Summer Vacation

Rick's sister invited their dad to come live with her in California. We helped with the move and decided to make it an excuse for a family vacation.

This is the cute house where they are moving.

Oh look, no computers around and the boys found something to do outside. They had a blast on Cameron's long boards.

At the end of Lisa and Cameron's street they have a fun nature park. There is this huge Eucalyptus tree with multiple swings. This is me doing underdog to Isaac. We walked around the park and saw an owl and a few kites.

 Cameron and the kids climbing the tree.

This was Zane's birthday week. The big 16. Moving grandpa probably isn't the ideal birthday, so I tried to think of fun things we could do that we couldn't do elsewhere. My 16th birthday was spent on family trip to California as well. We went for the BYU football game. It probably wasn't my ideal birthday at the time, but since, I've loved how memorable it is that BYU won the national championship on my birthday and I was there. So, I searched for some uniquely California things to create some fun birthday memories for Zane.

 

Monday evening we headed for Hollywood. My friend, "Pinky", blogs about famous people, and is the queen of knowing how to get photos with stars. (See Pinky's blog here) She suggested we attend the premier of The Watch. 

 

Zane and Isaac waiting in the crowd before the red carpet.  Rick and I weren't too excited about going, but once we got there, the energy of the crowd was really fun.

 A guy from The Lonely Island

 

 Ben Stiller

 

Christine Taylor-Stiller

Jonah Hill

Vince Vaughn- walking away. I've never liked him as an actor and apparently he doesn't like me as a fan. While the other actors signed autographs and took photos, he just did a pass by of all the fans without even acknowledging anyone. I was giving him the benefit of the doubt that he was headed down the street to greet the fans there, but I don't think that was case.

Tuesday afternoon, after we got Rick's dad's house settled, we headed down to Fountain Valley to hang with the Ziebarth's and Holbrooks. Sean took us to a yummy Japanese restaurant for dinner.

Wednesday we spent a Disneyland. Here we are in Cars Land. Our first ride of the day, Luigi's Tires.

Waiting in line- we did a lot of this. Although, with fast passes and a good iphone app, we worked the park pretty well that day.

My favorite ride of all time- Tower of Terror. That's us on the back row left side.  My hair was in my face the whole ride but I was too scared to let go and move it.

We scored on the Radiator Springs Racers ride. This is the big ride right now. We heard stories of people waiting 5 hours in line. We thought we'd run there first thing when the park opened. However, when we got there, we were told the ride was closed until noon. There was a half hour line just to get a fast pass. We decided to skip it and try later. At 10:30, we heard the ride had just opened, so we hurried over. The regular line was already insane, but we opted for the single rider line. It was perfect. We were all on the ride within 10 minutes. Rick was the first one on - he didn't know I took the pic. By the time we were out the single rider line was almost as long as the regular line. This will forever be one of our great Disneyland stories.

I love this pic. Cute boys enjoying a simple ride.

Bug's life 4D show.

Everyone loves Mr Toad's Wild Ride. We also scored in Fantasyland by heading over right after the fireworks show. We did all 4 major rides there in 1 hour.

This was the end of the day. Can you tell how tired we all are!

Thursday was Zane's birthday. We started it off by meeting the gang at Papa Z's for breakfast.

We spent the morning/afternoon at the Ziebarth's pool.

We bought pizza for the group.

And of course, birthday cake.

Happy Birthday Zane!

We headed home Thursday evening, thinking we'd spend the night in Vegas. However, I was on the phone at least an hour in the car trying to find a cheap room with no luck. It's just as well as Rick and I don't like Vegas and it definitely isn't a place for teenaged boys. We drove through and stopped in Mesquite instead. Good call. We were tired, but an hour closer to home the next morning.

We made it back to Draper on Friday in time for Zane to get his drivers license. We stopped on our way into town, so Zane got all of us there to experience it with him. I did my parental duty and took a ton of pics and embarrassed him appropriately. :)

First time driving with his license!

