This weekend was extra-special since some dear friends from Escalon came for a quick visit. We were so happy to see Pastor Dave, Jen and Ella again. The kids were so excited to play with Ella - and she had a great time. I think she would have been happy to swing all day long!
Allie didn't have preschool today, so her friend Kendall came over for a playdate. We met Phil in Tulare for lunch. The kids loved the play area - and actually ate pretty well! While Nathan waited for the girls to finish their lunches, he entertained us with his dancing! He keeps us laughing!
The weather is getting warm again and we're spending a lot of time in the backyard. Nathan wants to swing constantly and the girls love to pick flowers. They learned very quickly that the roses are off limits!
Beth has been busy with her craft projects lately. She is still working on knitting a purse and has been making lots of potholders too. Yesterday she decided to put two together and we made a purse. She was proud to wear it to school today!
On Tuesday night, we drove to Hanford for some quick knitting instruction (yes, I am still learning!) and decided to take my Grandma out for dinner. We went to Sizzler and the kids had a great time choosing their own salad bar meal. I am convinced that Allie thinks she has been deprived because she never has had the opportunity to fill up her own plate with goodies! Her favorite part was putting sprinkles and other toppings on her ice cream! After she ate her first batch of toppings off the ice cream, she went back for more. That's our Allie!
Nathan has a special relationship with his Great Grandma. He couldn't wait to see her again - and even wanted to skip Story Hour to go see her sooner. That's pretty special! He also told everyone who would listen that we were going to a restaurant. Apparently, we don't take our kids out to eat often enough!
It is a lovely rainy day today. Our flowers and plants are drinking in the moisture. Since we didn't get much rain this year, rain is very welcome, even if it means staying inside for most of the day!
We were able to watch Ainsley twice this past week. Both Nathan and Allie enjoy playing with her - and Allie was such a big helper! She loved feeding her a bottle. Of course, when she starts to fuss, Nathan and Allie disappear rather quickly! Beth often misses out on time with Ainsley since she's usually here when Beth is at school. That's always a disappointment for her.
We always enjoy exploring the oak preserve close to my parents' "little house." Nathan especially loves walking in the woods! He could spend hours there.
The kids counted down all week until the day we left for Grandpa and Grandma Tos' "little house." They couldn't wait to get there again. We always love checking on the plants and seeing how they've grown (things seem to grow so much better there). The kid are always in search of lizards too! Inside, there is plenty to do as well. Grandma keeps coloring books at hand ready for the girls to use and there is a box of tools that Nathan just loves to play with. On this visit, we went to the library and loaded up on books and a few movies too! Best of all, Grandpa and Grandma are there. Spending time with them is the best part of going to the little house!
We spent the weekend with my parents in Los Osos and spent a wonderful morning walking on the beach. The sun was shining and the wind hadn't kicked up yet, so it was a perfect time to be on the beach! The kids really enjoyed picking up rocks and shells. We brought three bags home with us!
Allie had to bring something yellow for sharing at preschool today. She couldn't decide on what to bring, then looked outside and saw our yellow roses. So this morning, we went outside to choose a rose for Miss Monica. Allie was so excited about bringing a rose to school!
Today we walked next door and our neighbor,Kristin, cut Nathan's hair. He wasn't thrilled about the experience, but sat patiently for most of the time. It's very cute, but makes him look older. I can't believe our "baby" is getting so big! Where does the time go?
Nathan couldn't wait to open his eggs to find candy!
Zachary is ready to dig in and see what's in his eggs.
Beth is all smiles!
What a fun day!
One of my favorite parts of Easter is being with family. Today we were blessed to have some of my family come to our house. Uncle Ryan, Aunt Angie, Zachary and Ainsley arrived first. Grandpa and Grandma even brought Great-Grandma Tos with them. It was extra special to have her with us. It's hard to believe she is 93 years old. She even played catch with Beth in the backyard! We're thankful that she was able to be with us. Everyone had a great day!
Great Grandma Tos with Ainsley and Beth
Great Grandma enjoyed watching all the kids hunt for Easter eggs. (Ainsley just played with a basket of them!) After the hunt, we managed to gather them all for a quick picture.
During Spring Break, the kids have spent a lot of time in the backyard and at the park. Phil and I enjoy watching them play in the yard every night after dinner.
Beth is ready to tackle the monkey bars at the park. 
Allie was excited to conquer the "rock wall"!
Who needs playground equipment? Nathan is perfectly happy walking on the trail and climbing on the rocks!
Today we visited our local community college's farm with our friends Emily, Brady and Megan. We had a great time exploring and seeing all of the animals!
Nathan had to stop and talk to each animal as he passed!
Beth and Allie fed hay to the horses. 
This evening, we joined my brother Ryan and his family for a barbeque. The kids were thrilled to play with Zachary and Ainsley again and we all enjoyed sitting outside by their beautiful new pool. The boys especially enjoyed putting their feet in and splashing! Notice that none of the adults were brave enough to get in - the water is still much too cold for me!
Today, after we came home from church, Phil's sister Deb and her 21 month old, Jack, came over for lunch and some playtime. He and Nathan enjoyed playing outside in the sandbox and with the toy animals in the house. We're glad they live close enough to visit so often!
