Celebrating Spring

Spring is really here.  We have the pictures to prove it!!!!!  This week we have been busy celebrating spring in California.   To start my children went around our neighborhood taking pictures of all the blooming flowers.  

A close up.  Do I know what kind of flower this is?  No. But it's pretty....

Right here in our backyard we have a momma bird that has made her nest in our very own Bougainvillea tree.  Aren't they precious?  They've hatched and we can see little fuzz balls with their necks stretched and wide open mouths waiting for food.  So cute!!!!!!!!!!  

Remember these shoes from Easter, it's all the girls will wear now.  They "looooooove" them.  

My husband is studying to take a big test to further his career.  He is gone from home twice in the week until late at night.  By the time the children are done with their learning at home, I am ready to get out.  I took them out for a picnic on a beautiful evening.   I had a coupon for pizza.  I got a large pizza and a free salad.  I stopped off at the market.....

got some juice boxes.....

brought some oranges.........

and the kids begged me for gumballs.  The pizza parlor was right next door to this candy shop, Powell's.  Convenient huh?  Pizza aaaaand candy.  That makes so much sense.

They succeeded in their begging.  

And I thought this was such a classic shot.

I took them to picnic at a park in Los Gatos, called Bachman Park.  My husband and I lived in downtown Los Gatos when we were first married.  I love it there!!!!  

The picnic.  Georgia is eating with her new found friend.  My kids say she is amazing because wherever she goes she makes friends.  I love you Georgia.  

Tums had to eat in the pizza box.  I mean why would she eat anywhere else?  

She also devoured whatever oranges were left over.  

Baseball was the name of the game this evening during our picnic.  More specifically a game called "pickle."

The mit, the ball...

Uh Oh!  Gwyneth is in a pickle!!!!!!!!!

Now Reece is in a pickle and I'm trying to tag him.  

Almost...

Gwyneth tries her hand at hitting.  Kalen told her he'd pay her a quarter if she hit five in a row.  She did.  

Usually I'm not fond of my children betting, but this was cute.  An incentive if you will.

Kalen replenishing, we got to the park at 5:30 and stayed until 8:00pm.  So much fun.  

The little ones played in the sandbox.  Which, I must mention this sandbox is the coolest.  Los Gatos is a small town of it's own, a hushed community.  This park is nestled in some gorgeous homes, characteristic of Los Gatos also.  So, the sandbox;  there are always a ton of toys in the sandbox.  People just leave them and they are always there for kids to play with.  I swear there are toys in there that have been there for years.

After the park we drove around the neighborhoods catching the last of the light and picked the homes we would "buy."  

I love this because of the wrap around porch.  

Gwyneth liked this, I think the American Flag was really the charmer for her.  

Kalen picked this one.....

Reece and Georgia like the "Spanish" style, apparently.  

The next day we had our first SWIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We went to the Wallworks.  This is my dear, dear friend Thira.  She is the best.  There is nobody like her.  I've never met anybody so inclusive, so loving, and so passionate about her beliefs.  She is a gem, a treasure, a love.  

She sent me an email after we spent the day with them saying, "I loved seeing you with all of your six kids.  It makes me cry to see you with your kids, you do such a good job.  I love you."  See what I mean?  She's a forever friend.  I will do a post on just her someday.  

I love, love, love this picture.  It's reminiscent of the "Sand Lot."  

Gwyneth is a really strong swimmer.  She swam Shane around on her back, even in the deep end.  Thanks Gwyneth, you're the best.  

More fun for Shane with Gwyneth.

Kalen took charge of Tums.  He swam with her, as much as he would let her.  Kalen, love to you too, for helping me with the little ones and being so great and hands on.  You kids make my heart sing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another beautiful day swimming.  I love my life, I love my family, I love my friends.  I am surrounded by beauty, happiness, laughing, playing, hard work, learning, babies, big kids, little kids, and love, love, love.