Disneyland

As part of our White family reunion, we went to Disneyland and California Adventure. I have always enjoyed those places, but going with the boys is just so special. This year was especially fun because Kellen was able to do so much. He loved the carousal, ate snacks non-stop in the stroller (all that excitement made him hungry!), and was scared of Mickey. Mason, unsurprisingly, adored Cars Land and could have spent all day there. He rode the “Mater tractors” several times.

We had a grand day and I could go on and on, but I’ll let the pictures do the talking. I will say that looking through all these photos again makes we want to go back ASAP!

Oceanside

Ahhhhhhhhh my happy place. Love is just not strong enough a word to describe how I feel about the ocean. Even though I haven’t lived in California for years I’m strangely possessive of it. It will always feel like home I think.

We weren’t actually at the beach very long on this particular day. It was windy, cool, and some of the kiddos were good and done after a couple of hours of playing. I’m still glad we got to sneak a trip in though, even if it was only a quick one.

Lollypop Lollypop

A long time ago I discovered the secret to getting my boys to smile for pictures… candy. All the better if it happens to be cute candy that can become a photo prop. I actually carry a box of tic tacs in my camera bag to encourage smiles. My boys are just so busy that getting them to sit in one place for any amount of time can be a challenge. But I don’t feel too guilty using one tiny breath mint each as motivation to sit still and say cheese for a sec. Interestingly “cheese” was one of Kellen’s first words. It’s like he gets his picture taken a lot or something.

Kellen Is One!

Dear Kelephant,

I love you so much baby boy. You just make our family complete. You are so easy going, endlessly cheerful, incredibly patient, and remarkably obedient. I had no idea one year olds were capable of listening and obeying, but you are a good little listener and it makes mommy and daddy so proud. You have the sweetest spirit. You are so special. I can't wait to see all of the amazing things you are going to do with your life. Heavenly Father has big plans for you, I just know it. Everyone remarks on what a content, sweet baby you are and you have been like that right from day one. You bring such a calming influence to our family. I know, my little mister, that YOU were meant to be a part of our family. We weren't just waiting for any baby, we were waiting for our Kellen. Our precious little boy. I feel so very lucky to be your mommy. I am so blessed that I get to hold you when you're sick and clap for you when you eat all your dinner and read stories to you with you cuddled on my lap. I feel guilty sometimes because your babyhood coincided with a lot of hard times for our family, but I hope that even through the tough times that you felt completely loved and adored. Because you are. You are so very, very loved. I hope to show you just how much every single day. And I hope you look back on your childhood and can know with everything in you that your mommy and daddy and big brother love you to the moon and back.

love,
Mommy

Out for a Jaunt

This is what a typical outdoor adventure looks like for our family. Bike for Mason (who always always always picks Cars boots as his footwear of choice) and wagon for Kellen (who has to be told don’t touch the wheels a thousand times). We go outside every day if we can help it. Even if it’s only “warm enough” we bundle up and off we go! We are all at our happiest if we can escape outside for a bit. Too much energy to be cooped up for long!