Saturday, April 18, 2009

What the?!?!?!?

One of my kids favorite comments to make when something unexpectedly happens is "what the?" and then they have a weird look on their face. For example, on April fools when I sneakily opened bags of chips and fruit roll ups and replaced them with carrots, celery and paper for the roll ups Amanda opened her bag of chips and said, "What the?! That's weird. Their are carrots in my chip bag!" Of course I was giggling and thinking I was so great, wondering how my kids were reacting to their lunches at school. I opened up my blog today to add a post and my comment was, "What the?!" Apparently someone has changed my background. I like it. But, it does surprise me as my husband who is most likely the perpetrator hasn't really taken to blogging. I guess it is nice to know he cares!

Do you know the way to San Jose?

This year we flew down to SJ for spring break. Gramps and Granny (as my kids kept referring to my parents) were very gracious to put up with us even though we were there during the hectic week before tax deadline (thanks Dad!) It was the first time our family has flown anywhere and the kids were oozing with excitement and anticipation.

Aaron helped me get everyone checked in and through security. He was staying-so I guess it wasn't the whole family- and flying down a few days later. We all had our suitcases, snacks and carry-ons.

The officer at security commented (as did the people behind us) at how well the kids were behaved. I really thought I would get some negative comments having all of them with me but I didn't. The plane ride was great and they loved it--except when it was time to descend. Alex and Amanda had a really hard time popping their ears and didn't think that was too fun. Otherwise it was great!

First stop, the temple. I was so glad we were able to go. It was a beautiful day and we walked around the temple grounds and toured the visitor center.

Amanda thought that palm trees were pretty cool and wanted a picture of herself by one. If you look closely, you will see her at the base. By the end of the week she would roll her eyes and say," Uhh, another plam tree!"

Justin really felt a difference being on temple grounds. He really took everything in and had a pretty special experience in the visitors center--the kind every mother wants their kid to have. It was awesome and one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Sat. and Sun we watched conference, played at the playground, swam in the hot tub, and enjoyed the warm 80 degree days.

Darren loved the trampoline and just being outside.

Monday was looking to be really nice and so we decided to head over the mountain to Santa Cruz and hit the beach. It was a gorgeous day. We couldn't have asked for better, really. Darren loved the sand and spent the whole time taking handfuls and letting it run through his fingers. All the kids tried the water but decided to too cold. Amanda was the die hard and played the longest.



Justin hit the water a few times and then would come wrap up and warm up. He fell asleep and we had to cover his ears so they wouldn't get sunburned! There was also a fire close by on a cliff just down the beach. We saw huge flames and watched as 3 fire engines came to put out the fire. It was very exciting.

Grandpa buried Amanda and Justin. They made Amanda a little longer then she normally is. She loved it and thought it so funny.

We had to leave before we were ready so I guess that means it was a success. I have more pics I have tried to upload 3 times and for some reason I can't. I guess this will just have to do.

I picked Aaron up on Wednesday while my mom took the kids over to Dad's office. They got to see where Gramps worked, look at the fish in the pond and then walk across the street to get lunch.

Thursday we headed to the Tech Museum and saw some pretty cool stuff.

The kids got to ride in a bobsled simulator. The video below is Aaron and Brittany with "drunk goggles" on. They put the goggles on and then had to walk on the line. Good stuff. That's it for now, more later.