What a fun trip. We are exhausted!

Anything Can Happen on Thursday

Rick is working from home today, so this morning was my first solo ride into work. I decided to drive to the Trax station and ride from there. That way, if it's too hot this afternoon, I can take the train home or if I'm up for ride I can ride back to the Trax station (15 miles) and avoid the huge hill in the afternoon heat. Here's how the morning went.

I got my bike loaded and out of the house. I drove down the hill and realized I didn't have my phone. I considered not going back for it, but decided since I was riding alone, I should have it. So I turned around. I finally made it to the Trax parking, unloaded my bike and headed up the hill. At the top of the hill I realized I wasn't wearing my glasses. I figured I could ride without them, but then wondered if I'd left them sitting on my car. They are expensive sport glasses so I decided to go back for them. They were in the car.

I had a nice ride into work but when I arrived, I couldn't find the key to the building. I always keep a spare in my bike bag so I don't have to remember it every time I commute. It wasn't there. I had to wait for someone to come let me in.

I got in, stretched a little, cooled down and went in the bathroom to change. (I bring extra clothes to work the days I drive so I don't have to ride with a backpack.) When I started getting things out of my bag I noticed something vital missing- underwear! I can get through the day in my sports bra, but there was no way I could wear my black padded biking shorts under my tan pans all day.

I went and asked a co-worked if she wouldn't mind driving me to the Smith's Marketplace a few blocks away. I figured I could purchase something inexpensive to get me through the day. She happened to need a couple items as well. At Smith's I was in a hurry. I was stressed that I was taking her away from work as well as not being there myself. I grabbed the nearest items and went to the checkout. I was shocked when the checker said my total was $55. WHAT!

I came back and opted for the sports bra. I'll walk back to Smith's on my lunch to return the ridiculously expensive grocery store bra.

All this and it's not even 8:30 AM yet!

The Shows

Rick and I usually have a BBC series that we are in process of watching. We are now looking for a new one. I thought I'd give a run down of what we've watched so far.

MI-5 (known as Spooks in Britain). Probably my favorite series from the BBC. I watched all 10 (?) seasons over several years. Rick came in on the last half and really liked them as well.  Some people compared this to 24 in the US. I disagree. While not much happened in each episode of 24, each week of MI-5 was packed with politics, drama and action. Plus, Adam could kick Jack Bauer's butt any day. :) If anyone has watched this series start to finish I want to talk to you about the very last episode.

Ruth and Harry, my two favorite characters!

One of the best things about this show is that main characters leave and/or are killed off, so you never know what is going to happen. Most of the cast changed several times throughout the years.

Downton Abbey- I already did a whole post on this series. I can't imagine you haven't seen it, but if you are in the minority of Americans who haven't, just watch it. Great entertainment.

It has Maggie Smith and fabulous costumes, need I say more.

Bleak House - I admit that some of my draw to this was seeing Dana Scully in the role. This is an adaptation of a Charles Dickens novel. Classic BBC mini series. Well done. Both Rick and I loved it.

Sherlock- this is Sherlock Holmes in modern day. Fun idea. I enjoyed them, but found Sherlock a bit annoying.  (Watson is very likeable though.) It prompted me to read some original Sherlock Holmes stories. I found that this series is quite true to the original books. Not that they are the very same stories, but they did have some of the exact same lines and a lot of similarities. I thought Sherlock in the book was more likeable than Sherlock in the series. This is worth watching if you like crime drama. Rick really liked it, and we've recommended to a few people who gave it positive reviews. Each episode runs about 1.5 hrs and is like a mini movie. Each season only has 3 episodes, which is a bummer. Season one is on Netflix, season two recently aired on BBC America.  We are waiting on season 3. I read that a version is being made in the US, set in modern day NYC and Sherlock is a female. Interesting.

