Beach Going

We have had many days spent at the beach this summer, all full of surf and sand, sun, and fun.

One of our last days was spent at the Baby Beach in Dana Point.  It's more of a bay than a beach, ideal for kayaking.

Monday's Memory--Strips

Ahh, strips!  When I think of the beach during my high school years, I instantly think of strips.  Those tortilla chips covered in cheese and accompanied my that special, secret sauce.  Today, while at the beach with Amy and the kids, we decided to show the next generation what a delicious treat strips are.  Amy and Carson walked down to Jack's (it was closed due to a broken pipe!) and then on to Dwight's to get this iconic treat.  And they did not disappoint. YUMMY!

As you can see, they didn't last long!

I can't resist adding this nice photo...nothing to do with strips, but everything to do with my happy place with my amazing daughter.

How Does You Garden Grow?

Todd and Kathy's garden inspired me the last time I was in Utah, so I came home and planted a small one myself.  Well, it's going great.  I've had several tomatoes from my one tomato plant.

We will have to wait and see about the potatoes, but it looks hopeful.

The green beans are a big success.  Today I picked and canned the first crop and got 6 jars!  Hopefully, many more to come. Yea for canned beans.

It's A Jolly Holiday With Mary

I bought tickets to Mary Poppins because I was supposed to have Emma for the weekend.  Plans changed and she ended up in Utah, but mom and I went anyway and I'm so glad we did.  It was Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Happy Birthday Sophie

Sophie turned 9 today.  Kathy was in England on a business trip, so Todd was in charge of the celebration.  And he did a great job.  I facetimed just as he was fixing her pancakes.

Kathy facetimed as she opened her presents so she could join in on the fun.

And later that afternoon, there was an epic water party attended by friends.  

Happy birthday sweet Sophie.

Happy Birthday to Me

As if yesterday wasn't enough, today I received several face time and phone calls, all wishing me a happy day.  Lori and Megan Stricklin brought over a wonderful banana pudding and sang to me...

...and I had a delicious dinner of a truly spectacular shave ice!

 What a wonderful day.

4th of July

This year, we celebrated my birthday on the 4th.  It started with a pancake breakfast at Amy's ward. Everyone there sang happy birthday to me as I pretended to blow out the candle.  (It's against the rules to have fire in the church building!)  It was a pretty sneaky way to get in birthday pancakes!

That was a great start to a very fun day.  Carson played "Yankee Doodle" on the trumpet as we all saluted the flag, we spent a couple of hours at the pool cooling off, and had a delicious dinner of ribs, twice baked potatoes, and fruit.  Then there was cake, homemade ice cream, and presents.