Catching UP

Yes, I know it is 2009. I am having a hard time letting go of 2008. Ok, not really, but I hoped it would make everyone more understanding when I begin to whip out some pictures from THANKSGIVING. I just had such an amazing time in California this year. I have to include at least a few (ok, probably a heaping lot) of the pictures of our fabulously fun and stress-free trip!!!

Thanksgiving Day

Me and Super Snuggly Lawrence

He is so funny I can't stand it!

My wonderful Mom-in-law saved this puzzle during the game closet clean-out so I had a wonderful afternoon sitting and putting it together with help from each family member. I love puzzles!!!

Check out that crowd! It was so fun to be together with all the boys and have such a yummy spread of food!

Proof that I did in fact cook this holiday! I made ribbon jello as per Kaylee's request. It is a tradition I kept from my own mother. I love it, Kaylee likes it, and Charles could eat all of it by himself, and usually tries to!

Day after Thanksgiving

The crew at the Golden Gate Bridge. We went down to Rodeo Beach. I love the ocean and so do my kidlets.

Charles fell asleep right before we got to the Bridge. He woke up for the beach, though!

Before: 2002After: 2008
We had to borrow Dawna since Charles was sleeping. We tried to steal her and her brother, but the parent's wouldn't have it. Whatever!

My crazy Kaylee trying to get in the water. It was pretty warm, considering we're from Logan, Utah, but still a bit too cold for swimming.


My crazy Charles was throwing a fit because I wouldn't let him take his coat and shirt and pants off. Finally I decided to give in and just blog it. It's pretty funny. He finally decided it was too cold and put his shirt and coat back on.

After the beach we were driving to San Francisco and Charles saw this car and yells, "Hey look, mom!!! It's Andrew!!!" Andrew is his best friend. He was very disappointed to learn that it was not Andrew.

Before: 2002

After: 2008.... They have done some MAJOR remodeling. It is a really cool shop now. But I do miss eating outside. Some of my favorite memories of California involve food. Namely: Al's Donut's, a chinese place that I think I pronouce right, but I can't spell.... Tao Sin Gin???? (That's what it sorta sounds like anyhow.), and Boudin's!!! Oh there is nothing so yummy as clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl on the pier! And I don't even like sourdough! Wow!

Thanks to Uncle Weston for treating us!

Before:

Thanksgiving 2002

After:

Thanksgiving 2008

After Boudin's we went to the Aquarium. They have added a few things. My kids loved it! I had a lot of fun, too. We came here once before, when I was pregnant with Kaylee. Actually, it is the only other time we have been in California for Thanksgiving. It was six years ago!!! Wow~

Charles really liked this display. It showed a shark attack a camera on a surfboard!

Charles and Dawna

This was a cool display of "Finding Nemo" They had all the fish!

Dawna and Danielle

This is the petting zoo portion. There was a sting ray that was going crazy and splashing the kids! It was pretty funny.

And of course, we ended the day with family pictures at the HUGE tree!

Before:2002

After: 2008

It was a wonderful vacation, and this is only two days of it!!! I have so many more pictures... but they will have to wait some more. This blogging stuff takes a long time when you are documenting and not just venting or writing thoughts!