Foyles War- there are several seasons of this available on DVD. We've watched a number of episodes in the first season. These are also 1.5 hr long episodes. Each is a murder mystery set during WWII. Foyle is a detective with impeccable integrity who has to deal with ethical dilemmas and politics of wartime while solving crimes in rural England. This is one of the less edgy shows on the list. (I mean that in a positive way- no nudity, swearing, gratuitous gore and violence.) We liked it but stopped having the DVDs sent via Netflix because there were other things on our list we wanted to watch. I would guess we would watch more if they were instant downloads or if we owned the DVDs. We'll probably get back to the series sometime.

Inspector Foyle, his driver, Sam(antha), and his assistant (I don't remember his name).

Jekyll- I love a good monster movie and this does not disappoint. It is hide-your-eyes gory at times, so beware. This is billed as a sequel to the original Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Set in modern day England. Complete with a conspiracy led by the Americans. (Some of our favorite parts of all these series is seeing their view of Americans. They definitely stick to a stereotype.) This is a 6 episode mini series. We have one episode left. I'm dying to see how it all comes together.

James Nesbitt does a great job playing both Jekyll and Hyde.

So, there you have it. I would recommend all of these. We need something new. What do you recommend?

July Birchbox

 Yay. Birchbox day. So fun to come home to a fun package of goodies. Here's the rundown.

This month was a Glamour Birchbox featuring the 5 senses.

See It: Stila lip glaze. This is one of those things I love to try but would never buy.

 

Smell It: Juliette Has a Gun Vengeance Extreme perfume sample.

Hear It: Earbuds- how cute are these. They got an audible, "Yay" when I opened the box. I expect the kids will "borrow" these.

Taste It: This is the only bummer in the box. It looks really cool- mints sweetened with xylitol with ginkgo for brain power. Only drawback is they have tea in them. Fail. Who wants them?

 

 

 

 

 

Feel It: Green Tea Blotting Linens. While I won't ingest the tea in the mints, I'll happily use it on my face.  I think the masque is a bonus See It item. It's for hair. I'm excited to try.

Just quick review of some of last months products. We love the soap. Definite difference in our skin, both Rick and I noticed we weren't as dry in the hot Utah weather. We will order more of that for sure. My face felt great for a couple of days after that mask. I wouldn't buy, but would love another sample. The lip/cheek stain has worked out well as a summer cheek color, but I don't like it on my lips.

Computers are Ruining our Youth or I am Officially an Old Lady

I'm amazed at how my kids can stare at a computer ALL DAY LONG. And not just one day but every day. It drives me a little crazy. One of my favorite movie quotes is from Auntie Mame, "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death."  That explains perfectly what I think computers are doing- starving kids (adults too) of life experiences.

I don't think computers are evil and I don't mind my kids enjoying computer games. I think it is fine if they spend a couple of hours every day playing on the computer or even a whole day once in a while. I just want them to have a well balanced life. I know a lot of parents have boundaries to ensure entire summers are not sucked into cyberland. Some kids have to earn computer time with reading or other activities. Some kids get a certain screen time allotment per day or week. All great ideas. They don't work too well for me since I am not home during the day to enforce anything. The kids are good at following rules when I'm not there, if they remember. That is a really big IF.  For my sanity, I had to let go of what happens at my house when I'm not there, so specific or complex computer time rules just aren't going to happen.

Here's what we've done instead. The kids each picked some things they wanted to learn this summer. I asked them both to find something that required physical exercise. I'm proud to say they are both doing great and enjoying new hobbies. They also have chores inside and out. So we've got work and physical activity covered.

I still felt like computers had too much of a hold on our family. Anytime something wasn't scheduled, they would be on computers. There is so much out there to experience and help them become well-adjusted, balanced adults. I am afraid they are losing their ability to be entertained without a screen. So, a couple of weeks ago, we instilled our one rule from last summer. No screens after dinner on weeknights. This isn't too much of a restriction since they are at their mom's two nights a week and either have church activities or other classes every other evening. It leaves them with a few hours per week that they have to find something to do on their own.

