Carlsbad Caverns

One of the highlights of our trip home was the time we spent at Carlsbad Caverns. As you can see, Lexi enjoyed listening to the taped tour message. She thought the darkness of the cave was a little scary, but mostly fun.

Road Trip/Ramah Cemetery

One of the main points of interest on Grandma Margie's travel agenda included a trip to a tiny little speck on the map called Ramah, which is near Gallup, New Mexico. It was her mom's home town and the place where she was burried. This place is loaded with family history for us. It seems strange to call it a town when there isn't even one traffic light in the settlement. The sign above recognizes one of my Grandmother's brothers, Ken Mangum. Her parents and most of her siblings are in the same little desert cemetery with her.

By Grandma Lorena's Grave

Settling Down

Butterfly Lexi at SeaWorld

A few days ago, I asked Lexi what she wanted to do before we head back to Texas. She said watch the Elmo 4D movie again. Then, Jordan started chanting, "Emo, Emo, Emo!" I knew that we had to make time for another trip to SeaWorld. We only stayed a few hours, but we made an effor to see the Dolphin Show, Shamu Show, and the Elmo Movie with a few things in between.

Manatee Tank

Orka Tank

Waiting for Shamu

Waiting for Elmo 4D Movie

Butterfly Face

As everyone knows, Lexi LOVES having her face painted. Every time we went to the Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, or SeaWorld, she wanted to get it done. Grandma kept telling her she would do it at home. Of course, we all forget when we are at home. This morning, however, Grandma remembered. She painted the kids' faces before we headed off to SeaWorld. They both enjoyed having thier faces painted.

Sunset on Pacific Beach

Last night, Papa Malcolm and Grandma Margie took us to the beach to watch the sunset.


This way, no this way


Have to have a silly face photo

Beach Time

The weather had been so great the last two days. We definitely had to go to the beach. Here are some pictures and a video from this morning:

Breakfast on the Beach

This morning, Lexi and I got to do something we haven't done since we left Miami. We got to eat at a cafe on the beach. Grandma Margie, Papa Malcolm, and Aunt Paige took us to Kronos on Pacific Beach. It was wonderful, even though San Diego is always colder than Miami. After eating, we went down to let the kids play in the sand.

Twice Today

We went to SeaWorld again today. Actually, we went twice. I took the kids this morning and then we all went back this evening.

Lexi had a bit of a traumatic experience after lunch today. A seagull sat and watched us while we were eating. I didn't think much of it. When we were done, I asked Lexi to throw away our garbage. I was sitting with Jordan, but watching her. As she was walking toward the bin, the seagull swooped down to take the food from her. Suddenly, I saw flapping wings and heard a blood curdling scream from her. Everyone around us stopped. The garbage flew out of her arms. I was about five feet away from her. I ran to comfort her and scare the bird off. Somehow, she got a cut on her finger. I assured her that the bird wasn't trying to hurt her. He was just trying to get the food. She keeps telling everyone that, so hopefully she'll blow it off quickly.

Shark Tank

Manatee Tank

Shamu Tank

Shamu Show

Waiting for Pet Show


By the Seals (copying Lexi's new funny face poses)

Waiting for Dolphin Pyrotechnics Show

Back Again

Guess where we went again today... that's right, SeaWorld. My kids can't seem to get enough of that place. Thankfully, it is only 10 minutes away. Lexi, as usual, wants to participate in every activity there. She gets upset every time we watch the Shamu or dolphin show and another kid gets to "meet Shamu" or touch the dolphins. She has decided that she gets to touch them when she is a trainer. I guess that is now in her career planning. Today, she also didn't think it was fair that Aunt Paige got to ride the Atlantis Roller Coaster and she didn't.

Polar Bear Cave

Watching for Aunt Paige

Seals

Lexi's Future Career

Shamu up Close

Successfully Bugging Me

Easter Sunday Funday

Our Easter was full of fun activities. It started a little later than usual since Jordan & Lexi slept in (thanks to the late night with Shamu). We had a healthy breakfast before starting the Easter Basket Hunt of 2009. Lexi, of course, was in charge. She found my basket first and then their baskets. Paige kept searching for her basket without any luck (hidden too low), so Lexi ended up searching & finding Paige's too.

Presents from the Easter Bunny



After the basket fun, we got ready for church. We were running late and since Papa Malcolm was performing and his church starts a little later, we went to his (Englican). It was a nice service. He sang several songs with the choir and then a solo. The priest announced an Easter egg hunt on the front lawn for after the service. Lexi and Jordan found several eggs and we all had a piece of carrot cake.

Easter Clothes

Easter Egg Hunt at Papa Malcolm's Church




Lexi and Grandma Margie made sugar cookies after church. Jordan was asleep in our room, so Lexi couldn't change out of her church clothes. Grandma Margie said she could just take her dress off.

Making Cookies


When Jordan woke up, we headed down to the beach. The kids had fun playing in the water and in the sand.

Beach






That evening, we had a wonderful dinner of lamb, mashed potatoes, green beans, and sparkling blue berry juice. We had apple pie for dessert. I had plenty of sweets to last at least a week, but the kids seem to think they need more. :)