The Petrified Forest

After hanging out at Westfield Mall in Fairfield, CA, we headed into Napa Valley. There we visited the Petrified Forest. I was amazing. There were ancient trees in the forest that were really something to behold.

The family.

California state flower.

-- Post From My iPhone

Lodi

I just got back from my California vacation. It was a very nice time, completely relaxing, just what I needed. I spent the first part of the trip with my brother and his family. The last part of the trip I spent in Lodi. There were days by the pool, great company, visits to the beach, good food...a really, really nice time. The temperature was mild. It was even cool at times. My shoulder did not hurt me at all. There's something about that California air. Nothing could have been better than being greeted each morning with, "Good morning, Kirsten. How did you sleep? I love you." Thank you, Colter.

Cow Town, CA

I had a great time with my sister, Karin, in Vacaville where we visited family. We made a trip to Stinson Beach, and Petaluma, and Sonoma. We saw our brother, his wife and son and also our cousin and her husband. We also visited the grounds and visitors' center of the Oakland Temple. It was a beautiful night. The pictures are of my brother and his family, the temple, at the beach with my sister, and together with our cousin.

Pool Party Video

My sister, Sylvia, took this little video of some of the fun we had at the pool on Wednesday. The weather was perfect and the water was great!

Plans for another pool party are definitely forthcoming.

Pool Party!

My niece Erin, sister Erika, and niece Lauren at our complex's pool for a fun day in the sun!
L-R: McKennah, Caden, Allie, Brian, Kathryn Back L-R: Kirsten, Caden, Brian, Allie

Front: McKennah and Sylvia
Lauren, Erika, Erin, and Emma enjoy the hot tub.

The Jordan World Circus 2008

I'm up north in The Gem State visiting my brother and his family for the week. Yesterday, we went to the circus. I mentioned in the previous post that I have been to a circus but have no memory of that. From my brother's home you can walk to the fair grounds in Rexburg. It's a five minute walk. Three adults and 8 kids in tow, we headed out the door and made the trek. Admission for adults was $16. At first I thought perhaps it would be a waste of money. I was completely wrong. Though a small circus, it was a really entertaining one. They had a variety of acts including, bears, elephants, dogs, horse riders, balancing acts, and motorcycles in a globe shaped cage, to name a few. The kids loved it. Well, everything except the clowns. The adults loved it. My final assessment: well worth the $16 I shelled out to attend. I was not disappointed.

My brother, sister-in-law, and Brian at the circus.

The horse riders This guy up in the air is on a pole which is "resting" on the head of the guy on the ground.

The Gem State

Me and Saydee

McKennah & Bethany

The Three Musketeers

Little Girls Cute!

My brother Mike, his wife Patty, and their five children live in Rexburg, Idaho. Since I am basking in the glory of summer vacation, I decided to make the 3 1/2 hour trek up to the state up north.

Last summer, Patty hostessed the first cousin exchange. My sister, Sylvia's kids went up and spent a week with their cousins. This year, since I was coming up, Patty asked if it would be possible for me to bring Sylvia's kids with. Well, of course. We left yesterday morning around 9:30 a.m. This time, Emma (she's the youngest of Sylvia's brood at 4 years old) came up with. She and Saydee immediately went downstairs upon arrival and played the day away.

The Three Musketeers instantly picked up where they left off in March (video games and outdoor fun) when they had last seen each other.

McKennah and Bethany joined creative forces and made a few things for Fathers Day (I believe).

Later on in the day, we went to the circus. I know I've been to the circus...I do believe it was the Barnum and Bailey Circus...but it's really not a memory...my parents told me about it.

Anyway, the fun at the circus will be another post.

The End is Here

The 2007-08 school year came to an end yesterday. Taking down my room was a quick and dirty process and by 10 o'clock I was chillin' with my co-workers in my room waiting for the faculty luncheon to begin so that it could end so that we could check out and leave. Students wandered the building despite the best efforts of teachers and administration to keep them in a classroom. Yes, our students who complain incessantly about having to come to school all year long come the last day and don't leave. They stay in the building after school all throughout the year, too. Sometimes they stay until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I always tell them they have chores waiting for them at home so they'd better get a move on. They always stare back at me blankly as though I were speaking a foreign language (which I could, by the way, but it would be no more effective).

It rained and rained and perhaps that is what contributed the surreal feeling of the day.

It should feel pretty real now, because I'm sitting in my bed at 9:36 a.m. with a post school year head ache and writing this up.

Los Angeles

On Sunday, I was with my parents in LA, California. We had a little time before the wedding festivities so we made our way to the LDS temple there. At first it was quite cold but as the morning progressed, our time on the grounds warmed up. It's only second in square footage to the Salt Lake Temple. I really enjoy the view of the city from the LA Temple grounds. It was a nice time.

Blood is Thicker Than a lot of Things

This weekend, I drove with my parents to Los Angeles, California for my cousin Kristal's wedding. Her dad is my dad's youngest brother. The ties to that side of the family have been getting stronger and stronger over the years and it's a wonderful thing. I saw my Uncle Jeff for the first time since I was in the 1st grade (approx. 30 years ago). I also saw my cousins David, Dru, Sean, and Nathan for the first time. They are really good people.

My cousin, Kristal, married Scott Kupferman. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. They are a good match. 

When I get together with my extended family, the idea that blood is thicker than water is re-etched into my brain. There is something incredible about being in the company of relatives. It's an automatic connection. There is no doubt that the ties are there. I feel that family bonds are forged long before we are born and I feel blessed to know these people. 

My mom, Uncle Jeff, and my dad.

Me, my mom, and my cousin, Kristal.

Me, my mom, my cousin, Kristal, and my dad.

Me and my Uncle Jeff.

My cousin, Kristal and her husband, Scott.

Maiden Blog Voyage

So, I'm on vacation in Virginia and visiting my very dear friends, The Browns. As a Civil War buff, this is the place for me! Thursday we headed to Fredericksburg, Chancelorsville, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania. Lucky for me, I had a young Civil War general with me. He was able to give me the skinny on the battles he fought in. Keep in mind my young general friend is five.

As much as I love the history in this area...the best part is spending time with Julia, Bruce, and Colter. They have been the greatest friends...going on 14 years.

No entry written from Virginia...from The Brown abode...would be complete without a description of the marvelous vittles I've eaten here. Brownies, cookies, and chocolate, of course.

Yesterday we went to The Air and Space Museum Annex for a visit. I'm the daughter of a retired military man so walking through KC-135s, C-17s, and the likes is amazing.

So, this concludes my first ever blog entry. Good night and good luck.