Sea Life Aquarium

We used the other half of our Lego Land tickets and went to the Sea Life Aquarium in Carlsbad yesterday.

It was a nice aquarium...a little on the small side, but we all enjoyed it.

Happy 4th Birthday to Jane!

My sweet Jane, I love that...

You skip everywhere you go, literally.
You love to cuddle. When you sit next to someone you have your side touching theirs.When someone lays down next to you you put your arm around their neck.
You can hold your own with the boys, but you can also fit right in with the girls. 
You love to play at the playground. You really enjoy being a kid.
You demand homework when the big kids are doing theirs.
You are athletic. You especially enjoy gymnastics and swimming.
You have a sugar tooth. You get that from the Nielson side of the family.
You are always saying silly things.
You are so independent.
You are so brave. When you see the pediatrician, arthritis specialist, eye specialist, you have no fear. You don't even cry when you get shots. You are very brave when they take your blood and you never fight the nurse even though it is painful.
You are confident. You are never jealous of the things your siblings get to do. You are always happy for them.
You love animals. You especially LOVE dogs. You did not inherit this from your parents. This is a love you developed all on your own.
You get so excited about things. At even the simplest things you see or you're told your blue eyes get so big and you simply say. "WOW"
You're unique. I can't even begin to explain your personality to others. You are so funny and quirky. You're great.

I love you Jane. You are my special angel.

Bruce & Jane's Birthday Party!!

Bruce and Jane have birthdays close together so we had a joint birthday party this year. Both kids were up for it...as long as we had a bouncy/slide. :) We had a luau theme and the kids had a GREAT day. Our first big family birthday party since coming back to California. I must say that the bouncy was worth every penny. The kids(all 16 of them) played on it for hours and loved every second of it. It may sound funny, but I'm so happy to have a big backyard where the kids can play and we can easily have parties and family over.

Jane was very clear that she wanted a "white cake" and Bruce wanted a cake made of cookies.

Jane turns 4 on Monday.

Bruce turned 7 this past Thursday.

Bocce Ball

Legoland!! (1st time for the kids and I)

Bruce has been wanting to go to Legoland for a long time. Since we live only around 10miles from Legoland, it's been torture for him not to go. I told him last night that I'd leave a present on his bed for him when he woke up. When he woke up he found this note that said for his present we were taking him to Legoland...TODAY! We had a great time and I had one happy 7yr. old.

Here are a few pictures.

Dear Bruce, Happy 7th Birthday!

Dear Bruce,
Not too long after your dad and I were married we were driving down the road in Oceanside and out of nowhere the thought came to my mind that it was time for us to start our family and have a child. It really caught me off gaurd. I was not the girl that grew up picking out baby names or thinking of what I'd do when I was a mom. I really never even thought I'd get married and having a child didn't cross my mind until that very second in the truck. I hesitantly asked your dad, "So, do you think we should try to have a baby?" I was hoping that he'd say I was silly because we hadn't been married long. He thought about it a second then agreed he thought it was time as well. We looked at each other like, whoa this is crazy! Right then I was filled with excitement and for the first time the possibility of becoming a mother was a reality to me.


Six months later I found out I was pregnant with a pregnancy test. I am not a patient person and I had taken a test each of those prior six months that were negative. When I saw that positive sign I was filled with disbelief and happiness all at the same time. I called your dad at work and told him. He was shocked and happy as well. We could not believe we had a baby on the way.


On August 12th, 2003 I had a c-section and my big baby boy was born. You were breech and 9lbs. 3oz. Since I had you by c-section I didn't get to see you immediately when you were born. I heard your high pitched cry and it literally took my breath away. A true miracle. This little spirit sent to your dad and I to watch over, protect, and help guide back to our Heavenly Father. I was overwhelmed and for the first time I felt the love a mother has for a child.


Bruce, you have grown to be such a good person. You love math, charts, maps, building Lego's, playing soccer, learning, riding your bike, boogie boarding, chess, & games. You are so kind. The other night I gave each of you guys a piece of my candy bar. After handing out pieces to everyone I wasn't left with anything. Everyone ran away eating their piece but you gave your piece back to me so that I could have some too. You are a good example to your friends. You are so confident and I hope you never let anyone take that away from you. You are very coordinated and athletic and you are great at everything you do because you listen and work hard.


I love that you call me "Mama". I love that you still love hugs and kisses from me. I love that you are so funny. I love that you take good care of your sisters. I love that you answer questions at church and that you love your Heavenly Father.  I love that you help me with directions when we drive places. :) I love how much you look up to your dad. I love that you're my only son. I love that you are mine forever. I love that you love me.

Happy Birthday my friend Bruce. I love you forever.

Bonfire

The night before Suzanne's wedding we had a bonfire at the beach. It was a great time with s'mores and good company.

Here I am. Claire is running to me. Linda is behind me in the water.

Bruce(left) boogie boarded with his cousins for hours!

Brodey, Bruce, Sayre

Some of the gang.

The engaged couple.

It was a fun night and a chance to relax before the wedding madness began.