Family Vacay 2016

February 14 - 20, 2016

This was a really great week. I kinda loved everything about it.

Sunday, 02.14

I'm so glad we got to spend time in Overton. It is always wonderful to visit with Grandma and Grandpa Waite. Kurt and I treasure our time with them. It always feels like we are coming home.

We always do a scavenger hunt to find their valentines. I drug it out over the course of the weekend this year. The first clue on Saturday led them to the car {to start our trip} with neck pillows for everyone {how did we travel without them before?!!} There were two at grandma's house {one before church and one after.} And the last clue as we were driving. We surprised the kids  by going to Disneyland!! It took a while for their reaction to sink in. haha We pulled into Anaheim that night. We had rented a house. It was very cute and everyone loved all the Mickey decor.

Monday, 02.15
DISNEYLAND!!

Jane was SO excited. She did not want to be contained. She was just running as fast as her little legs would go towards the castle. Pretty sure it does not get cuter than that!

Tuesday, 02.16
CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Wednesday, 02.17

Thursday, 02.18
On Thursday morning we went down to the private beach with our timeshare. It reminded us of the Oregon coast, lots of rocks and not a lot of sand. The kids still had a perfect time collecting shells, climbing all around and playing in the waves.


After we got cleaned up we picked up grandma and grandpa and went exploring in the city. We started out at the Centro de Tijuana. It was a interesting museum in Spanish and English about the history of Tijuana.

Next we had a delicious lunch at Rosie's resturante. She is the bishop's wife of the ward my parents attend. I could happily eat Mexican food every day of my life. 

We walked to Hidalgo market. Grandma doesn't love this one but I enjoyed all the colors, and sights. Check out all the cool things for sale. I really just want the kids to experience as much authentic Mexican moments as they can.

We drove to the Artisan market. This was a perfect place for souvenirs. Grandma and Grandpa took a taxi back home at this point so they could get back for their temple shift on time. I loved this market too. So many cool things. I probably wanted one of everything hahaha.

The kids had each been doing extra chores so they had some spending money when they got to Mexico. It was interesting to see who wanted what and how quickly {or slowly} they came to their decisions.

On the way back to the temple we stopped at the large statue of Christ. I was very surprised that next to no one was there {we saw 2 people} and that it was not well kept.

We went back to grandma and grandpa's apartment. Austin, Kurt and I got ready to go to the temple to do baptism for the dead. Grandpa had family names for us to do. Kurt baptized both of us and Grandpa helped him confirm. It was a beautiful experience. I love that temple. It has a special place in my heart.

Friday, 02.19
That morning we picked up Grandma and Grandpa and then headed to the playas de tijuanas. The fence into the ocean was interesting. To be honest it made me sad. The kids had a wonderful time at the beach. Sand therapy is the best way to go.

We found lunch on the way back to Grandma and Grandpa. Not surprising it was delicious. We also had some entertainment as the police arrested someone right in front of the restaurant. 

That evening Kurt and I did a session. It was good to do a session in Spanish. Kurt loved it and it was good for me to be inspired to keep trying with my Spanish. Mom gave us a tour after the session. She was in her element. I'm grateful to have shared that with her. It was fun to learn about all the art work and see the temple in more detail. My love for that beautiful house of the Lord continues to grow.

Saturday, 02.20

We went swimming at our time share in the morning and then packed up.

When we got back to grandma's we finished the Richards Retreat activities, making temples out of marshmallows, receiving super cool temple shirts, taking pictures in front of the temple & breaking the pinata. It was a perfect Richards Retreat. I enjoyed being there and observing. Thanks for all the planning and prep Grandma, it was perfect!

We had lunch together and then got on the road. I think we could be happy to relocate. Thanks for the most wonderful trip! We really enjoyed our time together!!

We got to the border at 3 pm and it 5 before we finally made it through. So now you know, don't go on Saturday afternoon. Thank goodness for the DVD player and curros being sold along the side of the road.

We drove until Kurt and I couldn't any more which was 2 am in St. George. The younger version of me would have kept going all night but it felt great to stop for the night.