Outdoor showering

Gus discovered the sprinkler today...

Hello Summer!

Hearing about the long and late winter from our Wisconsin side of the family is making me appreciate our SoCal weather that much more! (Or just CA weather, cause it sounds like it's been pretty nice in the northern half o' the state too!).  With the warmer temps comes more sightings of our ever present yard inhabitants, day trips to the beach, and just general happiness!

Andrew found this guy in our yard.  We've seen plenty of lizards so far, but this one was huge! At least 5-6" long, if not longer because that tail goes forever!  Usually they're 3-4" I'd say.  

These kids were definitely born to love water.  We couldn't keep them out of this fountain!

Gus likes to find a good spot to sit and just chill...and flash his happy Gus grin.  :) 

Arjen has also been entertaining lately...

We took our first Windsurfing excursion in SoCal today.  Drove up to Long Beach.  The sky was blue, the sun was warm, and there was just enough wind for both Andrew and myself to enjoy a little sailing and just enough calm to also take the paddle board for a spin.

Arjen flying a kite

The boys practing their SUP skillz

A calm, but beautiful, day for sailing 

Woah-pril

April was off to a fast and furious start for our household.  After celebrating Easter weekend with Andrew's parents, mine drove down, with Shannon too, for a little spring break "action", which really just translated to me taking full advantage of having extra hands on deck to entertain the wee ones.  And then we had a last minute trip to Wisconsin, to celebrate the life of Andrew's Grandma Meta, Wayne's mom, who passed away April 3.  She was a kind, generous, and wonderful woman who blessed us with her beautiful family.

In the beginning of the week:
Arjen and Gus were quick to jump into play time early every morning, keeping everyone in their jammies for a few extra minutes...

"Breakfast" with Baba

It was wonderful to wake up one morning and find the kids taken care of, or taking care of?  :) 

The middle of the week:
We drove up to LA to visit my grandparents and the rest of the Millers.  We lucked out and even got to attend Milo's 10th birthday party!

Gus, rocking his skinny jeans, and missing the whole point of soccer...

Arjen having a blast with water balloons

Sorry for the blurred pic, but my kids couldn't get enough of their second cousin Macy! 

All the second cousins gathered 'round for cake time

 And back at the ranch...more play kitchen time, outdoor fun with bubbles...

Arjen made a whole spread for Shannon :)

The kids got new bubble wands in their Easter baskets...not sure who was  having more fun though, them trying to pop the bubbles or me getting to create them! 

Gus may be yawning, and yes, Arjen is gripping his Dora notepad tightly, but I had to share a happy mommy moment when both kids wanted to sit with me, and they were actually okay with sharing my lap!

The crew taking off on an adventure!  Arjen was very excited to take them on a tour of his parks.  

And the end of the week:
After leaving temps in the low 70s, we were lucky to arrive in Milwaukee on a day when they had unusually warm temps in the 50s.  That still didn't stop it from snowing Friday night so we could wake up to a white dusting Saturday morning!

Arjen and Andrew taking a peek at the white stuff

While the excuse for our trip was a sad one, it was wonderful to extend our week of family visits to include the rest of the Andersons.  We said goodbye to an elder Anderson, but got to say Hello to the youngest Anderson, Adam and Shannon's son Alex.  We also got to celebrate two more birthdays, Adalin's 6th and Aden's 8th.

The Anderson cousins appeasing the parents, and entertaining the rest of us, reenacting a photo from their younger days

So, here is my fast and furious attempt at a blog update, since if I can't get caught up with the laundry, dishes, toys, etc, I may as well get caught up on the blog!