Morning Hike and Mormon Battalion with the Grandboys

We had enough time this particular morning to go on a hike before we had to report for missionary duty. There is a wooded area called Hosp Grove Park a mere 2 miles from our house. Across the road is a marshy land surrounding the Buena Vista Lagoon.

There is a baby playground that was just right for Lincoln.

Carson was eager to take a hike with his grandparents.

Eli soon joined us.

Whenever there was a fork in the road, the boys ALWAYS chose UP!

We hiked up and around the small mountain (hill) until the boys spied the playground and their parents and off they charged straight down to meet them.

An ice cream snack sounded very tasty upon their return home from the park.

Off we went to participate in a new training follow-up meeting with these missionaries, their trainers and the assistants.

That evening we had dinner at Olive Garden, a mere 2 miles from our home situated right across the street from Hosp Grove Park. 

Our last day together was spent at Old Town San Diego.

Carson's faces in photos are hysterical.

We had a lovely lunch at a Mexican restaurant. Sarah and Jonah were sitting calmly at one end of the table...

while we had Carson and Eli utensil sword fighting down at our end of the table.

Part of Old Town is the Mormon Battalion Historic Site. Sarah's family had never been there before.

I love how Eli and Carson are taking their role as drivers of the wagon very seriously as they are holding tightly to their imaginary horse's reins.

Eli immediately volunteered to be a soldier in the Mormon Battalion.

Panning for gold is a highlight of the tour.

 

Carson puts his whole heart into everything he does, as is evidenced by the intent look on his face as he thinks of himself manning the cannon during a battle.

Back home we have busy boys playing blocks...

while their mom is in the kitchen fixing us up a delicious dinner.

Cute little happy smiling baby boy!

It was a sad moment in our day when it came time to tell them all good-bye.

 Love this bunch of boys (and sweet girl) so very much!