Adventureland

We visited the beach with friends...

Made volcanoes in honor of Nim's Island...

Made animal footprint cookies in honor of My Side of the Mountain (although we did not read it 🤭 but learned about it at Book Club)

Learned about Oceans in Middle School Boys Science Class (heaven help the poor teacher-me!)

And visited a partially opened Aquarium (only outside exhibits), but the trip included a whale watch so it was worth it!  We didn't see a huge baleen whale like we hoped, but saw so many dolphins.  They played with the boat and you could even hear them talking to each other.  So cute!

We did have quite an adventure these first few months of school.  We are off to a great start!  And now time to rest...

Hazel Irene Stone Cook-My Grandma

 On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, my Grandma passed away from complications during a heart procedure.  She was 94 years old.  I spoke with her on the phone the day before to tell her I love her and that I would be thinking about her during her procedure.  This was her third procedure this year, so I wasn't too worried.  I figured she would come through it like a champion like she did with the others.  I was very nervous with the first 2 procedures, but this time I felt totally calm and was not nervous for her beforehand.  I think that was the Lord's way of telling me that this was her time and she was at peace now, so I should be too.  Still, I was not ready for her to go.  Because of COVID, I had only gone to visit her once since March.  I wish I would have spent more time with her in her last few months.      

I feel very blessed to have had such a loving, Christ-like Grandma on the earth with me for so long.  She is a wonderful lady and her spirit will live on in her family members.  I guess those in Heaven waiting for her, need her more than we do.  She died 3 years to the day that my Uncle David (her son) died.  I know she missed my Grandpa dearly, and many others who passed on before her, and I am glad they can be reunited.  

Her graveside service was on Oct 19.  Due to COVID, it was only children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Her nephew, Jeff Stone, and David Knight and Rick came also, which was very thoughtful of them. It was a very short service and did not do my Grandma justice.  But, it was nice to be with my cousins and all our kids together.  We wrote notes to Grandma on paper cranes, like we did for Grandpa.  It was very nice.  So sad that she is no longer with us, but I cherish the memories and know she is watching over us.  

Here are a few things I snapped a picture of from her house.  Just funny things I always will remember at Grandma's house...

Here is a Picture Slideshow Kathy made.

Interview Kathy did with Grandma in Jan 2020.

*Update:  We ended up doing a celebration of Life for Grandma on Jan 22, 2022 at her church.  Here is a video of part of the celebration.

Cucamonga Peak

 Growing up, I'd always look at the mountain behind my house and say I want to go up there someday!  Finally, thanks to my awesome guides, Jayme and Lee, I did!  It was so much fun and I would do it again in a heartbeat!  We started hiking about 7am, and got back down about 2pm.  It seriously felt like it should've been 10 am though when we got down.  Time flies when you are having fun I guess!  I got a little altitude sickness (pounding head and slightly dizzy) about half way trough.  Luckily I mentioned it to Jayme. She popped me a few Excedrin, which thins the blood, and I was all good within 30 minutes.  Next time I'll take that in the morning before I head out!

We went a little overboard with a photo shoot at the top, so I had to bust out some yoga moves since I was too scared to do any jumping on those rocks like some braver souls!  We had a nice lunch, enjoyed the view of "Care-A-Lot", and headed back down.  My heels hurt the next day but nothing else. I hope there are more long hikes to tops of mountains in my future!    

Ladd's Birthday Trip

 We took a day off to get away with Mike and Michelle for Mike and Ladd's birthday.  It was so fun, I wish it was more than just one night!  We stayed at Coronado Island.

The boys golfed while we shopped...

Michelle and I did an early morning yoga class at the hotel...

We took a long bike ride...

Mike and Michelle taught us about the La Jolla Coves where everyone snorkeled, except me-it was cold!  

I got cozy with this guy while they were snorkeling...

We ate good and had a great time!  It really was too short. We came home to this cute poster...

Happy Birthday Laddy!

September Happenings

 Other events in September...

The boys went to a drive in movie.  They have missed going to the real movies!

The girls participated in our ward's online primary program!  They were given a song that they were to make a poster about.  You can watch the Program here.    

This is an old picture of Charity.  Her friend Ryder moved away this month but his mom sent us this darling picture expaining how she was his first friend.  We are so proud of Charity and her ability to reach out to those who need a friend!