Springtime in L.A.

A mama and her ducklings, discovered on our pool this afternoon

Beautiful Bedlam

The title of this post is how my Dad described the state of their home last week, when all of their children and grandchildren were there for a visit: "Beautiful bedlam." I'd say that's about right! We had such a great reunion.  Here are some of the highlights of the week:

I got to see Whitney and Joan shortly after arriving in Boise.  This was the first time I'd seen Whitney since her return home after her mission.  She is as beautiful and amazing as ever!  I'm so excited to see what unfolds next for Whitney.  I'm her biggest fan!

A lovely lunch at Cheesecake Factory (I stole this photo from Joan's blog-- thanks Joanie!)

There was LOTS of cousin play time.  Eloise was in heaven!

Eloise and Emelia

It's fun playing with Great Grandma!

Jam Session

Dance Party

Bath time at Grammy's is so much fun!

Rhonda had us all over Monday night for a big birthday bash and swimming party.  We honored all of our recent (and soon to be coming) family birthdays.  It was fun to have a birthday celebration for Eloise!

Coronation of the birthday girl.  The cute outfit was a gift from Grammy.

Birthday Smiles

Grammy and Sweetest Emelia

Eloise making Great Grandma laugh

Pool party!

Mom, Emelia, Rhonda and Eloise

Eloise isn't sure what to think about this!

After the first bite.  And, yes, she is tied to a chair with a towel.  Well, what would you do without a highchair?!  

One of the days we went swimming at the YMCA.  The kids had a BLAST!  

Mommy and Eloise at the 'Y'

The facility was awesome: see the fountains and the water ride in the back? 

Thursday night Grandpa Putnam treated us to a Mexican feast.  Yum!

The Motley Crew

On Friday we had a great early Easter celebration.  The kids dyed eggs, and late in the day we had an Easter Egg Hunt:

Dying the eggs

Jon, Ben, Eden

Adam

On the hunt!

Eloise's reaction each time I placed her on the grass

Safe in Mom's arms!

Justin and Emi

The eggs were everywhere!  Look high and low!

Thomas

Confetti egg fight!

We ended the day with a delicious Easter Feast.  I'm so grateful for that week spent with my family in Idaho.  A big thanks to Mom and Dad for hosting the bedlam.  

Happy Birthday, Eloise!

Eloise and Her Buddy

A Visit From Grammy and Buddy

My parents were in town the last week in March.  They came for my birthday present (their visit was the present) and boy was it wonderful having them here!  Eloise loved having two extra people in the house giving her all sorts of love and attention.  I loved having two extra people in the house to give her all sorts of love and attention (translation: I got to take a lot of naps.  It was amazing).  It was a really good mix of General Conference, relaxing around the house, and a few great outings.  I sadly kept forgetting to bring a camera to our planned events, so most of these pictures are taken with an iPhone.  Sorry for the somewhat poor quality.


We spent a day in Pasadena doing a pilgrimage to Hansen's alma mater, driving through beautiful neighborhoods where we dream of having a home someday, and exploring the town.

Cutest Couple in downtown Pasadena

My Mom and Dad took Eloise and me to the Aquarium of the Pacific.  It was such a great day!  Eloise LOVES fish, so it was the perfect outing.  

Eloise and Mom, watching the sea lions

This photo was taken during story time at the aquarium.  I tell you, this girl LOVES her story time.  She has incredible focus.  Can you tell?

Grammy and Eloise

And, Jeremy Wade was there doing an interview!!!  I adore this guy.  Star of River Monsters.  I tell you, if Brad Pitt had walked by I couldn't have cared less.  But Jeremy Wade?!?!  Star struck.  

I would say the HIGHLIGHT of the week was seeing Pam and Roger!!  It was so fun to get together for dinner and a nice chat.  I'm sorry this is the only picture I got (and sadly it is missing Roger.  Did anyone else get a better picture of that day?).  [Update: The bottom three photos are courtesy Pam and Roger.  Thanks for sending these!]  They are such wonderful people and have always been great examples and support to me.  

Our last night together, Dad took us out to eat at a favorite restaurant in the Marina, Tony P's.  I had shrimp and crab.  Yum.  

Thanks Grammy and Buddy for a WONDERFUL week!

A Visit From Uncle Phil