Hazel surprised us all for April Fool's Day. It was super funny to open the fridge and find eyeballs on everything.
I sneaked into the kids' rooms during the night and drew mustaches on their faces. It was harder to accomplish than I had expected, between side sleepers and sensitive kids wiping their faces mid-draw.
We had an enjoyable General Conference weekend, and then a week of Spring Break. Since we had just gone to Florida, we didn't make big travel plans for the break, but instead planned a few day trips and a few down days. Todd worked like usual. The kids and I went hiking around Lake Chabot.
We spent a day in Santa Cruz. We took the Redwood Loop at Henry Cowell State Park. It had been a while since we had been among these giants of trees, and it was a humbling experience.
Then we hiked a coastal trail from Wilder State Park. I've always wanted to hike by the beach. It was lovely!
We spent an afternoon up in El Dorado Hills with the Wilmoths. We went to Folsom Lake and April and I chatted and caught up while the kids competed for the world record of how many kids can fit on one paddleboard and have a great time. There was lavendar growing on the hills and the wind wafted the scent across the water. It was so pleasant.
Hazel's volleyball team had a great season. They won all but their last two games, which made them the team with the best record. It was satisfying to watch everyone get better from game to game. During their final game, Hazel was the opening server and scored her team seven straight points with serves that the other team couldn't return.
The school district had an orchestra performance - the middle schools combined and each of the high schools played. Hazel played the violin with the group.
We got a really nice visit with Emily and her family over Easter weekend. Emily and I did an endowment session together at the Oakland Temple and realized other than attending Scott's wedding and Emily's, it's probably the only time she and I have been in the temple together. It was a very sweet experience.
The temple grounds were extra lovely. Emily and I took tons of pictures and enjoyed the view from the roof as well.
We did some repeats with the Burnett kids: mancala, high jump, the swing in the backyard.
Since it was Easter, we also had plenty of holiday traditions to keep us busy. We made resurrection rolls.
We dyed hard boiled eggs.
Todd hid eggs all through the house and sent the kids hunting for them. Each egg had a piece of this map, that they worked together to assemble, letting the kids know there was something special hiding on the front porch ...
An ostrich egg! We had such a memorable experience with it last year, and Todd and I were excited to see it again through Isaac's eyes.
So we had frittata, croissants, and fruit salad for Easter dinner. Not to shabby!
We had the Monday after Easter off from school as well, so Emily and her kids stuck it out with us one more day. Gemma is working on a project for school on a Livermore landmark. She chose Brushy Peak, this preserve near our house that we go hiking at when it's not too hot. We went with eyes on guard for beautiful plants and interesting animals. Hazel had the great idea to bring scissors so Gemma could snip plant samples for her poster. Gemma thoroughly enjoyed that. And Jack found a dead snake!
We played the egg blowing game.
We finished up our day at Connie's Koi Ponds in Castro Valley. Jack's current obsession is koi, and I knew he'd ask to go until we went, so I got the trip over with right away. I couldn't believe how much they were charging - 60-1000 dollars per fish! I don't understand what's so great about koi that people would be willing to spend so much money on them.
And we got another bonus visit in with the Wilmoths, who came down to Livermore during their spring break. We just met up at a park for a quick hour.
And ... our dreams came true and we bought a cabin in Bear Valley! It's got three bedrooms and a loft, a big deck and a comfortable kitchen. It's cozy and cute and we're so excited to use it.
