First day of Preschool

Aiden had a big week last week. He went to preschool for the first time and got his cast off later that afternoon. It is so fun to see him get big yet sad too. He is no longer a baby, but rather a big boy following his brother's footsteps. He is in the same class his brother was in and even shares the same teacher. So far he loves it and has learned to stop, drop, and roll when you are on fire which is very important to know especially here in So. Cal. where we just burn and burn. Yes, saw smoke from school today which meant there was a fire very nearby, but that is another post.

Bedtime story

Our children have some of the best grandparents in the world. They spoil them rotten which requires much detox when we leave them or they leave us, but would I want it to be different?

This past weekend Aiden brought out books for Papa to read to him and Asher not wanting to be left behind ran to the couch and climbed up on top of Papa. It was quite funny to watch.

A lesson in Grace

My time at the beach was precious. I can't tell you how much I would have loved to just stay the whole day to take in the views and sounds. I love the sounds of the waves, the heat warming your body as you watch the waves roll in. I love the sand as long as it doesn't permeate through all of my things. There is something spiritual too about being on the beach. I was standing alone there for a short time while the boys and daddy had gone to see the tide pools. I put my feet in the water and just took it all in. I was hit with a picture though of God's grace. We stand in the water in our sin, our stuff, the things that keep us away from God or at least make us think that we don't or can't approach God.

God's grace though is like a huge rolling wave. It comes in and covers our "stuff" and washes it away. It not only covers the sin, but it begins to take even more as it leaves. Just like when you leave your feet planted in the waves. The sand washes out from under your feet and allows you to sink even more into the sand. The other thing about God's grace is that it isn't a one time event, but just like the waves it keeps coming and coming. We are never too far from it and almost always in constant need of it.

There was a song played at my sister-in-law's wedding that I had forgotten. One of the lines is "God's grace still amazes me" and Saturday on the beach I was in the awe and wonder. So many times I know that I don't deserve it, but God doesn't look at that. He looks at the sacrifice of his son and sees that He saw I was worth it and he sees that you are worth it too.

*notice the pregnant swollen feet :)

More Beach photos

A picture of our family, but notice none of the boys are actually looking at the camera. Asher is too worried about the ocean, Aiden is checking out his feet, and Avery is looking down at his feet as well. Gotta love the realism. Avery and his cousin (Adam's cousin's daughter) playing in the water. They are both 7 and in the second grade. They had a good time.

This is one of my favorite pics of the day. As stated before Asher did not like being near the big, scary ocean. Here he is walking back to the stairs. He had had enough and was ready to go.

Avery running in the water.

Aiden just enjoying the day.

The Beach...Finally

On Saturday we went to Laguna beach to eat at Las Brisas. Ever since I have been married to Adam this has been a place we go when his family is in town or there is a special occasion. They have the best Saturday brunch with omelettes made to order, waffles, and all kinds of goodies. There is nothing better than to eat while looking out into the ocean. The other part though is we get to go down to the beach and take lots of pictures and actually put our toes in the water. I was so happy to be there. Just hearing the waves and feeling the sand in my toes. Here are some pics of our family.The Day familyThe Atchison FamilyAvery trying not to get too wet, but in the end he wasn't too successful seeing how he had to strip once we got to the car.Adam trying to convince Asher that the ocean is not scary and it is fun and cool.

Aiden with his cast bagged to prevent any sand and water from contamination.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Campbell

Sarah, Adam's sister, was married yesterday. We are so happy for them. We had a great time at the wedding. More pictures to come later.