Spring Break - La Jolla Children's Pool

On Saturday, Chris was invited to play golf with some clients. He got to go play at Del Mar Country Club (a place where Phil Mickelson is a member). So, the kids and I hung out at the hotel for the morning. We walked along the bay behind our hotel, but it was really too windy to be out there for too long with Lizzie. After Chris returned, we headed up to La Jolla. On our way there, we stopped by the San Diego Temple (although they don't have a visitor's center, so we didn't get out). We then headed to the Children's Pool Beach in La Jolla to go see the harbor seals. There is a wall built around a little area of the beach and the seals come and sun themselves there. It was really quite fascinating.

Luke didn't want to pose for any pictures. This was as good as it got.

A bunch of seagulls (or eagles as Luke called them) out on the rocks. Camilla and Luke enjoyed chasing them.

There were some big waves. We saw a few people out body surfing.

A Harbor Seal sunning himself.

This looked like a momma seal trying to get her baby up on the beach.

I couldn't believe how many seals there were.

San Diego - Sea World

Spring break 2009 meant a trip to San Diego. We left on Thursday morning and arrived in San Diego around 3:30. That night, we met up with friends, Danny and Andrea Heid, who were also in town. We played at the park and went to dinner in Old Town San Diego. It was nice to catch up with them. On Friday morning, we headed to Sea World for a day of fun. The picture above is from the end of the day as we were headed out of the park. Thankfully we brought the double jogger stroller to haul all of our stuff. We actually made it through the park without buying a meal (thanks to a late breakfast and snacks we "smuggled" in). We had a great day seeing all sorts of animals and shows. Luke and Camilla both liked the Shamu show the best.
Chris with Chris the Clydesdale

A pretty ranunculus (I thought these were so pretty, I bought a bunch when I got home)

A Bird of Paradise Flower

Chris sneaking in a little work while waiting for us to go through the Arctic Exhibit.

A Beluga Whale

Camilla in an "ice" cave. Luke was too scared to go in.

This is an "Argentine" penguin (comes from Chris's mission).

This is the best photo Chris could get of us from his basket. The maximum number of people per basket was 4 (and they counted Lizzie), so Chris and Lizzie rode in a separate basket. The ride took us out over the bay. It was quite windy, but we were able to see a lot of the park.

Lizzie and Chris enjoying their ride.

We even found a few bunnies in the park.

Lots of pink flamingos (Camilla will tell you they are pink because they eat shrimp).

This was from the sea lion/seal/walrus show. (The show where Luke spilled an $8 soda. The refill was only $1.69)

Shamu (this was our first show)

We did not sit in the "splash zone," but we did enjoy seeing Shamu and friends splash.

Luke waiting to see Shamu

Camilla waiting to see Shamu

Kelly and Lizzie awaiting Shamu

Starfish and other random fish from the aquarium

Camilla picking up a starfish. Believe it or not, I also picked up that starfish. Camilla and I also touched a sea cucumber (which felt like a wet, squishy marshmallow).

Lizzie all ready for a day in the wind and sun. She rotated from the stroller to the carrier. She was quite a trooper. She was enjoying the tide pool in her own way. She did not touch a starfish.

Luke, Kelly, and Camilla at the tide pool.

Updates coming soon...

We are home from San Diego! I just need to upload all of our photos and then I will get to posting.

10 Years Ago

Michael and Elna (aka Mikelna) drove up for a visit. They both had a day off today and wanted to go to the temple, and we were lucky to get them for part of the day too. Elna saw a little photo book with our engagement photos in them and started looking at them. I then pulled out our wedding album, and we looked at those. She was commenting on Chris's smile (it was a real smile and not the grimmace he makes for most family pictures). I was remembering taking those pictures and realized that it was 10 years ago yesterday that Chris asked me to marry him. What a blessing! I am so thankful to be married to such a wonderful man, who is a fabulous husband and father. If he asked me again today, would I say yes? Without a doubt, 100 times over. I love you, Chris!

Kindergarten Valentine's Day Party

Camilla frosting her cookie. She was insistant that Luke help her.

Luke the honorary kindergartner for the day.

Lizzie was plain tuckered out. She fell asleep like this.

Luke and Camilla checking out Camilla's valentines.

Camilla Star Student of the Week

Camilla was the Star Student of the Week this past week in Mrs. Moore's Kindergarten class. She got to bring home Freedom Bear to spend the week with our family. He got to play with Camilla and Luke and do everything that Camilla did. Luke took care of him while Camilla was at school. On Monday, Camilla got to bring in a collection of items from home that meant something to her to share with the class. On Tuesday, she brought in her favorite book Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch. On Wednesday, she shared an information sheet with her class about herself. On Thursday, I wrote a letter to the class about Camilla for Mrs. Moore to share. On Friday, she presented her Star Poster about herself and shared what she and Freedom Bear did during the week. Luke, Lizzie, and I were invited in to see the presentation and eat lunch with Camilla. It was a fun afternoon at the school.

Camilla with Freedom Bear, before school.

Camilla, with Mrs. Moore, presenting her poster.

Camilla reading to her classmates about her week with Freedom Bear.

Camilla with her poster and Freedom Bear.

Luke eating his lunch next to Tanner Golightly.

Camilla eating her lunch. She asked me to bring in McDonald's for her special lunch.

Luke playing with Camilla at recess.

Tanner Golightly and Mia Martinez helped to look out after him too.

Luke on the slide.

Camilla's First Soccer Game

Camilla showing off her uniform.

Camilla getting ready to kick the ball.

An "action" photo of Camilla warming up with the Blueberries.

Camilla following in the footsteps of her mom and becoming a soccer player. These are from Camilla's first soccer game, last Saturday. They play on a mini field, four on four. The coaches are out on the field with them, there are no refs. There are also no goalies or throw ins. Camilla is still learning to go after the ball, but Chris is confident she will find her competitive spirit here soon. She is excited for the trophy at the end of the season!