San Diego Zoo

Are these guys excited to be here or what?!Richard had Katelan Buehner here for the weekend and so we decided to check out the famous San Diego Zoo. What an incredible place-the animals, landscaping and overall feel is spectacular! The babies must have liked it because they were absolute angels the entire time despite going without their nap. We had such a great time and are excited to be season pass holders so that we can go back soon! My cute parents-they are the best to come along!
This is Richard and Katelan in front of the panda which we saw eating and pooping-fun stuff!
The Nielson Family enjoying our beautiful day at the zoo together.

The One-Year Mark

A few months ago I had published a post about my brother Dave. He passed away a year ago today and I can't believe how much I still miss him. Who wouldn't?! Dave was a friend to everyone and was always out for a good time. Living life to the fullest by playing hard, working just enough and playing harder. He developed so many friendships and inspired so many and I am so proud to have him as a brother. Having the gospel and the knowledge of His plan gives us such comfort and I think because of this, we are all doing so well. Dave, we love you and are thinking about you always. "Keepin the Dreams Alive! "

Beach Bums

Our Pumpkin Patch!

Just because we weren't home for the holiday, didn't mean we weren't going to have fun. I had to pull some teeth to get the boys going, but we all had a great time carving pumpkins, eating chili in bread bowls, making rice krispie treats and giving candy to our one trick-or-treater. Yes, only one and he was much too old to be out. The best part was of course dressing up my little pumpkins. I had bought these fabulous Gymboree costumes for them months ago and left them in Utah knowing there wasn't going to be much reason of dressing them up this year. Instead I went for cozy and comfy in matching sweat outfits. Plus, anything is cute when there is two of them! Take a look at our little pumkin patch...

Julian

Julian is a quaint little town we got to visit last weekend the day before the fires started. It reminds me of an old Park City and it was so beautiful to see the fall colors amongst the old western buildings. Julian is famous for their apple orchards and the All-American Apple Pie. Let me tell you, two pies were not enough! YUM!

Firestorm 2007

Things have been a bit insane around these parts with raging fires taking over the San Diego County. We were incredibly lucky that we didn't have to evacuate. We had fires threatening us from the north, east and south and yet we were kept safe. Interestingly enough, my parents had just moved from Rancho Santa Fe where they would have been in trouble so we are glad we are here in Encinitas. Parts of Encinitas were evacuated but we were close enough to the beach that we were ok. Still, no one could go to work, roads were closed and the stores and restaurants were empty and shut down. It felt like a ghost town! We still have some haze but it smells and looks a lot better in comparison. We couldn't even be outside for long on Monday because the smoke was so bad and there was a constant fall of ash. I just feel terrible for all of those hundreds of families that have lost their homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time. Here is a video of Monday morning to show the smoke coming in.

Miramar Air Show

Last weekend we joined the thousands of people attending the Miramar Air Show. It wasn't my first choice of activity but we ended up having a great time and seeing some amazing flight stunts. My grandpa was in town and for those who remember him, he is always a hoot and he absolutely loved looking at all the planes with Tucker and my dad. And yes, Tucker was on cloud nine as he is dying to get his pilot's liscence someday.