Monday, June 29, 2009

San Diego Temple / Presidio Park

Our hotel was near the temple. It was fun to see it as we would be returning to our hotel. The kids agreed that it looked like a Disneyland Castle, only better.
We went to San Diego on our honeymoon over 14 years ago. It was fun to be there again with the kids.

As soon as the kids and Richard saw the hill next to the temple they threw themselves on the ground and began rolling. Probably not a reverent thing to do at the temple grounds, but they will always remember it. They had just mowed the lawns, the grass was sharp and gave the kids little cuts all over, making them itchy.




Almost all of us, minus Sam taking the picture and Zanna back in AZ.
A nice lady snapped this one for us.

This is a museum at Presido Park, in Old Town San Diego. My family always visited here when we would go to San Diego. It is pretty, green and hilly. Great for picnics.

The twins decided this cool cross looked great for rock climbing. I didn't know they even did this until I loaded my pictures onto the computer. Sam had been following them around snapping shots.

It was a great trip. The kids were amazing. It did not feel like we had 8 kids to take care of, they were so well behaved. No one got lost, except for Daniel on the beach for just a few minutes. Having a big family is a blast! They love each other tremendously and love to be buddies and look out for each other. It is rewarding as their mother to see them making sure the little ones can see or have the food they want or have someone to carry them around when they are tired. And the little guys love to share with the big ones and follow in their footsteps. They are the best kids!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

June/July Ely Family Birthday Party

The party started with water fun on Papa's huge water slides and pool. The kids all got along super well. Only a couple of injuries the whole night. We had hotdogs and nachos for dinner with other yummy side dishes .




Then the chocolate fountain! The kids had a blast.
It made a huge chocolate mess of everyone and the yard.








Sam trying chocolate covered pickle. Mmmm.




The twins cleaning each other up. They were so cute.

Thanks Gram and Papa for your fun yard and a great party!
And thanks to Dandi for the chocolatey goodness!

Monday, June 8, 2009

They Learn So Young

I caught Zanna doing one of her favorite things. She LOVES the computer. She knows that you move the mouse and click on things and somehow she knows how to turn on the computer narrator (I guess it is for the visually impaired, it tells you what the mouse is pointing at.). It is really annoying and it took me forever to figure out how to turn it off. Also, she reconfigured my monitor today. They learn so young to use computers! Fun, fun, fun!


Saturday, June 6, 2009

Is it REALLY June?

The weather has been gorgeous the last couple days, so we have spent more time outdoors. Even a coolish breeze at times. It is great to get outside and not melt! Daniel even went in and put on a fleece long sleeved shirt to keep himself warm in the 92 degree cold spell, crazy boy! I love that you can see Zanna's fuzzy fly-away hair. And Laney is sporting a dress from the 80's, so retro, right?









Saturday, May 30, 2009

A first for Zanna

Susanna had her first dress up fun with the big girls. She loved every minute as you can see. Can't wait for next time!

"But, I wanted the pink sequin dress!"
"I don't want to dance, Mom."


"Mom, pleeease, no more!"

Three, Nine and Twentysix

Laney, the princess ballerina birthday girl








Sara so grown up!


Birthday date with Gram to see the play Sleeping Beauty


Jessi, my beautiful baby sister
So cool sporting all of her new jewelry!