Sometimes it's just that way...

Last week was a big one.  It seemed like so many wonderful things happened and I think my mind is still reeling from all of it's goodness and craziness.

The week started with Kit on an overnight lead team on Monday night where he got to connect with his team:

 These crazy wierdos...

That monday I had Ryder's class room party and treat time for his birthday celebration.

On Monday night, I had the privilege of attending a special dinner for the campus pastor wives of ROCKHARBOR and we were able to connect and share our lives and hearts with one another through really fun questions and so much laughter!

 And I was sent home with these beautiful blooms...❤︎

On Tuesday night we hosted our usual family Life Group and the kiddos were given cards with the verse 1 Corinthians 4:16 and the kids decorated them.  We are planning to go with our life group to a retirement community to hand them out the residents!

On Wednesday night before I worked, we watched Kobe Bryant's last game in the NBA after 20 years with the Lakers:

What an incredible game!!!

 I was much more emotional that I had thought I would be...

Then I had my usual workday on Thursday, but this particular Thursday, I was in charge of the snack for the Kindergarten play group and Ryder had a baseball game.  Kit always handles things so well, but I felt like I had things I was trying to manage at work which feels like a distraction that I don't like... 

I was so happy when Thursday was over!

 Then on Friday, I was able to attend the Freedom Movement on their Reckless tour that our church hosted.  

My sweet friend Meg was my date!

It was a night of women sharing stories of what the Lord has done in their lives and how He has freed them from horrible experiences and lies to live life to their fullest with Him.  He makes beautiful things out of dust and our lives reflect that truth of God's love...  I left inspired.  I then proceeded to stand with a friend in the parking lot and talk until almost midnight... Oh my goodness, the night was full of connection, community, and friendships!

The next morning was Ryder's birthday party and I may or may not have consumed MULTIPLE cups of coffee... 

I'll share the party pictures tomorrow...❤︎

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When I look back at last week, I am so thankful that that busyness is not our normal.  Sometimes days and weeks are just like that.  I hope that what I take away from those busy moments is that life is full of so much joy and that there are opportunities all around to see a FULL and GOOD life that God has given us.❤︎  

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

We recently had a free Saturday, so we decided to try a local hike that a friend had done and enjoyed.

We did some mountain biking and hiking and covered over 6 1/2 miles!

Our goal was to visit the Dripping Cave and we were so excited when we got there!

This is where we had lunch and watched the kids explore the little cave.

On the way to the cave, Kit made up this elaborate story about two robbers: Ryder the Robber and Jeering Gina, who both robbed stage coaches and carried pistols and would meet with their gang at this cave as their meeting spot to avoid trouble with the sheriff... The kids were CRAZY into the story!

On the way back, Ryder decided to whittle a stick that he had found.  He was as content as could be...

 Eden even got her dad to carry her for a bit.  She wasn't very excited about it though...❤︎

She did find time to pick me the sweetest little flower...

There were moments that I completely forget that I was in Orange County...

Springtime is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!

We had such a fun time together and I am so thankful that we were able to enjoy some time together.

Family days will always be my favorite days...❤︎

Eggs!

Our chickens are pretty much all laying eggs.

It does not get old for us, especially this little girl!

We bring them in and add them to the others and count them up...

 Then she looks at me when she has the final number with the most enthusiasm a person could possible muster...

It has been such a treat to enjoy these eggs and to watch the kiddos enjoy them as well!

Ryder's classroom birthday celebrations...

At Ryder's school, instead of having parties for each little person like they did in preschool, they have the parents bring a special treat for the snack time.  When I asked Ryder what he wanted to bring, he told me "Something chocolate. And maybe something with Star Wars... My class would love that!"

So here is what we came up with:

I took Star Wars duck tape and split it down the middle to make little flags:

 I just folded it around toothpicks.  Ryder was able to help and we had so much fun making his little treats special...

 He couldn't wait to hand them out to his class with the brownies!

We were so proud of ourselves!

It is one of my favorite things to celebrate my kiddos...❤︎

Oh my goodness I can't even handle it!

Cousin Time

This last Saturday, we headed out to Redlands to be with our family, to celebrate some birthdays, eat some ribs, hang in the jacuzzi, and watch some soccer...

Soccer:

 Ribs:

 Jacuzzi:

Birthday celebrations!

 Our niece and Ryder have birthdays that are 7 days apart...

 Ryder was ELATED to get another lego set to put together!

And lots of cousin time!

It was a really sweet day and I am so thankful that we live close enough to be able to make special memories like these together!