Moonlight Beach

Sunday before we headed home we went up to Moonlight beach, it has a play ground and grass near the beach and was lots of fun although I think next time we would opt for Cardiff by the sea or La Jolla Cove for a place like this or even Del Mar beach from what I have heard. Anyway it was still a lot of fun but rocky. After a morning at the playground and on the beach we stopped by the San Diego temple as we headed out of town which we failed to realize we were so close to the entire time we were there, as you can tell it is BEAUTIFUL and peaceful and it was a nice walk around before we headed the 5 hrs home.

We had a really really great vacation and I am so glad we get to do things like this! Hope it wasn't too overwhelming!

Torrey Pines

These pictures are backward so oops. On Saturday we went to Torrey Pines State reserve and beach, There is a hike down to the beach that was really green and pretty, it was a little gloomy on the walk down but as soon as we hit the beach the sun burst through the clouds and it was wonderful beach weather, we caught a crab and Josh, Grandpa, Lacey and the kids played in the waves a little and we enjoyed the sand, you can see how hard Morgyn was working in the sand with her tongue hanging out! She LOVES the sand and getting dirty, Taylor will play in the ice cold water for days and Colin likes a little bit of both but is always first to be done and ready to move on to something else. We then went back to the hotel had lunch, swam in the hot tub and then in the evening we went to the Mormon Battalion Museum which was really fun and cool to see, there was a covered wagon for the kids to sit in, Gold mining and brick laying and the story of the Mormon Battalion members that helped settle the San Diego area and the things they brought from the east that helped in the progression of civilization for the California Coast. It was a digital tour of sorts and I really liked it, we forgot the camera so I don't have any pictures of that. Saturday night we hit another WONDERFUL Mexican eatery and had an adventure full of laughs finding desert which of course Dad Martin needed (he he).

La Jolla

We got to take a weekend and go to San Diego, We have had a lot going on lately and with the long days and other activities the kids haven't seen a lot of Josh so we decided it was a much deserved little vacation. The weather was supposed to be poor but we decided we would go anyway and it was perfect!

The first day we went to La Jolla, saw seal beach, played in the waves and ate at our favorite little Mexican joint there. Then we met up with Doug, Stacey and Lacey for a few more hours of play and some ice cream. Our hotel had a really cold swimming pool and a warm hot tub so after being at the beach we went back and did a little swimming there and had Chili's for dinner ( my new favorite pregnancy food RIBS) it was just outside the hotel room door. It was a wonderful first day!

Christmas Vacation and all that went along with it!

We got to go to Idaho for our Christmas Vacation for the first time in 7 years. It was full of mixed emotions. We had planned on going to Idaho on the Tuesday before Christmas to surprise my mom and Dad and get there a few days before we had told them we were coming. It ended up being a great blessing that we had planned to leave a few days early because Monday afternoon I got the devastating call that my Aunt Mary had lost her battle with Cancer. I have lost two of the most amazing women in my life in the last 6 months, it hasn't been easy but it has made me really cherish the women that I do have in my life. She fought with all her heart but in the end it was her time to go. I have had a hard time writing about this because there are so many regrets I have, so many things I wish I would have said long ago and I lost out on the opportunity. Her Children and husband and family did a wonderful job at the funeral, there were many laughs, tears and tender moments. Her kids have all written wonderful blog posts about her and given beautiful tributes that we will read often and I love them for sharing her with everyone.

After the funeral on Wednesday in Boise, we headed back to my parents place in Pocatello, It was a long few day in the car and the kids did WONDERFULLY we were really blessed by their Patience. We took the next couple days to get ready for Christmas and spend time with family. We spent Christmas Eve at Pier 49 helping my mom make pizza, do dishes and playing games. We also frosted cookies and Josh even delivered a few pizzas. We went home and spent Christmas eve night having a nice dinner and letting the Grandkids participate in a Nativity Scene, while Grandpa read the Christmas Story. It was fun for all. Christmas day was relaxing and fun letting kids run around and we took the Kids sledding, it was so COLD! I am not an Idaho girl anymore!!! Other things we did while we were in Idaho are:

Josh and Colin went Ice fishing

Played board games with family

Went to Lava Hot Springs (always a favorite)

I also got to go through a bunch of my Grandma's belongings and learn a little more about her which is always fun and special.

So after Idaho we head to Utah to spend time with Josh's Uncle Jeff and Aunt Becky they are always so sweet to welcome us to their home. On our way there we stopped at temple square and saw some of the sites and spent the day as a family. We arrived in South Jordan on the 30th and spent the 31st ( my birthday) there, The Hones made sure it was special for me, we played our favorite board games most the day and then Brianne and Brian arrived to spend New years eve with us! Mia and Taylor had a great time! It was fun for them to get to play together.

New Years day we headed home. We had such a fun fun fun almost 2 weeks away! It was rough getting back into the groove of things when we got home but I think we have finally done it.

Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday we sure did!

Happy 2011 to you all!

San Diego- October

Well As you can tell we LOVE San Diego. The first week in October we met Mom and Dad Martin there for a few days of Camping, beach and sea world! and LOTS and LOTS of fun! Here are some pictures!

San Diego Day 3,4,5

Here is some picture of the last few days of our trip. Some thoughts on what I LOVE ABOUT SAN DIEGO.
1. I LOVE Sea World night shows. They are far better than the day shows and
you get to drink Hot chocolate during them. Mmmmm
2. I love watching Taylor on the beach. She loves the water just like her dad. She swam and played non-stop while we were there.
3. I love the little self serve frozen yogurt shops that are all over!
4. The weather is great.
5. I love the tourist shops at mission beach.
6. I love the Mexican restaurant in La Jolla.

Check out that BIG fish. and my cute kiddos

The Fam at La Jolla

( a cute side note)

Taylor and Colin were chasing squirrels in this little grassy area. Taylor would run after them yelling come here squirt! I loved that she was calling them squirts!

seals at la jolla

poser

the polar bear

San Diego Day 2

Waiting for Shamu show to start.

They Loved the Beluga Whales.

Outside the Penguin encounter. Seeing the warm weather Penguins
Checking out the Otters.

Colin in his ride. Love this wagon.

Taylor and the Clysdale. Colin didn't want to have many pictures taken today he is far too busy.

Today we hit sea world. It didn't open until 10am and the kids were up at about 6am so after entertaining them most of the morning by the time we made it to Sea World they were already getting tired. We check out the Clysdales then the Dolphin show. Hit the Salt Water aquarium and the interactive starfish and Bat Ray exhibits then headed bay to the Hotel for some lunch and much needed naps.

Around 5:00 we headed back to Sea world for a couple of hours before they closed at 7:30pm

We miss the dolphin interaction and will have to catch it tomorrow. So after walking there and finding it was closed we walked over to the penguins and other artic animals. SO COOL! These exhibits are some of our favorite in the park. We caught the last Shamu show at 7:00pm and grabbed some dinner and are headed to bed.
Another crazy fun day. Tomorrow: Beach in the am, Lunch, naps and Sea World in the evening I can't believe how fast the days are going.