Photo a Day Challenge: April

So this is my last Photo a Day post for at least a week.

And, since I can't seem to find much blogging time during the week lately, it may be my last post all together for at least a week.

We'll see.

So here's the last week of April and the first 2 days of May.

I wanted to include all 4 pictures from our camping trip.

So many good memories--these are just a snippet.

Here's to another week of making sweet memories.

April 23, 2012

Vegetable

April 23 was James 8th birthday.

I made him all kinds of the foods that he liked.

For breakfast I made cream biscuits from my favorite breakfast cookbook.

We smothered them in butter and apricot jam.

And, because it was his birthday, there wasn't a vegetable in sight,

all day long.

Happy Birthday, James, my little food lover and vegetable hater.

April 24, 2012
Grateful

The kids and I went to Gum Grove park for the afternoon.

It is one of our favorite places.

In spring, Gum Grove is incredibly beautiful.

We walked up this hill completely covered with wildflowers.

I asked them to stand together so I could take a picture of them.

They said, "Moooom, we want to get to the rope swing."

And as they complained about me taking yet another picture of them,

they stood together like this.
Just on their own accord.

Oh yes, I am so grateful for these 3 little people.

Thank you, Jesus, for making me a mother.

April 25, 2012
Looking down

I love when I look down at Davy now,

he looks up at me and waves.

"Hi Davy-boy," I smile at him.

He smiles back and waves.

He's trying so hard to say hi, 

and sometimes he gets it.

But that little waving hand is sweet enough.

Gosh I love this darling boy.

April 26, 2012
Black and white

Before breakfast, the boys set up this battle scene.

The dominoes made the walls and fortresses.
Pawns and rooks made the cannons.
Knights and bishops were the soldiers.
The king and queen were closely guarded, of course.
I love the way they plunge into enjoying their day from the moment they wake up.
It's a stark contrast to me,
who keeps saying things like, 
"do you all have to be so loud?  I just woke up!"
Perhaps if I went to bed at 8 I might have a bit more energy in the morning too.
Maybe tomorrow.

April 27, 2012
Somewhere I went

This is a total cheater photo.

This Friday was date night.

It would have been the perfect day for this challenge.

Alas, I forgot my camera.

So this picture is from somewhere I went on Saturday.

My book club.

And even though we read a book I don't like,

I do love my book club.

Books, talking about them, and good food--

what could be better?

PS.  Don't you love that chair?

April 28, 2012
1 PM

At 1 pm on Saturday,

I was sitting in my neighbor's front yard, 

watching my kids bounce in the bounce house,

mentally checking my camping to-do list,

and dreaming of heading off to book club.

Or reading society, as we like to call ourselves.

Wuthering Heights was the pick.

Not a favorite the last time I read it.

My opinion hasn't changed in 15 years.

Still not a favorite.

But then, I'm not much of a Bronte girl.

I like Ms. Austen much better.

April 29, 2012
Circle

Our first night of camping.

After a 3 hour drive (dang LA traffic!), setting up camp, 

and a long walk on the beach at sunset,

we were all ready to sit around the campfire.

Is there any better smell than a campfire?

April 30, 2012
Something that makes me sad

I chose this picture because it looks sad,

but it's really pretty funny.

Can you believe those 2 boys, 

standing there,

just looking at their sister as she struggles to climb the tree?

Don't feel bad for her.

Because, even if they offered, she'd just say, 

"I can do it all by myself."

And she would.

She is the most independent child I have.

It's a blessing and a curse.

And sometimes it makes me want to curse.

OK, a lot of times.

But I still admire the heck out of her for the way she gets things done.

Oh that Lilly.

May 1, 2012
Peace

After a gray and cloudy day,

the sun came out.

We walked down to the beach in the golden, afternoon light.

Lilly on Aaron's shoulders, 

the boys throwing rocks and picking up sticks,

Davy, strapped to my chest--

all of us together.

Peace.

May 2, 2012
Skyline

This is the California coastline,

looking north from El Capitan beach.

We were standing on the bluff watching whales swim by on their way to Alaska.

We saw whales every day of our camping trip.

It was amazing.

I've seen some beautiful skylines: Paris, San Diego, Florence, Hong Kong.

But this is my favorite kind of skyline.

Happy Monday, friends!

Love from,

Greta