Spring break day one {daffodil field}

I wanted us to not only have lots of time to relax during spring break

but also get out and enjoy the warm spring weather. I made a list 

of things I would like to do during spring break. Even though we 

didn't do what I originally planned we still took full advantage of the day.

We started off over at my sister in law's house for coffee which turned 

into lunch. The boys were all playing together great and jumped on the 

trampoline for a good two plus hours. They did pause for water, baby carrots

and lunch. Jordan wanted to post pone our original plan to play with his cousins

which I was more then fine with. Thanks for having Christine and feeding us lunch!

I did end up with quite the migraine from I think to much coffee first thing in the morning

and no food after exercising. Jordan and I rode our bikes home. I climbed into bed

with a pounding head and an ice pack while Jordan was free to play video games.

Luckily a little dark quiet time with an ice pack helped heal it up in about an hour.

Sometimes I am not so lucky and they last all day.

Still wanted to enjoy the day and sunshine Jordan and I headed to a local

daffodil field. I hear about every once in a while but never went to find it.

I got directions from a friend and we headed out hoping their were still daffodils.

We came prepared with scissors and glasses for the flowers.

Jordan was very into this and he just went with it cutting flower after flower.

 I only ended up cutting like two to show him how long to leave the stems.

It was a real quiet peaceful time. I just packed off and took pictures while

he did his thing. It was perfect time in my book. 

He hopes to go back again before they are all gone.

family pictures {newport beach}

While on vacation at Newport beach in California a couple weeks ago
I really wanted to get some happy family pictures on the beach as the sun was setting.
Playing, laughing and smiling at each other and genuinely looking happy.

I scoured pinterest and photography blogs for inspiration.

I knew in the back of my mind that this plan of me taking pictures wasn't

going to work but I was determined to try. It didn't work out all.

I will definitely plan  ahead next time and hire someone to do it.

Things that don't work well to get those natural happy pictures

1. Trying to set a tripod up in the sand

2. getting your family to gather together closely and look happy

3. Setting a timer and quick running into the picture, position yourself and smile
4. Wind blowing your hair everywhere and in your face
5. Self conscience tween girl who is more worried about
how embarrassing the whole situation is

I did get a few but nothing I was hoping and dreaming for.

Here are a few I did get.

linking up to Simple Things Sunday, Sweet shot Tuesday, the happiness project

balancing family time

Today we had a rare family day!

With busy schedules and an almost teenager

in the house we don't all get to be together as much I would like.

Michelle is at the age where she would way rather be hanging out

with her friends which I remember being the same way.

I try to find a good balance of letting her hang out with friends

but also being home with us. Today Josh had a softball tournament

down south. Michelle wanted to come along so she could see a friend

who's dad played on the team last year. I was like alright whatever helps

her want to come too. They only ended up playing one game so we were

back home in no time. We all had some down time before dinner.

We had dinner as a family and then took a bike ride together.

When we got back Jordan wanted to shoot some hoops.

We all hung outside. Michelle brought out her volleyball and Josh joined 

her in hitting it back and forth. Before we headed in I wanted to get a picture

of Michelle since she is rarely around to let me do this. As I was snapping

away Josh came over and got in the picture with her. He then grabbed her up

and started giving her kisses on her face. I ended up getting two of my 

newest favorite pictures! I love that he wanted to get in a picture but 

show Michelle how much he loves her. 

Afterwards Josh and Jordan cut their hair and Michelle asked if she could paint 

my nails. It was a fairly perfect day in my books! 

We don't have to many years left with these two. 

Spring home improvement

Spring is officially here!!!

I have a renewed energy to get lots of stuff done around the house!

We have lived in our house five years now and I am ready to make it a home!

I have lots of ideas and lists of things we need to upgrade but the money has to be there too.

Here are some of my pinterest ideas

We really need somewhere for the kids and guests to hang there coats

and this would be perfect in our "entryway" if you can call it that.

{ photo from Suddenly Inspired}

I would LOVE to get family pictures done and have 

an arrangement like this in our living room! Also the color

of the walls is something I am looking into. Ours are to dark for me

now. I need light and  bright to help my mood :)

{photo from pinterest}

Another idea for the living room our these shelves above the love seat couch.

{photo from Yummy Pins}

I don't know if I am crazy or not but I am loving white cabinets.
I really want to paint ours!! I think I am just love the brightness it adds.


{photo from Centsational Girl}

For my so called laundry closet I would love to take the drawers out from underneath

the washer and dryer and add a shelve on top them to fold laundry.

 Also I want to add shelving above that is way more space friendly and useful.

{photo from pinterest}

That is my starter list for downstairs.

Also included in that is painting all the walls,

redoing all the flooring, replace sliding glass door blinds,

and buying some bar stools for island. I also need to 

gut, organize and clean every cupboard in the kitchen.

My tupperware corner is out of control. I open it and stuff just falls out.

For Spring I also want to focus on the yard!

Our poor yard need lots of help. I am not a yard person.

We have a small narrow yard so not a whole lot to do with it.

You also can't do much in it either. I would love to be able to entertain

out there since we love to BBQ.

I like these two patio ideas. Doesn't even have to be fancy with all the brick.

Just pour some cement and some potted plants!

I think this is a great start for me and

 if I actually put my mind to it I may do it!

California Vacation {day 3}

Monday we headed to Disneyland! We were again going to meet up with Josh's great aunt Carolyn

and great uncle Bob. Josh's uncle used to work for Disneyland so they are able to get

a few us in for free! We are so appreciative of them making the drive. We love getting

the time to talk with them and catch up over breakfast. 

Unlike last year we were a lot more relaxed this trip.

Last year we did every ride at least once.

This year we just did all our favorites more then once

and a few rides we missed last year.

I went into a store to buy a hat and when I came out they were all sitting in this tea cup.

They knew right away not to even bother getting up because I would want to take their picture.

Jordan still loves meeting with the characters and getting their autograph.

This time we didn't see nearly as many characters. We did see Peter Pan twice but he 

was always running around and didn't stop for pictures :(

We ended the night with going on the Matterhorn bobsleds three times.
It was a favorite of everyone. Afterwards everyone was tired and ready to call it a night.