California Dreamin'

When I was a little girl, my family and I went on lots of outings as most families. One of my favorite childhood memories would have to be when we camped at Big Sur, CA. Not only is it one of the most beautiful places on earth but it is also one of the most fun as there is a lot to do. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera the entire time so much of these time is not captured on film..

I took  my family there just a week ago and had the time of my life once again. It is everything I remember. We hiked, explored, talked, laughed, ate too  much, swam, built sand castles, met some great people along scenic Highway 1 as all stop to take breathtaking pictures such as the one below. We went to bed early and got up late. How weird is that for camping?

Additionally, we spent time with my parents. Now that was relaxing- no schedules, played games, ate (again), slept in, read, perfect weather and just spent a great deal of time with no phone, computer, internet or really any media to interrupt our vacation. I recommend it.

This is not in order but here we are just before we are about to go over one of the most beautiful and most photographed bridges in the world.  If you didn't know it, it would appear like Hawaii.  Can I stay here?

I love lighthouses!  I was so happy we came across this one on our way to Big Sur.

At Pfeiffer Big Sur beach (see all photos below) - Aidan found this sand mountain and would not stop climbing and running down it. Aww, to be a kid again. Remember when?

I did 't have a swim suit but got soaked anyway.

This photo doesn't do this scene justice. There are two caves in this pretty rock in the ocean and when the waves come crashing in, it is a frothy, bubbly white gushing of lots of water trying to squeeze through the caves.

Seaweed, anyone. Aidan could not, would not put the seaweed down. There were so many unique pieces and types.

What's a beach without an elaborate sand castle. Yes, it took about an hour and half. I found this after my nap on the beach.

Again, seaweed! 

One of my favorite parts of the trip was this gorgeous falls Called McKenna?  I forget the name - dang! Anyway. there was a large land slide back in 1983 which created the beach area. Prior to that the water went all the way up to the cliffs. I think it is much prettier but was so sad we couldn't go down to it. Too dangerous.

Another view.

Sigh and sigh again. Me and my babes.

The kids had so much fun exploring and so did I. We would hike and find paths sometimes and just see where they would go. This is by the playground.

This campground had everything. A fun playground for the kids, laundry, tubing down the river amidst beautiful redwoods, access to the beach and very friendly, courteous neighbors.  I finally gave in here and went down the "bumpy" slide. It turns out it was really fun and I did it again and again and again.

No description needed here - Yum?!

So seriously, Aidan and Ella's favorite part of this camp trip was "playing" with the fire. Of course, we were there the whole time but they spent so much time here. You'd think they had never seen one.

This is what it is all about. I feel so blessed to have this beautiful life!

Gotta Love Weekends

 Who doesn't love the weekend? I try to make sure most household chores are done so we don't spend an entire Saturday cleaning although I do assign "Honey-Do" lists for Matt as well as specific small chores for for the kids just for the sake of working. They have chores during the week and summer time is great because I get all kinds of help with my little ones' help.

Just Friday, we opted NOT to go to Seven Peaks as the over sold passes and rubbing elbows with every single body in the park has not been fun this year. The kids don't really care for it either. Luckily, we live literally 2 minutes from the park so jetting down for an hour isn't so bad.

Anyway, we decided to go on a picnic in the cooler canyon and hike up Bridal Veil since I have not done this with the kids since they have been too small. Well, here we are! It was so refreshing -no crowds, nature, scenery, good food, and getting wet the natural way.

Got muscle?

 

 

 

One of our family friends' kids - boy- told Ella that girls don't have muscle. Ha, ha, ha!  I'm teaching her early that that simply ain't true!

 I always feel better if we can do something that involves taking Bo with us. He is a part of the family and is currently taking Nicholas' place as he is Nicholas' dog.

 A couple weeks ago, we had the wonderful opportunity to go to Park City and just enjoy the outdoors again. Here we are riding the lift to the Alpine Slides.

 I have to admit, after the attendant said, "You can fall off the track," that I was freaked and took it much slower than Matt. What can I say? I'm getting older and wiser.

                                           Photo opp. at the Homestead before swimming

                                                    I don't want my kids to grow up ever!

Today Is Hump Day! May 18, 2012 for Elder Nicholas Shelton

First, I tried and tried to write a little intro but cannot get my text where I need it so I am placing it here.

Nicholas has been out one year today.  I can't believe he has been gone that long. I miss him terribly but I know the people in Belize and El Salvador need him more than me.

This blog is dedicated to some precious memories I have of my beautiful son. I feel honored to be his mother and thank my Father in heaven for blessing my life by giving me stewardship over him.

My baby boy age 3 days( March 1992, Salt Lake City, UT). I am in heaven!

