Spring Sunshine

My babies are growing up and these past few months have been incredibly eventful.  Pictures will follow but I find myself short on time.

Katharine turned 8 years old on March 20th.  She completely planned her birthday party from the food, decorations, games and invitations.  She loved it!  She is such a sweet, thoughtful, amazing, and mature little girl.  Brian and I were so proud of her decision to be baptized.  It was a fantastic day for our family.  I think my favorite thing was looking up at the front row in the chapel where the 8 year olds, all in white, were sitting next to the person who was there to baptise them.  My little Katharine sat on her daddy's lap, her arm around his neck, cuddling him.  It was impossible to tell who was more happy, they were both glowing, (although Brian was definately more nervous!)  Katharine has set a great example for her siblings.

We celebrated Jameson's 4th birthday on March 24.  (Yes, he had a Monster High happy birthday sign up since I never bothered to take it down after Katharine's birthday.)  That little man is such a delight.  He loves people, games, toys, and life.  He is in constant motion and absolutely LOVED the attention of his birthday.  He was especially thrilled to have his two favorite cousins, Cooper and Nolan, there for his big day.  As it was birthday week at the Hopper house, the children were surprised to find a new trampoline appear in the backyard.  It's certainly gotten a lot of use since then!

My parents took our family on a vacation to Monterey earlier in April.  It seemed providential that all of their grandchildren had the same week for Spring Break so they utilized the time well with a wonderful little trip.  We all loved it, the ocean, Carmel beach, the aquarium, the Carmel Mission, the Dennis the Menace Park, the wharf, and of course, Denny's.  I'm sure it will surprise no one, but on the coldest, rainiest day, Jameson fell in the ocean.  It didn't faze him at all.  I think I was more miserable than he was after I fished him out and his soggy little body got me soaked!  The only disappointment to the whole trip was that Alyssa's family couldn't join us.  They were sorely missed!

In typical Northern California fashion, the weather went from cold and rainy to 94 degrees in two days.  It sure would be nice to have an actual spring instead of jumping from winter to summer.  The kids have been swimming almost every day and the parents have been sweating every day.  Ellie and Jameson have both mastered riding their bikes without training wheels, although Jameson is convinced that Elizabeth's bike is easier to ride than his own.  They all love the park, especially Jacob.  He is obsessed with slides.  He goes straight to the tallest slide there and comes down all by himself.  The kid is fearless like his brother.  Just what I need!

Despite the heat, we are loving this time of the year.  What a glorious earth it is, the beautiful flowers of Spring, the singing birds, new birth and refreshing rains!  It always seems to me that this time of year is meant to reminds us of the many blessings we have been given.  Sorry, Dad for the off-seasonal Capra referrence, but It's A Wonderful Life!!