Princesses and Pirates for Birthday #2

 We are still smiling about the great weekend we had in Santa Paula to celebrate Bethany and Isaac's Birthday #2.  Jared and I got to dress up twice--once for the Princess and Pirate Party, then again for church on Sunday. Different outfits.

Bethany was decked out head to toe, but quite willing to share her treasures with the pirates.

Grandpa Lee in full regalia kept one eye on his little mate.

There was a satisfactory exchange of  goods!  

                          

                                     Grandpa introduced Isaac to a pirate's bounty...

...of one kind and another.

Power tools! Oh, yeah.

Palm Springs Christmas 2011

What a fantastic "bonus year" we had at Christmas when so many of the kids could stay with us in California. We decided to try Palm Springs this year, instead of Newport Beach, 

and explored the Marriott Shadow Ridge Enclaves. 

Somehow, we pretty much had the pools in this area to ourselves.

Lulled by the warm water into a moment of calm relaxation poolside. 

 I think we all felt pretty much the way Isaac looks. Flying high on this beautiful Palm Springs morning, elated!

 Luke must think Christmas is a beach. And probably the cousins would agree!

The beach entry pool was just right for water play with Anna, Scott, Isaac, and Bethany.

One evening while we were there, Grandpa Jared led us in a family home evening and then we opened presents early. I must have been busy just enjoying the scene and don't have photos to share, but my heart took a picture.  Just want to say thanks, again, to each of you for the wonderful memories.