin’ while the rest of us had to walk. She just makes herself comfortable wherever she’s at.

And she loves her Grandma Jeffery. I really love being around family.

April – These are our fabulous neighbors.  Monica, James, and their daughter Kim are next door.  They are some of our favorite people in the ward. We’re lucky, since we have to share a wall of our duplex with someone, that its them. Pam and Tex live across the street and spoil the begeebers out of their granddaughter Aly.  When she’s not around, they vicariously care for her by bringing popsicles and toys to Maggie and Kim.  Two of the sweetest, most generous people I know. :)We were able to participate in a local Beeping Easter Egg Hunt for Maggie.  It was amazing! More details?

http://maggiesview.blogspot.com/2012/04/eggs-that-go-beep.html

Easter morning we opened a wonderful package from Grandma and Grandpa Ralph.  She loved her cute presents.

After church we had a little egg hunt in our backyard with Monica and James, and Jon and Jenna came up for the day.  The kids had TONS of fun finding eggs. We need to play more hide and seek.  It encourages active searching, which is something Maggie needs to work on.

And this is what happens when you don’t change your camera settings after going outside. We’ll pretend like I wanted this effect on purpose. Happy Day of Resurrection!

May brought prom, a surprise to my friend Ann, when her son told her the day before.  She quickly put together a wonderful welcome for this beautiful girl, asking me to get some pictures.  They were fun, and super cute!

Brandon had the joy of being laid off…. He’s such a good worker! He immediately went to work doing everything he could to find a new job, and in the mean time get unemployment and keep our insurance, taking care of his family like a champ! In the mean time we took advantage of him being home to take a family trip to the zoo. Brandon’s favorites were the giraffes.  Especially watching this one not bend it’s legs, but spread them to get a drink. Maggie likes the petting zoo, not necessarily to touch the animals, but she likes walking in the hay.  Our zoo is awesome. Oh, wait I already bragged. Here’s the alligator in the sand and the tiny little waterfall stream thing for the kids to get wet in and last but not least: The Carousel! At first, she hated it. Brandon was just laughing as she was crying…Then he switched to the Panda. Good move, Dad! The panda went up and down, where the giraffe was stationary.  Actual movement makes the carousel much more fun.  She still talks about riding the panda at the zoo. :)

We lucked out that Brandon was able to get in contact with a contracting company through a friend in our ward.  Two weeks after being laid off he was working at the Northface.  It’s a delightful company that really takes care of his employees.  He’s doing some marketing project management…or something. Sounds complicated and kind of stressful, but he’s thriving under the pressure. He really hates being bored at work, so this is great for him.  We are truly blessed.