Melissa, DONT MOVE!

Just needed to do one final plea.... Melissa don't leave!! I am going to miss you tooo much! I really can't imagine my Lake Elsinore life without you! I love seeing you nearly every day. I know that we will remain close friends, and that we will make the effort to stay in touch and see each other as much as possible, but I just don't want you to live so far away! I feel so blessed with your friendship. You an example to me in so many ways... writing this I am sitting here thinking of the song on wicked... Because I know you, I have been changed for good.

I've heard it said 

That people come into our lives for a reason.

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

I know I am who I am today

Because I know you...

You'll be with me

Like a hand print on my heart

I do beileve I have been changed for the better,

Because I know you...

I have been changed for good.

Love you Melissa! Best of luck in Boston and I will look forward to seeing you shortly in Maui :)

Tera and Tatum

We are so sad that the Nelsons are moving to Boston :( I have been denial over it the last month and half  but now with only a week left, I don't think there is any denying that they are really moving :(

Tera has been very sad too. Her and Tatum have been great buddies for the past five years. It is so fun looking back and seeing pictures of them grow up together. Tera asks everyday "Am I going to see Tatum today?" or "Is Tatums last day living her today?" I think they will be great pen pals and hopefully we will be able to get these two together at least yearly... They are so darn cute together!

Santa Cruz Family Reunion

We had such a fabulous time in Santa Cruz for our family reunion! It was so wonderful that I keep thinking I want to move there :) It was beautiful scenery, beautiful weather, and we were surrounded by beautiful people (my family)

We suffered through some family pictures... the grand kids were pretty cute in the tie dyed shirts they made there.

Our family

Ashton LOVED boogie boarding during this vacatoin. He would spend hours out there boogie boarding with his Nana, Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles and Dad. 

I think this captures one of Ashtons most genuine smiles. He is a tough kid to get a good smiling picture of.

 My sister and her adorable daughter Macie...

Mazzi enjoyed watching the sea lions out on the Santa Cruz pier. Tera liked petting the huge pelicans 

 My grandma Bickle was able to join us for a few days of the reunion. It was nice to see her. She always makes me laugh, and reminds me where I get my sarcasm from :)

We played some minute-to-win-it games on the beach for an activity. It was so fun watching my competitive family do silly things and fight over who won!

 The last night everyone but me went to Santa Cruz boardwalk and went on the rides. I choose to rest my feet and read a book by the beach. I actually really missed everyone though and was a little bummed I decided not to go, though am sure it was the right decision for my body. The kids had fun, but Ashton was talked into going on a very scary free fall ride, and he was crying by the end of it... he preferred this mini version of the ride. We had a great time though and are so glad we were able to go and to be surrounded by family.