Family visits

The past couple days have been alot of fun because we have been enjoying our latest visitors! On Friday, Jim's cousin Erick and his wife arrived here in So Cal for a long weekend. After lunch, they traveled south to their time-share. Later on that evening, we had the pleasure of welcoming our niece Kari to California, where she will be living and working as a nurse for the next couple of months. With all of her moves in the past year, she has become quite efficient at packing! "Look mom, there's even extra space!"

This morning we helped Kari move into her apartment. We are so happy that she will be just a short drive away! We are looking forward to many happy times together in the days ahead.

This afternoon we drove down to Oceanside, where we met Erick and Merrily for an evening together. After a short stroll by this marina, enjoying the tranquility of the harbor...

...we ended up at this restaurant for a wonderful dinner.

We enjoyed a delicious meal together and had a great time of visiting.
After our meal, we walked around the marina and found an ice cream shop just behind this beautiful lighthouse. It's not a landmark, or anything more than a "cute rental shop," but it was very picturesque!

Happy Birthday Jim!

Yesterday, Jim celebrated his first birthday as a Grandfather!

Jayden was present to help him celebrate the day.
The three generations of "James"
Happy Birthday Jim! We all love you!

And on the weekend...

This past weekend we needed to do something different and relaxing--because it was very warm (like 96 degrees!)-- so we called up Becky and invited her to go with us to the beach, where we knew it was a bit cooler.

It was indeed cooler, and about a million others thought so, too!
This turned out to be the coolest place to hang out!
These two had a great time playing in the water.

We enjoyed a picnic on the beach...

...and afterwards a Coldstone treat!

On Sunday afternoon, we went to the annual classic car show here in town.

One of our friends had entered (and won first prize!), this vintage Harley-Davidson.

so many cars to seebeautiful interiorsOur friend Bill had also entered this classic Austin Cooper
The boys had to take it for a little ride, of course!
Meanwhile, off to the side, this group of ladies and gents, dressed in costumes of several different eras, were enjoying a full-course elegant dinner, (complete with crumpets and scones!) and served by a very attentive young man who was acting as their butler.
After the meal, we met this newlywed couple who wanted to use Bill's motorcycle for a photo op.

On Monday evening, M&B invited us over for BBQ supper and a movie date!

Guess what movie we went to see???? We highly recommend this one!

They call her mother

The years go by so quickly.. the babies grow into little boys...

the boys grow into young men...

...then one day they become parents themselves.

We are so thankful for the four wonderful sons that God has given us. We are very proud of each of you and marvel at the talented, kind, and Godly men that you have become. We love you!

"My sons, never forget the things we have taught you. Store God's commands in your hearts. If you do this, you will live many years, and your lives will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your necks as a reminder. Write them deep within your hearts. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." (Proverbs 3:1-6)

Beaches & Nurses

Last Saturday was a beautiful day here in So Cal. Jim had the day off, so we took a picnic and drove down to Laguna Beach for the afternoon.

We have had good rains this year, so we enjoyed just walking along the paths, drinking in the view of the ocean and the beauty of the blooming hillsides.

The ocean water was quite cool, but refreshing. (This is about as deep as we got into the water...) We had a very relaxing afternoon at the beach.

This past Tuesday was National Nurses' Day. (Happy Nurses' Week to all you wonderful nurses out there! We really do appreciate all the caring work that you do!)
The clinic where I work holds an annual luncheon to honor their nurses. This year it was held at a Tea Room and we were treated to high tea. The service was great, and the food was delicious.

The room and the tables were beautifully decorated. It was so nice to get away in the middle of the work day and be honored in such a special way!
My co-worker Cindy, (on right) together with our department manager Thea.