Terranea

Nate and I just got back from a relaxing few days in Southern Cali.  Nate did well enough last year with his new job to get to go to their leaders club.  It was held at a resort called Terranea in Palos Verdes.  It was a beautiful resort with plenty to do.  We got to spend 3 days there relaxing, exercising, swimming, and eating a ton of good food.  It was also nice to have a few days together without the kids.  We realized that we had not been away like that since we went to Europe almost 2 years ago.  Time sure flies.  The best part of the trip for me was that it was actually warm.  It wasn't hot, but it was decent enough to wear short sleeves and swim.  (the pools were heated).  Here are a few pictures of our trip.  I am so proud of my husband who works so hard for your family and I love the benefits that come from him doing it. :)

 The view from our hotel room.

 We got to pick an activity to do for one afternoon and we decided to do the horseback riding excursion.  I have never been on a horse so it was a little scary at first, but in the end I loved it!  Nate looked like a natural and is now even more convinced we need to live on a ranch in Montana where he can be a real cowboy. :)

 Some crazy ranch guy was taking our pictures.  This is a horrible picture, but the best one we had of both of us riding.

 Proof that I did it!

 Nationwide always has a guest musical act perform at their awards banquet.  We were hoping for someone really awesome since we were right close to LA, but instead we got Boy II Men.  Sure we like their music, but it seemed to me that they are 40ish year old men trying to be like they are 20 like back in the 90's. :)

An afternoon at the pool.  My heaven. 

 Another view from the resort.

I know the sun is shining right at the camera, but I wanted the picture to include the palm trees.  Looks more exotic  right? :)

Is it Spring yet?

The past two days of 70 degree weather has made me believe that we may actually get out of this long, cold winter.  It has been a welcome sight to see my flowers coming up and have the sun on my face.  We really are alive, but I haven't been very motivated to blog.  I really wish I did it more because this is our family history, but oh well.  I am posting a bunch of random pictures from the last month.  We have been busy as usual, but I only have pictures of a few things.  I guess I need to get better at taking pictures along with blogging. :)

 I was trying to grow Ashlyn's bangs out, but gave up because she just doesn't have much hair up front so her forehead is really high.  I cut bangs again.  I think she looks cute!

 Nate finally convinced me to go skiing with him and Gavin.  It had been 20 years since I last skied and yes, my body is 20 years older.  I was pretty stiff and sore the next day from my few falls, but after a few days I felt fine.  I'm glad I finally did it, but don't know if my body could take skiing on a regular basis. :)

 Proof that I was on skis. 

 On the ski lift.

 Liam has lost both of his front teeth in the last month or so.  They came out with enough time in between for one of the new teeth to grow in, so he didn't end up with a huge space in the front.  But as you can see from the picture just having one gone left a pretty big hole.  I should also mention that Nate pulled both of them out.  Liam just doesn't have the courage yet. :)

 Just another Sunday ready for church.  I think Liam is modeling.

 A Sunday afternoon spent playing angry birds.

Gavin had his first experience with piano federation.  He spent months learning and memorizing two pieces to play for the judges.  Sadly it happened to fall on one of his skiing lesson days, so he had to rush from his lesson to his performance and didn't get a chance to practice his songs.  He didn't play his best, but still got a Superior rating.  He also had a recital the next week to play the songs for us.  We took video, but for some reason I can't remember how to get it on here.  I'll work on it. 

Bring on Spring!