The Happiest Place on the Earth

Linda's granddaughter was participating with her gymnastics team at an exhibition Saturday at Disneyland so Linda asked Becky, Pam, and me if we would like to make a quick trip to California, watch her granddaughter, and then play at the theme parks. We all decided it sounded like great fun, so we arranged our weekend so we could go. We ended up spending hours and hours at Disneyland and the California theme parks. We had a great time. I went on rides I don't usually go on like Space Mountain, Star Wars, Hollywood Tower, and California Screaming which was a huge roller coaster that had more ups and downs and circles than I want to remember. We also went on some tame rides like the new Woody ride, Soaring, Mattehorn, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Indiana Jones, and Thunder Mountain. We had a great time, and we even managed to get home for church today!

Let The New Year Begin

The entire Christmas holiday was wonderful, but I'm just including here a post about New Year's weekend. Julie and her family were still here from Oregon, and Natalie and her family continued spending time with us. We had a great dinner on New Year's Eve, and then took turns trying on the "2010" hat of the year. I bought some fireworks at Sam's, and we enjoyed playing outside with our little show. As in previous years at midnight on the 31st, we found ourselves down by the railroad track near the Strip watching the sychronized firework show staged by various hotels. It was a fun show even though it was quite cold. Our "last meal" of the holiday was on Sunday, January 3rd, 2010, when we set the table with my special tea party dishes and enjoyed a delicious meal after church. Monday I was off to school and Julie, Sheldon, Natalie, and Thomas drove to Brianhead for a two-day snowboarding trip before heading back to reality in Oregon. All in all, I would say this holiday season gets a "10" rating!

Holiday Fun In California

We just had a fabulous three-day weekend in sunny California. The weather was unbelievably beautiful, the activities packed with adventure, and the company fabulous. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine which was close to Disneyland and the beach. Friday we spent the day and a good deal of the evening at Disneyland. We love Disneyland at Christmas time with all of its extra holiday decorations and festivities. We saw Jana Burleson (a friend of Natalie's) dance in the Electric Parade. Jana also was able to get us three free tickets and three discounted tickets into the park, so Disneyland became very, very affordable. Saturday we spent the day on the beach making a huge sand castle, walking, eating, and finally enjoying the yacht Christmas parade on the pennisula between Balboa Pier and Balboa Island. Sunday we enjoyed the hotel. Everyone got in the pool and spa except me. I soaked in the spa and was lazy. It was a fantastic trip. This was definitely a great way to start off my two-week winter break from school.

A Forever Family

The last four days are the result of what was started seven years ago when Sheldon and Julie were married in the Salt Lake temple. What a journey it has been. Last Thursday in Hillsboro, Oregon the adoption was finalized of little Jace. Once that was accomplished the next step was the sealing of their family in the Portland temple. On Sunday Sheldon was able to bless Jace in Sacrament Meeting. I am so glad that I have been a part of this amazing journey. I love Baby Jace, and I am so glad he is a part of our family. I hope now that I can be the best grandma ever to this sweet, precious little boy that has so recently left our Father in Heaven and joined our family circle.

Thanksgiving Comes Early at Our House

We celebrated Steve and Thomas' birthday plus Thanksgiving last Sunday. Unexpectedly, Melanie was also home for a four-day weekend. We had a great time not only on Sunday but for several days playing and enjoying time together. We went on several long walks, and Melanie and I got a pedicure and went out to lunch. Of course, there's nothing quite like holding a grandbaby which you can see me above holding Ashton; that's one of my all-time favorite pasttimes. The house was quiet for a few days and then Becky and Craig arrived Friday so they could watch Marci and Ryan play in a tennis tournament here in Vegas. Unfortunately, Ryan sustained an injury early on Friday morning and will need surgery in Utah next week. The good thing though is I got to spend time with my sister and that helped after having Melanie return to Missouri.

I Can't Move!

On Halloween Day we went to Red Rock for our favorite waterfall hike. We took our portable Scrabble game and played for a few hours as the afternoon slipped by. The weather is so gorgeous now, and we had so much fun before that we decided to go back to Red Rock today for another afternoon of adventure. This time Natalie, Thomas, Cali, and Ashton went with us. We hiked to Calico Tanks which was about 2.5 miles. It was a moderate hike or so the brochure said; but at this very moment I am sore, my legs are wobbly, and all I want to do is watch something mindless on TV while I rest on my nice, comfortable bed. We actually had a wonderful time even though I'm very tired after our afternoon of hiking. We enjoyed another magnificent day outside. What made all the steps worthwhile was the terrific panoramic view from the top as we looked down at Las Vegas. It was a great way to spend my day off midweek as schools were closed for Veterans Day. Thanks, America, for all the freedoms I enjoy!