Crystal Cove with Grammy and Papa

When we informed Kim and Monte of Parker's ordination date, we were thrilled and surprised to see that they hopped online right away and purchased flights to join us for the special occasion! They flew in on Thursday morning and it was so easy picking them up in Ontario. We got home and they settled in while I made a charcuterie board and laid out some snacks. The baby took a nap and it was nice and quiet. Tanner came home early and Monte helped me pick lemon and oranges and trim the tree while Kim started juicing them all. What a big job and it was so nice to have the help!!!

We played in the cul-de-sac and Tanner took Rayleigh on a boosted board ride. We sat in the hot tub and had dinner and it was a really nice first day together. Rayleigh LOVED cuddling on Grammy's lap and have her tickle her back.

The next day, we packed up and headed to Crystal Cove. We had lunch at La Sirena Grill which was so delish! It was nice walking along the beach and enjoying the empty coastline. For a while, I'd been feeling super overwhelmed and just felt like I needed a day to step away from reality. We scored a vintage cottage at Crystal Cove and what fun it was to sleep right on the beach! We got checked in and then everyone walked up to the Shake Shack for dinner. I sat with the kids and watched the sunset while we waited for them to come back with the food and we saw dolphins playing in the waves. It was magical. It was the moment I needed- that moment away from my routine to soak up the beauty and magic God has created for us.

We ate and played games for a little while and then the kids started getting super wired/tired so Kim and Monte took off. I could tell that Parker was slightly annoyed with Rayleigh and Jack so I asked him if he wanted to go home with Grammy and Papa and enjoy some one on one time. He DID! Everyone slept relatively well that night although it was a little noisy being next to the Beach Comber. It was chilly the next morning as we walked along the beach. Tanner was able to ride his boosted board along PCH which he loved! We checked out and drove home and all 3 kids fell asleep. The big boys went to the movies when we got home and Kim and I just sat around and relaxed. We sat in the hot tub again and Tanner ordered us all Luna Grill for dinner. We snuggled together and chatted until bed time.

Sunday was amazing! It was fast and testimony meeting and I was able to get up and bare my testimony. Jack came up with me and acted like he wanted to say something but then chickened out. Ray followed me up there too  but I didn't let her speak because Jack was a little embarrassing. But later, while Tanner and I were with Parker in his temple prep class, my mom watched Rayleigh walk up to the podium and bare the sweetest little testimony to an empty chapel. "I know that Heavenly Father loves me." She is an angel. 

My parents met us 1/2 way through church and chatted with Kim and Monte in the hall while I served in the nursery. 2 hour church is awesome! And after we attended that little class with Parker and all 4 grandparents watched the little ones. It was great! 

And finally, after all of that, Parker was ordained a deacon by his Dad and received the most beautiful, articulate blessing. What an honor it is to have 2 worthy preisthood holders in our home!

We came back to our house and ate chicken and rice and ice cream and oreos while we sat around the table and enjoyed each other's company. My dad was just the best- smiling and telling stories and just being an amazing person to be around. I love him so much. And, as always, my mom was so gracious and kind and lovely. What a blessing it was to have all 4 grandparents together in our home!!!

That night we snuggled down and watched Walter Mitty and the next morning, Tanner took his parents back to the airport. I don't know when we'll get lucky enough to have them come down again but man, am I glad this visit went well and ended smoothly. 

Family is everything and we sure are lucky to have the best family ever!

Dancing with Grammy