The Week in Review

Spring Break '08!

This has been such a nice, relaxing week off . . . somewhat like a taste of what summer is to be- which is what the weather felt like so much that I kept forgetting it is only the beginning of Spring and we are back to the grind of school next week.  

We had our first Track Meet today (Saturday)!  It was a lot of fun and best of all, Madison and Brooke had a blast.  They were so nervous at first, but after their first race, they were pretty jazzed.  At the end, they wished they signed up for more events (each did 3).

Flying at the long jump

On Friday, John took the day off and we went down to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.  It was crowded, but a lot of fun with amazing sea life to experience; like touching sting rays and sharks.

This is huge:  Brooke is absolutely terrified of animals and we have been working on it for several years . . . after the Lorikeets crawled all over Madison for quite some time, Brooke finally allowed one to go on her.  Quite the experience for her!! 

To avoid the ever-present horrendous LA-405 traffic (especially on a Friday afternoon), we took PCH home and stopped by a favorite spot of ours: The Malibu Fish Market for a wonderful dinner with a great view.

We got new patio furniture this week (Hooray!!) and it came in very large boxes that quickly became forts.  They were so much enjoyed they even served as sleeping quarters for a few nights.  I hope our children aspire to more than living in a cardboard box! 

On Thursday, we ventured out to good old Zuma Beach.  The weather had been so spectacularly warm and beautiful, we had to get in at least one beach day during break.  Unfortunately, the breeze was a bit too strong, and a bit too freezing to be thoroughly enjoyed, but the kids had fun anyway and we stayed for a good 3 hours.
Madison, Brooke, and Olivia (Maddy's friend from school) were trying to warm up after attempting to Boogie Board in the arctic waters.
Christian and his good buddy Harrison.  They are just a few days apart and love to pal around together.
Ashlyn is the bathing beauty who LOVES the beach and hanging out with the big girls.

Wednesday was spent visiting the dermatologist first thing in the morning (more procedures - yuck!) and then getting Madison and Ashlyn's annual portraits taken.  I'll post those when they arrive.  Then Maddy went to Olivia's house, and I brought home Harrison and his brother Sam to play for a few hours.  

Tuesday was our trek to Costco.  You'd think that wasn't a big deal, but it did encompass more than four hours.  Maddy and Brooke went with a friend to see "Horton" (again - we saw it last weekend), so I had the two littles who were quite the troopers with all the waiting and trips back and forth, and renting a truck to haul the furniture, etc. 

Monday, the start of our glorious week, was spent frolicking at the park.  See grandma's blog for photos.  Afterwards, Madison rode her bike all the way home from the park (nearly 3 miles) which was a first to do alone (but I followed her in the car). 

Tomorrow, to end this week (or start the new one?) will be spent at Ward Conference (no lesson to prepare!) and then having the Missionaries over for dinner.  What to serve, what to serve?  Maybe we'll do "breakfast".  The good news about WC is that (besides not having to teach), is that John doesn't have his hours of back-to-back meetings . . . but does have a 6:30 a.m. Priesthood meeting.  No sleeping in, but at least he'll be home the rest of the morning.  I don't want this week to end!  Because starting next week my baby turns TWO, and then John starts his maniac traveling again which will find him all over the globe for the month of April, only being home for a few days :-(