California Adventure

We had such a good time visiting my parents! The kids and I were a little concerned about my ability to remain awake while driving. They were certain to voice this concern to several of our friends before the trip. We really appreciate all the prayers for our safe travel! :) But we made it to Sacramento in plenty of time to meet my Dad's flight. I'm so grateful that he was willing to drive from Sacramento to LA. I laugh now, because Makayla claims I could make it all the way to LA by myself, so we don't have to wait for Dad to have off to see Nana and Papa... :) I'm not so sure...

Sunday was very fun. My parent's ward starts at 8:30am! After church we hung out with family and had an egg hunt. It was fun to watch the kids being so helpful, and considerate of their cousins! It was so good to be together and enjoy each other's company and natually, good food!

Monday we took it easy. I had to do some clean up in the van, and the kids and I watched movies, played games, played in the playhouse, I checked email, and I think I did some laundry. Shel was really sweet and took us out to lunch! Delicious! It was fun to have FHE with my parents.

Tuesday Shel took us out to breakfast at Martha's. (She REALLY spoiled us! :) ) The food was so good! Can you believe I couldn't finish my stuffed french toast? The beach was a few feet from where we were eating outside so the kids played in the sand for a little bit. Makayla wanted to go to the mall with Auntie Shel so we headed to the Galleria next. Makayla and I couldn't agree on sandals for her, even after going to TJ Maxx and K-mart. We decided it was time to see Tutu. She recently had surgery on her throat to remove a growth. My cousin, Norma, came from Utah to take care of her, and it was fun to catch up with her, and her Mom.

Wednesday we went to the beach. We got there later than we had planned. We were waiting for Derek to wake up from a nap. By the time we got there in the afternoon, it was chilly and very windy! To Makayla's dismay, we only stayed for an hour. Afterward Shel took us for some really good shave ice. The bowl was enormous!! It had different kinds of fruit, and asuka(?) beans. Mmmm...

Thursday we took a picnic to Polliwog Park. They updated it alot since I was there last. It has three different playgrounds, a covered work out type place (for those 14 and up) and a pond that attracts ducks and seagulls. I think Makayla's favorite was the cement rowboat that was in a small sandbox. She REALLY wanted to go to the beach again, but it was too cold for that. That night we had a barbque at Miriam and Scot's house. They moved pretty recently into a really nice house. We had yummy food (everyone loves your fruit salsa, Brooke :), especially my Dad), and the kids enjoyed the hot tub, and watching a little bit of Finding Nemo on one of the walls of their house. For awhile Jared and Makayla were watching from in the hot tub!

Friday we went to Travel Town, and the Griffith Observatory. My Dad has Fridays off so he was able to go too. Jared's wife, Mary, came with their girls to Travel Town, but had to go after so their twins could nap. Travel Town has a lot of old trains, and some older cars, and buggies, it's very interesting. I was also excited to go to the Observatory. It was closed for several years for renovation. I understood why children under 5 are only allowed to 1 planetarium showing when Derek was squawking, and climbing all over his seat for a 20 minute film explaining some of the history of the observatory... Next we headed to Tutu's to see some of my cousins and their kids, and of course, to eat dinner. Jason and I joke that our kids are in for double trouble... part Polynesian Hatts...need I say more? :)

Saturday we made great time to Sacramento. My Dad was afraid he'd have too much time waiting for his flight to LA. But he didn't have to wait too long. This time the leg from Sacramento to Grants Pass was the hard part. I think it's because of the time of day. We were all just anxious to get home. But, we eventually did make it back safely!

But we jumped right back into insanity! Sunday night was the Easter devotional, Makayla did well with her viola. Yesterday Malia had soccer from 4-5, Makayla from 6-7, I haven't wanted to go FULL grocery shopping since I've been back. We also have Jason's birthday on Easter, and Conference... :) But I guess that means time will fly and it'll be time for our next adventure in Pocatello! :) Better get to work! :)