Aunt Ash in LA

Having a sister is one of the sweetest experiences life has given me. I am so grateful for every last second I am able to spend with Ashleigh and the fact that our babies are all so close in age and love the heck out of each other just makes it all the better! Ash drove to Los Angeles with the kids for Ever's baptism and then spent a week here before rocking the drive home. Logan had to work (we missed you Logan) but then again, so did James, so Ash and I just raised our babies side by side and solo all week. Ash is the homegirl to my adventurer but went along with my wild schedule and took a million pictures during every outing. She makes me feel like the best version of myself and is just so good. Someday we're going to be neighbors, I'm just putting it into the universe, but until then I'll take a few more vaca days on the beach.  

Hip hip hooray, Aunt Ash is in LA!

We took a couple of pictures on Sunday after church before my parents and Grammie headed back to Sacramento and Grandma Winnie went to Oceanside. We were so grateful to have them with us for Everett's baptism and were sad to see them leave, but it lessened the blow that we got Ash and her family here for a full week! 

Ash was showing me how to be a fun mom at the park and we ended up playing an epic game of tag. Everyone wanted to be chased and tagged which definitely made the game a little unconventional but it was so much fun. 

These boys said they wanted to be a "cool club" at the beach. They did their hair, wore their shades and carried the boogie boards around my house for a good 30 minutes before we left. They are darling and they are definitely cool!

These kids boogie boarded for hours on end, and were so proud of their new tricks (including two-to-a-boarding).

Pink hair, don't care (but only because it washed out like the box promised!)

Aunt Ash back tickles are the best back tickles.

Linc and I had a date to buy a loaf of bread for dinner at a local bakery. He's the same age as Quinn but such a different personality and I love that little baby so much!

Toy Story 4--we laughed, we cried, we ate our body weight in popcorn, we had to take two mid-movie potty breaks.

Everett's Baptism

In the middle of the night before Everett's baptism I sat on the cold floor of my bathroom with a stack of journals and a couple of bottles of nail polish. I had two goals: fix those nappy nails of mine and re-live my experiences from eight years ago when Everett was born. Our house was full of guests in town for the baptism and for weeks we had been traveling and hosting and before I knew it the baptism was here, and I knew I needed just a little quiet space to ponder the miracle that is Everett Knight before he entered the water the next morning.

Eight years ago things were so uncertain. Everett was born and it seems like I barely blinked an eye before I knew something was wrong, he was diagnosed, there was a whirlwind of doctors and survival odds and surgery. There was healing and feeding and moving and worrying and more surgery after the first was deemed unsuccessful and things were a little chaotic, I'll be honest with you. But as I read my words from so long ago I was overwhelmed by how much peace was found within them. I knew that Heavenly Father was watching over our family, that he was in the details of Everett's life. I saw everything as a miracle, as a blessing, as a learning opportunity and as something to build my faith. So much went wrong in that first year of Everett's life and yet I was full of hope and love and confidence on High. Where there could have been darkness, there was only light.

My nails got painted a nudish pink that night but more importantly I was reminded that Everett's life stands as a testimony that Heavenly Father knows and loves our family. He has been with Everett since the moment he was born, guiding those around him and allowing all of us to freely feel of the peace offered by his Son. I'm so grateful for a knowledge of Heavenly Parents and a Savior who are aware of our wants and needs and guide our actions. Everett's life has taught me that things don't always have to be perfect to be beautiful and peaceful and wonderful.

So many wonderful friends and family members showed up on Everett's big day and to say I am grateful just doesn't do my heart justice. Everett had been so excited for weeks leading up to his baptism, but the couple of days before there was next-level enthusiasm in our home and I just wanted the day to be everything for him. And you know what? It was! He felt loved and special and perfect.

There are a few things I never want to forget about Everett's baptism. 

• In his baptismal interview the Bishop asked him if he tries hard to not surround himself with things that were bad for his body. Everett's answer was so innocent and pure and adorable. "I try not to, but sometimes I'm surrounded by bad stuff." Intrigued, the Bishop asked him about it and Ev said, "You know in the grocery store, sometimes I have to walk down the alcohol aisle and I am surrounded by the wine and beer and stuff. But I don't touch it, I never even put it in my hand."

• Everett was excited about being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost, but I'd be remiss not to mention how excited he was about the nacho bar. His original food request to feed his many guests was bacon--just bacon--but we decided his second favorite food of nachos might be a little less time-intensive for a hungry crowd. He was all in and so excited! The day before his baptism he pretended to be a reporter and was going up to everyone with a fake microphone and saying, "Do you like nachos? Are you coming to my baptism? Perfect!"

• The next day we were giving Mema and Pepa hugs goodbye after church and Everett said, "Mema, guess what...I'm pretty sure I'm still perfect since my baptism yesterday!" It's been a couple of weeks now and that little comment warms my heart because I have noticed a huge difference in him since he was baptized. He really is taking this seriously and is being so nice and calm and obedient. I'm really proud of my Ever Knight!

KB in LA

Kate and Brendan drove home with us from Grands Week and then spent a super-fun week here in Los Angeles. It was Brendan's first time in our city and Kate's first visit since she was a kid so I was SO EXCITED for them to be here because if you don't already know, I'm kind of obsessed with where we live! Our life is pretty loud and chaotic and always busy and full of people and Kate and Brendan handled the craziness like champs. They babysat, cooked for me, were down for adventures and taught us new games. Overall, I would say it was an A+ visit!

Sunday walk in the canyon.

Game night after the girls were in bed. They like these cooperative fantasy games and while I wouldn't consider myself a game enthusiast in any form, I did think this was fun!

Spent six hours at the Science Center...all in a days work!

Did they ever not have children climbing on them? Nope, nope they didn't. 

Water fight with a whole lotta friends in the backyard.

James was really busy this week and didn't see very much of his sister, but on the fourth of July he was off (mostly) and we partied!!!

My three boys out boogie boarding.

Quite possibly my favorite family photo ever! I need professional beach photos, stat.

Thanks for coming to visit cuties, we love you!