San Diego Trip

Hi Michael!

Thanks for the email this week. I enjoyed reading about what you are doing on your mission.  I’m so grateful you are having a good experience and growing a lot. We we’re happy to talk to you on Monday. Wish you could have been with us on our trip. It’s not the same without you, and Ty especially is missing having someone his age to hang out with. 

This is what we’ve been up to:

1. Ethan got his math results back and tested in the 99th percentile, so he definitely qualifies for the advanced math class. 

2. Tate has his last day of preschool program. He’s going to be so sad next year when he realizes he’s not going back to Miss Lori’s class. 

3. Ty invited a bunch of friends over for breakfast for his birthday (Blake didn’t want to 🤷‍♀️) and the kids stayed all day playing basketball and video games. I had to kick them all out around dinner time, because it was actually Blake’s birthday and we were getting ready to do dinner and presents. He wasn’t totally stoked about his gifts this year. He got a couple pairs of shoes and some clothes. What he really wanted was a punching bag, but Dad doesn’t want one because he says there’s no place to put it. 🤷‍♀️

4. Friday was the last day of school. We packed up our things for our California trip while Ethan played in a baseball tournament, and Jett went to a soccer party. We were already planning to leave late, but then we could not find the keys to the Thule roof bin. We looked everywhere for at least an hour. After THREE prayers Dad finally found the keys. We got to the hotel in St George at 2am. 👎

5. On Saturday we arrived at the AirBnB (terrible!). The place wasn’t too bad except that two of the upstairs bedrooms were actually lofts that overlooked the kitchen, and there were no window coverings. And the beds and pillows were crappy, so there was no rest to be had. 

6. That night we went to a baseball game with all of the cousins. It was cold. Jett whined the entire game. But we persevered and stayed until the end and then watched an awesome fireworks show. Got back to the house around 1:30 am (ugh) and got ready for bed. The bathrooms upstairs were occupied, so I took Jett to the (finished) basement to use the bathroom.  He saw a mouse (“a huge rat!”) and FREAKED out. Total panic attack. Screaming and hyperventilating. At 1:30 am. He hoped on my bed and did not want to put his feet on the floor. I had to carry him to another bathroom and then to bed, and I worried that he would be paranoid for the whole trip. But he eventually calmed down. Sheesh. 

7. On Sunday after church we went to visit Ryan and Kelsey at their house. Did I tell you Kelsey will be having twin girls in November? Crazy! They will have 5 kids 7 and under. Kelsey and Ryan have citrus trees in their front yard, and the kids were excited to go out and pick lemons and grapefruit. 

8. We had 3 glorious (cold) days at the beach. Ethan and Ty both got sunburned and chapped from their life jackets. When will we ever learn?!

9. On Tuesday we went to Seaworld and had a fantastic time. Ethan can’t wait to go back. He gave the day an A+. The Orca show was especially good. 

10. After Seaworld dad drove Blake and Jimmy to the airport so they could fly back home and go to Moab for high adventure. Despite having to mountain bike, Blake seemed excited to go. 

11. Wednesday was Ty’s birthday and Dad took him golfing to Torrey Pines. They loved it. Ty got some items he’s going to need for his humanitarian trip, and also a dropper post for his bike. Krysta made Cafe Rio style salads for dinner, and everyone was happy. 

12. On Thursday we went to the San Diego zoo. Again, and totally awesome day, and again Jett whined and cried most of the day. He must be going through a phase. Hopefully it’s over soon 🤞.

13. Friday morning was whale watching! We saw three Blue Whales, and it was so cool. Again, more whining and crying from Jett. 

14. Yesterday we drove to St George and right when we got to the hotel, we were notified that our Tuacahn show was cancelled due to Covid. (Allison Alleman and Aunt Mindy both got covid last week). Such a bummer. I was really disappointed, and I’m so sick of all the disruptions. Anyway, we found an awesome Mexican restaurant (Angelina’s) and then went mini-golfing with grandma and grandpa at a fun and challenging course. Luckily no one was injured by Tate’s flying golf balls. 😬

15. Later we went for ice cream. When Tate was finished he threw his whole cup across the car and straight into the garbage sack in the front console! That kid keeps us hopping! We got back to the hotel after 11:00 where Jett whined and cries about not being able to play games. Your dad humored him and played a few rounds of Cover your Assets. 

16. So we all finally passed out and went to sleep last night. And then dad and I woke up to a knocking sound. Dad mumbled for the kids to “stop it,” and I fumbled around for my cpap and looked for a flashlight. I asked dad to check on the kids, and sure enough, Jett was out in the hallway laying on a sheet by our door. He woke up in the hall and started knocking. It was 3:11 am. What in the heck? How did he get out of our room without us hearing him?! How long was he out there?! Kids, man. 

17. As we drove out to California we continued our future car debate. Dad is now convinced a van is just not gonna work, and maybe we should just keep driving the Yukon until Blake leaves home.  🤷‍♀️ Debate continues. Now wondering if we should consider buying a trailer. 

18. Today is my birthday. Ty Burningham has messaged me on Facebook and called me twice to wish me a happy birthday!

At church today someone shared a story of when Elder Bednar came to her mission and taught about learning by the spirit. After speaking he asked a few people what the had personally learned during his talk, and each of them had unrelated answers. Some of them related different experiences they had had, or were reminded of things they had read before. It was a good reminder that the spirit will speak to us directly with things we need in our own lives. And when you teach with the spirit, the people you teach will hear what the need to hear. 

I love you Michael! I’m proud of you!
Have a great week.