the fam

the fam

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Beneficial Convention

This past week, the last Beneficial Sales Convention was held in Anaheim, California and we were glad we were able to go. We went bowling, visited Disneyland, visited the beach, had amazing meals and visited with very dear friends, whom we have known for many years.


It was really fun to go to Disneyland, but very different because we didn't have any little ones with us. Disneyland really is made for kids and families. But we did have a great time...
we even got to hang out with Tinkerbell for awhile!
As usual, the flowers and grounds at Disneyland looked beautiful


...and I've always wanted to stay in this hotel. It is so beautiful and it is connected to California Adventure. We could walk right into the park from our hotel lobby! cool...



a picture of the lobby looking towards the massive fireplace


We also spent one day down at the beach which we loved. We rented a couple of beach cruisers and rode all the way down the beach. It was so fun!

On the way to Disneyland, we stopped to see Mel & Linda who are presiding over the California, Riverside Mission. We went to lunch with Mel, Linda and their twins, Allyson and Valerie. (I think Allyson is on the left??) It was wonderful to hear about all the great things that are going on with the missionary work in that area and to spend some time with them.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Silliness...

the boys got a hold of my camera...




Some of our turtles...


Charlie, Barney and Fred, the baby Sulcata Tortoises
and the baby box turtles that were born in our backyard...

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day

I think we've started a new tradition in our family which is amazing that we'd be starting a new one so late in life! We had our kids who were in town over for a BBQ and swimming for a "pre-Father's Day celebration". It was a lot of fun!



Catherine and Ethan had a great time eating their s'mores... they take after their dad.

It was a beautiful day, but unfortunately, I was busy with some things that I had to do and Robert ended up doing most of the cooking...oops! But it was great! Steaks and perfect chicken and hot dogs. After dinner we made s'mores and thanks to Bradley, sang songs around our bonfire... something like that! It was a great day with great weather and great company!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Trip to Florida

Robert visited Taylor this month in Florida. He is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, attending Explosive Ordnance Demolition School (EOD) but he actually lives a few miles from the Base in San Destin. Robert stayed at the Marriott Courtyard. Destin is located in the panhandle of Florida right on the coast.


The sand is white and fine like flour...absolutely fascinating and beautiful.
These pictures were taken in the evening as the sun was setting, so the beaches look deserted.



Destin is a resort area with a number of hotels and condominiums and is located about 15 miles from the base. This is a causeway that crosses the water from the Gulf similar to how you would get from San Diego to Coronado, in California.


The EOD School campus at Eglin Air Force Base.
The memorial to fallen EOD sits right at the entrance to the campus.
The names of all EOD who have died in action since WWII are listed by
each Branch of the Military.

The administration building of EOD.



These are pictures of the hands-on practice areas of the facility, where mock
missions and situations are carried out by EOD students.




Taylor and Robert went to a local beach in Destin. The water is turquoise blue...more
green than blue. The water is clean and warm.
A feathered friend, an Elegant Tern, which is very rare in Florida.


Another view of the causeway...



They visited a local marine aquarium with dolphin and sea lion shows.

Robert, Taylor, and Matt (one of Taylor's EOD buddies) at dinner.


This is the pool...up to 40 feet deep...where they do a lot of training.
The floor of the pool is operated by hydraulics to expand the depth.





After church services, Robert and Taylor drove to Panama City
to visit the Dive School where Taylor began training in the dive phase.
An NCIS facility is on base.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Grandchildren...



Catherine and Ethan came over for a visit...