Mormon Night at the Dodger's Game

Through church, we heard that it was going to be Mormon Night at the Dodger's Game. I'm not really sure what that means, but it sounded fun, so we decided to make a weekend trip to LA.

We watched the game Friday night. Did you know they have an all-you-can-eat section at the park? It sounded perfect to our gluttonous selves!

Cayben, Em, Sol & Shay

Embrie, Solee, Shay & Cayben 

Anyhow, we enjoyed an evening of rooting for the loosing team followed by fireworks at the park.

Daddy Tickles

The following day we enjoyed worshiping at the temple and a long drive home.

Life of a Baby: At the temple apartments Solee decided to pull out all the tissues. When that got boring she had a go at coloring, followed by eating the crayon!

Cayben's New Wheels

About a month ago, a 5-year-old boy moved into the cul-de-sac. Cayben enjoys playing with his new little buddy, but especially likes riding around on his friend's Power Wheel 4-wheeler. Do you all remember when you were little, you played with certain friends just because they had cool toys? That might be what's going on here.

A couple days ago Cayben tells me that he wants a 4-wheeler on his Christmas wish list. Noted.

Last night I'm checking the local yard sale page on Facebook and I see a like-new 4-wheeler for a great price, so I made arrangements to check it out today.

I bought it! Christmas is an awfully long time away, and I'm no good at waiting. Cayben got his new toy, and he's been cruising around all day. Along with his first set of wheels, he now feels like he owns the neighborhood.

Ride on, my boy! Ride on!

Zoo to You

Our local library has fun weekly activities as part of the summer reading program. The best is when a nearby rescue zoo, Conservation Ambassadors, bring animals to the library and give an entertaining and educational presentation.

We went last year which means this year we knew this is a popular and crowded event. We went early so the kids could get a good seat.

I think the front row will do just fine.

The presenters showed off some amazing animals.

The best part of all? My reptile lover got to touch an alligator.

Isn't this little guy so cute? I just love his smile!

Jeeping at the Beach

Yesterday morning Shay went on a bike ride with his buddy out to the beach. They took a dirt road Shay and I have talked about taking a number of times, but had yet to do so.

Shay

We have been missing out! After Shay got home, we loaded up in the Jeep and headed out to see what we had been missing. The drive goes up a dirt road right up the coastline on Vandenberg Air Force Base. There are little picnic areas right on the edge of the cliffs with the waves crashing just below. There are a few access areas to hike down to the beach and enjoy the sand and tide pools as well.

We had a wonderful time. We found crabs (1 dead & 1 alive) and some purple sea anemone. Did I ever mention that I LOVE CALIFORNIA?

Embrie, Solee & Shay

Solee, Embrie & Cayben

Adios Lompoc

Our short 2-year stay in California's Central Coast is coming to an end. Shay is transferring to a different prison and we're relocating to Reno, Nevada.

I have very mixed emotions about this move, which is typical I'm sure. There is something about an imminent move that makes you realize all of the wonderful things about the place you live. Here is a list, in no particular order, of the things I'll miss the most about Lompoc.

1. The amazing location. There is a reason so many people vacation in California. It's beautiful, warm, full of beaches, and has something to offer for nearly everyone.

2. Our friends. We have met so many amazing people in Lompoc and established some friendships I will surely miss. There is something unique about this small town. I've never known a place so densely populated with awesome people!

3. The climate. I absolutely LOVE the climate here. The weather is the type of weather that you don't even think about because it's absolutely perfect, EVERY DAY. (I exaggerate, but it's really perfect nearly every day.) I'll miss having my kids play outside all day long all year long. I'll miss the simplicity of having one set of clothing in the closets and not having to deal with summer clothes and winter clothes. I'll miss wearing flip-flops every day. I dread having to buy and keep track of socks. I dread having to deal with coats, having to adjust the carseat straps every time I change the layers of clothing my kids are wearing, and I dread having to haul all the said coats with me through heated stores.

4. The ocean. I will so miss the ocean. It almost makes me cry just thinking about it.

5. I will miss the little cul de sac we live on and the neighborhood kids that keep my kids so much company.

6. Disneyland. I love the place. I know my husband isn't so fond of the place and we'll probably never go there again. Right now we get to go anytime people come visit because it's not too far away, and well that's what people (except Shay) want to do.

I imagine that this is not a comprehensive list and many more things will come to mind before and after we move, but this list will do for now.

Peace out  Lompoc, California! I love you!

Sleep

There is something so incredibly endearing about a sleeping baby.

She's pretty cute when she's awake too!

Dinner and a Movie

Our friends, The Keisers, invited us over for dinner and a movie. It proved to be a great night, which was not a surprise!

The kids enjoyed making their own individual pizzas, which were delicious. While they were cooking we played a couple rounds of Bop-It.

We watched a movie while eating dinner followed by popcorn and candy. Yum!

After the movie the kids enjoyed a glow stick dance party. They're ravers I tell ya!

Solee, Nicky, Me, Embrie, Max & Cayben

Nicky, Max, Cayben & Embrie

Nicky, Max, Cayben, Embrie & Solee

Embrie

Solee, Nicky, Me, Embrie, Max & Cayben

Nicky, Max, Solee, Cayben & Embrie

Nicky, Max & Embrie

Embrie

We're definitely going to miss our friends.