Spring Break

We had a great spring break this year. Our friends and former neighbors from North Carolina, Mac and Kris, and their 3 kids came to visit us. We were lucky enough to have them spend a few nights here with us and then we drove north exploring some of the California Coast. On Easter Sunday we decided to check out a few beach towns around here before we started our trek to the north. We happened to stop in a Stand Up Paddle Board shop in Laguna Beach and a big earthquake struck. Wow--I don't care how long we live here, I don't know if I'll ever get use to them! We all just kind of stood there looking at each other wondering if everyone was feeling the same thing. Then we saw the lights swaying like crazy and knew it was an earthquake. We ended that day at Doheny State Park--the kids had a great time playing there.

Easter morning

Easter morning Stand Up Paddleboarding

TK Burger--YUM!

The next day we did some of the Hollywood touristy things: Grauman's Chinese Theater, a quick drive through Beverly Hills and a stop at the Santa Monica Pier.

The kids and I at Grauman's Chinese Theater--am I shrinking? Geez, what happened to me being so much taller than them?

The boys hanging with Wolverine

The girls on the Santa Monica Pier
We then headed up to Santa Barbara. Great little town and good shopping if you ever go. The guys were able to do some Stand Up Paddle Surfing so they were happy!

The next day we drove up to Pismo Beach. The hotel we stayed at was in a great spot. The beach area was full of tidal pools and the kids--and adults--loved watching all of the sea creatures. There were also seals just waiting for us to leave the beach at night so they could come to shore. From our balcony we also saw some whale spouts. What a great time!

Checking out the tidal pools

The next day we went a little further north to Cambria. We stopped at one of the roadside beaches and there were literally hundreds of elephant seals catching some zzz's. They were so much fun to watch. It's not very often that you get to watch seals in their natural habitat-we loved listening to the noises they make and watching them flip sand up on themselves. We also got a beautiful hike in that day too.

Elephant seals everywhere!

Who can resist the perfect climbing tree?

The whole gang

The next day we had to say goodbye and all head for home. Before we did that we stopped by Oceano Dunes State Park for one last hike together. Thanks so much Mac and Kris for making the trip out here. It was so great to see you guys and can't wait to do it again!

Danny and Dee come to visit

Cary's parents were able to come visit us for their spring break. Unfortunately Alex and Ian were in school but they still loved showing mama and papa around Huntington Beach. The weather was a little chilly but we were still able to get some beach time in.

Alex with mama and papa on the pier

Eating at Barney's Beanery in Hollywood

On the corner of Hollywood and Vine

More Basketball!

Ian's second basketball league wrapped up a couple of months ago with a great victory. They won the championship game by 2 points! What a great game and a huge nail-biter! This is the first basketball team that Cary has been able to be the head coach for. Congrats to Cary and Ian--great season!

Ian's All-Star game

Ian made the 4th grade All-Star team for the Pacific Coast Hoops league. He had a great time playing and made a lot of great friends. He love, love, LOVES basketball and has been playing in two leagues. Right now a major goal he has for his life is to play in the NBA. Would be nice!! For right now he is having a great time and really enjoys the sport. We are very proud of his hard work!

Muscling his way to the basket

Eyes on the prize

Pictures of what we've been up to!

Christmas in KY/IN

Christmas at Mama and Papa's
Christmas at Mom and Pop's

Alex and Ian all dressed up

Going to the People's Choice Awards

Alex's 13th birthday

It's a "ruff" life!

Huntington Beach Pier

Being crazy at the beach

Catching Up

Wow, so much has happened during the last couple of months. First of all, we made the move to Southern California and we love it! We are so blessed to be able to live exactly 1 mile from the ocean. Of course we would love to be even closer to the ocean but then I saw this sign

on the back of the lifeguard stations at the beach and now I'm ok with living a mile away. The first earthquake I feel I'll be worried about a tsunami! Cary and Ian are hard at work perfecting their surfing skills--after purchasing some wet suits! Huntington Beach has a great downtown area with lots of shops and restaurants and a beautiful pier. We have been very busy exploring our new turf and still have tons more to explore.

My brother, Joe, and his family were able to spend Halloween weekend with us. It was so great to be able to spend time with them before they moved and for Alex and Ian to get to trick-or-treat with Wesley for his first Halloween.
Our first Thanksgiving in California was great also. My mom, dad, niece, and nephew were able to come out from Kentucky and my brother, sister-in-law and nephew were able to come up from San Diego. We had so much fun being able to visit with them. We also got in some sightseeing and some beach time.

Cary is 40!!!

When did we get this old?? I'm sure this wasn't the 40th birthday that Cary had imagined but with all of this moving stuff going on it was nothing special for him. We'll have to plan a celebration for later on. He's here and healthy though so that makes it a great day!