Spring Break

We took a road trip to San Fran over spring break.  One of the highlights of our trip was our tour of Alcatraz.  The views were beautiful!  The boat ride was fun! And we learned so much about the history of the prison there and it's island.  The weather was sunny but COLD!  We spent about 3 hours exploring the island and everyone had such a good time.

More Spring Break Pictures

The Painted Ladies

Lombard St. (below)

Luke's face while going down Lombard St.

Driving over the Golden Gate Bridge

Spring Break, Cont'd

 On the way up we stopped in Morro Bay to see the Elephant Seals.  It was cool to see them resting in the sand and so close!  When we got to SF we had lots of plans, but there were also some unexpected surprises too!  One was the bread company and the animals they created from the sour dough bread!  There were alligators, bears, turtles and much more!

Spring Break, Part II

I tried for far too long to rotate this silly picture.  I wasn't successful, but couldn't leave it out...it was too cute! :o) (I don't get Blogger sometimes, seemed simple enough!)

Before we went home we had to stop in and see the Jelly Belly factory!  It was very neat to see how jelly beans are made...quite informative actually.  All of the kids loved it too.  We took a tour through the factory and saw the whole process.  Did you know it takes about 7 days to make a jelly bean?  I think I'll be much more appreciative of the hard work and time that goes into each one the next time I eat them!  On the way there we had to take the Bay Bridge and who knew it was $6 bucks (if I remember correctly) to cross that darn thing!  We received a toll violation because we didn't have any cash on us!  Mario's adventurous side wanted to blow right through it, however, I convinced him that we should at least stop and try to explain...it didn't work! Oh, well...it was worth a try.  Anyway, while shopping in the Jelly Belly store Luke found a harmonica that he just HAD to have...we were serenaded much of the way home! Wow, that was a long drive!  However, he really has perfected his skill...7 hours later!  Good times, Good memories...

Spring Break, Part III

To finish the week off we decided to head to the beach!  It was perfect that day.  The weather was wonderful, the crowds were non-existent and the parking plentiful!  We took our bikes with us and biked about 6 miles from Bolsa Chica to Huntington to Newport.  It was so fun.  Then we spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach.  The kids played in the water and sand and we relaxed.  The week was so great, I'm sorry to see it end.  I bet the kids are even more disappointed....it's back to school for them! (sigh)

Long, Long Ago....

I met up with some friends from high school yesterday afternoon!  It was great to see everyone and catch up with what is going one in everyone's life.  These were some of my closest friends in high school and although it had been at least 10 years (some longer) since I had seen them, it felt like no time had passed at all!  It's so interesting to see where God has taken everyone and how he has used them...

Serving Our Community

Dylan's jr. high group (at church) focused on service during their small group session this time.  As part of the lesson they had to decide on a way that they could serve people in our area.  The girls chose to raise money for Steve's Hope.  They are a non profit that helps families with housing and other needs while their children are in the hospital due to cancer or other illnesses.  The girls hosted a pancake breakfast at a local restaurant last weekend to raise the money.  They served their guests and even had a raffle!  They did a great job.  The boys chose to raise money for the GAP (God Always Provides) food bank.  As part of their fundraiser, they sold tickets to a very fun laser tag party.  A portion of the money raised was used to feed families dinner at the GAP (last Thursday) while they waited in line for their groceries. The water district and Frito Lay even donated the water and chips.   The boys spent the afternoon wrapping up hot dogs and handing out chips and water.  The rest of the money was donated to the GAP to purchase more groceries.  They also did a can drive and were able to donate quite a few canned goods to the food bank!  It was neat to see the kids really get involved and enjoy their service projects!  

Where has the time gone?

The day finally came...Kindergarten registration!  I knew this day was coming for a long time now and didn't expect to be so sad when it got here.  Where have the last 4 and 1/2 years gone?  I think I'm so sad because it marks the official beginning of the next phase in our lives.  You know, no more babies...everyone goes to school now, everyone can feed themselves, and everyone can put on their own seat belts!  If I was this upset at registration, just imagine how the first day of school will be!  I'm gonna be a wreck!  I think it's harder when it's the LAST one.

When Life Gets Crazy

Our life feels a little bit uncertain right now.  If you know me, you know I don't function well this way.  I like having well thought out plans.  However, I'm learning this week that we can't grow or learn to trust God unless we have these experiences.  I know that we aren't the only ones who are going through some crazy times right now.  I found a verse that brought me peace this afternoon and thought I would share it in hopes that it might bring someone else comfort too.

"I know what I'm doing.  I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11

It's so encouraging to know that God knows what lies ahead, even when we don't.

The Reign Game

We went to an ice hockey game at the new arena in Ontario on Saturday!  A bunch of friends from church were all there and we sat in a section all together.  It was very fun and the kids loved it! Mariah and Dylan even made it on the jumbo-tron while dancing around with their friends and being silly!  It's a rare sighting....but, I actually caught Dylan on camera.  You've all heard that we had an older son, but haven't seen him on our blog.  He conveniently happens to go missing when the camera is out.  And I hear him saying (while running away), "Is this going on the blog?"  But, this time I caught him while he wasn't looking....

The Reign Game, Part 2

Luke's little friend Macy was there too.  She was telling her mom, "I see Luke!" and waving to him.  He was very excited to see her!  The Reign won after a sudden death overtime and a shoot out!  All that excitement can take a lot out of you!  Luke tried to stay awake...but just couldn't quite do it!  Thank you Rowan family for such a fun evening!