February

 Fun times in February

Molly Shaw got me and Marci Daley out for another fun hike, this time around Willamette Park in Portland

The hike ended at some very delicious food trucks!  I will definitely be going back to eat!

Some friends of mine organized a day out for a chocolate factory tour.  This factory makes vegan chocolate which I was skeptical about but it was actually quite good.  "Chomp" chocolate in Salem, OR

I wanted to take Julian and his friends to a trampoline park for his birthday but when we got there the place was too crowded...so we headed over to OMSI.  The kids had fun looking at all the science exhibits.

We had lunch at MOD pizza, and even though Julian looks grumpy I think he had a good time with his friends.

After lunch we came back to the house for cake and presents.

Julian was very happy when school was cancelled...on his BIRTHDAY for a snowday!

We picked the twins up so they could be with their brother on his birthday.  We went to Gustav's german restaurant in Vancouver, WA.  The boys all love the schnitzel!

Happy 14th birthday Julian!

We took a little family walk around Lacamas lake.  It was fun to be out in the snow.

Hyrum and I saw a wonderful performance of Carmina Burana in Portland, such a great show.  At the end I just jumped out of my seat and couldn't stop clapping.  Well done Oregon symphony and Portland State choir!

San Diego with Del and Lori

 My brother Del and his wife Lori recently moved to Arizona.  Since they are relatively close we planned to meet up in San Diego for a fun couples weekend.  I love getting together with family and I'm so happy Del and Lori made time to hang out:)

We flew in on a Friday and the weather was amazing!  Low 70's and sunny...sadly the was the only warm day of the weekend but I soaked up as much sun as I could on Friday.

First stop...fish tacos!!

We saw tons of cute little squirrels hanging out on the rocks near Coronado beach

A beautiful walk along the beach on Coronado Island

I found gelato!  It's always a good trip if I can get gelato:)

Del and Lori, these two are so fun to hang out with:)

Heading out for a boating adventure on a replica of the ship "America" which is what the America's Cup is originally named for

The captain put the sails up but we motored most of the way.  The sea was pretty choppy and I bet he wasn't sure how much of a crazy ride everyone on the ship would get if he turned off the motor.  Still a very fun morning sailing.  We saw whales and dolphins and sea lions!

Some sea lions enjoying the sunshine

After the sailing trip we went and got some dinner than walked along the San Diego waterfront and saw a beautiful sunset.

Walking over to Del and Lori's hotel to watch Wakanda Forever.  Their hotel was just across the street from ours...it was perfect!

At the koi/duck pond in Balboa park

Del did some of his military training in San Diego when he was right out of high school.  The military base is just across the street from Balboa park so we got a chance to see a bit of where he trained.

Del and Lori had to leave early because they were driving all the way home to Arizona.  Hyrum and I didn't have a flight until that evening so we were able to stay for the free Sunday organ concert they hold each week at Balboa park. It was so fun and the organist was talented and a did a great job introducing each piece of music.  What a great, free and fun thing for the city to provide.

I don't get to hang out with my family very often because we are all so spread apart but I do church the times we get to be together, even for a short weekend trip.  I hope we can meet up again soon Del and Lori!