Our Evening at Grandma Schultz's

While in California, spending time with people we love was the best! After Chip's arrival at the beach, we went to Chip's mom, Lynn's home. I have always loved how she decorates at this time of year, so it was nice to be in her warm, "fally" feeling home! We had a wonderful time eating pizza and chinese food and laughing, and watching the kids have so much together. .

Chip and his mom, Lynn

Uncle Scott, Aunt Carrie, and Hannah in good conversation!

Jack had quite a welcome squeeze for Grandpa!

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Meeting our nephew, Ryan, was just wonderful - such a cute, cute boy!

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Aubrey, Bradley, Hannah, Taylor, Jack, and Noah

What a fun evening we had together!

Chip's sister, Amy was there too - why didn't we get a picture of you, Amy? Sorry!

HE DID IT!!!

Our trip to California was quite memorable to say the very least. The next few posts will be from our time spent there.

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Of course the highlight was being surrounded by friends and family at Huntington Beach to celebrate Chip's arrival after his 48 day long bike ride across the country. It was emotional and wonderful and amazing and incredible and fantastic.... and more! Chip's post about that unforgettable day is on his blog. There, you will see pictures and read in his words what it felt like to finish his journey. My sister, Jody, put together such a perfect homecoming for Chip, thank you Jody for all of your time and effort you put into that day, and thanks to all who helped her! I can't believe it's over and that Chip is home. Today is his first day back to work. It's 2:40, and he has already called me 6 times...... just because.

I love it.

The Hippie Hop!

The Hippie Hop at school was such a fun evening! You should have seen us scrambling around the house for beads, headbands, peace stickers - anything to make us look "hippie-ish!" (Except Jack still insisted on his BSU jersey, and Ilai ofcourse the 49er's!)

Eden followed the dance steps being taught very intently!

The hula-hoop contest was the high-light. They competed by grade. Aubrey came in 3rd for her grade, Hannah came in 2nd. My nephew, Ilai did awesome during the warm-ups but when the official music started - down went his hoop! Darn! Jack was the first to run out and claim the blue hula hoop when they announced the Kindergartners.... and also the first to have to sit down when it didn't stay up for more than a half a second. He wiggled and wriggled any way he could to keep that hula hoop up, but no such luck.

But guess what? My niece, Eden - she WON! Wow, she is one awesome hula-er! And she better be with that Polynesian blood! When the whole crowd roared with applause and "oohs and ahs" - she just smiled shyly and gladly accepted her Starburst prize.

Beth and I had a lot of fun - spent too much money on admission, pizza, and glowsticks, but it was worth it to see how much fun the kids were having. Hippie talk was fun too - all night the kids would hold up their fingers and say....... "Peace." (Who am I kidding? Beth and I started it with the bank teller before we even GOT to the dance!) The next morning, Eden played her soccer game with a faint peace sign drawn with eyeliner on her cheek. I love it.

Hurry Home, Dad (& Happy Birthday!)

Quotes heard around here the last few days:

Taylor: "October 20th is going to be the BEST day!"

Aubrey: "Okay, that's it. I'm really ready for dad to be home."

Hannah:" Mom, I cried in bed last night when I pictured daddy tucking me in."

Jack: "Mom, I think I can't remember what daddy looks like."

Yep - it's time. WE MISS YOU DADDY!!!!!

... and happy birthday today too!

The Real Thing!

Uncle Fo'ou is the "awesomest!" (in Jack's words) He found the shoulder pads and helmet in storage and made Jack into this very serious football player. Jack thinks he is the coolest thing to walk the earth. He said it feels like "the real thing."