Tide Pools!

We went to the tide pools in San Pedro while we were in California. Basically there is just about an hour a day when the tide is at its lowest and then all kinds of sea creatures can be found in the rocks on the beach.

We had a great time in the sunshine. I think Wendell and Emily have found another sea slug or starfish. We all had to watch where we stepped so that we would not squish anything. This was one of our favorite things we have ever done in Long Beach.

The beach is nice and rocky which makes for perfect climbing for the kids and lots of hiding spots for sealife.

I'm not sure what Megan is holding, but it must be a little slimy given her grimace.

Tyler combed the beach looking for anything new. He didn't just want shells---he wanted the big stuff---like starfish, slugs, and crabs.

Spring Break--Apr.3 - Apr. 11, 2009!

For Spring break this year we went to visit the Field family in Long Beach. They are moving the end of June and we wanted to take advantage of their lodging in Southern California one last time. We were happy to leave the cold weather behind for a week of sunshine. We looked quite out of place when we landed in California with our coats and sweatshirts.

Our adventure began Saturday morning with a trip to Legoland. Megan's favorite ride was the boats that could be driven anywhere in the small pond. She spent most of her time going backwards so the ride would last longer.

Emily of course loved the horse ride. Unfortunately, because of Wendell's allergies, this is about as close to a pony ride as she gets.

Tyler and Spencer loved these little planes. In fact, they all loved them so much we rode them over and over again.

My favorite part of Legoland is looking at all the amazing things that have been built using only Legos.

A group picture with everyone actually looking at the camera.

Another favorite ride is the fire race. Basically we had to pump the fire engine down a track and then back again as fast as possible. It really is just a fun ride for the kids and exercise for the adults.

Tyler, Emily, and Megan found a sea captain.

The mini cities are amazing to look at. The pictures don't really show all the detail that is there with Legos. This is a replica of New York City.

After a fun day we ended with dinner at a surfing cafe in Oceanside and California's newest rage---frozen yogurt parlors.

Student of the Month!

Tyler was chosen as the student of the month in his class for March. The theme was responsibility and his teacher wrote that Tyler and responsibility are synonomous in his book. Too bad Tyler doesn't know what synonomous means. He thought he meant he was anonymous---which as quiet as Tyler is that may be true also. Even though he doesn't like attention, I think he was quite excited that he was chosen. He is definitely the model student.

Megan on the other hand saw Mammy, Emily and I right off in the gym and she thought we were there for her. She told me when the assembly started and she learned that it was for someone responsible, though, she figured out it was probably Tyler and not her. Megan told me her desk is a "pit" and that is why she isn't responsible. I guess that is part of being responsible.

Way to Go Tyler!

Philadelphia, PA

Wendell was able to travel back to Philadelphia this past week to attend a training for an accounting system. We were just a little jealous that he got to see so many cool things from history. Tyler was really fascinated in the Liberty Bell and the buildings that can be seen in "National Treasure." (Yes, his view of history comes from the movies.) The kids anxiously awaited his return to see what souvenirs he would bring.
Tyler did get a miniature Bell and Emily and Megan each got whistles and tops. My favorite part was when he passed out the "proof" set quarters. I told him I would give Emily 1 day before she took scissors to hers. I underestimated her. It only took 12 hours.
Overall he had a great time touring the city and visiting places that Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson frequented.

I'll Go Inside Some Day

Last Sunday we had the opportunity to attend the Dedication Services for the Draper Temple---that is except for Emily who made it abundantly clear that she was not happy she was little. Tyler and Megan each had a white handkerchief and the prized yellow ticket. Megan actually used the handkerchief that my great-grandma had made.
We did have to sit for almost 45 minutes before the satellite feed even started. That made over 2 hours on the hard chairs, but Megan and Tyler did remarkably well sitting for that long. I think it helped that Cade and Kallie came with us.
I'm not sure what Tyler was expecting, but before we left for the church he thought that he would be throwing his handkerchief in the air. I had to tell him it wasn't a party, but like being in the temple. It's always nice to listen to the prophet and have Megan and Tyler as a captive audience.

Flippin' Fun!

Saturday, March 28th, was another tumbling competition. Luckily, Megan is past all of her foot injuries and did really well. She finally got past a couple of girls in her class to capture 2nd place. The difference between 1st and 2nd place was only .20---the difference was the degree of difficulty. It was really fun to watch. Double-mini didn't go quite as well, but the floor is her forte. All smiles to finally be on the podium. Megan was especially happy considering there were 12 other girls and some of them were 12-year-olds.

The video shows her 2nd pass on the tumbling floor---her hardest one.

Surf's Up---Part 2!

I am using a new program to edit pictures and haven't quite figured out how to get all pictures downloaded at once. Here are the rest of the mighty surfing pictures.




I think I had just as much fun watching as the surfers had in the water.