Asilomar

Last weekend, Stephen got everyone together in Monterrey for a family reunion . Family is so important to me. I loved getting to know Stephen's kids better and strengthening the relationships we already had.We stayed at Asilomar Conference Center. Stephen said Ronna used to love to go there. As soon as we checked in, we could see why. The rooms were cute and old fashioned with wooden floors and old pictures. Ashlyn thought it was great to be in the same room with everyone, but we couldn't get her to sleep! She was up long after the other kids were asleep.Jason finally took her out to the RV to sleep so she wouldn't keep everyone up. (Justin and Danale were in the room to our left and Linda and Angie were in the room to our right.)

On Saturday, we all went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The kids had so much fun playing together!

I love the relationship that Ashlyn and Austin have. He is so sweet with her. Here she is looking out the window with Austin on the other side looking in.

Later, he saw Colton watching the birds and brought Ashlyn over to watch too. To see more really cute pictures of Colton, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/jason.rickards and look in the Asilomar folder.

Linda, Angie, Danale, and Colton

On Saturday night, we went down to the beach. I love being near the ocean! I love the smell, the sound of the roaring waves, the cold wind on my cheeks... I wish I could explain the feeling it gives me, but I've never been very good at describing my feelings. I'll try because it is a big part of me. When I am that close to God's creations, it quiets my inner soul. I feel a deep sense of peace and steadiness. I feel still and reflective. Grateful for all I have and reassured that He is aware of me.

As I looked around in what little moon light there was, I thought of Ronna. I know she loved the ocean too. I could almost feel her watching us. Linda looks so much like Ronna. She is one of the sweetest people I know. As she was fussing over Ashlyn, I was so grateful for the love she has for her. It made me miss Ronna so much. I know how much she loved Ashlyn and would have loved to have been there with us. I was sad for Ashlyn. She will grow up without the physical presents of her Grandma's love. I feel like Linda carries her sister's love for our family. It brought tears to my eyes and I had to turn my face to the wind to quickly dry them.

We spent Sunday morning at the beach. It was such a beautiful day! The kids played chicken with the waves... Shared more tender moments...I saw a quote on Heidi's blog that I have thought about quite a bit and have felt in my own life. It came back to me as I saw Skyler sitting alone on the beach watching the waves and looking very peaceful.Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.

We saw a sea lion on the shore...It looked like it may be injured, but of course we thought it was really cool and all wanted our picture taken with it.It was so fun to hang out on the beach with everyone.

We are looking forward to our next reunion!