Summer 09

We have had the most wonderful summer. Jessica and Danny moved to Sherman Oaks for the summer, and were able to live just down the hall. Mike and Christina also moved here for the summer and were right down the street. We were so lucky to live by them for the last three months, and are pathetically gloomy about their departure. My sisters and their husbands are so amazing. We were able to do many fun things together including; weekly Sunday dinners at our place, days at the beach, Irvine fair, Harry Potter, date nights without the kids, playing lots of games, eating lots of desserts, going to see The Fray, swimming, girls nights, boys nights and temple trips.

One of my favorite evenings we spent together was participating in sealings at the Los Angeles Temple. Jessica, Danny, Mike, Christina, Mark and I were the only ones in the room. It was such a memorable and happy experience to be surrounded by my family there.

My sisters and brothers have also been so helpful this summer. I appreciate everything they have done to help me, and they have made my life so much easier.

We went down to Irvine to see The Fray in concert. We had so much fun...one of the highlights of the summer!

Please look at Mark's face

Grandpa and Russ Russ when Mark and I were in Hawaii

3 Amigos. Ready for a walk.

Ava helped teach Russ Russ how to walk this summer.

On the train at The Americana

Jess and Danny

Pam and D.R. came to visit during the 4th of July weekend as well. It was so fun to have them stay with us. They are such gracious guests, and must have complimented us, our home, and my cooking a thousand times. I want D.R. to be my personal taste tester, and make me feel as though I am the most extraordinary chef in all the land. While they were here we also spent a day at the Getty, a day at the Reagan Library and an awesome concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

Snuggling with Grandma

An additional bonus: Loralee, Taylor and Cameron moved to Irvine for a month. They drove up to our place to spend a weekend with us, which was fantastic. A couple of weeks later we all drove down to Irvine to go to the fair together.

Cute little guys

Looking at the t.v. I think they think they are playing some kind of video game.

The only moment we seemed to capture at the fair; trying our first turkey leg.

We just returned from our annual beach trip in Carlsbad with the Christensen clan. As we drove home Mark decided it was the best beach trip yet (this was his fourth). We had a great time, boogie boarding, taking the raft out on the waves, swimming, hanging out with cousins, playing games, and playing glorious volleyball. I love all of my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents, and it really fills my soul up to be with them.

The Wood family's latest addition, Grant Quail Wood

We gathered as many of the great grandchildren we could find one morning on the beach and dropped them in the sand for a picture. They were all pretty much o.k. with the idea except for Russ. He was pretty heartbroken when I dropped him next to all those kids and ran away as fast as I could.

Check out that face! Poor little guy.