Home Again, Home Again!

Just had to capture this moment. When we were unpacking from our vacation, I walked into the hallway to find a smiling face peeking out of our empty suitcase.

Silly Girl!

San Diego - Day 3

Alas, we had to bid farewell to our lovely vacation spot.

Of course, we went back to the beach - the best place in the world.

Hannah enjoying the warmth of the sand and a granola bar.

What fun we had!

San Diego - Day 2

There is a place in San Diego called "Children's Cove" that is a natural gathering place for seals that is right in the middle of the city. It was incredible!

Tim showing Hannah where to look.

Oh there they are! Their mottled coats make them kind of hard to see up against the rocks.

Tim and Hannah pose after checking out the seals. Apparently, Hannah wasn't quite ready because she is still fiddling with her purse.
Hannah and I at Children's Cove.
Next, we headed off to Sea World. First stop, the penguins!

Cool, who knew that we could check out a helicopter at Sea World?!

Touching the wall of ice. It was almost like being stranded in Antarctica.

Seriously, how can you not love the walrus? He is just so funny. He was my favorite animal.

Hannah loved him too. We got to watch him swim around in the underwater viewing tank, and then, he decided to give us a real treat by mushing his blubbery body against the glass. It was pretty neat.
We also got to see the polar bear. At first, he was being a bit lazy.

But then, he decided to go for a swim!

Hannah and I pretended to be polar bears by climbing into an ice cave. Of course, Hannah is much cuter than any polar bear I know.
We also saw Shamu, of course. It was a real highlight for Tim, because he has, drum roll please, never been to Sea World and has essentially been waiting his whole life for this moment.
We got to touch some starfish and sting-rays, but Hannah was sad that we couldn't take one home.
Now that is just a creepy little eel face. Where is the rest of it's body?!
There was also a bouncy area for kids about Hannah's age to play around in. This was about as far away from us as she got. Don't worry, she is running back to us as fast as she can.

But it certainly was a great day. We left with smiles on our faces. :)

San Diego - Day 1

So the one positive thing about Tim working in Yuma recently was that Yuma is half-way to San Diego! So, Hannah and I packed up the car, picked up our prince, and headed to the coast for a much-needed vacation.

We hit the beach as soon as we rolled into town. Hannah loved it. I loved it. Tim loved it.

Checking out the sand...

...and seaweed. I have so many childhood memories of my brothers (one in particular) throwing the slimy stuff on me - I feel strangely nostalgic about it now...

We were surprised to find that Hannah didn't back away from the waves. We tried to play "chase the waves" (where you run toward the waves as they recede, and then away from them as the come up the shore), but Hannah never wanted to run away from the water - just towards it.

Alas, such behavior could only end in tears. It did. One wave got the best of her, so we had to take a little time out.

But it was nothing that a little granola bar couldn't solve.

What fun we had! I knew Hannah would be a little beach baby - even on her very first time!

Later on, we went to the downtown area where there is a fun little boardwalk. Along the way, we had a chance to look at some big ships in the harbor.

I mean, BIG ships.

We also had a lot of fun going on the carousel. Although, the carousel operator kept glaring at me because Hannah switched animals twice during the ride - which is of course not allowed. Hey, I can't help it if she gets bored of the horse and wants to ride the camel! Who wouldn't? I always like to try everything too.

We then ended the day with a family favorite- ice cream! This is usually how Hannah looks when we have it too. So she gets a little messy - I wouldn't have it any other way.

Spaghetti Anyone?

I simply can't resist messy food pictures. To me, they illustrate the joy of childhood. It is a time in one's life when it is perfectly acceptable to wear you food as well as eat it, and why not? Spaghetti does have a very interesting texture that demands to be explored and examined very closely.

What a happy girl. :)

Oompa, Loompa

He may be a returned missionary, but some things never change. Craig certainly hasn't lost his sense of humor. Who could resist helium balloons anyway?

Welcome Home Craig!

If you can even believe it, Elder Craig Williams is HOME! Of course, the family gathered at the airport to greet him.

Mom drew all of the hearts on these signs with much love.

As illustrated, home from the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission (aka by Craig as the "OTM" or "Only True Mission").

Here we are, ready to get the party started!

Hannah liked holding the balloons. What a helper!

The girls in Craig's life anxiously awaiting his return. (Luckily, Laura was able to fly in from Texas for the occassion). And there he is!
Mom got the first hug.
Tim and Craig.

Craig meeting Hannah for the very first time. He came home an uncle!

Dad looking very proud of his son.
Father and son share a hug.
Craig and Mary - what's so funny?
Mom looking very happy. Who wouldn't be?!

Craig, we are so glad you are back! It is amazing to see all of the changes that have taken place in you; you left a boy and came home a man. We are so proud of all of you and all of your hard work and efforts to spread the Gospel. You are such a great example to your family. We love you and couldn't be happier that you are home!