Sea World & Santa Monica Beach

Since we'll be moving in a few short weeks, we decided (well I guess I decided and begged the hubby to go along with it) that we should take the kids to do something big here in California before we leave.  So we decided Sea World and Santa Monica Beach!  It was a great weekend!

 

First off, let me tell you... I hate California traffic!!  What a nightmare. 

 

Now that that's out of the way, on we'll go. 

 

Last Friday after we picked up Ian from school we headed straight out for the beach.  We got to Santa Monica beach around 3:30 pm and it was a tad breezy, but the kids got kicks out of playing in the water.  The pictures tell the story better than I.

 

Trey still takes a little bit to get used to the sand.

Brian freezing in the water.

Brian and I were playing frizbee and we happened to get a picture of me jumping to catch it. :)

Diggin' holes.

 

On Saturday morning we got up early and headed off to Sea World.  I have to say, I was super excited, probably way more than the kids were.

 

I didn't realize the kids would get bored so fast, so we didn't get to see everything (which was kinda a bummer to me), but we had TONS of fun!  It was money well spent on some great memories. 

 

Waiting in the parking lot line to drive in and park.

 

Playing on the giant bounce house.

Hangin' out with the penguins!  I happen to LOVE penguins and Kenya seemed pretty thrilled about them too.  We had to go back a second time at her request.

The crew looking at something.

Us in front of the Sea Turtle Aquarium

 

We also saw the Dolphin show and the Sea Lion and Otter show.  They were great!!  I may not be remembering them right from when I was a kid, but I think I may have enjoyed them much more as an adult than a kid.  There were acrobats and high divers, many jumping dolphis and lots of fun.  It was great to watch Trey point and talk (in baby form) when he saw the jumping dolphins.  Ian, Kenya and Brian sat in the "soak zone" at first, but after the first splash the kids were upset and unhappy, so they joined us up in the dry zone.  :)  It was a great time and I can't wait till the next time we go back... though that may be a while.

 



Mid Month Meeting

I got the fabulous opportunity to teach at the Relief Society Mid Month Meeting at church.  I thoroughly enjoyed teaching too.

 

When my friends found out we were moving, they immediately snatched me up to teach... and to sing.  They really wanted to use me up before I left. :)  But I was more than happy to do it. 

 

I was asked to teach different techniques and options when it came to personal/home organization.  I really enjoy this topic and actually organizing things, so this gave me a great opportunity to share anything I've learned. 

 

Though I felt a little like I was not knowledgeable enough to be teaching the other ladies of the ward, the class went well.  We had good participation and I was complimented several times.  Thanks ladies!  I really enjoyed teaching, and I hope I get the opportunity again sometime. :)

 

I also enjoyed the opportunity to sing a beautiful arrangement of "Love at Home".  It's been too long since I've used my voice that way and I can't wait to use it again. 

On We Go

Some days I wonder if we will ever be settled.  See... let me explain. 

 

Brian has a new job now, and we are moving... again.  This will be our 13th move in almost 7 years.  Kinda insane... huh? 

A few months ago Lockheed started worrying us by saying that they were going to be laying off 20% of Brian's department.  Of course this got us thinking that maybe we'd better look for a replacement job... just in case. 

Well, it turns out you can find your dream job in your dream location (well Brian's at least) without even realizing it's out there.

When Brian started looking he applied everywhere.  I told him we wouldn't go anywhere unless it was perfect or we had to go.  Out of no where came this job in Lehi, Utah with IM Flash Technologies.  He went to an interview thinking it was a long shot and the following week got an offer from the company.  He was THRILLED to say the least!  He claims it is a perfect/dream job and I don't doubt that he feels it is his dream location.  His family lives near where we'll live and a few of my siblings do as well.  All in all you couldn't ask for a better opportunity. (Unless you included the temperature never falling below 50 degrees.  I could do that.)

So here we are, selling our house 7 months after we purchased it, preparing for another crazy move.  But hey... we've done it a few times, so I guess I have the practice. :) 

I do have to say that I think the Lord laid this blessing out for us very well.  It truly is a blessing to be able to be near family for the first time in years.  It's truly a blessing how well the Lord laid out the path for us to follow in moving this time.  And it is truly a blessing to have Brian's parents around to let us lean on them for a few months during this move. 

Though to many this move seems like a nightmare, it's most likely going to be our easiest move yet.  I am feeling stressed, but that's actually attributed to things that don't relate to the move.  I think the move will go smoothly and I'm happy for that. 

So here we come Utah, I hope you're ready for us.  May this be very, VERY close to the absolute last time we move!!!  I pray for that daily. :)  

No More Secrets

Apparently my son has gone and grown up on me.  It used to be that I could be doing something for Brian and the kids wouldn't even notice, but now Ian notices.  I was making heart shaped cookies for Brian's Valentine's Day gift while Ian was doing homework and when Ian asked what I was doing I told him that it was just something for dad.  He immediately replied, "I'm gonna tell dad as soon as he gets home!"  I tried to explain to him that it was a surprise and that he needs to not tell dad, but apparently it didn't sink in. 

 

When Brian got home Ian ran straight to him and said, "Mom has a surprise for you, but I'm not suppose to tell you." 

 

There goes the age of getting surprises ready right in front of the kids noses. :)  Oh well! 

Take My Hand

I've been working on a few projects and I just wanted to show off how they turned out.  Enjoy!

 



Oh So Proud!

I have to say that I'm utterly proud of my Ian boy!  He's such a great kid!  A few weeks ago we were invited to his school to an awards ceremony for the Kindergarteners.  I was so excited for Ian.  He received an academic award from his teacher (one of only six kids in his class of 32).  His teacher is wonderful and when she announced Ian she said he was and "old soul" which I just loved.  She explained that Ian helped her think about things in a whole different way, that he was a very mature thinker. :)  I'd have to agree.  So here are some pictures below of our little "old soul" boy.

 

Ian's wonderful teacher!! We just love her!