I have always loved this photo that my brother, Anthony snapped without me knowing at my Dad's in California: Treasures in heaven

 

First day of school - Kindergarten August, 1997

Yep, that's Karl Malone. After the Jazz game Nicholas played basketball on the Jazz court with Jeff Hornaceck's, John Stockton's and Karl Malone's son. It was quite amazing.

Photo out of order but I love this photo of my children. (August 2006)

Another photo our of order. Easter 2006 in front of our old house

Nicholas went through this funny face stage for the camera around ages 7 to 9. Here's one before/after karate. I think he was getting tired of my relentless photo taking.

Baptism in San Jose, CA. He got to be baptized on his birthday, 3-11-2000

I made this Scooby for Halloween when Nicholas was 7. He was a perfect Shaggy.

Maui November 2004
Nicholas- always the playful, vigilant, fun older brother.

7 Sacred Pools Maui 2004

Our Eagle Scout.
Nicholas made bookshelves for several classrooms that needed extra storage in his junior high. I have to say this entire process was exhausting for me. It was a part time job for sure but I am so glad we did it. I'm so proud of him. I knew we needed to get to it accomplished before high school and all the crazy, busy activities that go with it
. Nicholas was awarded his Eagle just after turning 14. This took about a year to complete.

One of my favorite vacations ever was our trip to San Diego. We rented a condo on the beach and just played on different beaches all day. Here we are in Coronado. It was quite beautiful but then again all of San Diego is.

I love this photo.  This was taken after the State Championships at Rice Eccles stadium. Timpview took the title and Nicholas received his second state championship ring.
He makes me feel safe.

Another random photo out of order but again, I love seeing my sweet babies here including the big one on my left. I miss you, Baby!

After Senior Awards Night.
I was proud of Nicholas and the tremendous student he was/is.

High School Graduation at UVU May 2010.
When Nicholas was born, I thought, "He will graduate in 2010. How weird is that?"  It was a blink of an eye, all those years. I'd do it all over again in a heart beat.

As a graduation gift, I gave Nicholas a trip to New York and I will never forget it. I got to spend three entire days with him, running around NYC, watching Broadway shows, eating hot dogs/pretzels, going to the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Central Park and much more. We actually took the red eye and did we sleep?  No!  We were on adrenaline for the first several hours but then crashed on the lawn at Central Park for a few hours under a tree.

The last time we were there, I was there for work and he was 10. He was really disappointed because we didn't get to do much together as I was in meetings most of the time. I wanted to make it up to him. I think I did just that.

After a year at BYU, May 18, 2011, Nicholas entered the MTC. Call is to  El Salvador/Belize. We are all ecstatic!

A highlight for Nicholas was baptizing the entire Lopez family.

Most of my recent pics are on my lap top and it is out of commission for now so I am missing quite a few photos but here he is with Elder Reed, his companion and second counselor  in Belize where Nicholas serves as a Branch President.

This amazing place in Belize is called Xunantunich.

My ham ball, I love him!! only 12 more months to go!!

Another out-of-order photo.
Prom Night 2009. Do I look happy?  That's what holding him does for me.

Easter Weekend Fun!

I absolutely love Easter time: the renewal of the earth, blossoms on the trees, celebrating the gift of eternal life, and of course Easter egg hunts, Easter dresses and Easter ties.

We were lucky enough to find out about Cosmos first annual Easter egg hunt at Cougar stadium and of course RSVP-ed.  The kids were so excited and Aidan loves Cosmo. There probably 5000 kids but plenty of eggs and prizes.  I loved being on that football field and reminiscing my cougar days here.

 I love this photo because of the BY - U in the back plus I'm with my two sweethearts

 Easter Sunday, the kids woke up to Easter baskets and Easter outfits.  That evening we had a great FHE lesson on the resurrection remembering our Savior and His great gift to us.

I love making Easter dinner but I don't care for ham. Instead, I opted for my Italian pork chops - Parmesan crusted pork chops, broiled sweet potatoes with rosemary, and rosemary, lemon asparagus with olive oil. For dessert a yummy lemon trifle with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.  I ate way too much but it was all way too good.  

Also, I have this thing with eating outside and the day was a perfect 72.

 Our FHE activity the following Monday included hiking the Y. I love this hike and the kids always do so well. 32 minutes up.

Yay!  We're almost there. This is one of the few times, we haven't had to stop for rest breaks. The kids are getting older!

 I packed a little picnic of Italian sandwiches, sweet pototo chips and fresh berries.  I told you I love to eat outside. Look at the view and sunset.  Then down to our car for ice cream!!

I feel so blessed to have all that my Heavenly Father gives me. I love my body and the ability to use it to experience life more fully.