California Here We Come!

This summer we spent a few days in Southern California enjoying the sights and sandy beaches! We have visited Point Loma a few times in the past, so we thought we would post pictures from 10 years ago and today. We toured the U.S.S. Midway, a retired aircraft carrier. It was in working condition for 47 years and was retired in the 1990's. After walking its many miles of corridors and saw how the servicemen lived, we appreciated our big beds, roomy family rooms, and quiet home.

We visited Sea World and loved watching Ethan as he saw everything for the first time.

Don't ask what Ethan's doing in this photo. I don't know.

Finally, a day at the beach. Ethan loved it! It was his first time feeling the sand, jumping over waves, and building sand castles.

Some friends were at the beach so I got a few pictures of them.

Seashells are great if you've lost your teeth!

Racing on the beach

I wouldn't trade these memories for the world! I know someday everyone will be leaving the nest and I will miss them!

A Day at the Lake

Looking at the dam brought back lots of memories. I remember going to see the water so high in 1986 or 1987 that the overflow ducts were filled with water and sometimes you would see a fish or two.

The "A's" Adam and Allison

One of the cutest couples I know!

Captain Scott driving the boat near the dam

This is the scene after Chris had some fun trying to get Doug and Scott, Adam, and Dallin off the tube.

Ethan wanted to go S-L-O-W!!

Allison diving from one tube to the other. Rachel did it after Alli.

We had so much fun on this trip to the lake. Many thanks to Doug and Megan for inviting us. We love spending time with them.

Ethan's Big Day

Ethan has been wanting this water gun that quickly refills for months.

Today Ethan turned five! Rachel and I had a Stake Activity Day Conference so Allison helped Ethan decorate his cake. They did a great job! We went to one of Ethan's favorite places to eat, "Kung Foo Panda Express" to celebrate, then we came home, opened presents and ate cake.

Allison's 13th

Allison had a birthday! We celebrated by having her favorite Clam Chowder soup in bread bowls and a strawberry jello cake. She also took a few friends to King Putt and to Golden Spoon. We love her optimistic attitude and cheerful demeanor. Happy Birthday Allison! We love you!!

Dallin Turns 15!

We celebrated Dallin's fifteenth birthday today. At midnight he and Scott saw Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which meant he slept for most of the morning. He woke up about 2:00 p.m. and we went out to lunch or was it linner(?) at Red Robin and did some shopping. Dallin picked a red velvet cake to celebrate. We love his quick laugh and witty personality. He is having a fun time running early in the mornings with his cross country team with his brother and his friends. Go Dallin!

The Girls' Aprons

July 4th Celebration

Alli wanted to hold Baby Romney who was 3 weeks old.

For the occasion, we painted Rachel's toenails and fingernails, Alli's toenails and my fingernails!

Bailey and Rachel

Scott, Heidi, and Trey

Watching the fireworks on the front lawn. The kids love lighting sparklers and writing their names and if they are lucky, join in the firework lightings with the help of an older sibling.