Brahm and I made this lovely long, colorful train. It was fun! I admit, I enjoy it much more than making buildings that Brahm just kicks over.
Saturday morning cuddle time. It's usually done in Mom and Dad's bed, but Brahm's bed was the winner today!
Emerson took these next 3 photos of us and our house. So, here's a chopped off view of the front of our house.
We love Brahm's dimply smile.
Brahm enjoying kicking up the water. He loves to wait for the tide to come in and then run away from it.
Brahm and I spent lots of time picking up shells and clams. 
Sand, sand, and more fun sand!
One of the best things about real beaches is the soft, feathery sand. No shoes, warm feet, the wind blowing....ahhh. 
We spent an afternoon at the Navy Base North Shore Beach. It was WONDERFUL because only Navy members can go to this beach, so there were hardly any people there. The boys didn't mind the cold water or the sand and had so much fun! Here McKay enjoys making a "pool".
Emerson. Check out his little white waist line...there are some super white buns under there!
Rick playing with the boys. Emerson learned what a riptide is, and now he is always nervous that he'll get caught in one because of the "giant" waves. Both McKay and Emerson are dying to learn how to surf, as well. Hmmm..not sure if mom can handle the safety issues there.
Rick being cute.
Although Brahm's "OCD" would cause him a major tantrum under these circumstances, McKay thinks being covered in sand is a true luxury! I'm going to go with Brahm here...
This is Marius, a 9 year old boy from Romania. This is a picture of him before he was burned in a horrible fire, which also took his parents lives.
This is 9 year old Marius after the fire. He has recieved 4th degree burns over a huge portion of his body. He is coming to California to be fostered by a family in our ward here in Santee. He has been given an extended visa of 5 years, along with his 19 year old brother, so that he can be cared for at Shriner's.
We stayed a couple days with my sister Lenona and her 3 kids. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures except for at the pool. Rachel, my neice, really enjoyed Rick flipping her in the pool.
Brahm enjoying the sunshine.
McKay getting flipped.
Emerson just being cute!
We practically had the whole beach to ourselves for most of the day. It was a blast!
The boys found lots of shells for collecting and enjoyed getting warm in the sand.
McKay.
Emerson.
Brahm kept sticking his head in the mud. The hard part was getting him cleaned up without getting dirt in his eyes. He's such a funny little boy!
The boys practicing skipping rocks.
Emerson collecting rocks.
Brahm completely knocked out on trolley ride home from the hike. We were all pretty exhausted!
Daddy playing with the boys.
Temple of Sinawava hike ends here at this beautiful part of the Virgin River. Here Brahm plays happily in the muddy water.
The water was very cold, but none of the boys cared. I was the only woosy who wouldn't go in farther than my ankles. But, someone's gotta take pictures, right? 
Zion is Rick's favorite National Park. He bought the boys these walking sticks which they ended up dragging and poking at people all the way along the hikes. But, they were really happy with them and I guess that's what matters.
Rick and I at the Weeping Wall. Water falls on the top rocks which are pourous and the water sinks down the the rocks that aren't pourous. Then the water drips over the edges because it can't be absorbed anymore and all these incredible tropical flowers and plants grow all along the edges. It's really beautiful!
The hike to the Temple of Sinawava. 
Bryce Canyon is one of my favorite places on earth! It is so vast and beautiful! I admit that I was a bit panicked by how close the boys would get to the edge, but we still had fun!
Look at those beautiful red rocks behind McKay! 
Ahhh...such beauty! 
Ahh...the memories of Richfield, Utah. This couch alone has lots of memories. Here's my sweet grandpa with the boys. He taught them how to tie knots and told them some jokes and riddles. They loved it! It was wonderful to see him!!
McKay on his horse. We went horseback riding near Bryce Canyon. We all had so much fun! Brahm wasn't old enough to go so we took turns sitting and eating Cheetos with him and petting the "nice" horses.
Rick enjoying a little cowboy living.
Emerson turning on the charm.
It rained and was cold all day, but the Thompson clan made the best of things! Katherine & Jacob, Christopher & Tallie.
Emerson finds the biggest stick possible. There were no shortages of sticks for the kids on this hike.
Goofy McKay roasting his hot dog.
Emerson, McKay, Ike, Azalea & Chris.
