California May 2011

Back to California we go. This time for a little different purpose.

Karene
and Jared had plans to go surprise her Mom for mothers day in Guatemala. They had a sitter in town that was going to watch the kids but they fell threw. So I offered to come over and watch them. Colby had some comp time coming his way so he decided to go along with us. So the family packed our bags for a 10 day vacation/job. I was a little worried about the allergies since they have a dog now in the house but it worked out. I think because they have wood floor pretty much through out the house. Also I had Karens get a different sitter for the dog while we were there. We showed up a day after the Ellisons left and got right into the grove. Jandi was in school so we had her going 3out of 5 day so we had that schedule to get use to. Turned out great, she is very disciplined and on task when it comes to getting up and getting ready. She's great at home work too, no dillydallying. Thank God, Jack is not way so much.
We made a vacation out of it though. We went to Disney Land twice and Santa Monica Pier. We also went to the aquarium there and had a great day together.
We took a day and went to the beach. Mothers Beach more of a bay dock area so there is no wake and a playground close parking so much easier for us families. Jack Jandi and I went on a sea treasure hunt finding all sorts of things. Jandi and Jack got on a kick of finding snails. Boy did we find the biggest snails ever although we did not know it at the time. We found 3 sea snails that were the size of a football. We also found sea shells clams and other trash that became their treasure. We got a lot of sun that day Avery got way too much which was weird since he had a shirt half the day and had sunscreen applied twice.
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At Disney Land Colby got to see A World of Color for the first time. They kids had a blast that night here!!




We had a few nights in the spa but the pool was broken and cold so we didn't get to get in that. We saved pool time for the hotels! Which was fun Jack found some new friends there too, he's really good at that! Thankfully


There were a few glitches threw the week but some things just have to be forgotten and looked over.
A few fun moments we had were that a few days before arriving it was Beckam and Avery's birthday, Jacks birthday soon to come, so we each had presents to give. Here is a pic of Jack and Jandi opening Jacks gift. It was a excavating game you had to dig the knights out of the cement then you could play.


Our little spider monkeys on the beach in Newport, by far our favorite part of California so far. We would love to move here if we get the chance or the kahunas.



Jack and Jan out running the waved of Balboa in Newport




How cute are they? Almost looks like a wedding announcement! JK





Treat time @ 10pm yes this was dinner! :) once in a life time




Souvenirs form Santa Monica Pier, This place is fun and a mus see but I recommend spending your money else where, in our case Disney Land is much more worth it!!! X10
But a fun place and the aquarium was fun to see. So many star fish and or sea stars as they call them, sharks and this is where we found our huge snails.







Finally a photo of us together, it only took 6 years!!



We got these necklaces for the boy when Colby and I took a night off and went to Universal Walk together. They were stoked

California Trip #2

Trips to California: We have traveled to and from Arizona Mesquite California many times in the past years but have never really stopped much to see things on the way. Well I am alone with my two boys and I am bound to make some memories for them and I.
We are stopping many places hers where. We are headed to California for the second time this month to see Karen, Jandi and Beckem. Colby is in China so we will be available so what better place to head for 11 days?!
We saw some Lavender fields that are growing in popularity. Yet it will never compare to the fields of Lavender in Maui Hawaii. Highly suggest making the trip to those when in the area!





We stopped at Cove Fort. Got hit up to pass around a book of Mormon, as Cove Fort is run by Senior missionaries. I didn't take it as almost every one I know is Mormon or set in their way and I am not about to change their minds. I myself am not sure where I stand. Well Actually I am but it is complicated and will get into some other time.
This was a fun place for us to stop take some pictures learn some history and meet some new people.




















We stopped at the Beef Jerky store in They advertise like crazy so we had to stop and wee what they are all about. We didn't buy Jerky but we did buy a juice drink!



We also took some adorable pictures of Jack standing next to this sign Its the largest thermometer in the World Humm imagine that!


Do you think he compares?


Pit Stop kids got distracted by the raven (colby word) I call them crows who's right? I don't know?

