Monterey, CA

We are feeling pretty lucky that we got to slip away for a little vacation to visit Micah and Morgan in California. Micah has been in Monterey learning the French language for the army. He's pretty smart like that. We thought it would be the perfect time to go visit since they would be moving back just a week after we went out. Joel helped them move a little bit of their furniture, but mostly they were nice to take us and show us around Monterey. We had such a good time and it was fun to see their favorite places.

The night before we left Spencer kept coming out of his room to tell me that he couldn't sleep. He was a litte excited about the whole trip and especially to fly on an airplane. It made me realize that we need to get this boy out of the country a little more often. He thought the airport was so cool. The airport train, the escalator, the moving walkways..he was thrilled to be there.


We had a little time to blow, so Spencer rode the escalator a few times.



He was a little less impressed when out flight was delayed about an hour.

We were also feeling pretty lucky because Debbie and Anjali came with us.  Debbie stayed out there to go to Micah's graduation and to help Morgan with the long ride home.  She is always helping and really is a professional mover.

The first place we went was Cannery Row.  Cannery Row is on the waterfront and is made up of a bunch of shops and restaurants.  It was made by the famous John Steinbeck.



At the end of Cannery Row was an Aquarium.  Morgan got us some passes because she knew that Spencer would love it and he did.














This looks a little suspicious, but he was just trying to steal the pirate sword.

Spencer was so cute with Sammie.



As soon as Sammie got to the top of the stairs she decided it was a good place to do a dance.  Looks like she is catching some air.



For lunch we went over to Fisherman's Warf.  The clam chowder was amazing.







Spencer order shrimp cocktail and was super happy about his choice.

That evening we went to another beachfront to see some otters..or were they seals?  I think maybe we saw both.











The next day was Sunday and we decided to go on the famous 17 miles drive.    We stopped at a Mexican marketplace and ordered some mexican food to go.  The drive is along the coast and we stopped and got out to eat our food and enjoy the beach.  Spencer was dying to get in, even though it was definitely not swimming temperature.  He was determined though and wore his basketball shorts.  The weather could not have been better...right in the mid 70's.









Is Sammie not the cutest.  She has the personality to match too!

















We drove one of Micah and Morgan's cars back for them.  It worked out perfectly because that meant that we got to stop and see Ryan and Bonnie on the way home.  We only wish that we could have seen them longer.  We got to their house Sunday evening and had to leave Monday morning.  It was still fun vvisiting with them for a few hours.  I was a little anxious to get back and see Ty and Jack... I missed them!

Kid's Bop World

I came across this video tonight and couldn't stop laughing. I could watch it a thousand times! I love each one of these kids..it's so fun when we all get together!



my favorite parts:
:24 Spencer misses catching his bat, but dives of the stage to recover it....great coverup:)
:59 Macie doing fast feet
1:09 you will see, need I say more...
1:28 Meg correctly demonstrating the "running man" (don't think either of you should try this again:)
1:37 Kiara..she pretty much makes me laugh during the whole video. She's got mad skills:)
2:23 Jace doing the robot. He has skills too!
2:54 Spencer trying to be like his big cousin Jace and attempting the robot. Impressive!

I wish I could take out my voice and commentary. Oh ya. Uh-huh.

Oh well.

A BIG SURPRISE PARTY!

My Grandma Blackham is a very special person.  To show her how much we love her, we came together to SURPRISE her for her 91st birthday.  Not only did she not expect it, but I will always remember her reaction as she pulled up to the church and 113 of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren came flooding out of the church. She thought that she was going to lunch with some of her children and that my Uncle Tim, who is the Stake President, needed to stop by the church for something.

It was so fun to see so many of my cousins and their families. I have so many great memories of growing up so close to many of them and fun memories of the trips we took to visit cousins who lived farther away. I feel so lucky to have such a great family!! They are the best!







Me, Becca, Stacey (cousin), Collin (one of her twins), and Angie (cousin).

My mom and dad put together a video of my grandma's life. It was so fun watching it and seeing pictures of her growing up and the years when they were raising their kids.



Family picture time. Oh wait. Why is everyone looking to their left and not the camera?? What is going on?


Whose kids would run off right when we were ready to take the picture? Thanks Dad.



Show me your funny face.
















Uncle Oneil, Uncle Tim, Uncle Bryant, Aunt Karen, Aunt Linda, Grandma, Aunt Sue and Mom.


I'm so thankful for my extended family and especially for my Grandma! She has accomplished so many wonderful things in her 91 years. The greatest reflection of her accomplishments are her children. I'm thankful for the way she and my Grandpa raised my mom and for the faith and legacy she left her posterity. I hope to one day be like her!