More Memories of California

I love visiting my family. It's the best thing about going to California. Sure, there are lots of things to do out there, but just relaxing and laughing with my aunts, uncles and cousins is my very favorite thing to do. Here are a few pictures of my trip.

Grandma Payne's

Visiting with Sean's cousin, Corrin and her mom, Michelle

William and Great Grandma Payne

Up in the foothills

My Mom's Backyard
William and Grandpa on the "Gramp-oline."

My favorite place to relax is by the pool.

Doughnuts at the Barrows

William and Grandma, the Doughnut Queen

Unk and Marc

Sean and Parker

Fun With the Jones Family

The Jones' were our closest friends while we lived in Chico. Thankfully, through blogs and phone calls, we have been able to keep in touch since our move 2 years ago. As soon as we knew we were going out to California, we set a date to meet up with our old friends. It was like old times and it was really fun to watch our kids play together. We miss you Richard, Krisha, Kenzie, and Adam!

This is Me, Jumping on the Bandwagon!

I've been rebelling against it long enough! I have seen the Twilight series books on shelves at the book store for months and at first I thought, "Oooh, teeny-bopper vampire love story, how lame!" I'd pass it by. Then I saw a bunch of my friends and family members mention it on their blogs and I still said, "No, thanks." Then I heard that the author went to BYU and I REALLY said, "No!" I hate when I'm expected to read and love something just because it's by a Mormon (I'm not a fan of Jack Weyland and John Bytheway is not really that clever).

Anyway, I was looking for a book to read on the airplane during the long cross country flight to California and I got curious. I mean, Twilight was on the New York Best Seller list so there must be something to it, right? So, I thought, "I'll just read this one book and see what all the hub-bub is about." Holy cow!! Who knew that was all it would take to have me hooked. I raved to my mom and Sean about how much I loved it and ran (almost literally) to the nearest store to get the sequels. Sean proceded to make fun of me for the same reasons I mentioned before. Before too long though, he was no where to be found, and neither was my book! He totally swiped it and couldn't put it down either! I should have said "Swiper, no swiping!" Now we're both almost done with the series and can't wait for the movie to come.

Hurricane? More Like Hurri-CAN'T!

Well, Tropical Storm Hanna came and went. We had been warned to get ready, board windows, store water and flashlights, have an evacuation route and everything. Our ward emergency coordinator called to make sure we were prepared. Never having experienced a hurricane before, I was more than a little worried. Especially when they were reporting that the Navy fleet was shipping off to calmer waters and leaving us family members to fend for ourselves. Fortunately, Sean's ship was one of the very few that stayed in port so I didn't have to be alone again this weekend.

So, after getting nervous and having a bag packed and ready for quick getaway and making arrangements with Robyn to come and wait the storm out with her if we were to be evacuated, we waited. And waited. And waited. There was a bunch of much needed rain and a strong breeze came through and knocked some small branches off our trees and our garbage can blew over, but other than that, NOTHING. I canceled our yard sale and stayed cooped up all day for this?! Okay, you can't have a yard sale in the rain, but really, Hanna, is that the best you can do?!

Seriously, I'm glad it was just a weak tropical storm and everyone was safe. I guess now I know how to be prepared for the next one. Hurricane Ike, you hear me? Bring it ON!!

The Fence is Finally Done!

We finally have a fenced in back yard! We had been without for over a year. I wish I had before pictures to show you. Just imagine an old rusty chain link fence around the whole property. I love having a wood privacy fence. It was definitely worth the wait (Sean did it all himself). It keeps the kids from cutting through my yard and we can barbecue and jump on the trampoline in peace. Next project. . . . the front yard!