The Beach

Since Grandma Quillen so willingly came all the way out here to take care of the boys we of course had to find time to take her to one of her favorite places.  The weather was a little chilly but we thought it made the water feel not so cold and the wind wasn't too bad which is what really can make it cold.  Liam absolutely loved running in the water, smashing sand castles, and chasing the seagulls.  Also, while in Seaside we of course had to swing on the swings that are on the beach and go on a carousel ride.  The carousel ride was what helped us to get a hungry over tired unhappy little boy to leave the beach somewhat willingly.

Girls Camp

This year I finally could not come up with a good excuse to go to Girls Camp and as much as I didn't really want to go I knew I needed to.  I personally didn't LOVE Girls Camp as a youth and typically left early if I went at all, but I felt like I needed to go since I've been serving in Young Women's for about three years now.  As a leader it was nice to see my girls from the ward and get to know them even better.  My responsibility at Girls Camp was sleeping in the 3rd years cabin and being in charge of the pool during free time. 
I had a great time and was extremely exausted.  So much so that on the last night we were there the girls in my cabin were screaming and doing sumo wrestling when I fell asleep mid screams.  I can say I can't remember the last time I was so excited to go home.  I was honestly almost giddy on the car ride home.
My little boy acted like I'd never left when I walked through the door but of course immediately comenced to whine about everything and I still think he's punishing me for my departure.  Oh the life of a mother.
So, here's way too many pictures of my fun filled week.

Karisa Hadlock (YW President), Terry (from another ward), Jessica Bills (2nd Counselor), Leanna Bellaza (Mia Maid Advisor)

Ward Night

All of us in our shirts we made

Ward Skit

"Makeovers on the Emily Show"

Our whole ward right after the skit

In Good Hands

So, I left my boys to attend girls camp for four days but let me tell you they were left in good hands and I don't think they noticed I was gone all that much.  Liam had a grand ole time with his Grandma Quillen and she was nice enough to take several pictures for me of their week.  While I was gone they went on tons of walks, went to several parks, played at the zoo (where Liam rode the train and waved to everyone and everything), went swimming, went to the rose garden, and many more things.  She also managed to keep them fed, entertained guests of Michael's and somehow kept my house cleaner then I am ever able to do.

Computer Time

Liam finished eating dinner before us and decided he needed some computer time. If we came anywhere near him he'd grab the screen and tell us to go away...at this age it was kind of cute but if he was doing this as a teenager I'm pretty sure all computer privileges would be lost.

Bike Sculpture

Liam and I went downtown with Grandma Quillen today to meet a couple of her friends for lunch.  We had a fun time wandering around and eating yummy food.  Liam's favorite part was this bike sculpture and he didn't want to leave it even to eat lunch.

Cupcakes

Michael's work was doing a dessert potluck and several women asked Michael if he could bring some of my cupcakes so I made him a batch the night before.  However, when Michael was hurrying to the train somehow the lid popped off and down fell all of the cupcakes and unlike cats cupcakes land top side down.  Michael felt so bad and the people at his office weren't so pleased but honestly I didn't really care all that much since we still had a half dozen or so at home to enjoy for ourselves.

New Hobby

Michael has decided to start a new hobby...air soft.  Liam and I went with him to make some major purchases to begin this hobby and of course Liam had to try out a mask.  Also, part of starting this new hobby includes selling the xbox!  It's now listed on craigslist and hopefully it sells soon!

Sore Foot

I have no idea what I did to my foot but a day or two after my first run it was sore and it was not enjoyable.  I tried ignoring it and even tried running on it again which actually felt good until I was done running on it so after about a week I decided to listen to my husband and wrapped it in an ace bandage.  Liam saw the bandage and immediately asked me if I had an owie.  I told him that yes mommy's foot hurt so he spent the rest of the day smothering my foot with kisses and telling me it was all better whenever he walked by.  Sure enough between two days of wearing the bandage and Liam's kisses my foot is doing much better and I now have new running shoes to try out to see if that helps.

Restaurant

One of Liam's little friend's older brother always like to play restaurant at the park.  Typically, Liam runs over interested and the older brother gets protective of his playing and Liam will quickly destroy it.  However, today when Liam and I were at the park alone Liam built this and looked at me and pointed at it and said, "Max," which is the little boys name.  Liam then handed me a wood chip and said drink and he and I both pretended to drink, eat ice cream, and play.  I realized that I think the reason Liam was destroying Max's creations was because he didn't know how to express to him that he wanted to play too when Max would refuse to let him touch it.

Father and Son Day

Saturday was pretty much a marathon day for me at church.  I had youth baptisms, leadership training, a baptism, and a fireside.  Plus a girls camp work party meeting which I had to skip.  Needless to say it was a long day.
While I was gone Michael took Liam out for an adventure and they went to Best Buy, Barnes and Noble, and the pet store. While at Barnes and Noble Liam had fun playing with legos, elmo, a dinosaur and posing for a picture promoting his Grandpa Quillen's latest books.
Liam and Michael also went to the baptism with me but they ended up spending most of their time in the primary room playing the piano and Liam practiced for when he would have to give his first talk in a couple of years.