Cheryl

My parents were friends with Cheryl and Bill way before I was born. They remained friends even through all the moves. I can't remember a time when Cheryl didn't send me a card and or gift for my birthday and Christmas. It was always fun to see what they sent. By chance Mike and I got married on their anniversary. They came all the way out here and sat at our book for our reception. Bill passed away a few years ago. Cheryl still doesn't miss a birthday or holiday or anniversary. Now that I am married she sends Mike stuff and the kids. I can't believe she remembers us and cares about us like that. My kids have gotten to know and have fun with seeing what comes in the mail for them on their birthdays or Christmas like I did. She never misses a one or is late. She lives in Anaheim. I couldn't go to California without seeing her. She took us to dinner. While at her house she asked me if this picture looked familar. I guess probably before I was born Mom painted this for her and Bill. How fun to see this hanging in her family room after all these years.

Thank you Cheryl for loving me and my family! It was so good to see you!

Lovin the Pacific and Cali!!

Ahh the beach. Who doesn't love a beautiful day at the beach? One of the things I really wanted to do on our trip to California is take the kids to the beach. We went on Saturday. It was still really hot so the water felt great. We went to Huntington Beach. I have never been there. But could easily more there or Newport Beach. Love it!!! We all had a great time. Played in the waves, looked for seashells, and built a sand castle. During the sand castle construction it was Owen and Mike's job to build it. And Addie's job to beautify it. Owen became quite obsessed about looking for seashells. Addie loved the waves but said she didn't like the salt. I really wanted to get her on a boogie board. I think she would be really good at it. But we ran out of time.

Disney

Disney Fun. We had a park hopper pass for Disney and California Adventure. It was so nice because our hotel was really close to the park. So we could just walk to and from our hotel and either park. At the beginning of the week the weather was beautiful. Really comfortable. By Friday they were having record heat. I think it was like 95 degrees. The same with the crowds. By Friday it was not nearly as nice.

We rode on about every ride. Or at least the ones we wanted to. Owen's favorite ride by far was the Buzz Lightyear one. I didn't even know he liked Toy Story that much. He really liked that you just sat in the ride and shot a laser gun at the things. I think we went on that ride about 4 or 5 times. Addie liked them all.

The one night we were there and they did the street party Donald Duck asked her to dance. She was so excited! She danced and boogied like crazy. They also came and got her to do the conga line. She told me later on that Donald gave her braid a little tug as she went by. I am pretty sure he is now her favorite Disney character. We went to the princess story time another day. The story was about Belle. A helper came and got Owen to help with the story. He sat up there for a little while then just came back and sat by us. We later discovered he had chose Owen to be the beast and dance with Belle. I couldn't believe Owen had a chance to be Beast with Belle and blew it! I also wonder if it was by chance they chose Owen to be Beast. Haha.

The creepy dark guy is from Star Wars. When we went to that show this guy kept giving Addie funny mean looks. And she would just turn around at me and giggle.

We had such a good time at Disney!

California Adventure

On Tuesday we went to California Adventure. Part of Disneyland. Again, not many crowds and great weather. This picture with the kids and Mickey ferris wheel behind we went on. This is Mike and Owen across from Addie and I. We got on the one that swings as it goes around. I hate height and was terrified! This is Owen with the Army guys from Toy Story. And Addie and Owen performing with them in the street. We did so many rides on this day. Owen hated most of them. But we made him go on them anyway. Including the Tower of Terror. Again, we are terrible parents. Funny thing I found out during our trip to California is that of all three kids, I never would have guessed Addie would be the one who LOVED scarry rides. She loved Tower of Terror! I am so proud Addie!

Sea World

On Monday (the 3rd day) we were in San Diego we went to Sea World. We had such a good time. It was overcast that day so it was actually really nice to be walking around outside. I love this picture of me and the kids with the shark. Addie and I didn't even know we both pulled that face. This ride with the water is Journey to Atlantis. Addie went on this ride 4 times! She loved it even though it was a little scary. Owen hated it! We saw a few shows that day. Shamu of course, the sea lions, and the dolphins. We also went on every ride, I think. There weren't many people there at all. Owen really liked Shamu. The kids got a whale tail necklace to help them remember this special day. When we went in the Artic section there was a snow tunnel you could go in. Addie got a little ways in there and they had a recorded bear roar in the tunnel. Addie ran out screaming as we were all laughing.

I love this picture of our "skinny" family!

more San Diego

On Sunday, the next day of our trip, Mike went to the Jaguars/Chargers football game. The kids and I headed to the pool to unwind. It was kind of a cloudy cold day. But the pool was heated so the kids still had a good time. I love this pool with the boats right outside the pool docked in the Bay. BEAUTIFUL!! The statue kids is a funny story. We found these statues on the grounds of our hotel. Mike told Owen that is what happens to kids when they are naughty at Sea World. You should have seen Owen's face! He just stared at those kids thinking about it all. We are terrible parents!

After Mike got back from the game we explored a little more of San Diego and took some pictures.

San Diego

On September 18, 2010 we arrived in San Diego California. We have been planning this family vacation for awhile now. We have been working hard on saving for it also. It was just Mike, the kids, and I. We don't do many vacations like that. While we enjoy having other family with, this time it was nice to make some memories with just us.

We started out Friday night. Drove to Mesquite NV where I got a super sweet deal on a room. Then onto San Diego. Other that flying to Long Beach to catch a couple of cruises we had never been to this area. We were very excited. We got in during the late afternoon. Checked into to our hotel. (Which we loved) And headed straight for the beach. It was a little stormy, but we still had a good time walking around. This is a picture of us at the beach. Addie found this ice cream cone and wanted her picture with it. If you know Addie, you know she LOVES food. The other pictures are of our hotel (the Dana). Notice how close it is to the bay.

Addie's school relay

At Addie's school this year they had a relay for their fund raiser. The 3 Elementary schools in town got together to raise money by having the kids have close friends and family sponser money for the goal the kids set to run. Addie was really excited to do this. And I was excited that for once the kids were doing something they could actually see raising money instead of their mom's just collecting and delivering pizzas or cookie dough. Plus, that excercise is good for them. Addie committed to run 6 laps. 1 1/2 miles. She actually ran more. 7 laps. Almost 2 miles. I was so proud of her! And it was a HOT day. Way to go Addie!