Vacation!

warning, may be an overload of pictures and such, what can I say? we had a lot of fun :)

 1. Saying goodbye to uncle Jared as he entered the MTC, we will miss him, especially Adam
Nathaniel and I went white water rafting on the South fork of the American river.  We had a ton of fun but didn't get any pictures.  I was sitting up front, a prime position to get soaked with every rapid, but the water was beautiful and the day was perfect, I think we will definitely go again when our boys are old enough to join us.

 2. Kyles first hair cut... he dodges

 3. and thinks the coast is clear

4 but mom prevails

5 lunch in old Sac, we had the place to ourselves

 6. Adam enjoyed running away from Kyle and the stroller

 7. I could eat his face

 8. 42! and on a train!

 9. so many awesome trains at the Train museum in Old Sac

 10. even toy trains

 11.  I think the museum tired these big boys out!

12. Adam and Dad saved a tiny bunny from Emmas cat Polly.

 13. We went on a dinner cruise on San Francisco Bay, we got all dressed up and had a blast. There was even a live band and dancing.

 14. The food was great and we were even daring enough to try a cheese plate, which was so worth it. Nathaniel had the ribs, I had the Salmon, and the dessert was light and perfect. 

 15. As the sun was setting, the moon was rising, is was full and huge and oh so beautiful

 16. sorry for the blurriness, we went under the golden gate bridge, around Alcatraz and even stopped for a fireworks show at the end of the Giants game, which was right on the bay.

 17.  the golden gate bridge from where we were sitting

 18. moon on the water

 19. The next morning we slept in and missed the continental breakfast at the hotel, so we went out for crepes by the docks... a big step up. Strawberry, banana, and Nutella. YUM.

 20.We checked out the aquarium which was pretty much awesome. We spent over two hours, though it was pretty small

 21. After that we got clam chowder in bread bowls. it was a pretty windy day which made it colder, but at least the sun was shining.

 22. After San Francisco, we went to the Oakland temple, the grounds were so beautiful, and inside was as well.  Something that caught my interest was that where were many brides and their parties taking pictures, which in and of itself is not abnormal but it was quite obvious that these couples did not get married inside the temple... they just liked how pretty it was.  I hope they are one day taught the importance of the building by which they have their wedding photos... and decide to make their marriage last not just "until death do us part" but really for time and all eternity.

23. The boys were pretty much fantastic for the trips to and from California.  Mostly they just didn't want to leave Grandmas house... I echoed their sentiments.  There was one little incident when Adam got car sick after the switchbacks of highway 49, but as you can tell in the video, he made a speedy recovery. He is a goof ball.

What an amazing trip we had. I was very spoiled and I am so grateful I got to experience all that I did this last week. I love my family!

the Cook Clan

I have the best photographer ever. 

And the best family.

Did I mention that my photographer is my sister?

Well, that's enough with the words, picture time!

Saturday outings.

We live in the coolest place that has so many fun things to do. So we decided to have Saturday outings with the whole family.  Last Saturday we went hiking this Saturday we went biking!

 First we went to the new city Splash park.  It was a really warm day and the water felt so good

 There was no where in the park that was too deep for Kyle to sit and enjoy splashing, it was perfect.

 Adam was Crazy and went everywhere

 Kyle kept his hat on the whole time too.

 I think it is safe to say that the boys had fun. They really didn't want to leave.

wet from head to toe

The second part of our journey was to the duck pond

By then, all Kyle wanted to do was sleep. This coming Saturday will be a wedding and possibly a dance performance.

Battle Creek falls

Saturday we decided to go on a hike. It was the first week that it wasn't raining or snowing. We packed a day bag and headed to Pleasant Grove to hike to Battle Creek falls, just about an half mile op the mountain.

 Adam found a lot of rocks and tried to lift or throw pretty much all of them.

 He hiked the whole way up by himself. he was practically running the whole way, I wish I had that kind of energy now. I used to be able to run this trail way back when :)

 Adam liked hanging out in the little cave on the side of the trail.

Kyle had a good seat from the back pack and was very content to ride the whole way down.

 Adam thought the falls were "beautiful"

 Kyle may look cute and tiny, but he sure has a big appetite.

 We stopped for a sack lunch by the falls and Kyle ate more than Adam did.

 Daddy had fun dipping his toes in the water, burr! it was cold!

But that didn't stop Adam from getting all wet! he was soaking from splashing around in the stream.

Adam really didn't want to stop going up to the top so daddy had to carry him part of the way down, that meant mommy got to carry Kyle!

 He didn't seam to mind :)

 After he decided to walk down on his own, Adam thought it would be cool to carry the lunch bag, it was heavy but he didn't complain once.

 It was such a nice day for a little hike!

 we had so much fun that the boys fell promptly asleep on the way home.

this and that

Adam is learning how to ride his bike!

 and he finally let me give him another hair cut without having to use the scissors the whole time.

 we got mango in our bountiful basket and mad sweet rice and mango. yum.

 Signing a birthday card for Great grandma (my niece Tailly was born on may 5th)

Pineapple cheesecake 

On Loss

Due to circumstances beyond my control, recently I have been reflecting on things of a spiritual nature. I apologize in advance if this post is a little too serious, I don't think it can really be helped. The outpouring of love, friendship, and support has been amazing and leaves me feeling so very blessed. I've had so many thoughts and emotions running through my head and I really need to be able to sort them all out, so here it goes.  Last week I lost my baby.  I don't know what else I can or should say. Words seem inadequate.
 Miscarriage is a much gentler word for it than they use in the medical field. Abortion is so prevalent in the world today  and it makes me wonder and feel very sorry for any woman who would choose to do that to her own baby and her own body. I wasn't even ten weeks along and yes, I lost my baby... not just a fetus, not random tissue but a baby. My baby. And my baby was loved and very wanted.
This last week has not been easy, but I am doing okay.  I know there was nothing I did wrong or nothing I could have done better to keep this little one.  There were problems from the beginning and I think I knew it was coming, one hint was that I was never sick.  When I saw my baby on the ultrasound I knew, it was just too small and the tiny heart had stopped, but almost in the moment I knew, along with the sadness and feeling of loss, I felt hope and peace.  I know that my Father in Heaven keeps his promises.  I know that when I put my faith and trust in him, he will support me through all my trials and troubles and afflictions (Alma 36:3).  This doesn't mean that everything is perfect, I am relieved that readers can't tell how often I have to stop to get some control over my emotions, but it does mean that I am letting my Savior help me through this. He has sent so many wonderful people into my life; friends, neighbors, and especially family.  My husband has been my rock and our parents have been wonderful, even my boys have been helping out in their own little way. I am very blessed. While I will continue to grieve for our loss I am filled with peace and hope for the future.  There will be more babies and they too will be loved and wanted.  I pray that those of you who have helped and showed care and concern for my family will know how thankful I am for you. Thank you with all my heart.