Going to the Chapel

Some of our BFFs are getting married.

We are beyond excited for them. 

Jon let us in on his secret months before the proposal and asked us to host a party with family and close friends to celebrate the day. 

Done.

It was hard to keep the secret... I wanted to scheme and plan and talk dresses and colors and food and music with Brieann!!

Praise the Lord for Pinterest and their "secret board" option. I've had Brieann's wedding planned down to the tablecloths and getaway car for months.

Get a life, you say? 

Brieann and Jon's fan club assembled on our patio, including Brieann's family who had flown in from out of town to surprise her. We were all nervous and excited and eager to hear the story.

The initial surprise of Brieann seeing her family was one of the most tender reunions. Even the toughest of men were taking off their sunglasses and wiping their eyes that day.

What a joy to be able to walk alongside these friends as they plan their life together. 

XOXO

 Sweet R did her own version on the chalkboard in her room.

Run with Rosie and Sadie

The girls had a chance to run in a little race in February. They had a great time. 

Easter 2013

One of the best things about my parents' retirement is that they don't have to go to church on Easter anymore. Woooo Hoooo! Yes! Finally!

OK, I agree.. that sounds bad.

Breathe. We did go to church on Easter. 

What I meant is that there was Easter together in San Clemente this year. A Saturday night sleepover, an early morning egg hunt and breakfast together in jammies.  A different kind of sunrise service. 

It meant a fun afternoon swim and BBQ without a mandatory nap before hand.

We are grateful for the gift of the resurrection, for the Love and mercy that we experience everyday. 

Friendly Neighborhood Helper

Rosie was cast as a mail carrier in her Kindergarten "Friendly Neighborhood Helpers" play. She was the cutest mail carrier you've ever seen. 

If she really was delivering the mail in your neighborhood, it would be the highlight of your day. 

Butterflies

Rosie and Sadie watched the life cycle of a butterfly this spring- it was so fun. They watched their little friends go from caterpillars to chrysalises to beautiful Painted Lady butterflies! Releasing them was amazing. Rosie whispered words of encouragement to them as she unzipped their enclosure and let them out. 

"You can do this," she'd say.

"Fly away! You're ready! Come on- fly"

"

I stood by and snapped pictures.... and teared at Rosie's tenderness.... and prayed hard that a bird didn't fly by and chomp the sweet little butterflies out of midair. 

Fun with Allison

When Allison comes to town we pretend we're on vacation. There's pedicures and beach days and movie nights. We eat out and we stay up late. We enjoy every minute with our favorite little lady. 

Author's note: Cringing a bit posting a pic of me in my bathing suit but paddling with Al, Ron, Jon and Brieann was just to fun NOT to post... 

Love you, Papa Welch

"I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now. The reason why we loved the old Narnia is that it sometimes looked a little like this.
Come further up, come further in!"

          - C.S Lewis, The Last Battle

Harold Ralph Welch

February 21, 1919 - March 6, 2013

We love you forever!