Family Dinners

One of the things that Kyle and I missed most about Utah were family dinners every other Sunday. His brothers and their families all come to his parent's and we spend the whole afternoon and evening together. I took some pictures of our first one since moving back, which should give you an idea why I love this family so much.

Stockton, our 9 year old nephew, is enrolled in an art program this summer and he brought lots of his pictures and projects to dinner for us to choose from. Someone had the fun idea to make an art gallery, so he hung them all on the wall, as well as some of our other nieces and nephew's art. We were each handed a ticket, and we had a real live drawing/auction. When Stockton drew our number, we got to walk around the "gallery" and pick a few pictures. It was so fun and I loved it as much as the kids did. Again, the pictures are from my phone so the quality is not so good. (Someday I'll have a nice camera.....one that I may actually keep track of)

Stacy and Abby

Ryan, Wes, and Amber waiting for their turn

Lydie waiting for her number to be called

Abby

Stockton drawing the numbers

Wes picking out his pictures

And last but not least, my new prized possessions

Tabitha

We had the pleasure of Justin, Leslie, and Tabitha's company in December when Tabitha was only a couple months old. Justin worked a few long days in San Diego, and I was able to spend lots of time with Leslie and the baby. Kyle was able to see her soon after she was born, but it was my first time and I just melted when I saw her. She is the sweetest thing, and her hair?? To die for. She wore a harness to help with her hip dysplasia and even that was the cutest thing ever! She recently got it off, and is doing really well. We miss that baby!

Romano's Italian Restaurant....my fave

Sea World

I forgot to post our Sea World pictures!

Splashing the crowd

They showed the kids how to make the sign, I think it was for the whales to splash but I'm not sure. I love her cute little hands in this picture.

This trip reignited my love for Killer Whales.

I've always been fascinated by them, especially by the tricks they perform at Sea World

Waving

Skyler loved the sea otter show. She giggled so much, it was so much fun.

Wiped out

Ryan and Stacey's visit!

It has been way too long. I started too many posts at once because I was having a hard time uploading pictures. I finally figured it out!

We had so much fun with Ryan and Stacey and our adorable niece and nephews in November. Maddox was so cuddly from the second they arrived and I loved every minute of it. He was especially cuddly right before they left, which made it really hard for me to say goodbye. He is at such a fun age. I was able to spend a whole day at Disneyland with them and we had a blast. I was so excited for Aiden to ride the Toy Story Midway Mania ride. Although they were here for almost a week, I still didn't get my fill. Like always when our family leaves, our apartment was quiet and lonely as soon as they left. I loved the one-on-one time I had with them. It is so nice to have that time with them here, because when we go to Utah we see everyone at once and don't get a lot of time to talk to each person.

So cute!

Maddox

I would skip every ride it I could do this instead

Aiden was picked to be trained to be a Jedi!

He couldn't have had a more magical experience at Disneyland. The boy has had a sword in his hand every time I see him! This was right up his alley.

The green army men

At the mall. I love these pictures! Foxy ladies

How cute is she? With her front teeth missing, LOVE it!

6 going on 25. (She's 7 now) This just killed me when I walked in the room. So adorable.

I asked for a picture of the two of them and this is what I got. Go figure.

Lydie getting her groove on at H&M. She is so fun. She lights up a room with just her smile. But you should really see her dance.

Aside from the warm weather, Disneyland, beaches, and palm trees, my favorite part about living here is all the visitors we get that want to come to Cali. But Here's to hoping everyone comes again this year! (HINT HINT....)