This week end we were able to take a couple of days and do something as a family that we have never done before. We rented a canoe from a vendor in Orem, Utah and took it up to the Deer Creek Lake then to Tibble Fork in American for Canyon.
I...Michelle was the only one who had ever been canoeing before. I believe it was girls camp when I was about 13 years old. I didn't enjoy it then because it was cold and all the girls thought it was hilarious to dump the canoe as soon as you got out far enough. That was a huge fear this time as well. We had Avery and Jack obviously and right when we stepped in I got a reminder of just how fragile these boats are. moving your feet becomes like a mating dance. no one can bend over or move with out the counter of another person. So it made it quite tricky with the two small kids. We ended up having a very fun time.
So we rented the canoe then went on a rampage of finding a water kettle for heating up water for our hot chocolate in the morning as we forgot about that detail last camping trip we went on. We also forgot roasting sticks and the makings for smores last time and yes still failed this time as well. oh well the less sugar my kids intake these days the better. Read Dr. Mercola's blog about how dangerous sugar actually is for you if you want to actually find out why I hate my kids having so much sugar. You think it's harmless but really,....well just read it if your interested. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/04/20/sugar-dangers.aspx
we then spent the day canoeing and sitting on the rocky beach of Deer Creek. It was quite windy and rained on us the first 30 min. so we had to sit it out in our car till the Huge Rain Drops quit falling. Then we were off. Later Granny and Papa L (Colby's dad and grandma) Met us for dinner. Colby really does not enjoy camping for too long so we make it short and sweet. We had dinner at Dairy Keen in the train station in Midway Utah and were able to attend their local city days and watch the parade as we sat and ate candy. I taught Jack how to pretty much guarantee that every person caring candy give some to him, every time. He and Avery loved it and filled up their pockets rather quickly. They ate their hot dog and chicken strips on the mini train they have outside. We then went and played at the park where jack added yet another 5 bloody scrapes to his knees ankles and shins, as he made friends with the local children more than half his age as they played freeze tag. The part he was most upset about was that I had him leave, and that he could no longer play with the kids that he said wanted to play with him. This is what I love about Jack. he make friends where ever he goes, timid sometimes at first but he never gives up and keeps on going. Something a feel did not come from Colby or I as we were both quite shy kids and never made a huge effort to grow our circle of friends. I always felt you really only needed one good friend but now I see it doesn't hurt to have a few around. Jack plays that well and is attracted to any kid. I hope that sticks with him. I try to nurture that even though it is not natural for me. Avery and Dad swung the hole time and had fun together. We later went back to our camp site and spent the night building a huge fire that Ave and Jack would smother as soon as Colby would turn around. so it was probably re built about 4 times. Frustrating Colby but hey can you ever get a kid to not play with the fire. Its tempting for us adults too. I always find my self picking up a stick and rummaging threw the fire, don't you?
Avery had a hard time falling asleep so I sage a few songs then he was out like a light. I have always sang the same three songs to my boys since they were born, I think they have become a staple when it comes to insomnia and physical wounds. Sunrise sunset from Nora Jones, Winter from Tory Amos and Hush little baby.
We woke the next morning and went to Tibble fork. It felt like we woke early as we were the only ones in the camp ground and found ourselves needing to whisper because of it. We packed up camp and headed to the lake at 10:45 realizing that we must have woke around 9am which is late in my book. we paddled around took turns and finally got Avery use to the idea of boating. he was excited to go on the last ride. Jack lead us through the wood and took us on a hike near the meadow up there.
The weekend was a success. They Boys love camping. I hope to make great memories with it just as my parents did for me.



Avery's favorite Part: He likes throwing rocks into the water and watching them splash



Jacks favorite: Canoeing and finding his own boats. Here is his collection, he finds his own toys regardless if we bring him some or not. He has a huge imagination and will make something and of anything every time. Love that about him!

We started a family tradition:
Every time we go camping in out tent, we ask the boys what their favorite part of the trip was. Then we draw a pictograph on the tent tarp. write the date and where we camped. I think it will be fun to have the whole side covered in all sorts of different pictures.

What did we learn? How to hunt for worm crawlers. I had no idea how many there were right at your feet. We took a flashlight at dark and shined it on the ground. You would see their watered bodies glimmering in the light then rushing back into their holes. Jack caught a few and kept them as pets over night, later setting them free.

Then we went to Grand Cayman
I first went out by myself and went on a tour. First stop, turtle farm where I got to see over 600 turtles all different sizes from one day old to 200lb turtles, it was Awesome. I was not watching the time like I promised and lost track, the others were waiting for me for about 20 min. The guide had to come looking for me. It was soooo embarrassing. Oh well, Then off to "Hell" a rock formation that looked like black and red fire coming out of the ground it was eeh'

Colby took the second tour with me, where we went on a Pirate ship tour. We snorkeled in the pouring rain. The salt killed my eyes and made it kind of miserable and almost unvisitable because the rain was bouncing off the water so hard. It was fan freaking tastic.
We took another tour to some Mayan Ruins, I have to admit, I was very disappointed in the locals. No one could point me in the direction of a cocoa pod tree. So I was unable to fill one of my Top 5. We drove around the island and saw turtle nesting areas, thousands. Then off to a play-land that had all sorts of things to do. We kayaked, went seashell fishing, sun bathed and paddle boated around the ocean. We thought we had missed the bus but when we got there we were actually 45 min. early! Here I was able to get in one of "My Top 5 list Things To Do" Sip a Margarita while sitting in a hammock- except the "Under a palm tree" part was missing - I was still in pursuit.

We then had a sea day then off to: Disney's private island Cast away Cay in the Bahamas
This was the best by far. We spent the day finding sand dollars! Another one of my Top 5 Whoo hoo


We saw the Ship from the Pirates of the Carribean movie the "Flying Dutchman"



Went snorkeling it sucked. Did Yoga on the beach it was the best Ever. The Very first picture here on my blog is where I did yoga all I can say is Beautiful!
Here is me sipping my drink in a hammick under a palm tree. Now we can alllll BBreaThhhh aaahhhhhhhh

We finished the trip off with visiting Disney World Animal kingdom in Florida. No Alligators yet another disappointment for my top 5 list