April Flashback: i just love people. a lot.

as i look back at pictures and read journal entries from the month of April, the one thing that stands out is people. friends. loved ones. we had many play dates and excursions with friends. we enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and played in swim suits (spring in California is the best). we were the furthest thing from alone as you could possibly be. it makes me think of in the Book of Mormon, when Alma is talking to the people about what it means to be a member of the church and be baptized. he said, "

so many people taught us so much about what it truly means to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort. many were wonderful friends and members of our ward and stake. others were neighbors and friends who aren't members of our faith - but who exemplified equally profound and genuine acts of service and love toward our family to offer their own comfort on our behalf. it's a humbling feeling to be on the receiving end of such an outpouring of service - and each and every note, invitation, email, gift, truly uplifted and inspired us to keep going - even when the days felt heavy and burdensome. in fact, i have kept every note that was written and they often still provide me with the encouragement i need on particularly difficult days.

my view from my glass windows one morning - love those beautiful girls.

making cupcakes for a princess tea-party play date at Maddie + Carson's house!

a lazy afternoon playing outside - started lovely....then the girls got hangry. life is still real life you know. my kids fight, pinch each other, quarantine toys, and annoy the heck out of each other. 5 o clock always seems to be the witching hour over here - i think around this time was when i found that quote that read: "i live in a madhouse ruled by a tiny army that i made myself." or something to that effect. so hilarious and true! this is a tiny army of my own tiny minions who say the annoying things i say and do the annoying things that i do. and are also very adorable in spite of me.

shopping with Tate after playing at Super Franks. no pictures of Super Franks...but definitely pictures of them all accessorized at the outlets. the cutest goofs ever.

a zoo day with friends! we love the Oakland zoo.

and crazy enough, it started to feel warm enough for pool days and popsicles with friends. heaven bless pool days and popsicles.

i also think of my girls - and how it was in this time that they really became best friends. i thought my world was really coming crashing down when Alice stopped napping... i mean she wasn't even 2 1/2 yet (sooooooo sad ... but how can you be mad at this face? ).

  

well, Alice being awake all day meant that quiet time turned into a constant afternoon play date with Ellie and Alice.. basically, Alice became Ellie's little shadow...and Ellie let her. man, i must be pregnant because i just got all teary writing that. anyway, their play dates included (and still include) jumping on the bed, dance parties, running through sprinklers, watering flowers and plants, make-up parties (lots and lots of make-up), dressing up, lots of bubble-blowing, watching favorite shows, and just being silly.

i love these two little humans so much, and am so grateful that while their mama was a little bit of an emotional mess, they had each other. and they will always have each other. that makes this mama's heart so happy. 

xoxo