California knows how to party!

I have been putting off posting about our trip to California because I took so many pictures and can't decide which ones to post. So I will attempt to narrow them down. My sister's kids had spring break a couple of weeks ago and they decided to spend it in California with my parents. Since Paul was going to be busy with finals, I decided to join them. Parker loved playing with his grandparents and all of his cousins. We loved the warm weather and Parker wanted to be outside, literally, all day! My family helped by taking turns pushing him in the stroller outside. Some of the exciting events were going to a friend's pool to swim, the beach, eating and shopping. It was a very fun and relaxing trip. It was good to be with family and just hang out.

Playing at Grandma and Grandpa's

Fun in the Sand

Parker and Mom at the Beach

Parker and Grandma at the Beach

Just loungin'

Lunch with my Dad at D'elia's, on his lunch break

Parker's favorite place to be...outside (He was happy just to sit in his stroller, as long as it was outside!)

Swimming

Playing with his cousin Haylee

One of Parker's favorite toys, Grandma's water table!

Up close

Eventually, he just wanted to climb inside.

Jill's birthday celebration!

Combined with Adam's birthday celebration!

Parker eating cake with Aunt Kristin.

Games with the cousins!
Isaiah, Nelson, April, Bella

Adam, Hannah, Brianna, Sydney, Ryan

Oh, and the Playoffs started!

A Fun Game

Parker is easy to entertain with a camera. Lately, we have taken a lot of pictures of ourselves and then have fun looking at them on the back of the camera...Enjoy!

Missionaries and Memories

Once a year, Paul and I have the opportunity to attend our mission reunion. Last night was just such an occasion. For those of you who don't know, Paul and I served in the same mission; the Ohio Cleveland Mission. We have been home for 5 years now. Time sure goes by fast! I love mission reunions. I love seeing old companions who taught me so many things about sharing the gospel and about living the gospel. As a missionary, I had the opportunity to see lives changed and I gained great friends who continue to inspire me to be better today.

I have been sitting here trying to write out how grateful I am for the opportunity that I had to serve a mission, but I really can't put it into words. So I guess I will just say this. One of the first things I learned as a missionary, was that a mission isn't just 18 months or 2 years; it is for our whole life. I saw so many members of the church, whose lives were dedicated to serving the Lord. We have opportunities to serve and share the gospel each day and we are happiest, when we take the opportunities to do so. I guess that is why I love mission reunions. It helps me remember the things I learned as a missionary.

Thanks to Kate and President and Sister Cutler for organizing the reunion!

Happy Easter!

Just a few pictures from our happy Easter. We had a great Easter feast at Ron and Jill's house. We had quite the crowd: Ron, Jill, Lauren, Austin, Nelson, Cullan, Andrew, Trena, Jordan, Michael, Garrett, Kim, Paul, Parker and I. It was great to be with family on this special day. Ron and Jill made a fantastic meal and then we had an Easter egg hunt for the kids. Later, we played Mafia and Heads Up, Seven Up (well, three up). It was a lot of fun!