Memorial Weekend 2013...

On Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend, after church, we headed to Ogden to see the Dopp Graves.  We just happened to run into the Brent Dopp family.  It was so fun to see Aunt Grace.  We haven't seen her for several years.  She is getting older, but  her fun, British, spunk is alive and well.  Izzy loved meeting her and Grace was thrilled with Izzy's attention.

 

We were missing quite a few Dopps for one reason or another.  But, we had plans to meet up with them at the next cemetery.

At Grandma Hill's grave, we were able to connect with Ken and Loretta's family.  Big families are so fun!

After graves, we went back to Scott and Circe's house for a spaghetti dinner.  Thanks Scott and Circe for hosting the crew.  You are always so kind, generous, and gracious with your home.

The next day, we hit LAGOON!  It has been fun to keep the tradition alive.

Jackson WAS NOT up for the white roller coaster.  But, Izzy WAS.  Even though I didn't ride it with her, I was able to catch her expression as she exited the ride.  She loved it.  She thought it was scary and wondered if she was going to fall out, but... she thought it was AWESOME.

 

Col and Iz right before their first jeep ride.  We love new rides!

 

Another new ride this year is the Tea Cups.  What a darling ride.  This one would make me sick, but I'm glad the kids enjoyed it.

 

All I all, it was a great day.  We enjoyed all our favorites (lunch, ice cream in Pioneer Village, and fun times with family).  Until next year!

 

The Gift My Mother Gave Me....

I love this.  (Go to the Blog if you are in a "reader".)

This coming Sunday is Mother's Day.  I know, I for one, am grateful for my mother and all she's taught me.  My values, my testimony, the core of who I am is because of my parents influence.

I loved what Maria Shriver had to say about mothers.

"You don't have to go out and start a Special Olympics movement.  If you can raise a child with self esteem, game over for me."

Last night, as we were getting out of the car for the boys' piano recital, I asked them if they had their music.  Jacks kind of snapped at me and said, "Yeesssss.  Why do you have to ask that?"  I answered, "Because I'm a mom.  And, that's what moms do."  :)

I hope my children will look back at their childhood, just as I do, and remember all the positive teachings and experience.  I hope they will be contributing members of society with strong testimonies of our Savior, who are self assured in who they are and where they are going in life.  And... I hope they remember to visit me. :)  Anything more is frosting.

In addition to my mom, I'm grateful for all the mothers in my life; my mother in law, Marlene, my friends, my sisters and sister in laws, and all of the strong women in my life who lead me, who encourage me, and who help me be a better woman each and every day.  Your efforts don't go unnoticed. 

You matter and you are making a difference.

Imperial Beach, Mid Week

So far, we've had a great week at the beach.  Most mornings, we wake to clouds.  We wonder if it will be the day the weather banishes us to the condo, unable to partake of the sand and surf.  Ryan starts the morning off by taking one of the littles out for a daddy breakfast at Waves Cafe.  Well, except for Lexie.  Lexie prefers the culinary creations of Katie's Cafe.  After breakfast and a lazy morning in the condo, we get out the sweatshirts and venture out for a morning stroll on the beach to collect shells and to watch for sea life.  The whole time, we're hoping the clouds will lift and allow the sun to peek through the mist.


Every day our hopes have been answered.  Every day, about noon, the morning clouds lift and we are blessed with another beautiful day at the beach.  Some days we have a bit of wind, but with our umbrella shelter, we power through and enjoy our time with our toes in the sand, our hand literally in the cookie jar, our eyes in our books or on the water's edge watching the kids splash in the waves, and just enjoying the moment.  We know before long, we'll be back in the car on our way back to reality.  So for now... we'll take all we can get.

 

My attempt at capturing Lexie's toe touch.  I couldn't quite get the timing right.  So, even though this isn't the highest she can jump, you get the point.  She is a-w-e-s-o-m-e.

 

Ryan and Lex wanted to try their hand at surfing again.  Even though the waves weren't huge, they did manage to get up a few times.

 

I love this picture.  Little Izzy is always trying to follow in her big sister's footsteps.

 

What do you do with a baby at the beach.  You make a sand play pen for her, of course!  We've all loved little Z.  She has been so much fun to watch as she scampers around.

Point Loma Tide Pools...

We discovered the Point Loma tide pools last year.  We decided to venture there again to see what we could see.  If you go, just remember to leave the treasures you find in the pools.  This year, we didn't see too many critters, but we did have quite a few photo ops.

 

Jackson sticking his finger in an anemone. :)  Those things are pretty cool.

 

Splits over two cliffs.  Pretty cool and yet... freaky.

 

The mothers.  We take partial credit for this band of amazing misfits. :)

 

 

We did find a baby crab.  It kind of reminded me of a little house spider. :)

 

On the way to and from the tide pools, we pass a national cemetery.  I was joking with Ryan that this has to be one of the best places to be buried - on a hill overlooking the ocean.  But then, as soon as I said it, I was also humbled.  These are valiant men and women, who served their country honorably.  They deserve to be buried in one of the most beautiful places.  So beautiful.  So peaceful.

Imperial Beach, The Beginning...

After leaving our home at 5 am, and a 12 hour car ride, we finally pulled up to our condo in Imperial Beach.  The kids were so excited to see the water again.  After helping us to unload the car, the kids quickly changed into their suits and headed for the water.

 

So far, we've hit the pool, the hot tub, the beach, the pier for ice cream, watched the sea lions, started the early breakfast out rotation with the kidlets, hit the outlet mall, had delicious Sea Coast Pizza, and eaten an exorbitant amount of mint cookies.  Ahhhhh, heaven!

 

Tomorrow, we have the beach, hot tub, and the Point Loma Tide Pools on the agenda.  Low Tide is at 9:51 if anyone wants to join us. :)