California Highlights

OK, we all know that the most significant thing that happened while we were in California was the birth of our precious little Bree. Getting her home and enjoying her first days with her family was just a privilege we were blessed to be part of. So let's just peek at those pictures first.

Not that we can top those.
We did spend a couple of weeks WAITING for baby Bree to be born, however, and here are a few moments we captured on film BEFORE the blessed event:

(Remember you can click on any picture to see a larger view.)

Above: Danny joined us on a tour of the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. Nothing too amazing pictured here EXCEPT for the fact that a few minutes after this photograph was taken there was a bona fide EARTHQUAKE which we all felt. It was sort of like that sensation you get on an elevator as it is adjusting to a new floor level. We all looked at each other like, "Did you feel that?" Becca, who was about a week before her due date, thought she was just a little woozy from being hungry....but then realized everyone had the same dazed look. The museum was evacuated, and thus ended our tour. Luckily, we had just ordered our museum cafeteria food, and were able to enjoy a picnic outside on the museum grounds. The museum handed out free passes for Becca to bring her family on another day....but I think she'll be busy for a while. Matt, on the swaying 11th floor of his office building in nearby Glenndale, felt the quake more significantly, but all was well. Never a dull moment!

Above: Robert and Seth are quite the dynamic duo. Both are great swimmers, and also very creative in the art department. They are good buddies. Unfortunately I did not get a picture of Megan in her water wings as she flitted about the pool like a pro. She knows no fear!

Angie and Mike came for a few days, and we went to Scooter's Jungle, which is an indoor play arena full of huge inflatable slides, climbing gyms, bouncy ball rooms, game tables, etc. All the kids had a great time, especially Mike. Too bad I didn't have my camera. You'll just have to trust me on that one.

Above is a picture of what happens if Grandma tries to sleep in. Here I am on my sleep couch mattress, having been joined by the alert cherubs who awaken at 7 AM every day like clockwork. Below is a picture of Grandpa whose services are being marshalled by Megan to care for her two favorite dolls. Looks like he's getting good practice for taking care of Bree.

To fully appreciate the action below, you must realize that at this point Becca is four days overdue, and we are trying ANYTHING to keep the kids occupied and Becca from losing her mind. Seth, Steven, Robert, and Dan bowled. Becca watched. I took over with Megan who was a pretty good sport considering she was too young to be allowed to bowl. You had to be at least four years old to play. What a dumb rule! She really wanted one of those pink balls.

A few hours later, Robert lost his front tooth. Robert came down the steps to tell Grandma and Grandpa the news around midnight. (We had been up late watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.) The tooth fairy arrived, and Becca went into labor. Friday night was eventful! Rebecca had her own Olympic event: the baby was born on Saturday afternoon.

The following Wednesday was Robert's first day of first grade. Here he is after class, with his nametag and hand-colored visor. He triumphantly told me, "There was nothing scary the whole day!" This tree is a favorite climbing spot on the way home from school. You can see the lovely California countryside--all irrigated by man-made means, of course.

Words can't exress the love we have for this dear family. Becca and Matt are patient, loving parents. The children are active, bright, and sweet. There are moments of craziness, of course, but a wonderful spirit of love. Scripture reading every night is a habit. Even Megan can answer questions. When Matt asked, "Does anyone remember who we read about last night?" she answered, "Ammon!" Dan and I feel so grateful and blessed.--Jill

P.S. Here's a little clip I caught of Megan reading a storybook to herself. It's about fire trucks. Whenever she sees a dalmation on the page, she kisses it.

P.P.S. There was about a week when I was separated from my camera. So I have no pictures, but fond memories of the following: Bouncing back and forth a bit between Becca's house and Newport Beach....where we enjoyed visiting with BJ and Blake, with Curt and Cathy and family, and with Tim and Annie and family. (Baby Ethan is 11 months old! Tim is now captain of the nation's busiest fire station!) It was fun for Steven to be with his cousins Jennifer and Michael at the beach. Not only did Danny come down for almost a week, we also had Angie and Mike for a long weekend. If you peek at Angie's blog you'll see a picture or two. One evening Curt and Cathy brought out their chocolate fountain with stuff to dip--like fruit and pretzels and marshmallows. It was so fun, and I just kept thinking how much David would have enjoyed it, the way he loved chocolate. Another great event was touring the house next door to BJ's as its realtor was having an open house. It is newly built, gorgeous, and only $3,595,000! We were tempted. Wouldn't it be fun to live on Lido next to Grandma BJ? Family reunions would be a breeze! Alas, the budget won't quite allow it. At Becca's we enjoyed a visit from Gabrielle on our last night in CA. At that point my camera was maxed out on memory, but Becca got a picture of her....too bad I don't have it right now to post. Gabrielle is sweet and beautiful as ever, and we appreciated her visit. In all, it was a wonderful trip, and we are so grateful to have seen so many loved ones in such a short time.