We Miss You Beach!

I would like to think that if we still lived in Newport that we would be at the beach everyday, which probably isn't the case, but being away from it I realize how much I miss it. I miss being able to just go on a walk and have the crisp salty air in my face. The breathtaking views of that the beach and harbor would offer. I also miss the sand in my toes and in all of Kaden's crevices, somehow it makes its way everywhere. I miss you beach!! Well today we had to pay a little visit to the beach, not Newport but Oceanside. It is a little closer and offers not only beach but fun cousins to play with! We were quite a sight. I'm pretty sure we took up half the beach with umbrellas, strollers and baby gear. There was a cute pregnant couple enjoying their lunch sitting below us and I was hoping that we didn't scare them. I guess she was only having one baby and not five of different ages!! My little beach bum is getting so big. He is a boy now, no sign of baby left in him! Sad, but also exciting to experience the next stage. We haven't quite hit "The Twos", so we are still in good spirits!Maddy experienced the beach in two different ways today, happy playing......and oh so happy sleeping! Look at those cheeks. Good thing Jamie was nice and comfy.Kaden LOVES Jamie and so do we!! Not only is she a HUGE help whenever she is around but she is always so sweet and fun to be with. She is the lil' sis I never had!What cha talking about girls? It is too early for boys! They already play so well together!! I think it is safe to say that Gracey likes sand!How relaxing Felicity! I'm sorry that it only lasted as long as the picture took, you gotta love active toddlers!!!McKenna, you're too cute!! Surprisingly sandless!

It was a great day at the beach and ended with the best frozen yogurt I have ever had in my life!! Berry Swirl is a must!! We managed to get through the day with no ant bites, bee stings or meltdowns! Good day!! We miss you beach!! Can't wait to see you again!

Half Way There!

Could it be true? Is Maddy really half way to O-N-E?!? Well since I have lagged a bit, she is closer to 6 1/2 months now but I thought I should do a Maddy update! Her nickname should really be "Happy" or "Smiles" but instead for some reason it is more along the lines of "Fatty Maddy" or "Chunky Monkey" (the later is what I prefer, you probably can guess who made up the other!) I don't know it could be her thighs or the fact that she weighs the same amount as her 14 month old cousin, but needless to say she is one happy healthy baby girl! She has two bottom teeth, sits up for the most part (although she still "timbers" after a bit), and is actually getting some hair although you can't tell in pictures. Maddy also loves to be with or around everyone! She thinks Kaden is the funniest kid whenever he runs around and plays. Maddy starts to kick her legs and her eyes fill with excitement and glee the closer Kaden comes to her. Sometimes it ends with a short cry as Kaden also gets a little excited and forgets that teeth marks on her arm might hurt a bit. He is still learning! But what a joy Maddy is in our lives. She has brought so much happiness to our family. Happy 6 months Pretty girl!Daddy has declared this trick as the right of passage in our family now! Well for the kids at least, I'm pretty sure I would break his arm if mommy tried this trick!Maddy enjoys her rice cereal and will be starting on other foods as soon as her mommy gets in gear! Maddy sure does have a special spot for her Daddy. In fact she said her first word "Dada" on Father's Day! What a sweet Father's Day gift Maddy girl!
The Bumbo has many uses, including a pool side chair to watch Kaden play!Hey blue eyes!!I experienced my first pool day! Although this picture doesn't show it, I really loved the water and couldn't stop kicking my feet. Maybe an early swimmer!!It seems as though every time I look as these sweet smiles, the struggles of life seem to disappear and I feel like the luckiest and most blessed woman alive! I have a sweet husband who would give the world to us and beautiful kids who make me laugh and smile. What a joy motherhood is, hard work, but such a joy!

A Day for Dads!!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!