I have loved the results. Zane loves music and instead of surfing music websites, he sits down and makes his own music at the piano or with his guitar. Isaac likes to build things and has spent time with the huge pile of legos in his room. He has also made a dent in his summer homework. The biggest thing I've noticed is that they both go to bed when they are tired without any prompting from parents. When the computers are on, they could be up all night and never realize when they are tired. We have to tell them several times to turn off the computers and go to bed. I'm guilty of this too. I get sucked into the TV. Even if there is nothing very good on, I will sit in front of the screen long past when I should be asleep.The screens are so mesmerizing that we lose our sense of self.

There is my old lady rant. Turn off your screens and get out there and feast!

Ride Report

We shaved 4 minutes off the commute time this morning. Yahoo!

Restaurant Review- Citrus Grill

Rick and I have been trying some new restaurants courtesy of Groupon. Last weekend it was Citrus Grill. We would have never known about this place without the Groupon. It's located in a little strip mall on 3300 South about 3000 East.

It's a casual atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. The whole menu looked yum. They had a grilled cheese of the day. It was gorgonzola (?) and caramelized onion. We were both tempted.

Here's a link to the menu.

I settled on the Sesame Salmon and Rick got the Fish Tacos. The salmon had excellent flavor and was cooked perfectly. My only complaint was that the whole plate was covered in sauce which meant the roasted potatoes and green beans were covered in it.  The sauce was tasty, but it would have been nice to have some different flavors on the plate. Overall, I would order it again.

The server recommended the fish tacos as one of their top items. Rick said they were delicious. Our one complaint here is that they just bring you a plate of ingredients and you build it yourself. That is a pet peeve of mine. I go out to eat to have someone else prepare my food and am annoyed when I have to finish the job. Not fatal to the meal though, and we'd recommend the fish tacos based on flavor.

We shared a dessert and opted for the bread pudding. When it came we were stunned at the size; it was huge! It was also incredibly delicious. I'm not a fan of pecans, but they were big pieces so I just left them for Rick to enjoy. We took half of it home. It warmed up surprisingly well in the microwave for a treat with our movie the following night. I will crave this. Made me want to find some good bread pudding recipes to try at home.

Overall, I'd say you won't be disappointed if you give this place a try.

July 4th

 The holiday was quite an event, or better stated, a series of events, many of which were unfortunate. Every Independence Day we have a huge family reunion at my parents' house. Tuesday morning a fire started in their town. (Pretty much the whole state is burning up this summer.)  Tuesday afternoon my sister sent me a picture of the view from my parents' porch.

They were not in the evacuation zone so we sent out the word that the party was on, expecting a smokey backyard party the following day.

Wednesday the winds were still and we had a nice clear day for the annual reunion. Here's a rundown of the day via pictures

The twins at the BBQs. We had around 100 people show up this year.

Loading up the plates

Yum!

I have a star-shaped cake pan. I get to use it once a year.

Check out these cuties!

Let the water fight begin! (Sorry I didn't get pics of the volleyball game this year, but trust me, y'all looked pro out there!)

Meanwhile- the fire burned on. You could see the huge flames from my parent's backyard.

The annual slip and slide.

Just a few short runs this year before tragedy hit

Cute Christian took a flying leap onto the tarp and ripped his shin open on one of the grommets on the tarp (that's the best guess as to what happened anyway)

A trip to the ER and 88 stitches later, he's still smiling.

We are currently looking into alternate water activities for next year.

The evening ended at Thanksgiving Point to watch the fireworks. Not the most spectacular show, but fun to hang out at the park.

We hung out with Heidi's family and some of their friends. A nice close to an eventful day. 

Here's what the firefighters were doing while we were partying!  This is my sister's friend's home. Firefighters working hard to save the house.

Scary!

Amazing. Burned all around the house, but saved the home! We are so grateful for a cooler rainy day today.