Kent and Becca invited us to join them for a short little stay at the beach. What a blessing it was to be able to spend some time with them....and as luck would have it, we were already in the area which made it all the better.
They rented a lovely home in Oceanside right at the sands edge. (Oceanside is a coastal city located on California's South Coast.)
Where the grass ended the sand began. While we were together we made a couple trips to Legoland.
Here is my photo log of our wonderful stay with them.
Family pictures at sunset....and of course we need a silly one (Thanks Ellie for the fun.)
A couple of weeks just doesn't seems like a lot of time....time just flew by. Kent and Family are back in Utah...waiting for their new home to be finished!
Visiting their future home site, isn't it beautiful?! ....to be finished before Christmas! (Holy smokes!)
Over the Labor Day long weekend I took the opportunity to visit Kent, Becca and kids- what a cute little family they have! (the wind was blowing pretty hard...so Ellie's sweet little curls were dancing around her face. =)
One of the things I enjoy about visiting Kent is the diversity of things to eat....they have restaurants there that we never hear of here.
(I thought this was so cute...tiny cookie on his milkshake straw at Potbelly)
These little guys are growing up so fast.
One of the sweetest things that happened while there... I was able to attend Church with them for their fast and testimony meeting.
“The law of the fast has three great purposes. First, it provides assistance to the needy through the contribution of fast offerings, consisting of the value of meals from which we abstain. Second, a fast is beneficial to us physically. Third, it is to increase humility and spirituality on the part of each individual."
During this meeting whom ever would like to stand and bare their testimony are welcomed to do so.
Nick decided that he wanted to bare his testimony....all by his 6 year old self made the long walk up to the stand and then bore a testimony of a seasoned missionary.
I wish I would of written it down. With courage and a voice of conviction not wavering- he spoke about being a light to those around you. That when you are that light others will follow. He spoke about giving service...and bore a resounding testimony of the gospel.....you could of heard a pin drop, the spirit was sweet and strong.
(be still my heart...what a blessing to have been there) then later little Ellie showed so much courage to get up and give a little scripture for opening of Primary. Darling little girl.
Cute little Christian all ready for church...tie and all.
The day was beautiful but very windy- which made for awesome hair. =)
Christians first Beach trip
As Kent and the kids were playing in the water I noticed a "fin" coming towards them....so I did what any "Mom/Grammer would do...run and yell at them to get out of the water. Happy Day, turns out to be a school/pod of dolphins.... playing around just a few feet from them.
Fun (smile) it's funny how just a few seconds can change everything from scary to fun.
(no pictures though...I was too busy saving life's...haha)
I had a wonderful time with this cute little family.
I love this little family...I love all my dear children and grandchildren.
May I get a little personal and present to you a challenge or question?
I know that your love for your family is truly great. But it can be even greater. We know that life is uncertain and that the good things we enjoy now might not and probably cannot go on forever.
Now I ask you: Where are you really going? Where is your family going? Are you always going to have fun? Are you always going to be together like you are now? Do you ever think of eternity?
I believe in eternity and that families can be together forever through Heavenly Fathers plan.
Kent and Becca are awesome parents....it was truly a blessing to be-able to attend this special event. Kent gave Christian such a sweet and beautiful blessing.
Babies in our Church received a name and a blessing. Because of this naming and blessing, their names are put on the records of the Church.
This is their view from their backyard....beautiful.
(Becca had also prepared an awesome lunch for the family after the blessing)
I just returned from a short trip to Utah to meet my "newest" grand-baby- Christian Blain.
I have to say...he is adorable! Nothing quite like a brand new baby.
Kent and Becca were so very sweet to let me have a few days with this little guy and of course love on Nicholas and Ellie too.
While there I also was able to attend the sealing of my older Brother Lewis and his wife Linda in the Bountiful Temple - sweet day. And fun to see extended family; My Aunt Becky and her daughter Cindy were also there, they are always so supportive. (wish I had taken a picture with them.)
My brother Martel came up on Sunday for a short visit....thankful for that.
My niece Mckellee and her friend Lucy drove with me to Bountiful ...awesome women!
The last few days have been about family; service to family, celebrating the life of a family member and remembering.
In November of 2012 my Dad pasted away. We had a wonderful service for him at that time, but because he had requested to donate his body to The University of Utah for research the graveside service and dedication of his grave were to come much later.
On June 28th 2014 we were finally able to bring Dad home and lay him to rest.
I felt three things at this gathering- the doctrine of the gospel, the spirit of inspiration, and our family gathered in tender regard for Dad and one another.
Not all of us were able to attend...but were there in spirit.
(me and two of my brothers.)
Dad's body had been with the University for over a year....and during that time I often thought of his body and wondered how his body was being used. I like to think of Dad during this time as if he were on a Mission.
His hope was that perhaps through the use of his body someone else could learn how to ease the pain of someone else.
Some of Dad's Grandchildren.
After the service at the cemetery- My brothers decided to have a picnic and gathering at the Celebration of life monument where Dad's name was engraved on a monument honoring those who have donated their bodies to help others.
Brothers, sisters, Aunt, cousins and Niece were there .... The day of remembering Dad was tender for me and I loved seeing my family....just wish we had more time.
During this visit we also tried to fit in a little visit to Kent and Becca- to help them with a little project for their home.
Becca had their home prepared so inviting and comfortable for us....we slept great and the food was wonderful!! Loved playing with the kids... We played restaurant like a million times =)
Got to see Nicholas at his swim lessons. He did awesome!
Fun adorable children...Kent dressed Ellie this day...Hearts and Stars forever.
The weather was wonderful and everything was so green...just wish we could of stayed longer....seems The Andersen family likes to do everyone at one time...reunions, projects etc. etc.
For Spring break Kent, Becca and kids made their way to California- The first part of the week they spent with friends at our cabin....and then we got to enjoy them the rest of the week.
April is one of my favorite months in Catheys Valley. ...just saying.
As Nicholas would say...."it looks like snow is growing from the grass...but its not cold."
(Nicholas is at the perfect age for saying super cute things....I will be sharing more =)
we didn't do much while they were here....just played at the lake...throwing rocks.
Watched cartoons in Grammer and Papa's bed.
helped Papa mow the grass....and....
ran through the garden and played games.
Ellie is not a big fan of having her picture taken...so, we got a lot of pictures of her super cute curls.
Nicholas loves the "bubble" room and is always really excited to see how much he has grown since his last visit.
a breakfast of croissants french toast style and strawberries
wearing papa's hat because it has his name on it. "Andersen"
Nicholas made an awesome necklace for me....and I just had to wear it all the time. =)
A few words of wisdom from a four year old...Nicholas-
"When I was 3 years old I was real hard to work with...but I'm 4 and I'm better now."
" When I grow up I want to be an artist, I want to draw pretty things to make people happy."
"I always say, you can never have enough junk food."
"I told the truth to my Mom and my heart was so warm."
He handed me an easter egg with candy and said-
"Because I'm grateful for you."
We played car wash and car racing- I was the pit crew.
We loved hearing Ellie's sweet little voice- "Me, help you."
We ate dinner outside.
We played in the tree-house.
Nicholas drew a picture of us holding hands and wanted to take a picture just like his drawing.
We found green tunnels to walk through. ( as Nicholas would say)
My Blog began in 2005- I write about "whatever" I am doing- about my husband (Danny) and our 5 grown children and grandchildren. I write about the things I love...from creating a new room to playing with my grand-kids...I share my blessings and my testimony about my Mormon Faith.{The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints} I love finding ways to be happy and enjoy the blessings I've been given....come what may.....Happy Day
