CA Vacation 2009

After almost 14 hours of driving we finally arrived at Laurie's house for our vacation. The kids were super excited to see each other and we were glad to be there. Here is the cliff notes version of our days.

Day 1
Our first official day of vacation. We dropped into Laurie's gymnastics academy, had a fun lunch in the park, headed off to visit my Dad, took a trip out to see my brother and his animals, visited my Grandma in the hospital and had some yummy grub.



Day 2
This was our day to visit Dan and Roxanne. We headed to their place in the morning and the kids instantly started playing. We went out to see Ice Age 3 in 3-D, the older kids went out golfing with the men, Alex accidentally helped Megan lose her two front teeth, we ate some more good grub and then I got to go out for a little girls night out to visit some old friends.

Day 3

Our day at the Water park for a little fun in the sun. Laurie has a nice little hot spot in the Morgan Hill aquatic center. We headed out in the morning and let the fun begin. We spent a big chunk of the day out playing in the water, eating some snack shack food, snow cones, water slides, and sun burns. By the end of the day everyone was nice and exhausted.

Day 4

Our 4th day of vacation just happened to by the 4th of July. MarGene bought all the kids matching outfits for the day and they were worn with style. The ladies started the day with a 7am family 5k run/walk. We headed out to Spreckels for a parade and shopping, and family fun fireworks. Of course don't forget the more good grub. Pulled pork sandwiches a first for me and I have to say very tasty :}

Day 5
The Sabbath and our day to visit all our old friends from the Salinas 1st Ward. I think they knew we were coming cuz practically no one was there. They all had the same idea and went on vacation as well. We did get to see a few of our friends and that was nice. We just had a nice restful day and ended it with an awesome family dinner and celebration of Scouts 1st birthday.



Day 6

Our split day. I went to work for most of the day since I was in town and it helped me catch up on all that I had been missing. I also got to visit with old co-workers. While I was out Jeff and the men went out golfing 18 holes at Laguna Seca. Jeff golfed his best round in at least 5 years. He's a bit rusty so that was really nice for him. Laurie and MarGene graciously watched our kids for us that day so we could do our own separate stuff and we really appreciated it alot. Once we were done with the bulk of our day we got this crazy idea to hit the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for 75 cent night. Call us crazy but we had to pack it all in.



Day 7

From the beach to the mountains. This was a final day and we wanted to play it a little low key. We took the kids out to the beach for a quick hour trip, I went back to my Dad's for another final visit by myself, and then the ladies went on a hike up a small Toro park mountain. While we were out Dan gave Jeff a tutorial on the new computer he built for us. Fun times!!

If you couldn't tell from all the pictures we had an awesome time. We packed in as much as we possible could. These are just a few of the highlights. I've got tons more to talk about and tons more pictures but I didn't think I could get it all to fit.

A huge thank you to Laurie for hosting us at her place. Another thank you to Dan for our awesome computer. More thank yous to the rest of the friends and family that made our vacation so much fun. It was nice to see everyone and just relax. Can't wait till our next trip.

Goodbye

At the ripe age of 94 we say goodbye to my Grandmother. I've been reflecting on lots of memories and what a dynamic women she was. I can remember my childhood visits to the ranch in Hemet. We spent many summers there and I have tons of fond memories. From the apricot trees, the horses, swimming in the neighbors pool, little forts we built, setting out milk for the wild kittens, Grandma's fresh out of the oven oatmeal raisin cookies, having Grandma brush tangles out of my long hair (not fun for either of us), her struggles to get me to eat right, and many more. She was always on the go and having a little girl around was sometimes a challenge. Especially one so young, as I am the baby of the Wilson clan. I think I got some of her stubborn genes and sometimes they didn't mix well but I loved her just the same. I got the chance to look through photo albums and found notes I wrote to her as a kid and tons of photos. She saved alot of stuff. It was great fun thinking of the good times. I'm glad she is in a better place. I had the chance to see her in the hospital and was sad to see her the way she was. I'd rather reflect on the memories. So I say goodbye until we meet again.

The last day of school is finally here!!

Well we've finally made it to the end of the school year and we are officially out for summer. Andrew has completed his two years in a special education preschool and will be moving on. It is kind of sad, scary, exciting, and weird to be closing one chapter and starting another one for him. The team that he has been working with for the past two years has been awesome.

They have really worked hard at trying to get Andrew up to grade level and ready for his next step. He was a bit of a challenge in the beginning and we've come a long way. That first day of school I dropped him off kicking and screaming. We have certainly grown alot since then.

Next year he will be going to the same school as Megan and will be in a special education kinder class full time. I've gotten to meet the teacher and hear just a little about the program. I'm excited and nervous for this next step and hope that he'll take the change well. It will be all new staff and a new environment for him to adjust to. It is going to be a big year for him.

Our little Megan finished her 1st grade year with flying colors. She loved every minute of her class. When I picked her up from her last half day of school she broke down in tears. She was so sad that she won't get to see her teacher anymore. She really liked her alot and will definitely miss her.

Now it is on to 2nd grade and she is already telling me that she can't wait to buy school supplies and see what teacher she gets. She hopes to get some of her friends in the same class next year and can't wait to see everyone again. She had a full year of learning, friendship, parties, and just plain fun. She is certainly growing up and becoming a little lady. It is awesome to watch her grow and see how her mind works.

We are happy to have summer vacation finally here. We've got some fun stuff planned for the summer and are already looking forward to the future.