California McMillans

Happy Easter!!  I have done a lot of thinking about Easter and the resurrection this week.  In the past I always focused more on our Savior during Christmas than Easter.  I don't know why, but Easter this year really became a time that I reflected on the resurrection and all that means to our family. My parents had a wonderful Easter celebration at their house.  They are the most generous, welcoming people I know.  Their home is always full of people, food and love.  They had friends over, Heather invited her friends, Danny invited a mission companion who just moved to San Francisco and the house was full of kids, food, fun, laughter and love.  It reminded me of the celebrations we will someday have in heaven with all those we love.  Those who have passed on and those who will pass on are only gone for a short time until we are with them again.  And that is all possible because of Christ and the resurrection. I know we will be with Carl again in heaven. We are able to allow Tyl

Good times with Grandma and Pop.  The kids were very involved with the candle and happy birthday song.  We had to sing it a few times so they could take turns blowing out the candle.  As usual, Pop's cakes didn't disappoint.

Kira turned three on Wednesday.  Grammy got her this sleeping bag, which she loves.  The kids pitched the tent in the front room and Scott left a note that said, "Don't tear down the tent, Dad." They have slept in it several nights already. Blakey turned one on Thursday.  He isn't aware of birthdays yet, and he has enough toys, so we just sang to him.    Kira's into painting her nails, so she got a multicolored kit.  She had me give her a mani/pedi yesterday and after one color went down, she'd say, "Now DIS one." Tyler goes, "I want to take my picture with Kira."  Check it out; he's got his arm around her.  Sometimes he can be really nice to her.  For her birthday, Kira wanted to eat at McDonalds.  I think the boys helped influence her decision. One hand on the touch-screen, the other on his food.   Happy birthday, Kira!  Happy birthday, Blakey!

 At Grandma and Pop's   At Lyle's  At Kim and Scott's My fav:  In our garage.  Check out those overalls.  A craigslist bargain. I had to add to Danny's captions....Danny refers to the overalls as Blake's coveralls.  Doesn't get much better than that.  Grateful for a husband that is able to teach our kids mechanics.  And willing to spend time with them on his projects.  Never too young to start learning and hanging out on projects together. It will be so fun to see the kids personalities and interests develop. It will be interesting to see who, if any of our kids, will share similar interets.  As for now I am saying Blake and Scott are mini Danny's.  Kira is a mini me and Tyler is probably more me.

My moms best friend came in from New Jersey to do an equestrian clinic in CO and judge a horse show in Sacramento.  She had a day in between which she spent at my parents.  It was so fun to see her.  I wish she lived closer.  She is an incredible friend to my mom and we are blessed to have her in our life.  It was a great evening.  Here the boys made sand sculptures that she gave them.  

Tyler cried out in the night for me to sleep with him.  This almost never occurs, as he always cries for Mommy.  I went in his bedroom and got under his sleeping bag and fell asleep.  Tyler's bed has quite a nice mattress, so sleeping in it is not so bad. In the middle of the night, he said, "Daddy, I want to be a dentist, just like you."  I asked him some other questions and he seemed coherent, so the next morning, I said, "Still want to be a dentist?" He scowled and grunted.

Scott is on the Boston Red Sox this year. Today was picture day that a friend took him to pictures and practice since I was at a ward function.  So grateful for mom friends!  Danny took pictures right before he left instead of ordering them from the company.  I love how they turned out!  I think Scott looks so cute all dressed up in his uniform.    Scott loves sports and friends. It makes me so happy! I love seeing a smile on his face as he is learning new skills and playing with friends. We are again blessed with the best coach!  Don't know how we get so lucky.  So supportive, encouraging, uplifting and a great coach. It amazes me how much they can learn from one year to the next. I enjoy going to practices and playing with Tyler, Kira and Blake at the park with the other siblings. Tyler doesn't want to do sports which I am so grateful for but loves to go and play.   When you have a heart kid you are sad that you will have to say no and wonder what to do with