Our California Vacation Day 2, La Jolla and the Beach

Day two of our California Adventure was awesome. We actually got a good nights sleep and felt rested. It was a warm night to begin with but after a little bit our tent cooled down with the cool ocean breezes and we had a very relaxing night falling asleep listening to the waves. We woke up got breakfast and got ready to head to La Jolla. Zack and I had gone to La Jolla about seven years ago when we came to California for Zack's birthday. The last time we were there it was so choppy and we were there at high  tide. But we got there and the water was awesome. The tide was no where near as high as it was last time and the water was clear, cool, and so refreshing. I loved being at La Jolla Cove again. It is one of my favorite beaches. We got a great parking spot and were able to set up camp down on the beach. Warren enjoyed playing in the sand and we eventually got him to try snorkeling and he LOVED it! He did not want to stop. I was to nervous to go out beyond where the waves were breaking even though it was calmer beyond that point. While we were swimming a sea lion swam up just behind us and I jumped then went to get Jessica and Warren so they could see it but the sea lion went back out into the ocean. It was cool and a bit scary all at the same time. So unexpected. We saw lots of cool fish and had a great few hours enjoying each others company and the ocean.

Warren getting ready to try snorkeling.

Zack and me getting ready to snorkel.

Helping Warren feel comfortable with the mask and breathing under water.

Yay! He overcame another fear  and accomplished another first!

Serenity, Ashley and Me at La Jolla Cove.

Me and Jess

More snorkeling and Mommy wearing Warren's hat.

Me and my love

Look at the rock behind us and you can see sea lions.

Love my little family

Seven years ago Jessica and I had a picture at this same spot, now Jessica, Me and Ashley got one

This boy had so much fun in the sand and water. He loves playing in warm sand as much as I love the water. With so many of us he got to play while mommy swam, then we all played together, and swam together.

After we got back from La Jolla we hung around camp, made hobo dinners, and enjoyed playing in the sand and hanging out with family.

Warren and Emma enjoying the sand.

serenity and Warren playing in the sand.

Summer Days in July

Our summer days were filled with all sorts of activities and we had so much fun! We were still trying to cross off as many things from our bucket list and help Warren earn his Summer Badges, which we never ended up printing -the book is printed the badges just didn't get completely finished. We spent countless hours playing at lots of different parks, spending time playing in splash pads, visiting our local zoo, playing with cousins,  visiting family, and experiencing lots of firsts. It is a summer for the books and one that we will never forget. I am so grateful to have summers off to get to play with my boys.

Boat Making with Dad

My boys worked together to build a small raft/boat to float down the river. Zack and Warren worked hard to build this and after it was finished and all dry we had to test it out. It floated well and the river was a perfect way to cool off and have some fun. This is our favorite park, it has everything we love; lots of grass, a river, a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and lots of shade.

 Next summer I think these two are going to be making a life size raft and Zack wants to float it Huck Finn style down the Green River.

Demolition Derby

Zack and I enjoy a good demolition derby and on our bucket list was going to another one. This was Warren's first derby and his face shows exactly what he thought about it. It was a nice night and an okay derby,  but the best part was spending time with family.  

 Hiking

There is a perfect trail just about 10-15 minutes from our house and just a short distance up the canyon. We usually hike up past Second Dam and enjoy ourselves. The week before our vacation we went hiking on this trail several times. We would wake up have breakfast and hit the trail. I loved these mornings and how they could transform my attitude. There is something about being in nature that helps me. 

 Cousins and the Willow Park Zoo

Logan has a small zoo here that is home to a variety of animals and right by a park. One day we met some cousins here to play around and enjoy the animals and each others company. That same day Warren and I actually went back a second time after his cousins left because we ran into some friends that were heading there and Warren wanted to tag along.

The kids and Amy and myself thought this albino racoon was really stuck in his cage. But, he tricked us, I guess he hangs out there and looks stuck. These three took off running to find him some help. Such sweeties.

The zoo also had a baby caribou born in May. It was so cute and sad all at the same time. He/She was pacing back and forth while we were there the first time. The sign said the baby was born in May and only about two months old. 

 Family Reunions

July was spent with lots and lots of family. We had family reunions with both the Ludlow and Wiberg families, and even had a McQuivey Family reunion but we were not able to go to that one. Warren had kids his age to play with during each of these reunions and had a great time. It was nice seeing family and got to see aunts, uncles, and cousins that we have not see in nine years. 

Wiberg Family Reunion

For the Wiberg Reunion we had pioneer games, churned butter, the kids played, had a pinata, and went on a scavenger hunt, there were lots of good conversations, some Family Feud, and  precious memories. It was a nice evening spent rekindling friendships and laughing. Warren enjoyed making new friends and breaking open the pinata. 

Zack and his cousin Alan even had a little arm wrestling contest where Zack won with an "Over the Top" move. 

 

Ludlow Family Reunion

For the Ludlow Family Reunion all of Zack's Dad's siblings were in town. This is the first time they were all  together since their father passed away nine years ago. Most of Zack's cousins were there and many of them brought their kids. It was nice meeting some of the Ludlow family that I had never met. While all  his family was here they celebrated  Grandma Ludlow's 80th birthday which is in August. We went to the Natural Museum of History of Utah, the Hill Air Force Base Aerospace Museum, and had a huge birthday party for Grandma Ludlow including games, snow cones and lots of Pokemon Go. 

The Natural History Museum of Utah was so much fun! Warren loved this section where we learned about earthquakes and seismographs. You could jump here and it would measure the waves like it would an earthquake.

Learning about wind and how it changes the land.

Our reflection out on the terrace. 

The Native American exhibits were amazing. These two pieces were placed back to back and made such an amazing picture.

Cousins and free Slurpees on 7-11

Warren playing with his cousin and second cousins one hot July afternoon.

At the museum they were measuring an seismic movement in three locations; Brigham City, Wyoming, and the LDS Vaults in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The most movement that day was recorded in Brigham City.

Most of Zack's extended family at Grandma Ludlow's 80th birthday celebration.

The Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren of Chuck and Colleen Ludlow who were able to come to the reunion.