California

We just got back from a trip to California to visit Grammy Trish and Grampy Mike. Uncle Eric flew to Salt Lake to drive with me and the kids to California, because Dave was flying in on a later day. We had so much fun. We went swimming in Grammy and Grampy's pool almost everyday. I can't believe the progress the kids are making in swimming. Mason is swimming with arms and can take a breath and keep going. Ellie is jumping from the side by herself and has the most amazing, natural kick. Cassidy is extremely comfortable in the water and at 2 years old had no problem jumping from the side, putting her face all the way under the water and saying to me "watch me" instead of helping her.

We visited the Little Farm at Tilden Park and fed some animals. We visited with Great Grandma Curtis and Great Grandma and Grandpa Fotheringham. Grampy Mike was going to a baptism, so Mason, Ellie and I went along for the experience. Mason and Ellie had never been to a baptism before, so I thought it would be good for them to see what one is like. Mason will be 8 in just over a year. It was at the Interstake Center in Oakland which is next to the Oakland Temple. We walked around and enjoyed the temple grounds.

While we were there, Mason lost his 5th tooth. He now has a huge gap in front. This one fell out all on its own while Mason was eating a snack.We had a belated birthday party for Aunt Brooke and played the guitar and the piano. Eric took Mason and Ellie on a hike with their new camelbacks that Eric bought for them. We visited the beach, rode in Grampy's truck, did cool science projects with Grampy and Eric and Brooke took Mason and Ellie to see a movie in the theater. They got popcorn and a drink!

We are so happy for the fun times we have on our visits. It's always hard to get back into normal life, but we are looking forward to our next visit.