San Carlos June 2010

We had another great year in San Carlos! This year we understood Mom's clearly indirect message and rented our own condo. I hope she felt the freedom to do whatever she wanted now without having to commit to how much time she wants to spend down there. :)

We loved the condo we rented and it was especially nice to know that our date and times were firm and we'd have a place to stay for sure. We were right across from Joanna and Scott's family and that was super great to see them more. With our kids needing naps and such, we are pretty tied down to our location so that we can come and go for diaper changing, etc.

I was able to go scuba diving with Brian and it was AMAZING!!!!! I loved every minute of it as he let me share his tank and buddy breathe with him. He was then able to dive again with Richard and Scott and we dropped them off at the point of San Pedro Island and they dove deep down and saw some huge schools of fish. Scott made a little youtube video of it. We were glad that Sarah Hatch decided to fly down and spend a week with us so that we could leave the kids in good hands. Love that girl.

The kids had a blast. They enjoyed time with cousins. We all enjoyed the surprise arrival of Bret and Ariane and Family. They are such dear friends and our time with them was different this year...yet every bit as meaningful.

We didn't take as many pictures and were kind of out of it in some ways, but we did start a "Things I have seen in San Carlos" book as for the first year since I have been there we saw a couple of sea horses in the water right outside the condos. I love how the ocean changes every year and we see unexpected things...from squid ALL over the beach to little sand crabs the kids catch in their hands.

Bryson's Preschool Graduation

Our primary president has a fabulous preschool and she was such a great teacher to Bryson. He still loves and tells me what "Ms. Cheri" says...for it is law. It was great to get to know some other kids in the ward and to appreciate the super creative brains of Cheri and Sally. Sally helped Cheri for most of the days and what a team they were. Bryson loves bugs more than ever after a year in "Cute as a Bug Preschool".

Hiking in May

We haven't really found the chance to take the kids on many new hikes, but we have enjoyed the small hikes we do take. It is fun to see the kids make it up to the top and then witness the burst of energy and self-accomplishment they seem to feel as we enjoy the view. Brian has been teaching them the name of the mountain ranges we can see and we hope to hike some of all of them in the next year. It's fun to be outdoors and do "hard" and fun things with them.

Harley Ride with Aunt Joan

Aunt Joan came over one Saturday and the kids LOVED to see her and were quick to accept a ride on her Harley Motorcycle. We love her so much and it is always such a humble reminder to love others the way she loves my kids. It is amazing how they respond to her and can feel of her genuine love. It is such a special blessing to be a part of her family.

Olivia's Piano Recital

Olivia had a piano recital with Aunt Diane and her students. It was at a recital hall and Olivia was able to sit on the elevated stage. She didn't look nervous at all. This was her very first recital and we lOVED it. She played "The Entertainer" and "The Skater's Waltz." I was so proud of her!

T-Ball for Ellie and Bryson

Ellie played on the Little Leage T-Ball Team. It was unfortunate that the softball and baseball practice and game times were so conflicting with locations so far apart. It meant that Olivia was unable to play so Ellie and Bryson could both play. It was super fun to see them on the same team and I so appreciated Olivia showing such genuine kindness. It made our family stronger to have her sacrifice for her siblings. I love that girl.

Ellie proved to be every bit as happy, go lucky in T-Ball again this year. She has the wind up of a pitcher...but without force...any force. One would think that the ball would go flying far and fast as it comes sputtering out of her hands. Anyway, she is fun to watch. Even her step when she hits is exaggerated. :)

This was Bryson's first season. I was surprised what a space cadet he was in the field. He could often be seen turning circles and talking to himself while in the outfield. Many times he raced and battled a teammate for the stop. He also seemed quite the natural at talking trash to the other team's baserunner. It was so funny. He is a little clown as well apparently. Twice in one game he decided to do a summer sault into home base...with his helmet on. :) Might as well make it exciting since everyon gets to bat and all.

Fiesta de Maio with Friends

We had a Fiesta de Maio at our house with some of our friends that we have known since high school. It is amazing how many children there are when we all get together. We should have taken a photo of all them together...but we didn't. Bryson was in rare form that night and would run and jump-attack the pinata. It was short and fun to see everyone. It's so hard to get together with all of our different schedules. I especially enjoyed visiting with Colleen Wheeler. I haven't seen her forever. Alisha, Ariane, Sara and I all agreed to have a girls' dinner later. I love those girls.