Santa Monica Pier

We went to California last weekend and had a wonderful time. Our last stop was Santa Monica Pier. We walked along 3rd Street Promenade but I was a little tired of shopping. We did visit the English stores to buy some Cadbury's chocolate and Fox's glacier mints. Yummy! I love English Chocolate. We also walked along the Santa Monica Pier. I just wish they had the $1 bumper cars. That would have been fun. Instead, we watched the fishermen catching fish, a lady writing names on grains of rice, and many people who were trying to earn fast cash. We did have a really nice time and hope to live in California someday. It will definitely be after we have lived in England for a few years but it is in our plans for the future.

Pageant of the Masters

On Tuesday evening, we went to the Pageant of the Masters. What is it? It is "Ninety minutes of "living pictures" - incredibly faithful art re-creations of classical and contemporary works with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. An outdoor amphitheater, professional orchestra, original score, live narration, intricate sets, sophisticated lighting, expert staff, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have won recognition for the Pageant as the best presentation of its kind." The theme was Young at Heart and we even got to celebrate the Pageants 75th anniversary. It was an incredible show! If you are ever in Laguna, go and see the show. It is an amazing experience.

Laguna/Irvine California

On August 28th, we went to the South Coast Plaza for more shopping. We mainly went to Ted Baker and H&M to buy a suit for Adrian and clothes for Emilee. We had a wonderful time. Dad even made it the three or four hours we were there. Way to go Dad! Also, we ate at Ruby's (in the mall) which is a 50's diner and then took a fairy to Balboa Island. In addition, we walked on the pier but it was a tad bit windy. I was lucky enough to have a hat. Everyone else had wind blown hair.

Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals

On Monday August 27th, we went to the Los Angeles Dodger game with my parents. It was Adrian's first Dodger game and he loves baseball so it was fun to go with him. We ate Dodger dogs, peanuts, and icecream sandwiches. We had a wonderful time. However, there were many children sreaming around us but once they left, we were glad. There were many beach balls that got confiscated so it was amusing to watch the people. The game was very close. The Dodgers won 5-3 and we know that it was because we were there.

Adorable Kennedee Roberts

Adrian and I went to California and got to visit Ryan, Ashley, and Kennedee. Kennedee is adorable! She is starting to sit up on her own and can do some incredible ab workouts. I think Ryan is teaching her early so she will be able to surf. Maybe she is born to be a surf babe. We had a lot of fun with her and it was neat to see Ryan as a dad.

In Rememberance of Dave Potter

I found out last night that my friend, Dave Potter passed away. He contracted pneumonia, and passed away Saturday morning on August 11th. I met Dave on my mission in Detroit, Michigan. I was serving in the Ann Arbor area and started teaching him the discussions with Sister Cluff, Sister Seamons, and Sister Olsen. He had been through many missionaries but it was never the right time. We had some of the best discussions and he even had icecream ready for us to eat afterwards. After about six months, I got transferred to Novi. At a Relief Society broadcast, I found out that Dave was baptized. Although I wasn't able to attend, I felt happy for the decision he had made. He has served in many callings, and stayed active in the city council and community organizations.

I was able to see Dave again when he flew out for a general conference in 2001. He was able to get many tickets for all of his "girls." I finally was able to give him a hug. I had always planned on returning to Michigan to see Dave but never got around to it. If you knew Dave, you know what a wonderful man he was. He was like a second grandpa to me. I will miss him dearly but I know that he is really happy with his wife. I know I'll be able to see Dave again but it still has caused some sadness.

Third Year Anniversary

It is official! We had our third year anniversary yesterday. I can't believe it has been three years already. Well, we have had our fun times and our hard times but it has all been worth it. I decided that we would go out to Joe's Crab shack and then to a movie at Jordan Commons. Yes, I was the official planner for our anniversary but I made Adrian drive. He usually likes it when I drive everywhere. I guess I'm the better driver. I had a horrible day at work so I was really looking forward to an eventful evening of the best salmon ever. Well, it actually wasn't as good as the last time so I was a little disappointed. However, we went to see Bourne Ultimatum afterwardsl. It was awesome! If you love action movies, go see it. You may feel sick in the beginning but it is a great movie. I highly recommend it. I didn't have to lean over and ask Adrian any questions so that was a good thing. Well, anyways, you may congratulate us on our anniversary. There will be more years to come.