Fun Visit with G'pa & Gma

We had a great visit this past weekend with G'pa & G'ma Hilliard who drove from Utah to visit kids up and down the California Coast. We sure love it when they come and enjoy their company and miss them when they leave! This weekend we were able to spend a lot of time on the church's new geneology website and it was so interesting to learn more about my ancestors. My dad brought a really cool printout of his family tree that was huge. I loved it! I am really starting to get into the family history scene... Ken says it's addicting and I agree. After Dad and Cheryl left on Sunday afternoon, Ken and I were each on a computer doing family history until 10:30pm! It is so fun to see the branches of your family grow.

This is a picture of Josh, G'ma Cheryl, G'pa Mike, Debi, Jessica & Ken on 17-mile Drive in Pebble Beach, CA.

"The Lone Cypress" on 17-mile Drive (Great Pix G'pa)

An interesting dead tree on the drive.

I am grateful for: I am so grateful for my family and all the memories we share together and are making. I am grateful for modern transportation that makes it possible to see my family because I know that this would not have been as easy, or possible a few generations ago!

Both Ends of the Spectrum Weekend!

One end of the Spectrum, Oakland Temple:

Josh, Jesi & I are on the terrace here... look real close.

Saturday, Ken and I were able to attend the Monterey Stake Temple day. It was so much fun to catch up with members from the Greenfield Ward where we lived several years ago. It appears to me that when we return to Heaven it may be like this.. many familiar faces and renewed acquaintances! It was a special day and our kids enjoyed the temple ground while we enjoyed our session. Apparently, you can go on top of the Oakland Temple... the kids discovered this with the help of some missionaries. I am happy to report that one of the couple missionaries, Elder Crowley, informed us that our children were some of the best behaved they've had... then promptly asked Josh to pay him for telling me this! :)
The other end of the spectrum:
Monterey County Fair
We went to the Monterey County Fair Friday night and it was fun... but a bit of an eye opener! It was sad to hear all the groups of youth that were there talk because every other word was "****"! I was stunned at how openly these kids and their parents are now with this type of language. Jessica assured me this was nothing compared to school.

Josh & Jessica... Surf's UP
Ken & I... probably the closes we'll come to surfing!

Really cool Woody sculpted out of sand.

Here piggy, piggy...

LOVERBOY... performing, for all you head bangers!

First Day of School!

Oh my... this summer was really short! The kids started back Monday the 4th and it just seems too early. I really have missed them and it's always hard when the house gets so quiet so quickly. Each day when I drop them off at school I pray that they are happy and learning and know I love them.

I am grateful for: Summers with my children... Jessica informed me that I only have 4 more with her :( so... I better make the best of them!

Summertime in Colorado!
We got to go to my sister Susie's in Colorado last week to help watch her kids while she was up at girl's camp. We had a lot of fun just hanging out around the house so the kids could play. I cherish the time I get to spend with my sister's family, it's really hard living so far apart. Josh and Jared are only a month apart and just love to be around each other. Here are some fun pix from our week there:

This is my personal favorite. FYI: Josh is much heavier than Jared, but Jared seemed to manage just fine... and they weren't going slow!

This is at the Erie Rec Center... Way cool pool!
One of Jessica's many excursions with the girls... they just love her!

A failed attempt at Boulder Creek. Susan and I realized 2 adults just wasn't enough to ride the current!

I am grateful for: Every minute I get with my family and the opportunities I have to spend with them!