Read "Catch-up".
In 4th Grade my teacher Mr. Scott would trick us somehow into saying a phrase with the word "catch up" in it. Like: "I need to catch up on my homework." (I'm not sure how he got us to say that.) And then he would call us to his desk and write the word "ketchup" on our hand. Not sure if that was part of the fourth grade curriculum at the time but it sure stuck with me! Hmmm.
Anyhow. It has been practically ages since I have updated my blog and there have been umpteen million things big and small that have occured since then. Therefore: I am going to attempt with this blog post, to be as minimal as possible and still "ketchup" on the last little while of our family's life.
Pictures fill in where I can't do all the words.
Here it goes:
After a happy "Nathan passed the Bar!" party... Nathan and his Dad drove to California the last few days of November, driving a Uhaul with all our stuff, pulling the car and driving the van loaded to the brim. Housing option after housing option had been popping like bubbles before our eyes the last few days as December approached. But it only takes one, and luckily one worked out in the school boundaries we were hoping for. While Nathan spent a few days waiting for our house and moving into the house, the kids and myself were enjoying our last few days at Grandma and Grandpa's house (while trying not to be too sad about that time coming to an end.) We had some fun things to distract us -- like the ward Christmas party, singing in Relief Society ( the girls were a smash -- singing my Uncle Kelly's song), finishing up Christmas projects and trying to gather up any little odds and ends that didn't go with the rest of the stuff.
Then we flew to San Diego. When we left Preston it was like 7 degrees. When we landed in San Diego it was like 60. It was raining, and so I couldn't see the amazing ocean views from the hills and our house when we arrived. But I can see them now! I love living here on this hill -- about 4 miles from the ocean. I can see it from my backyard. I see it from my driveway. I see it on the way to the store. I am still not used to it -- it is like a dream everytime I see it. In the morning when I wake up -- I can see the firey sunrise too with the palm trees in silhouette. At night when I go to sleep I can see the city lights in the distance. Anyway, I like the place! The kids are liking it to. It turned out to be nice timing for moving here. It was holiday time for the school, so Elle had three weeks with Ava to delve into boxes full of forgotten toys, books, clothes, etc. and get used to our surroundings. Nathan had some training stuff -- but things were kind of slow and then closed up for the holidays, so he could help us do some sorting and arranging and playing!
On Christmas Eve we went to Coronado island to the Hotel Del Mar there and went ice skating -- at a rink right on the beach. It was perfect weather and very fun. We had a picnic there as well, and then went home for a nice little low key red and green Christmas dinner.
The holidays were fun because of the beautiful weather. We had trips to the beach, Sea World, the Zoo... That's San Diego for you.
Nathan has been busy at work at this point -- which he loves.
Elle started school in a new school in the new year. She is strong and up to the challenge. She makes the best of things -- and she does like it a great deal. Of course it isn't easy, but people have been nice and she is learning the ropes quickly. She does "running club" at school going twice a week to run before school starts. Nathan and I have talked before about her having a body frame suited for running... long lanky legs. Sometimes she comes home and reports that she ran 12 laps! I'm inspired.
Ava is interested in learning to read and is picking it up quickly. She misses Elle at school and can't wait to go to school to. Just 2 more years, Ava!
And both Ava and Elle are taking dance class and violin class, so it is busy all around.
We try to go down to the beach on Friday after school... we just pick Elle up and go -- since it is just 2 blocks from the ocean. The kids love the beach -- it is fun to watch them there.
Saturdays are Sea World or Zoo days -- Rock loves Sea World and the Zoo too! He sits at attention through the Sea World shows and has now added "whale" and "fish" to his signing vocabulary.
Sundays -- we enjoy our ward. I just got called as the Sunbeam teacher (Ava's class!)-- which means Nathan's calling is to watch Rock.
January's big event was Rock's first birthday. We can't believe how fun he is! He is a good natured lovey. He hugs us and pats us, and makes us all feel so good. He loves to climb and be outside. He is always looking for something to laugh about... And he is a total Daddy's boy! There is some serious male mojo -- he just feels special with his Dad. I think Nathan might be a little bit "whooped". It is so fun to see them together.
There. Our life in a nutshell. Whew.
Oh -- and come visit!