We had a great day yesterday and I hope that it was extra special for Bryce. This is Bryce's second Father's day and this one he has two kids!! Bryce is such a loving father and husband that works so hard for us. He can never get enough play time with the kids and always lets me know that although he loves the kids to death, he loves me first! He wants to make sure I'm not forgotten as most attention is on the kids! I could never imagine my life without him and all the fun, love and laughs he brings to our marriage and our family. You deserve this day to thank you and honor you as a Father. I love you Bryce, Happy Father's Day!

Bryce's grandparents came from Utah for the graduations, and stayed through Father's Day so it was nice to also celebrate his Grandpa. The day started off with a nice breakfast, although I forgot the bacon, Bryce's favorite! Opps, he'll have to forgive me!! We spent the afternoon with the Bishops and had lots of yummy food and good quality time to visit. We had a great time and of course took lots of pictures!
This is all the Dads and Ryan the Grad. Grandma got these sweet shirts so they would be all matching for the picture. This is Ryan, Bryce, Justin, James, and Grandpa.
Carrying on the Bishop name! This is four generations of Bishop men/ boy. I thought this was such a priceless picture.Bryce giving his Dad a Father's day treat! Can you feel the love?!!!It was nice to enjoy a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Bishop where they also met Maddy for the first time. I think she melted their hearts!Unfortunately, I was not able to spend Father's Day with my Dad, although I wanted to wish him a Happy Father's Day. He is such a great man and one to look at as an example. He is such a hard working Dad and husband, and would do anything to make sure his family was taken care of. I would have to say that in my later years, I have become much closer with him and have gotten to know him a lot better now that my life isn't consumed with boys, what I'm going to wear and the she-said he-said business!! High School!! I'm sure it was hard this day almost four years ago to hand me off to Bryce, but I want my Dad to know that he is still my daddy and will always be the man in my life! I love you so much Dad and appreciate all that you have done for me and continue to do as my Dad and also as a loving Grandpa! Happy Father's Day!!

Congrats Ry Ry!!

Ryan graduated on Friday! We are so proud of him and all of his hard work! It was a very nice graduation, a little hot, but fairly short for the amount of kids graduating. I think it was a little bitter sweet in that he was excited to finally be done, but also a little sad to see many friends go different places. As we watched I couldn't help but to reflect on my high school graduation and all the feelings I had. I can't believe it was FIVE years ago. I don't feel old, but when I think of that I can't believe all that has happened in five years!!Unfortunately, Bryce had to work so the kids and I had to represent!Maddy enjoyed a snack while we waited for the ceremony to commence!

Jamie also graduated on Thursday from 8th grade! I'm waiting for the pictures, but we are also very proud of her and excited for her to start high school. One finishes and the other just begins. Congrats Ryan and Jamie!!! We love you!!!

We love you Grandpa!

With much respect and adoration, I want to dedicate this post to my Grandpa. I am saddened to say that we lost him this past week due to ongoing heart problems. It was a hard time for both myself and my family, however, it was a time to celebrate a great man. My Grandpa was one of the hardest working men I know. He was a bee keeper and also an avid gardener at their house. We have always enjoyed the best honey there is and yummy fruits and vegetables every time we visit. It would be in the heat of the Fresno sun, and Grandpa would all of the sudden disappear for a while only to show up with bags of freshly picked produce for us!! Last year, he gave us a gallon of honey. We don't use honey all that often, and I still have more than half a gallon left. I always thought maybe it was too much, but now I will savor every last drop of it knowing that my Grandpa worked so hard right up until the end for his family. He always had a gentle smirk on his face and treated my Grandma like the "queen bee!" Whenever she would ask him what he wanted in a situation he would lovingly say, "What ever you want doll, your the boss!" He was a fairly quiet man until you entered into a one on one conversation with him in which case he would talk your ear off! He was gentle and kind, and never stopped serving others. He will be greatly missed every day. It is comforting to me that I have a great knowledge about the plan of salvation and the life here after. I know that he is in a better place and with those loved ones that went before him. I know that even though he is not physically with us, he is always in our hearts. The great examples that he set will hopefully live on through us. We miss you dearly, I love you Grandpa!!