Phoenix

Brad had a business trip to Phoenix and wanted me to come along. We bought our plane tickets with a good idea of who would watch our kids.  That plan fell through so I went with Plan B.   Two days before I was supposed to leave Plan B fell through too.   I cried.  My sister encouraged me to ask a few different people and so I did.  And my village came through.   

The kids had fun, especially Ollie with his little buddy Ryder. He had dinner at their house two nights in a row.  And also played at the park. 

Darby and Bo had fun playing outside with Kylie and Foss. 

Brody & Colt spent some time with their friend Vincent.   

And Brad and I had some time together. Some of it was running random errands so he could get ready for his vendor show.  And some of it was sitting by the pool enjoying a nice fancy beverage.   It was a nice getaway and I am SO thankful for my village of wonderful family and friends. 

This drink is for them. 

Early morning Beach Stroll

Sunday was our last day at the beach. As soon as Bo got up, well rested, he wanted to go to the beach. So I helped him get his beach clothes on and out we went. We didn't last long but it was still a fun way to start the day.

Throwing sand bombs again. 

The video above is from a walk we went on.  For some reason Bo is saying "impossible" so I decided to get it on video.  I'm still not sure where he got this saying from. 

Our Sunny Day

Saturday ended up being dry and sunny.  We spent most of the day outside.  Except Darby wasn't feeling too great so she took a nap for a little bit. 

It never gets old, running away from waves even in big clunky rain boots.

Bo loved throwing Sand Bombs.  I think he was happy that we weren't telling him not to throw things.  Although we did have to remind him not to throw it at people. 

Clamming

Brad was so excited when he learned that we were in Moclips for Clamming season.  He bought a license and talked to some locals about the best techniques and lots of other random things.   The cabin we stayed in had a clam gun and Brad got right to work.  The boys  joined him for a little while until they got cold and wet.   I couldn't blame them. 

Brad had a blast even though he was working hard in rain and wind. 

Darby and Bo went outside with me for about 5 minutes.  But at least they gave me a few good smiles. 

Brad and his clamming treasure. 

Mid Winter Break

The kids had mid winter break and we were able to get away for a few days to our favorite place, Moclips.  We left on Wednesday afternoon and arrived to lots of rain and puddles at the house we stayed in.   

Since it rained we watched a LOT of TV and played lots of board games.  It kind of drives me crazy but it's also kind of nice.  I got to be a little lazy....well as lazy as one can be when you are still responsible for five kids.   

We made the kids go outside but if they said they wanted to go back in, we didn't argue. 

This was a new chair in the cabin.  It had two buttons that moved the chair so one could easily stand up.  The kids thought it was the greatest thing and we had to keep telling them not too play with it too much.  The novelty wore off and soon they just cuddled together like this and cozied up for a show. 

Our view....wet and gloomy but still our favorite place. 

January Lunch Time

Ollie had a playdate with his friend Owen. It was a sunny day, although still a tad bit cold, at least in the shade. So we took full advantage and had lunch in the sunshine.

Winter Garage Sale

A few weeks ago Ollie was set on having a garage sale. I loved his spirit and his enthusiasm so it was really hard for me to crush his dream. 

I tried to talk to him about his business plan.  Selling in the middle of the week...and $3 cars would probably not be the best way to make money.  I kept telling him we could plan for one soon but he still wanted to have one.   He had his table all set and even made a sign. 

Thankfully (for me) we had to go to the bus stop.  

 

Andrew's Birthday

Andrew had his 6th birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. The kids had fun, even though Bo wasn't a big fan of the giant mouse. 

(Funny story: Later that night Bo said "if Chuck E Cheese come to our house......kill him")

 

Since Brad had his poker tournament, Angie invited us to their house and we all just hung out with the cousins.