Lots to Say

It's been awhile since my last post, and while I've updated my layout, I've had a hard time sitting down and writing a post, in fact, I've been putting it off. But here I am, and thus the update shall begin.

Our family has done several things I'll gloss over and several others I'll go in more depth about. First, the gloss. The weekend of August 15th, we went to Old Poway Park and we were able to ride on a working steam engine. The train did a small loop around the park and Emron seemed to love it! Afterward we went to the Poway Farmers Market, and while we didn't buy anything, we enjoyed taking in the sights, sounds and smells that describe the controlled chaos of any open air market. The next weekend we helped throw a baby shower for one of Murry's co-workers. We had many guests in attendance, I'd guess around 45 total, including about ten kids. Everyone seemed to have a good time. We weren't able to play any of the games we'd planned, due to the high volume of people, but the food was good and the day was warm! I, for one, was glad when the last guest left and the party had been deemed a success.

The following Thursday, Murry's mom and dad, and sister and her family flew in for a visit. We were so excited to have company. I was honestly giddy as I tried to fall asleep on Wednesday night! They came for a couple of reasons, first, to support us as we went through the San Diego Temple, and second, to have fun and experience all that America's Finest City has to offer. Upon the arrival of the Streetman army, we grabbed some food, then set our sights on the beach. It was a beautiful day, well, it was hot. We were in the middle of a heat wave and the expected high was 105 degrees!!! So, it really was a perfect day for the beach! Anyway, Emron was napping so we decided to split up. I took Luke, Jace, Reilly, and Monique to the beach while Murry, Mike and Murry's folks, Lori and Neal stayed at the apartment waiting for the big guy to wake up. It was the first time of the summer I've been to the beach without Emron to look after and I was in heaven! The water was warm and I wasn't tied to the shore. Luke and I tried to body board as Jace seemed to work his way farther and farther down the shore collecting and ridding the ocean of seaweed. Eventually we all met up; the whole crew of ten. Monique brought out the camera and captured each of us having fun!

At the Beach

Emron Showing Grandma Some Sand

Emron Just Loves the Beach

Friday was filled with hairs being cut and errands being run as we prepared to go to the temple. Actually, the boys and Mike went to Legoland, the rest of us ran around and rested, but not at the same time!

Saturday was our sealing. A sealing, in case you don't know, is a short, yet amazing ceremony that binds a family together forever. We believe marriage vows don't have to be "until death do you part," instead, with the proper authority families can be eternal. Our ceremony was beautiful and many of our close friends were there. Emron had a hard time until he saw mommy and daddy then he was put at ease. Many aspects of the temple are sacred, so suffice to say, I felt wonderful when we were there, totally at peace and full of love. I am so grateful for the Church, and I am grateful our family is be sealed together for all time and eternity. Our wonderful photographer was able to capture these awesome pictures!

Happy Forever Family

Family and Friends at the Temple

Sunday marked the end of Neal and Lori's visit. Murry, Mike and Emron took them to the airport while the rest of us went to church. Afterwards, everyone was able to get a little rest, then we went back to the beach. It was late when we arrived, about 4:30, and the marine layer had rolled in. Even with the clouds, it was warm and we had so much fun playing in the sand. Emron found a big hole and sat in it. He looked like a little prairie dog on the look-out. Later, he dove in the sand face first and was deemed "The Sand Monster!" We rinsed him off in the ocean as he tried to chase the waves into the deep while they washed in and out. Mike and the boys rented bogie boards and Monique watched from the sand. We got Taco Bell on the way home and were able to feed eight people for $24! I know Reilly doesn't really count, since she's only six months old, but still, it was an amazing feat!

Sand Monster

We went to Disneyland on Monday. It was a long and hot day, but despite being tired and sweaty, we had a great time. How can you not when you're at the happiest place on earth!? Emron was able to ride many of the rides, but he didn't know what to make of it. Every time I looked at him, his eyes would be wide and he'd be looking from side to side. Due to the heat, or maybe just the time of year, the lines were pretty short. Murry and I were able to break away and ride Space Mountain and didn't have to wait in line at all, we also were seated in the first car, which was awesome! We rode the Matterhorn, too! Emron and Reilly did very well in their strollers and the boys were good, as well. Disneyland was a fun adventure for all of us.

Dumbo Ride

Us at the Disneyland Entrance

Mickey Mouse

We took the clan to the airport on Tuesday as they rounded out their visit with hugs and kisses. I had to pick Jace up in order to get a hug from him, but I still got one. It was so nice have everyone here, in our home. Thanks guys for a great time!

The rest of the week was devoted to relaxing and cleaning and hanging out with friends. Our MusikGarten teacher, Erin, is moving, and on Wednesday we had our last class with her. Emron performed like a true star. He sang his tonal patterns and brought tears to Erin's eyes. Then clapped for himself and started giggling, which in turn, made everyone in class giggle, which in turn, made him giggle even more. It was truly adorable! We will miss Erin, but we're so glad class will go on with our new teacher, Tara.

And, lastly, I know this is already a long post, but still... Emron gets up every time he falls, most of the time it doesn't even phase him. I am amazed as I watch him grow into a strong little boy with a lot of heart! I hope everyday to become more like him. To love equally and not to judge, to laugh at everything, to get up when you get knocked down, to eat with passion, and to trust whole-heartedly. I love my little guy. I love both my guys!

XOXO,

Aspen

P.S. To see more pictures click here.