Easter 2021

This Easter was extra special because we got to spend it gathered at church in the park with our church family! Last year we were home, Rachel Lee was committed to wearing her pajamas for 6 weeks of SIP (turning into 156 days!), and we stayed home by ourselves. This year we were able to see a bunny at a friend’s house, go to church and enjoy some family time with cousin Grace. We’re slowly returning to normal life, and I recognize what a blessing it is to be healthy and together. 

Big Break East Bay Park in Pittsburgh

We set out for Brown’s Island. Because it’s spring break we were hoping to tell people we took an island vacation. Instead of an island, we ended up at an abandoned warehouse. We re-entered the address into ways, and again abandoned  warehouse. That’s when we read the website more closely...only guided tours by reservation on to Brown’s island. 

Because none of us were up for a bay swim, we found Big Break Park close by and changed our destination. The company in our “hike” was great having cousin Grace join us (YAY!!) but the park itself was...um...not terribly large. It was interesting because there was a cool view of the where the bay and the delta meet. But the trails were paved and somewhat short, which made the highlight of the trip looking at the view from the dock and the interactive map that we could walk on. 

. 

Del Valle East Bay Park in Livermore

The spring after we moved to Castro Valley we took the three girls camping at Del Valle. It was a short trip (they were young) and in one hike we saw a baby rattle snake cross the path in front of us! Definitely a memorable moment! 

Well for Hannah’s 14th birthday Jeff decided to take the three older girls out in the inflatable boat and fish on the lake. Unfortunately the boat was still wet from being cleaned, so they ended up not being allowed to take the boat out and rented a boat instead. The girls had a great time and even had the chance to drive the boat. No one caught the fish but everyone came back with smiles and full hearts. 

Totally 10...my Rachel Lee

Rachel Lee has a sweet and tender heart. She is caring and compassionate and has an imagination and funny spirit that keeps the little ones mesmerized while at the same time enjoying lounging on bean bags with a good book with her older sisters. She’s pretty amazing. And on this particular night she arranged all her stuffed animals and said, Mom look!” She’s amazing. I love her. And I’m so lucky to be her mama and get to spend these day with her. 

Welcome Michael!

After Aveyanna transitioned car to her aunt and uncle we decided to take 6 months off, see what was happening with school in the 2021-22 year (hybrid, virtual or full time in person...who knows!). But, when the county calls and there is a sweet kiddo waiting for a family it’s hard to say no. So we said yes, and Sunday, March 21 we welcomed Michael Hamilton into our home. He arrived at 6pm and had fallen asleep in the car ride over. We let him sleep on the couch and when he woke I gave him dinner, played with him and put him to bed. 

The next day he woke to a house full of kiddos eager to meet and love on him! He knows all his letters (recognition, sounds and a word association), and can put the letters in ABC order. He loves aiming the ABCs and is quickly learning the routines of the house. Here are photos from the first day together: 

A full day indeed!!!