Friday, June 22, 2012

father's day and visitors

This week has been amazing...

Thanks to grandpa for sending us international gifts.

 Lexi dancing in Brownsville.
 Ari loves watching sissy dance.
 The father's day dessert I made Jared. Strawberry napoleons.
 Lexi serving dad his special breakfast. She hand picked the strawberries herself, from our garden.
 Father's day with dad!
 Ari's first skinned knees. She says "owie...cool!" or says "aw cute" and kisses them.
 The Rodriguez family came to visit.
Ari, Lexi and Brianna.
 Slip'n slide time


 Sam and Bri
 Samantha lost her mom 9 years ago. Being as we have known each other since I was 4, I knew how much she meant to her and I saw how hard it was for her. It was beautiful to have her here to talk with me about how I am currently feeling. I feel I learned a lot about the grieving process (I now know what I am feeling is normal and I am not crazy as I thought). We talked, reminisced, cried (a lot), laughed...it was exactly what I needed. I understand this is going to continue to be hard (what an understatement) but I know I am strong.
In memoriam of our beloved moms, we got tattoos. Hers says "family" mine "mama" in the infinity symbol, in pink--my mom's favorite color. That night I dreamt of my mom, she was talking to me and I couldn't help but feel it was real.
 We rented a beach house. This was our backyard.
 We saw grey whales pass by the window and in the evening we had a fire. Great day!
 Beach time.





 Flying a kite.


 Watching the sunset.

Thank you guys for coming. It was the break I desperately needed. We all seriously had the best time and cannot believe it's over. We love you guys.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

welcoming summer

Kyler was Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. His first play and he did great.



 Lexi's awards
 The kids and I made this for Jared for father's day
 The last day of 1st and 4th grades




 I am so proud of these kids. They do so incredible all year long and never cease to amaze us.
 Ari and I's chalk message to the kids
 Kyler and his amazing teachers. These sweet ladies surprised me with a $50 spa gc to have a massage. They offered their love and condolences and explained you carry your grief in your muscles. Such a wonderful thing to be thought of.
 Lexi and her sweet teacher
 We took the kids to Oaks Amusement Park in Portland.





 Ari was yelling at me "SIT!"



And now summer begins!