california sunshine part 2

The whole reason we made the trip out to California was to see my cousin, Heather, get married. She and Austin make such a cute couple. The wedding was at the Newport Beach temple. It was wonderful attending their sealing and also being there with so much family!

Sisters...

Another set of Heyman sisters...

Our nieces and nephews...

Between the sealing and reception, Sam and I stole some more beach time with Matt and Brooke. (We really did take full advantage of beach access this trip!)

The reception was that evening and lots of fun. The food and desserts were amazing! And the dancing that night provided lots of entertainment!

Love this one of Sam and Grandma Heyman sharing some moves together!

The wedding day was also my brother, Curtis', birthday. Happy Birthday Curbo!

Now we need to find an excuse to get back soon!

california sunshine

Samuel and I recently made a short trip out to sunny California. We took advantage of the beautiful weather and hit the beach four times in the 3 1/4 days we were there. We also got to spend time with a lot of family which was wonderful and such a blast.

We got to Oceanside the first day, checked into our hotel, threw on our swimsuits and were back out of the hotel in less than 5 minutes so we could have some fun! The first item of business was finding Sammy a spear gun. We went spear fishing while on our Honeymoon and Sam has repeatedly informed me "that was the most fun thing" he has EVER done. Since we'll be making a trip to Costa Rica later this summer, he desperately wanted a spear gun to take and "have the most fun" again.

After some quality sun soaking and body surfing on the beach we hit up a local fish and chips place which was set right on the marina. Another thing Sam wanted to make sure to get was some good fish. Boy was he excited when he was served two monster sized fish tacos. I found other non-seafood options on the menu to enjoy! :)

The following day we headed out to meet Sam's good high school friend, Thomas, for breakfast. He picked a fun location for our meal - we ate on the patio of a restaurant that was right on Mission Beach boardwalk. I LOVED people watching while we ate. Mission boardwalk always promises some good characters.

We then were able to meet up with our friends who were in town as well and we haven't been together all summer since we've been split between Utah and Arizona! Ash and I had a good time soaking up the sun and catching up while the husbands spent all their bonding time in the water.

The day didn't stop there. We then traveled just a few beaches up and met with the whole Heyman gang at Montage. There was a lot of us! (And a even a few extras made it after this photo was taken!)

There was sand burying, building and digging. Water snorkeling, swimming, splashing and exploring while the tide was low...

And what would be a good day at the beach without a mini photo-shoot with the hubs?

PS. I didn't even ask for a kissing picture. Husband just went for the kill all on his own. So proud.

Next post, cousin's wedding day!

32 years.

I came across this gem earlier this summer while at my parent's house. It was tossed inside an old nightstand drawer which probably hadn't been opened in years. Since it seemed so randomly placed and no one was missing it, I decided the photo would now belong to me. (And I may or may not have been emotional at the time worrying about what it would be like while my parents were gone for three years and therefore felt more of a need to take this little keepsake with me).

My mother looks so radiant. My father looks so much like my little brother it scares me. They both look so young and full of life. I'm very grateful that thirty-two years ago today they were sealed as husband and wife in the Mesa Arizona temple and started a family. What a great example they have been for me.

I love you, Mom and Dad! I hope you get a moment to enjoy your special day while traveling the mission and meeting your missionaries!

4th of July

Family. Friends. Food. Fun. Fireworks. What more could you want on summer's best holiday?

This year we spent the day celebrating with the Nielsens and their good friends, the Kennedys. After eating a ton of delish food and some swimming (with an intense game of water polo), I remembered to pull out my camera. So all I captured was the home fireworks show, but what a great show it was!

We all lined up on the sport court for front row seating for the grand finale of the night's events

Bonnie and Sallee

Sammy so happy with the blow-torch in hand (thank goodness it didnt catch on to my wild mane of hair i had after swimming)

The little ones put on a good show with the sparklers and glow sticks

And there she goes...

I'm sure the neighbors didn't mind. :)

It was a great day and I am so grateful we get to celebrate this holiday. Living in a free country is a blessing and I am sure proud to be an American. Sammy found this article from President Benson about The Constitution and it was great for us to read and discuss together. I hope you can read it and enjoy as well!