Part 4... getting there... almost done...

Day 2 consisted of:

The mall at Corte Madera.

The Discovery Museum

A short visit with our very dear friends, Kelli, Nefi and Sabrina! Just like old times! I wish we could have stayed longer. Kelli is just one of my soul sisters in life, our conversations are so relaxed, we have so many similarities... the list goes on and on and I just adore her children! I wished we lived closer because I know our kids would be the bestest of friends. It was amazing to see how the kids have grown even in only 8 months time! We missed Fabio... poor daddies have to work and never get to have as much fun! But we will be back! Soon! And of course, I forgot my camera so no glamour shots.

Then it was off to Aunty Shelia's for her ribs. If I could describe them in one word it would be bliss. Of course that wasn't the only reason we went. You can tell what's on my mind.... mmm.... But it was good to see our family although it did make me quite sad. My aunts are soooooo good with my girls. They really are the women and moms you just want to end up like in life and I wish we were closer. Christina was so polite and was using her best manners. And of course, Aunty Shelia spoiled her with some gifts... which we've been playing with daily. She got a stamping kit that is comparable to play dough, she just loves it. Our family is so thoughtful... I can't wait to see them in a couple weeks as they come to Reno to celebrate Casey's 21st birthday! If only burning man were in town.

See, she liked the stamps so much, she stamped her left eye.

Part 3 (of maybe 46? Just Joking. Sure I am.) Going back to Cali

After lunch, we headed over to Oakland to visit the temple and Seagull books. I heart Seagull books. Deseret books is nothing compared to you beloved place of deals to my heart.

Temple grounds. Peaceful and gorgeous.

I love to see the temple! One of Christina's favorite Primary songs. I look forward to the day my girls will be married in one of these!

Temple Spires.

Her mother's child.

Then it was time for one of the things I DON'T miss about California... guess what that is...

Fortunately, we got through to Corte Madera pretty quickly, where we stayed at the Best Western. It was a great hotel with a park for kids, a warm pool and hot tub, comfy beds and room delivered continental breakfast. Plus there were ducks eating grass and Christina got to feed them pancakes... can you ask for more? No.

Enjoying warm weather on the swings.

Getting ready for my very first swim!!

I know, I'm pretty nuts. But I always wait until the kiddies are close to 1 year old to take swimming because that's what I've read in baby books. I hear they can swallow too much water and get poisoned by that. Who knows.

Knew that she'd love it! It was interesting trying to balance two little ones in the water. No one drowned though... thank you Lord.

And then off to bed. What a long and eventful day!

My Special Friend

I have a special friend I call every week on Sundays. I love her with all my heart and won't delve into the details because I really do hold our phone calls almost sacred. But I do have to write down for my own record a quote of the night... she was in rare form! And I do mean very rare form!

Me: So you lived by Yellowstone, that's where old faithful is right?
Friend: Yes it is. And that geyser was always on the dot. Every 45 minutes like clockwork would shoot right up into the air.
Me: I look forward to the day when I can ask God all my dumb questions, like what is the purpose of a geyser?
Friend: Well shoot, I guess the geyser is the (bleep :) ) of the earth. Like the bowels of her. And you know you gotta empty those!

I know this will make sense to no one. Sorry.

Part 2 (of ?) Back to Cali

Fresh choice is a fantastic place... when the food it fresh. Do I enjoy the salads at fresh choice more than a buffet? That's a tough one. But I will say the food was delicious and there was an excellent Greek salad. It reminded me of the only thing I could eat (besides bagels) when pregnant with Christina in DC. The girls of course, were in heaven. Christina carried her tray like a big girl and was so excited for sprinkle ice cream. Maria was excited for everything.

So fresh choice... ultimate salad? Hmmm... Perhaps if there were life size dancing vegetables. Also, there is no such thing as clam chowder, unless it's Uncle Hobie's clam chowder.



Next stop the Jelly Belly factory. Why there were at least 1,000 people there, I'm not quite sure. However, I was not going to wait in a 2 hour line to get my children one of those paper hats and a free sample. We left quickly.

Oh look. The lines too long. Let's take a picture with belly flops that are $10 a package. Remember back in the early 90's when they were only $4 a package. Inflation. And don't get me started on gas. I belong in a rest home.

