We went to California

The girls and I went to California over Thanksgiving break. Sadly, our daddy couldn't go with us. Thank goodness Zach and Rachel were able to come with us! We all piled in my beloved white van (good old Astrid) and road tripped to our homeland.

I took these cute pictures of Matthew the day we left:

 I love those baby stretches!

 I made these cute hats for Cousin Dylan. I used THIS cute pattern for the owl hat. And I just did my own thing for the brimmed hat.

 We caught a glimpse of the Salt Lake temple when we drove to Geri's house to pick some things up that she had for us.

 My mom and dad let us take their room when we went to visit. My dad came in to say goodnight and said, "That would make such a cute picture!" I must agree. 

It was so great to sleep in such a enormous bed with all my kiddos. Most nights a few of them slept with Auntie Emma. But I loved the nights they all piled in with me:)

 Zach, Rachel, and Emma made this cool fort for the girls.

 I told Mallory she could only have her binky if she went to sleep. She said, "Okay!" and this photo was taken 7 minutes later. Unfortunately it was only about 5:00.

 Inside their fort

The following are some photos of a hike we went on.

Lily climbed up this rock pile and said, "I'm kind kind of scared, but I'm also feeling awesome because I DID IT!!!"

You go, Girl.

 Mallory painted her face with a stamp pad.

 Poor Mallory wakes up with this sweet hair-do every day of her life.

 and she wears this tutu every day of her life.
(ps I made that sweater for Kaylee when she was a baby. Pattern HERE.)

 Emma thinks she's so funny.

These are from the morning we left:

My grandpa and his lovely wife, Cecil, came up for Thanksgiving so we got to see them too. I wish I had taken pictures of them. We love them so much!

We had such a nice time visiting Grandma and Grandpa's house. Poor Grandma was sick the whole time we were there which was really sad. It was so nice to be under the same roof as her though. I loved being able to visit with my mom whenever I wanted to. The girls LOVE Grandma and Grandpa's. It is such a fun and special place to be. I remember the special feeling of visiting grandparents and I still love being in their home! We are lucky that we're able to see my mom and and dad so much. They are always so good to us and we love them.