California McMillans

Danny's parents came to visit and we had a great time. Their train took 26 hours to get here due to weather. Once they were here, we had a relaxing weekend filled with hanging out and catching up in person. It was rainy, but we managed to have a great time. On Saturday, Scott wanted to go bowling. Scott has a hard time trying new things by himself and wanted me or Danny to help him throw the ball. He doesn't like the learning process of anything and takes it so seriously. Tyler would watch his ball roll as slowly as possible until it got to the pins. He might be the worlds slowest and most concentrated bowler. Afterwards we went to ice-cream. We dropped the kids off at the Saturday night co-op and went to a German restaurant. It was quite hidden in the middle of Concord and was really good! It is so fun to have a date once a week without kids. Sunday we went to Church, went on a bike ride, visited the Bogners and got to hear an amazing conversion story from Dan and

Tyler loves his Guinea Pig! He wants to do everything with his guinea pig. It has actually been really good for him to have something quiet to do that takes no energy. They say that pets are really good therapy. It has been so true for Tyler. When he get tired he doesn't usually have the patience to just sit. He now asks for his guinea and sits, petting him and has an excuse to relax. Last week I went upstairs to change Kira and we came outside to this.... It was funny and stayed entertained in the cage for a really long time.

Tyler went to Disneyland with my parents, Heather's family and her in-laws. He had a great time riding the rides and being spoiled with Grandma and Pop's love and attention. We stayed home with Scott. He felt so crummy he had no desire to even go to Disneyland. Hopefully our family will make it to Disneyland together soon. What special memories.

This is what Tyler learned in school: CH3COOH + NaHCO3 = volcano!

Kira turned one today. She is such a beautiful girl. Happy birthday, Kira!

The boys in the hot tub. This is before I cut Tyler's hair. Heidi's profile picture for Mormon.org Tyler's haircut--not bad for a dentist, eh? Kira has been sick this week but we got a smile out of her Mom Tyler is a funny kid. Nice set of teeth on that boy

Rest...right? Today in Sunday school we talked about some Paradoxes in the scriptures. Christ teaching and healing on the Sabbath. In reality, Sunday is a day of rest from the world and work in the service of God which for many means meetings and work to keep the Church going. We talked about paradoxical "inconveniences" of the gospel. As I was walking in late from doing things for my calling that should have been done the day before, cleaning the smashed gold fish in our Sacrament pew, and given details about an upcoming event, I replied, "sacrament meeting with kids." Everyone laughed, but I was kind of serious. It is a lot of work to get out the door in Sunday dress by 9AM and have the kids be reverent (all relative) for 80 minutes. It takes patience, prayers and work, but it is 100% worth it. Our family is blessed. I look forward to it. I have thought a lot about work and the gospel. Progression revolves around work. Whether in school, professions, at

I love searching Craigslist for mini-vans. It is fun. As you can see, we are in no hurry, which is nice because I have done a ton of homework. I never do this much homework and actually feel a little educated in a domain I know nothing about. Not nearly as educated as someone who knows cars, but enough to carry on a decent conversation with the seller. For instance, we were looking at a car that seemed great, until I did my homework to see that it was coming up on a new timing belt, which also means a new water pump. The seller was trying to sell it saying it was perfect and didn't need anything done. I quickly informed her that in a couple months it would need $1000 worth of work and wished her luck in selling her over-priced car. She didn't believe me, called her mechanic and told me that he honors a coupon and I could get it done for about $800 instead of $1000. Yeah, without the other things that go with a new belt, I thought. I would have never done homework like t

Long story short. We had a trip planned to Disneyland with my parents, my sister's family and her in-laws. Day on my aunt and uncles yacht they just built, day at the beach, day with friends and of course Disneyland fun. Scott came home from school Friday morning with a fever. That night when we were getting ready to go, he didn't want to go. You know a kid is sick when they don't want to go to Disneyland. Luckily, my parents were about 10 minutes away and we called them to pick up Tyler with plans to meet up with them the next day if Scott was feeling better. He was still kind of sick and didn't want to have a miserable 6 hour car ride, so decided on the next best thing....Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Don't laugh, it was fun. We let Scott choose where he wanted to go and so off we went. Scott and Danny went on a lot of rides. Scott's favorite was this indoor ferris wheel that spins. He went on bumper cars and was so focused on staying close to his da

Joshua and Tyler had their first two open heart surgeries together and we have grown to love him. He recently had his Fontan (last of 3 open heart surgeries) and could use some prayers while he is recovering. Please keep Joshua and his family in your prayers. He is doing well, but having some bumps along the way. He is a miracle!!

Kira at 11 months. Danny does the pictures. I will do the update. Kira is a sweet heart. She just loves affection and recognition from others. A simple smile and hug lights up her day. Dada is her first word which describes the love of her life. She loves her Daddy and he loves her. The other day Danny was outside, so she went to the window and started to call for him. It was cute. I wish I had it on tape. She loves to stand but rarely takes steps. She likes the convenient way of things which is nice. She loves her brothers. She likes playing with them and stealing their toys. Tyler pushes her away and Scott tells her matter of factly, "Kira, this is my legos...You will ruin them." Scott is more the parent figure and Tyler the brother that she laughs and gets into trouble with. I can see the future relationships staying the same. Sibling relationships are great even though two boys so close in age with lots of energy has given me some gray hairs lately. Back

I am asked is if kidney stones or labor is worse. I have had two natural labors and two with epidurals. Kidney stones are WAY worse than an epidural labor and comparable to a natural labor. I had a kidney infection with my first stone years ago that was the worst pain that I have ever ever experienced and don't wish it on anyone. Passing stones just depends on how long it takes and how long it is trying to get out of your kidney. It is like back labor. The best part is when you pass it, you have immediate relief but nothing to show for it. At least after a labor you have a cute kid. For some reason I form stones. I think it is a combination of holding my pee, not drinking enough and being pregnant for five consecutive years. They did tests to see how many more I have and I am not sure if I am going to call for the results. X-rays show I have them in both kidneys but why would I want to know. It is like knowing you have future pain with no reward.

Scott's teacher had a baby girl last month so the class threw her a surprise baby shower. It was so much fun. I love a good surprise that makes someone happy. I made sure each kid got at least one present to open and it was fun to see them participate and got to guess how big her tummy was. We went to school together at Walnut Acres 20 years ago. We miss Ms. Julie at school.