Everyone, disappointed and down that we don't have hats to wear in the picture.

Christina's highlight was Tangerine here talking to her. Which is me talking in a deep voice asking her if she needs to use the potty.

Part 1 (of ?) Back to Cali

It was vacation time for Yaya and Papa so off me and the girls went. Poor Joe had to work. But we had plenty of fun to distract us from missing our daddy. So, stop one was Nut Tree in Vacaville. 10 out of 10. New, clean, fun, reasonably priced and beautiful weather.

It was time to see flowers. It's spring now, but you'd never know this in Reno.

I knew California wouldn't disappoint.

Rock on with yo' bad self.

Helper Vehicles! Maria's favorite! Nina's 2nd favorite. Her first was the way too fast kiddie roller coaster that she rode on 3 times with her hands up in the air the whole ride.
My cuddle bunny.

Here comes the ambulance!

I loved this carousel! It didn't go too fast, so the adult rider doesn't get dizzy. And the animals on it were just so fun! There was a flamingo and and elephant too!
Maria wasn't so sure of the carousel. Or perhaps it was the life size alligator that scared her.
On the train! Choo Choo! Watch out for the bubbles!

Beach Patrol cars are very fascinating!

Goodbye Cable.... You will not be missed.

Thank-you Dish network for wasting my time, money and brain cells. Actually, all I have to blame is myself. So goodbye to cable and hello to getting stuff done! We never were really addicts, but after a long day, cable TV made it too easy to just sit and be idle. That huge dish that was so lovely decorating our front porch is now gone and it just feels good!

Awhile ago the question came to mind, if I had a few free hours what would I do? I thought 1-go to the Temple, 2-go to the Library and 3-lie down and watch the clouds. Did all of the above! Except I got a little bored watching the clouds, thank you hyperactivity. The library was fantastic, read all sorts of tid bits on Aesop and look forward to looking through an art book on black (african american) paintings of America. Random? I know, sorry if this is dull.

Patch #4 from Lowe's

Papa took Christina to Lowe's last Saturday to build a miniature golfing toy. It turned out really nice and she only got Papa's finger once with the hammer. I guess it was pretty packed and they even had balloons for the kids. Thanks again Papa!

She smiles!

Miss A is smiling now! All the experts say it's gas... but I know better. My girls did it too! I seriously feel lonely and achey... I just want to be near her. And possibly nibble her.

FHE Easter Story Eggs Ho!

We had our good friends the Knights over for FHE and dinner on Monday. We wrapped up Easter with a thing called "Resurrection Eggs". Sister B had done a sharing time with them and I was soooooo excited to bring the idea home. You have 12 eggs and put things in them that have to do with the Easter story. The kids found the hidden eggs and then took turns opening them as a I gave a short synopsis of what each item was.

1. Sacrament Cup (To remember the last supper and the blood spilt in Gethsemane)
2. 30 cents and a kiss (To remember the 30 pieces of silver that Judas betrayed for and what he did so the soldiers would know who was Jesus)
3. Cord or Rope (To remember that Jesus was bound and taken to Caiaphas)
4. Soap (To remember that Pilate washed his hands before he granted the mobs wish to crucify Jesus)
5. Dice (To remember that the soldiers cast lots for Jesus' coat, instead of tearing it)
6. Red cloth (To remember the scarlet robe they put on Jesus, mocking him)
7. Cross and nail (To remember Jesus was crucified)
8. Dirt (To remember the earth shook and groaned when Jesus gave up the ghost)
9. Salt and White cloth (To remember the women who cried as they prepared His body in white linen type cloth to be buried)
10. Herbs (To remember Jesus' body was anointed)
11. Large circle rock (To remember the large stone place in front of Jesus' tomb)
12. Empty (To remember that He is risen!)

New Easter Sunday tradition!!! Hooray!!!

The Supermodel

Easter Saturday Eggstravaganza

We've decided to celebrate the "commercial" aspect of Easter on Saturday. Had loads of fun doing all the typical festivities and enjoying a meal at Papa and Yaya's. I think it was President Kimball who said that he imagines heaven as an extension of what a good home life here on earth is. I'd have to say I agree and that I'm just so greatful for the wonderful family we have... whether it be here in Reno, California, (Corey and Tobi)... we truly are blessed.