Welcome to California!

Today I experienced this....
Earthquake Shakes Los Angeles

An earthquake shook Los Angeles late this morning, measuring 5.4 in magnitude. There have been no reported injuries and media reports said the quake was felt as far south as San Diego and as far east as Las Vegas, Nevada. We were all casually on the patio doing our own thing. Owen was at work, and Maggie was inside. This was mine and the kids first earthquake and my in-laws were acting like it was no big deal. It was a pretty good shake, and now I know how motion sickness I really get, because I felt pretty dizzy after the fact. Drew on the other hand said, "Oma, do it again, again!" I think he thought it was some kind of ride at Knotts since we were just there last week.

Missing Pennsylvania?

No. It's good to be back home in the West.
I defenitly don't miss looking at this everyday in my dining room.

I don't miss not having one of these--(garbage disposal)



I don't miss living close to this

I do miss this view

We really miss this!


But not so much this.

We miss seeing these


And living close to this

We REALLY miss visiting here

But.....
We are lovin living near this

And this...

and this

Of course, the kids are happy to be near this

and this (Knotts Berry Farm-Owen's dad works there, so we always get free tix.)

But, of course I'm glad Owen is FINALLY doing this


and will soon be making a lot of this!

Corona Del Mar

I must say that I know why everyone wants to live in Southern California, and why it's so dang expensive. The weather has been amazing! Usually mid July I'm roasting on an open fire in the desert of Utah with tempuratures usually in the 90's to 100's, or sweating to death from the extreme humidity in Pennsylvania. So far, I think we've only had 1 hot day.--The mornings are cool because there is a marine layer that hangs out above you. The afternoons are around 75-80. And the evenings are very pleasant. I don't think it could get any better than that! Owen's parents house doen't even have AC--all you need to do is open a window--there is always a cool breeze coming through--keep in mind that they are in Long Beach--I know more inland California and it gets pretty hot. I think we are being spoiled here until we move to Hell. (Las Vegas)--I'm thinking that it probably gets that hot there.
Here are a few pics of us on Saturday enjoying our favorite beach--Corona Del Mar. It's near Newport and they have a sandy side, but it also has rocks for climbing on and that's where you can explore the tide pools. We saw a lot of crabs!

Hanging out in the LBC

A traditional breakfast at the Sanders home--a dutch treat--biscout--a bisquit with butter and sugar sprinkles --my kids LOVE these for breakfast!


Everyone here loves sushi except me. Even Drew and Audrey did pretty good with the chopsticks!

Purple Mountains Majesty

The road that leads to my home in Provo
Deb and Tamar--this one is for you!
Our family at Temple Square
Cousins at Temple Square
When we got to Vegas, we had to stop and see our friends the Bruderers. We've missed you and wish you were staying in Vegas

Happy 4th!

Growing up in Utah County, the 4th of July is a HUGE event! I was so happy that we made it to my moms house in time for the festivities. We didn't quite make it to the hot air balloon festival since we got in at 3am, but we did go to the Provo Parade and the big firework show that we watched from the temple grounds. Ilove the 4th of July, and especially in Provo, Utah!
Maggie and Audrey with their cousin Christopher


Drew passed out in his crib after the parade--this is a classic!
Yes, this is Drew!

Nauvoo, Illinois

On our way, we stopped at some small little diner in the middle of NO WHERE and the people were so friendly.
A little detour to Nauvoo --stopped by barricades because of farm flooding--it was a pretty devastating site
What cute little pioneers!
I don't know about you, but I think Audrey would have fit right in!

More pics from Nauvoo

Nauvoo Temple
Carthage Jail

Our trip out West

We survived our road trip from Allentown to Long Beach Ca. It actually wasn't too bad--but that was because Owen's Mom was the nanny in the back and met ALL of my children's needs. She had a little Mary Poppins bag with lots of fun things for the kids to keep them occupied. We could have never made it without her. We had several stops which helped break up the trip too. We enjoyed the sites in Nauvoo for a day --we have never been there before. We did have a tire blow out in North Platte, Nebraska. Luckily, it was right by the exit so we were able to get off and take care of it rather quickly, otherwise, I think it would have been a big nightmare. Nebraska and Wyoming seemed like they were never going to end, but we finally arrived in Provo,Utah on the 4th of July around 3 am and were up bright and early to enjoy the festivities--but had a rather large nap that afternoon. After spending a few days in Utah, we drove to Vegas to meet the moving truck and unload our damaged belongings--(yes it must have been a rocky drive) and put them in storage. Why are we in California and not in Vegas? Because of last minute changes in plans, and Owen being accepted to Pedo school at UNLV for 2009, we've decided to move to Vegas now rather than having to relocate again next year. Since we were originally going to California, that is where Owen has a license to practice at. So until we can get a license in Nevada, we will live with his parents and probably go crazy while doing it. Hopefully we can get that license before school starts for the kids.
Drew watched several episodes of Charlie and Lola on the way.
Owen and Drew on the banks of the Mississippi river in Nauvoo
The girls at the Nauvoo Temple

The kids getting ready for the Nauvoo Parade

Blast from the Past

Did you ever own a pair of Jelly shoes? I had these exact pair in 3rd or 4th grade. Saw them at Target the other day and had to try them on. Although they were a little snug for my big stepsister foot.