Facing the last day of 2011

Today is gorgeous.  We are at the beach, which is my very favorite place to be.  It has been a good day, good weekend.  This is the absolute perfect day to hang up 2011 on. 

As far as the year goes, it hasn't been a bad year, just a very busy one.  I haven't had as much free time as I would have liked especially with 3 kids now in elementary school. I certainly haven't spent a moment on any of those personal goals I had put forth for myself 2 years ago when I started this blog.  I'm okay with that too, as I sense that time is coming soon.  I did choose instead to give all of myself to my kids' school.  It has been a good experience and there have been plenty of rewards; being with the kids, getting to know the staff better, seeing what is up and coming and getting the opportunity to meet and know more families in the community.  Next school year I will need to find more of a balance between home, family, myself and school just so those other areas aren't entirely neglected.  Which brings me back to the present.

Standing here today, watching my family in the surf.  Feeling the sun and wind's breeze, while the water laps at my feet.  Breathing it all in and taking a respite from the busy school year and the X-mas holidays. I'm feeling calm.  And I'm thinking that just maybe, 2012 is going to be a good year, a more balanced year.

3 Things I'm Grateful for:
1) This amazing place
2) Respite
3) New Beginnings

Easter weekend beach side

The weather was a little gray this year but we did not let that dampen our fun.  All five of the littles participated in the coloring of eggs and the outdoor hunt.  We had a yummy breakfast brunch and enjoyed time on the beach and walks after dinner. 

It was a nice weekend and always so fun to see all the cousins together.

3 Things I'm grateful for:
1) Enjoying another Birthday
2) Homecooked meals by my mom
3) Time to be together
 

4th of July at the Beach

 Happy 4th of July!!!  It's a beautiful weekend at the beach in California.  We are enjoying the sun and sand, roasting a few marshmallows and looking foward to tonight's fireworks show.

 Hope your 4th is full of smiles, laughter and lots of relaxation.

 

3 Things I'm Grateful for:

1) Time off

2) Beautiful weekend weather

3) Freedom

Easter at the Beach

I love this photo...it makes me want to sing, "Here Comes the Sun".

Here is my most favorite place to go with my family.  Spending time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, hubby and children at the beach for Easter has become our tradition.  I love looking at all the photos of the past years and seeing how big the children are all getting.  I'm so glad my children and my sister's children will have these memories of all of us together.

This also happens to be my birthday weekend.  Not a bad way to spend a birthday...with loved ones in the warm california sun.  Hope Easter is a good weekend for you too.

3 Things I'm grateful for:
1) Family time
2) Beautiful weather
3) A week off to enjoy

Busy Girl's first trip to Disneyland

 

 This trip was almost rescheduled. The weather prediction included lots of stong storms and left us unsure of how fun a trip that would be with three small children.  We were also staying far off property and were concerned with the distance and shuttle service especially in the rain.  At the last moment we decided to just go for it and play it by ear. 

 

We are so glad we went for it because...she loved it!

 

My busy girl had a blast and was easy to manage. It helped that the rain storm scared most folks off. Doesn't it look like we rented out Disney for the day?

 

Busy girl was unsure of the characters at first but seemed to be especially drawn to Minnie Mouse.

 

 

 

Boy Wonder shows off his new monorail pin on his lanyard.

 

Dumbo was one of Busy girl's favorite rides. 

 

 Until next time!!

3 Things I'm grateful for:
1)  A fun trip to Disneyland
2) A baby that is easy going and loves to be on the go
3) Rain, for it kept the crowds away