Beach Partay!

Our ward beach party was tonight and we needed something fun to do so we put all fears of radioactive particles floating over from Japan aside and headed to the beach! It was so nice. So nice. Though mostly overcast, the sun winked at us a few times. Ever sunny in SM - we forget about June gloom until we head west! But despite a little breeze it was so pleasantly warm. Our family really needed it. Aside for that one awesome afternoon jumping off the edge of sand dunes into the soft sand below with my friends - I could take or leave the beach as a teenager - never felt great in my swimsuit or cared much for getting all covered in sand, and I'm not really a great swimmer. But since being married the beach has become sort of an escape for us. A peaceful place when we just need to get away. I have so many fun memories of going there with my family. I love it. I love the smell of it. I love the steaming hot shower on my skin after being out in the sun, sand, wind and water. Best feeling ever. So grateful for the natural beauties of this earth that refresh the soul!

Here's some photos from today...

 Heading out - can't get over the cuteness of this girl!

 Scenes like this are giving me flashbacks to little Lily!

more flashbacks

 But Sierra definitely has a personality all her own!

 

 Looking so mature little-Girly!

 Giggling over the waves.

 Looking for pretty stones

 My three sand artists!

 It is really hard to catch Lily smiling and looking my way long enough to get a photo, but when her friends started showing up she was all smiles! Definitely need to get this girl together with friends more this summer!

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 Smiley Sierra and her little friend Leslie

"Baby!" - Sierra loves all things baby...caught her pointing at one here. You could pretty much just call something the "baby ______" and she will go for whatever it is. (Aww, baby!)

I love my kids so much! So happy to see them have so much fun today!

How to Eat a Donut

(Ah, yes! This is the life!)

These photos speak for themselves.

Life has been a bit overwhelming lately, but today was so nice and chill for the most part. 

Went to the beach for the first time this summer. Great end to the week :)
Pictures coming!

In honor of my Dad

I'm so lucky to be loved by this man. Thank you for always being there for me, Daddy!

Just one more minute

Life is crazy busy, maybe more crazy than busy. Crazy to the point of being overwhelming enough to feel much too busy to me! We have way too many things up in the air at the moment, and this state of limbo has lasted much too long and is wearing on us. But life marches on and our girls are growing and bring us some trouble and much joy! I am up way too late and should totally go to bed, but just wanted to post a couple recent pictures of my cute growing girls for my grandma and theirs to see! I'm sorry I haven't been blogging more often. Will try to do more soon - in the meantime - love from CA!

Showing off their new & beloved animals (stuffed parrot & meerkat) at the Zoo

They love to match - we'll see how long that lasts!

Trying out ponytails