It's my birthday!

This is a pic that I like of Cici and me and my silly DC train conductor hat, that I wear to be hit, but not when I will be sweaty. AK made a yummy crunchy belgian waffle breakfast, which I limited myself since my age is destroying my not very good anyway metabolism (okay I eat too much, I know!). Anywhoo, I don't know quite what to do today, we did the hike thing yesterday and I got all freaky about rattlesnakes (as I often do) so it was cut a little short. But the troopers still hiked and rested about for around an hour and we made it up to what I think is the makeshift 'living room' above Red Butte. The boys didn't like the bees. We saw humming birds, squirrels, butterflies chasing Owen, and many more. Lates.

Full Swing Summer

Where to start...Rachel, Ryan, & darling Mia came for a visit, and we were honored to host them in the SLC. We had fun visits to the DC and even Provo and luckily even got to swim together in the Creer pool. They never cease to make us laugh (as Robert can attest!) and my boys have the greatest time with them. We were/are so sad to see them go.

Otherwise we are still hiking, last week at Snowbird & Millcreek, swimming, getting snow cones, working on obtaining stickers for good behavior in exchange for treats/activities, etc. The sticker thing is working, especially for Owen. He has been a changed man for a few weeks now. We had a Knight/Parkinson family reunion. I was hoping to see some modern-day polygamists (not really), but was disappointed by a few generations past (not too many generations back though mind you). To be fair, I am sure there are a fair share on the Stayner/Scoffield side, right? I am pretty sure I have seen at least one curious headstone. Anywho...

Jack John'son' per H/LBC Aquarium

Welcome baby Jackson John Bunch, or Jack - what I will call him, and Jack Johnson - what Holden will like to call him. He is just as excited to have a new baby boy cousin! Owen will remain Morgan's faithful buddy. He was born June 9, around 7:30, 7'11 ounces and 18".


Owen, Holden, & Mia at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

We went with Cici & Heather & Isabel Johnson. Heather & I were late due to being lost in the LBC. I tell you, I saw it like Snoop yesterday. Road Blocks. Wilson High. 7th Street. Great! The Aquarium was amazing. I can't wait to go again. It was a quick trip, we are totally over stimulated and hungry and tired. And so happy to have Daddy home! He arrived earlier than expected so we had a nice Island walk and evening together. I am still hoping the clouds burn off since we see patches of blue sky at 8 am now and its more than we've seen all gloomy, but nice, week. I just want one more beach day. If not, there is much to do and see.

Just so I remember I read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and it was great. Definitely a book group read.

CA Adventure

California adventure was fun for all! We are really having too much fun on our little vacation. But we are excited for the grande finale tomorrow when we hit the aquarium and Dad comes home! I am excited that my friend Heather is coming in tomorrow. To see the record of the CA adventure, see the kodakgallery of it. Jeme suis fatigue. Tres tres fatigue.

It was funny that Mollie FR saw my blog after I told a few friends about it, and was like "what is that?" Well, this is basically my journal, and I should've said that, so if you are reading... But its funny because I think I was shocked...its a blog man! Soooo 2006! Thanks to Cici (Rachel)!

Irvine Park - Pony Rides

We loved the railroad, pony ride, and the OC Zoo, especially feeding the funny goats and the climbing bear. I am done, done, done yet again! I just want the next 48 hours - maybe we could all be drugged and sleep through it. It is that unbearable.

Fire Alarm at NBPL

My little three year old terror of love and muscle decided he wanted to leave the library we were trying to be as quiet as can be (unsuccessfully anyway, we don't quite get the whisper/"secret voice" thing in this family yet) and he innocently (yeah, right) opened a door marked 'emergency exit' only and set off all of the alarms in the not so small, or unoccupied library at 10 am. We got our books and quickly left when I saw the helicopter and probably just missed the fire engines. I mean we didn't escape, he was definitely known as the culprit, but I had to get out of there for the embarrassment. So I decided not to take them anywhere! So we drove around for 45 minutes until I was safe with Rachel and Mia and Madre (in other words with other people around). We ended up going to Irvine Park to ride a pony, the train, and see the OC Zoo, at which the black bear put on quite a show for us. When we first saw him he was perched in a tall tree, then we got to see him climb down, and skirt over and take a look at us. Owen is not sleeping! I can hear him and am about to scream - he is driving me insane. He needs a male influence right now - I could tel because when I mentioned that we would be seeing Rachel and Mia today he quickly asked/demanded that Ryan was coming too!

At the Beach - Part 2

We are tired. We are very, very tired. We are having fun and filling our days with fantastic summer things, but we are tired. I need a nap, Holden needs a nap, and Owen needs a nap at 9 every morning! Since the beach, we have been back to the beach, to the LA Zoo, to the Getty, parks sprinkled, lots of island walks and bribery shopping at the candy store, and to the parade today. We did the Sunday drive thing, we took the toll road to San Clemente, got a sticker at Pedro's for the wagon, and headed back on PCH. Laguna was hopping and beautiful and the "soggy" (foggy for Holden) was just burning off as we hit Main. I love the restraint of being in the car, so I am seriously considering another drive maybe North to Compton?

More Pics from the week...