Tradition

Saturday after our soccer games, we headed south to pick some strawberries at a local farm. This tradition has been one of our favorites. Every spring we find somewhere to pick berries (usually not that far from home). As we were driving away ... I thought this might be the close of this tradition. I am not sure we are going to find too many strawberry fields in NYC, but you never know :).

The beginning: Abigail picking strawberries in San Antonio 2006

It was a perfect day for picking. Not too hot, but sunny. Froberg's Farm had SO many berries. It didn't take long to fill up both of our buckets.

Abigail is quite the picker... she doesn't need any assistance at all :).

Of course, both boys managed to find the only mud puddle at the farm. Connor was not happy about it. He can't stand being muddy.

Daddy and Dallin

Forever Buds

Connor - Just waiting for someone to take him to wash his shoes.

While waiting in line to pay, Connor grabbed a strawberry. "My own," he exclaimed. Next thing we new he had shoved "his" strawberry into his shirt pocket and given it a nice pat. A lovely red juice stain marked the outside of his pocket... not sure that one will come clean. Oh well.. it's a memory, right? :)

On our way home we stopped at Sonic for "Happy Hour" Drinks. The kids were in heaven.

Another fun strawberry memory...

Now we are in the process of trying all different kinds of strawberry treats :).

Saturdays

Abby and Dallin both had their first soccer games this past Saturday.

They both ran hard and tried their best.

Abby's team, "Dynamite" played first. Abigial was a fast runner.

She is one of the older kids on her team and she is loving it!

Dallin's team, "Lightning," played after Abby's.

He, too, ran his heart, tried super hard and even scored two goals.

But most importantly ... they both had a lot fun.

We are also excited for "our" Coach ... John! Go Daddy Wirthlin!

Abigail kicking the ball in ....

"Lightning" team huddle... John is trying to explain which goal is ours :).

During Dallin's game, Abigail was busy catching all the ladybugs she could find.

And he scores.... Yeah!

More Wirthlin Fun

I really wasn't good about taking pictures this trip.

I really do regret that. But here are a few of the ones I did capture.

Dallin and Jessica

Poor Dallin got sick Sunday evening and was quarantined to the upstairs TV room. He occasionally had visitors to comfort him and break up his day. He ended up spending about 2 and a half days in the room. Not his happiest moments, but at least he didn't get anyone else sick.

Banana-grams!

We enjoyed some good old fashioned game time together as a family. These Wirthlins can be a bit competitive :).

Connor and Uncle Mark.... Go Cougars!

These two developed quite the bond this trip. Uncle Mark has worked hard over the years... always bringing candy or chocolate in his pockets for the kids, throwing the kids high in the air, but I think what really sealed the deal this time... was ... swinging. Uncle Mark took the kids numerous times out to the swings and pushed them and played with them... they LOVE him. Connor is still asking if Uncle Mark is coming to play :).

Toward the end of our trip, Grammie took us to a great playland for kids - Jungle Jims. We met up with Aunt Carolyn and two of her girls there too. It was a great afternoon! The kids loved going and sharing it with their Grammie, Auntie, and cousins.

We really had fun seeing all of our family in Utah. Can't wait to see them all again!

Little Outing

Tuesday we decided the kids needed an outing. Lucky enough Becca was willing to join me and the kids on our little trip to the aquarium. Poor Dallin was all ready to go... everyone was eating lunch... and he puked - again! So needless to say, he and Dad had to stay home. But the rest of the gang had a great time.

Still trying to figure out my camera on manual. Bear with me :).

Petting the sting rays

Luke was so excited and wanted to touch the sting rays so bad. Too bad his arms weren't long enough to reach :). Connor on the other hand wanted nothing to do with them.

What size of penguin are you?

Creepy

Abby was determined to reach those sting rays.

Abigail and Mylie reading all about the fish and other creatures.

The little gang... so happy with suckers.

Thanks for going with us Auntie Becca (and kids) we had a great time.

Sunday Dinner

Sunday was another wonderful day spent with family. We had our usual Wirthlin Sunday Family Dinner followed by beautiful music performed by some of the grandkids and then a short film about Papa Wirthlin's life.

I think it is always neat to see where a person started in life and where their path has taken them. Richard Wirthlin has had an amazing journey through life and I am grateful each of our kids were able to watch the film about their Papa (and will be able to watch it again - thanks to Uncle Richard for the copy).

Together Time

Saturday, before the birthday celebrations began, John and I were able to go skiing with Mark and Michael. We had a lot of fun. I will admit, skiing is not my number one favorite sport in the world, but I do love to go with my John. It is always fun to be together.

Skiing is tiring, but it is especially tiring when you are 6 months pregnant. I don't know how my sister did it 8.5 months along.... amazing!

So glad we went though. :)

Saturday was a Special day...

It's the day we celebrated Papa Wirthlin's

80th Birthday!

It was the perfect evening. Full of memories, laughter, love and cake :).

It was especially fun to hear all the memories shared by the children and a few grandchildren too. What a man! It was the perfect way to celebrate 80 years!

The Presenters (Carolyn and Jill) and the Birthday Cake

Blowing out the Candles...

What an amazing couple. Such love, such adoration, such sweet companionship.

We finished off the evening with a great little jazz band.

Everyone loved the music... even the kiddos.

Happy Birthday Papa! We love you!

It really was special to have everyone together to celebrate such a wonderful man, father and grandfather.