Goodbye California

Four years ago I never imagined that I would grow to love California as much as I do now. We had so many great adventures while living there and I will miss it terribly. Here are some of the things that I love so much about the Golden State!

The Breathtaking Beaches

Disneyland & California Adventure

The Spanish Architecture

The San Diego Zoo

The Wild Animal Park

The parks around every corner

The Sunsets

Tanaka Farms

Watching Mike perform with the OCMCO

The beautiful flowers

The Sunshine (this was taken on Christmas morning)

The Fruits and Vegetables

Old Sacramento

The Railroad Museum

Apple Hill

Yosemite National Park

Monterey

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Lake Tahoe

The Sacramento Temple

Redwood Forest

The Jelly Belly Factory

San Francisco

Of course we will also miss all of our wonderful friends, the Newport Beach Temple (which I never got a picture of), and California drivers (I know I will never hear the end of this one, but it's sooo true!) California, I hope to be back again one day!!!

Times of Trial

I think Heavenly Father is determined to make me tough as nails. Mike came home from work on Friday and informed me that he lost his job. I shed a few tears before we decided to head to the beach to enjoy the sunset. As I was watching Jamison and Mike build sand castles and run around the beach I realized that I have all I will ever need. My little family is what brings pure joy and happiness to my life, not money. Without them my life wouldn't be complete.

Jeffrey R. Holland said, "When suffering, we may in fact be nearer to God than we've ever been in our entire lives. That knowledge can turn every such situation into a would-be temple. Regarding our earthly journey, the Lord has promised, 'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up' (D&C 84:88). That is an everlasting declaration of God's love and care for us, including--and perhaps especially--in times of trouble."

I felt so much comfort tonight after reading these words. I know that the Lord does not abandon us in our times of need. It is during those times that we grow closer to Him than ever before. I am looking forward to the opportunity that I have to grow as an individual during this trial.

Busy Month of March

March was filled with lots of fun! Here is a glimpse of what we were up to.

Of course we had to have a trip to the beach!

Nate, Jack, & Ethan came out to visit for a couple of days. Jamison was a little interested in Ethan and decided it would be fun to hold him.

Ethan, Jamison, & Jack

Mom & Dad D were also out visiting us. We all went to Disneyland

and had a great time together!

Jamison, Grandma, & Grandpa at Disneyland

After our ward Easter Egg Hunt.

At Mike's Choir Concert. He did an amazing job!


San Diego Zoo

Jamison's new favorite animal at the zoo is the giraffe!

Jamison and his friend Camille

Mike's 32nd birthday!!

Mom D came back out again at the end of the month and we went to California Adventure.

California Adventure

California Adventure

After California Adventure we stopped at the Newport Pier on the way home.
It was freezing, but still beautiful!

Nascar

Mike won free tickets to Nascar in Las Vegas! He and his brother, Nate, had a great time!

Utah Trip

Jamison and I were able to spend a week in Utah in February. While we were there, Jamison was able to play in the snow for the first time!

Jamison & Grandma B playing in the snow.

Grandpa B taught Jamison how to play the drums and they rocked out together.

All tuckered out!

Big bear hug for Great-Grandpa Mike

Jamison kept Aunt McKenna busy. She was quite the trooper!

Enjoying lunch with Grandma V & Great-Grandpa L

Lazy winter morning with Uncle Kayden, Grandpa V, & Uncle Zack.

Jamison & Jack having fun making messes!

Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes in St. George is one of my favorite things to go do. We haven't had the opportunity to go since we've lived in California until this year. Being there reminded me why I love going so much, for the beautiful landscape. There's something about the amazing red rocks that draws me in and makes me never want to leave. We met family there and had a very fun and relaxing time!

One of the breathtaking views from one of the houses.

Nikota and I

Jamison and Grandma V

Enjoying the sunshine.

Jamison loved sitting on the balcony of our condo.

Fun in February

I'm finally getting around to updating our blog! Sickness has hit us hard three times in the past three months making it hard to get anything done. Despite being sick, we still made time for some fun in February!

We made Lovebugs

and cookies

and heart-shaped pizza

and a birdhouse!