lotus land!!!

while i was away, nate took the kids and grandma to this beautiful donated estate in montecito called lotus land. the pictures will prove the beauty here! admission was free for the children's annual art draw. the kids had a blast and grandma was in awe. she had always wanted to go to lotus land! she loved it!and, nate took advantage of his photography skills!

Amtrak Fun!!!

Last winter we had a blast riding the Amtrak from Santa Barbara to L.A. Mama came prepared with hot cocoa and fun activities! We had a blast! While in L.A., we visited The Japanese American Cultural Center.

growing old graceFULLY!!!!

a tribute to grandma. grandma went to heaven this past may. i haven't updated my blog in forever, but, here is a little something the kids made for her last Christmas.

grandma...at almost 93, you were an incredible example to our children. you loved freely, gave selflessly, and ALWAYS welcomed our children with open arms! you always had a smile on your face. you took great pleasure in the simple & most important things, and made sure to always give glory to Him. you allowed our kids to completely cover your living room in forts and make mud castles on your patio...never once with even a slight frown or grimace. you loved sneaking cookies to our kids, and letting them climb in bed with you before the sunrise. you taught them how to make cheesy eggs and fostered the tradition of jammies and cinnamon/sugar toast on saturday mornings. you served our family up until the very end, folding my endless piles of laundry meticulously!

grandma, you blessed us more than you will ever know. we are so thankful to have had 8 and half joy filled years with you! you are deeply missed! grandma...you will be proud. i'm keeping it simple :) sure love you. enjoy dancing with grandpa inside those pearly gates!