Monterey, CA Trip

We took a trip to Monterey last weekend - the same place we went on our honeymoon, only this time with kiddos to visit the Johnsons. My dad was competing at the Monterey Scottish Festival in a bagpipe showdown. We were only there from Friday afternoon to Sunday at noon, but we made sure to hit the hot spots - Fisherman's Wharf, Asilomar, the Festival, and Big Sur. I took a ton of pictures, so I will break it up into a few posts.

It was so good to see my family, and to have Claire and Miles get to spend time with them. I think I take so many pictures so they will have clearer memories of these trips. The only one missing was Becky, but we will see her in September.

Me and Mom on the Wharf, Looking at Sea Otters


Uncle Matty, home from BYU-Idaho, and Miles at Fisherman's Wharf


Miles Man


Exploring the Tide Pools at Asilomar



The City Girl - Claire did not like the wildlife



Megan and Erick - the birthday boy turned 30!


Megan came prepared - nets, buckets, bubbles and sand toys



I am blinking, as usual...but it was our only family pic at the beach

Accidental Fun

We went to Green Valley Ranch recently to have dinner at Lucille's BBQ with Betty and Phil and then go on the carousel. It was 100+ degrees, but sometimes you just have to get the kids out of the house no matter how hot it is. After dinner we stumbled upon a free activity in the stage area of The District - free masks and necklaces for the kids to dress up, music and bubbles. What luck! It is nice to see some family-friendly things now and again in the midst of Sin City. Then we headed to the carousel and instead of $2 a ride, it was free! The night kept getting better. The kids were sweaty and worn out when it was time to go home, good times.

Splash Park with Dad

Summer in Vegas = Splash Park

Claire's Cafe Rio

These are all pictures Claire took with my phone at Cafe Rio. It is interesting to see what she decided was picture-worthy. Notice our free meal - love it!

I Am Like a Star Shining Brightly

Claire filled out a spotlight form today for her primary class at church - they have all the kids stand up and then read the answers to each question. If the answer doesn't apply to them, they sit down. It is a fun way to see what Claire is thinking about - she said she wants to be a dentist when she grows up. A dentist?! I guess reading the Bernstein Bears Go To the Dentist has had an impact.

London - 10 Years Ago

Sigh... I don't even have a current passport anymore, that's how long it's been. Someday I will visit Europe again, if I can convince Matt. Here's Karry and me in Green Park, London.

Post-Harry Potter

We were the first ones in line for our showing of Harry Potter - after we took our pictures around the theater, of course. Some girls leaving a previous show let Emily borrow a wand. Nice! The movie was everything it was supposed to be - very well done, as usual. I love Alan Rickman as Snape - all the actors are great, actually. We had a great time and I am glad our husbands didn't mind that we we wanted to go on opening night without them :)