4th of july week.

For the last 2 years we have spent the 4th of July on the beach up in Oxnard. The house is perfect and everyone is in heaven with the beach just steps away. The weather this year was a bit chilly, but we had a blast regardless. Jeff came as often as he could - going back and forth to school. We built sand castles, ate yummy seafood, played with friends (the Bollards), went for a boat ride at Ventura Harbor, played lots of games and lounged on the beach. It was such a fun week of family bonding and relaxing.

utah & summer vacation.

My mom and I drove up to Utah while Jeff had midterms, Jenna was going to EFY and Carlee was ending her Spring semester. We stayed in Provo for the week and enjoyed the weather. We spent a day in Park City, ate shakes at Granny's, visited the Swartwoods, shopped, ate and relaxed. I am so grateful my mom is willing to help me with my kids while Jeff is focused on school - what would we do without moms?

We went back to AZ for the weekend and my parents ended up keeping Grey the next week while I came back home and had the most productive week of my life (cleaned and organized every nook and cranny of my apartment and checked off that to-do list). It was so fun for Jeff and I to focus on Rowan for the week and have that one-on-one time with her. We hit up Mormon night at Dodgers stadium with friends and Rowan loved it!

easter outtakes.

I was unloading memory cards today and found these Easter photos that we snapped right before church. Trying to get these crazies to smile at the same time is impossible. Rowan automatically gives us her gummy, cheesy smile when we pull out the camera. I love these faces too much!

preschool.

I was lucky enough to get Grey into Calvary Preschool right when we moved here. He needed it, I needed it, and we both loved it! Grey grew up so much and learned tons this year. Mrs. Frances was the perfect teacher for him.

On the last day of school, I told him that next year he would have another teacher because he was getting older. He looked and me and said, "mom, why can't Mrs. Frances grow up with me?" So cute how much he loves her.

kidspace children's museum.

We sure do love free days around here. Even though it was packed, the kids had a blast at Kidspace yesterday. Playing in the water, getting filthy and watching the hula dancers were some highlights. There are an abundant amount of girls that are Grey's age around here, so he is often the only boy around. He does not mind! Hayley is definitely on his list of favorite people.

natural history museum.

This last Saturday John, Sarah, Nora & Eve spent the day with us in L.A.  We went to the Natural History Museum (which was a big hit), grabbed some lunch and let the kids play. We love living close to cousins! Grey thinks Nora is "so beautiful" and they are becoming such great friends.

fun friday.

Jeff didn't have school today, so we hit the ground running. We ran some errands this morning, grabbed some lunch and headed down to Santa Monica. We had been wanting to check out the 3rd Street Promenade and finally did. The kids loved the Santa Monica Pier  - so much action and entertainment. Grey got to ride a couple rides, got himself some cotton candy and we had some happy campers. Rowan loved dancing to the trash can drummers. Days like these are my absolute favorite!

memorial camping.

Andrea and I might have started a tradition - Papworth/Williams annual camping extravaganza. We'll see. Now that we live in the same state, we determined that our husbands and children need to be friends and what better way to kick off this friendship then a little camping trip?

I went with a great attitude. Jeff even thanked me for it. Jeff and Brian were in their element with mountain biking and dirt. I was not in my element with the freezing cold night. But the Williams are great company, for sure!

Poor Row feel out of the car and banged up her face right when we got to our camping sight (Dogwood Campground in Lake Arrowhead) - luckily that was our only trip to the E.R. She is sporting a pretty good goose egg and black eye. So incredible sad, but she is a trooper and even smiled for the camera when I was trying to document it. 

We cut our camping trip a night short, but we had fun. Grey loved every single second.

*I should note that neither Andrea or I brought warm enough shoes for our little girls, so we hit up Famous Footwear. We went with the boy hightop converse for Row and Brian insisted on the white Nikes for Jo Jo. Such a great decision.

4 years old. say what?

Grey turned 4 last month and we had a fun superhero party with his friends. We also had John, Sarah, Nora & Eve over for a little family celebration and he requested a Batman cake.

I can't believe my first born is now 4 years old. From the day he was born, he has put a smile on everyone's face and his infectious personality is undeniable. He is growing up to be such a good kid and I love his darling face and his sweet, demonstrative personality. I am so grateful he is mine.

i can't forget.

I don't want to forget her sweet smile and laugh that melts my heart every. single. time.

I don't want to forget the finger point and grunting to get her way.

I don't want to forget her crazy, wispy hair that is always in her eyes.

I don't want to forget her chubby thighs, edible thighs.

I don't want to forget how determined she is.

I don't want to forget how she backs it up, plants it on my lap and wants me to read to her.

I don't want to forget the space between her teeth and that cheesy smile she flashes because she knows she is funny.

I don't want my baby to grow up. Please stop.