Boy's Visit

The family reunion in California took an unexpected turn north when everyone all of a sudden decided to come to Utah with us. Landon had called to let mom and dad know that he was being put in the bishopric in his ward, so mom, dad, Teresa and her boys all came home with us. We arrived home after driving all day on Saturday night. We dumped all of our luggage in front of the washing machine (including a 6 inch layer of sand) and were at Landon's ward with everyone at 9am the next morning. Right after church all the family came to our house for a big lunch together. Quite the welcome home.

I was so excited that Teresa decided to drive her boys up to Utah. My kids don't know her kids. They just don't see them enough. Teresa and I have never spent time just the two of us and our kids. This was such a great chance for me and Teresa to hang out together and to let the cousins get to know each other better. I was so happy to have them with us. 

We took the Hughes' fam up to Silver Lake for a little hike. Silver Lake is just a mile around and quite an easy, flat stroll. As we were walking around I noticed the sign leading off of our path up to Lake Solitude. I had been wanting to take that 3 mile hike up to this other lake with the kids for awhile. I asked Teresa if she thought they were up for it and she agreed to try it! We thought we would try it and maybe have to turn around if there was just too much whining. The biggest problem for me was that I had no back pack for Kate. So I carried her in my arms the whole way. She got wiggly, my arms got tired, but we all made it to Lake Solitude! I was so impressed with those hiking kids. Official!

They made it!!

Me and mine.

Brielle

Kate checking out the flowers.

Beautiful aspen forest that we passed through.

Zachary rock climbing and so happy.

Picnic lunch at the end. We were all relieved to make it here.

Brandon and Ava. Only 2 weeks apart.

We also spent Pioneer Day with the Hughes visitors. We started with the Pioneer Day Parade downtown with Landon, Sarah, kids and Tawna. It was a good one as usual, but not a single piece of candy was thrown to these poor children that were just waiting with their hands out for when the candy flinging might happen.

Pipers.

We went from the parade over to Temple Square to visit and see the exhibits in the visitors centers.

Brie, Ava and Zach. As soon as this pic was taken they fell into a wrestling heap right in front of the Christus and all the people. Nice.

Teresa and her boys.

They were so interested in all the Book of Mormon exhibits.

I love this pic. They were all given balloons in Deseret Book and then we walked them through the new City Creek. The balloons were actually disastrous. They kept blowing away and there were a lot of tired tears. This picture of them all watching the city through the big windows is pretty awesome to me though.

And then, as the grand finale of their visit - Teresa and I took the older kids to see the Pioneer Day fireworks at 10pm. They had a great time dancing and running around together with their glow in the dark decor. I think they were fans of Pioneer Day in Utah. So glad they came.

California: The Beach

We left B-town for a couple of days at the beach in Laguna Niguel. Our friends live there and were so nice to let all of us come stay at their house. I'm sure by the time we left they fully regretted that invitation - she is pregnant (didn't know), we have four kids, Zach threw up in her son's bed, girls coughed up a lung all night long. I felt awful about our stay there, but also so grateful to get to stay in such a nice home and go to definitely the best beaches I have ever visited in California. This place was so gorgeous. 

We spent the first day on the beach. All day. Beautiful, soft, white sand and clear, nice water. We had a splendid day letting the kids play in the sand and water. So fun. It was one of the best days.

Victory!! Wimpy Scott was FINALLY able to get in the water up to his chest! He doesn't handle cold water well. 

Kids covering every inch of their bodies in sand. Never been happier.

Hairy chest.

The next day in Laguna Niguel was cloudy and a bit cooler, so we went to check out the tide pools our friends like to go to. Brielle and Ava were fascinated. They wanted to go further and further out. Zach wanted to stay right up close by the rocks. And I wanted to make sure none of our kids were swept out to sea forever. They got to touch all kinds of creatures in those rocks. We even saw some of the biggest and brightest star fish we've ever seen.

Zachy finally ventured out to touch . . . . the sand. So adventurous. 

Presenting . . . a sea urchin.

The clouds didn't clear, but we hit the beach the rest of the day anyway. The waves were CRAZY. They were huge and I was terrified. Even the life guard was on edge. He was asking us if we'd seen any earthquakes in the news that morning. And then, our own Brielle decided to head out for some wave tag.

We headed up to a cute beachy town for some of the best cheese pizza. This poor man carted all our gear around all day from tide pools to beach to lunch and back to beach.

We ended the day watching tons of surfers out at another beach. We loved it there.

After two fabulous days at the beach we had to load up and hit the long, dusty, hot road home. Kate kept us quite entertained though. She was hell-bent on getting Zach's superman undies on and thought she was totally hilarious! 

What a great trip!