Forth of July and California pt 1

Fourth of July was so pretty. But the kids had just gotten over one of the worst viruses ever. It felt like food poisoning and the only reason I know it wasn't is because it went around Jeremy's work before it landed on our doorstep, Oh and i caught it the day after the 4th. Yay me.

But yah, Fourth of July. Honestly, I can't quite remember what we did in the early part of the day. We didn't get around to sparklers, but that's okay, don't need them every year.

Close to sunset we went up to draper and found a lovely spot to watch fireworks. the kids ran and played while Jer and I sat on a blanket until the sun finally set.

Salt lake, I must say has some unique fireworks. In the other states I've lived, you find out where the fireworks are, go there, and it's a big display sometimes even with music. Here in the valley, you seem to pick a spot with a good vantage point and see fireworks go off across the valley. There doesn't seem to be one big show. Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but from my understanding that's just the way it is. It is lovely in its own way.

Two days after the 4th we left for California, we left a little late because of errands but Utah said goodbye with a beautiful sunset.

Jeremy had to work for the first three days of our trip, so the kids and I played at the pool, went to the park, went to the Land of Nod (it's a big deal for me cause I'm a geek) and hunted down sweet things.

When daddy finally got done with his meetings the vacation was on! Our first day we took it 'easy' and stayed around town. We went to Farrell's Ice cream parlor (which I highly recommend if you want some excited children.)

The next day we went to San Deigo. First stop was the zoo, then had a late lunch at George's at the cove (also recommend - gorgeous views,) then we went to the children's beach, then a hop skip and jump away to the beach and last we stopped at the temple before going back to hotel. What I came away with was that I need to go back to san diego. 

Talk to Addie about Panda Bears...I dare you.

So the children's beach, California built a wall to protect a cove so that children had a safe place to swim (so the waves weren't so strong) well the seals thought it was a great idea. So now they inhabit that area. Obviously, you can't swim right there but you can get really close to them and walk right onto the wall (if the tide is coming in, you will get wet) 

Still, to come California part 2, a family reunion, and other fun tidbits.

Trying to recap the beginning of our summer.

We have been doing what apparently we do best - take on a big project and travel. Which as I type it makes me smile, but having just lived it - well, lets just say I'm ready for some down time.

First, we have been shuffling our house around. Jeremy took over the playroom in our basement for business so instead of having all the toys in my living room I decided to put Barrett in Addie's room and make a playroom out of Barrett's old room. It has gone off like gang busters!

The kids are in there everyday playing and my front room in general stays cleaner (they haven't changed their personalities - it still gets messy.) I got some simple storage from ikea and used bins I already had from around the house, oh! and got some vinyl chalkboard from amazon. If we didn't rent I would totally paint a wall with that special chalk paint they have.

Ah, yes, sometimes nap time requires extra pillows. :)

Next up 4th of July and lovely, lovely southern california :)