Big Changes

June was probably one of the craziest months we had. We had our trip to California, Pageant, and a big life change - a new job. On our way back from California, I received a call from a firm that I had applied to a year before when I left Morris Casperson's CPA firm, Larson and Company CPA.

Here's a little background - I received an interview with Larson back in June of 2013.  After interviewing, I was told that they went with someone else who had more experience. I had applied to other firms and was even offered a few jobs, but at the time, it just didn't feel right. So I turned it down and focused on Ray's job. He wanted to end up in an ICU and so we wanted to just wait until that happened.

In August, I took a job at Snow College as the Payroll Accountant. It was part time and was very flexible. Mady and Carson were able to go to the daycare and I really enjoyed the work. In September, I received a phone call from Larson extending me a position at their firm. 

After talking about it with Ray, we didn't feel like it was the right time and declined. I continued my employement with Snow College. Ray was enjoying his work at Gunnison hospital. And we even thought about making Sanpete our permanent residence for a while. We started looking at homes and trying to see if there was a future here for us. 

Working for Snow College had its ups and downs. There was many people that I liked working for. However, there were many politics. I felt like there were too many shady things and people going behind other's backs. I had wanted to get on full time and possibly work as a teacher since I had my double master's degrees. However, the more time I spent there, the harder things got. 

I found myself wanting to work from home more and more. Ray and I were trying to look at different options for him working in an ICU, which would mean he would be working up north in Provo area. And then while we were on our trip in California, Larson called.

They offered me a position working in bookkeeping. I would have opportunity to grow in that field and do possible tax work. It would be for public accounting and in a very family friendly firm. They offered me quite the salary, complete with benefits. 

Ray and I went back and forth about it all during our trip. We had decided that we wanted to focus on Ray, and get him in an ICU position so that he could have the experience he needed to further his career. We decided that I would take a step back from being a provider and just work as needed and spend more time with the kids. However, it felt right. So on our way home, I called Larson and accepted the job. 

What happened next was a whirlwind. Larson wanted me to start July 1st, which at the time was two weeks away. So I went in to Snow College and gave them my two weeks notice. They weren't too happy about it, but I told them I would promise to help them find someone before I left. And so our plans went into motion. And next thing I knew, I was looking into my new office.  

The Rest of June

 One of my favorite things that happens every year in June is the Mormon Miracle Pageant. My family has participated for quite some years now. And this was the first year Mady was able to be in it. It was also a special year, because my Dad was cast as Jesus.

I didn't let Mady do it every night, since it doesn't get over until 11:30pm. But she was so excited nonetheless. 

Even though I have seen the pageant every year, it never makes it that less special. To see the stories from the Book of Mormon come to life is such a special experience. The feelings that I feel when I watch my neighbors, friends, and family portray the various events that had to happen to have the gospel on this earth today is simply magical.

The testimonies that are strengthen, the Spirit that resides, and the hearts that are touched through this two hour program is simply magical. And my daughter and family helped make that happen.

If you are every interested in seeing the pageant, please visit this website - http://mantipageant.org/

Even if your not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it is still a wonderful FREE event that you and your kids will love.

What was also special was that Mady was old enough to sit through the whole pageant and understand (for the most part) what was going on. She got really excited when she saw the part that she was in. 

Carson didn't handle it too well. And after an hour, Ray called it quits and took him home. But he did look super cute in his tiger costume! And I got to spend more time with my bestie, Lesil!

With Mady staying up every other night for the Pageant, she slept in until about 11 every morning. After about 5 days, I told my family that Mady was done with the pageant. 

We also went up north and visited Ray's family. Look how cute Mady is with her "Jaws" that we got from Sea World. She doesn't go anywhere without it now.

We love spending time with the Martel's.

Especially because its an excuse to make yummy treats every night!

June was not too good to Carson, though. He fevered for 5 days straight and was super orney. 

I had to leave work early and work from home a lot. 

Mady tried to be a good helper while he was sick and read him books. Sweet girl. 

We later found out that he had Roseola. Poor guy. There's not much you can do for it except wait it out. Which was not fun for anyone. 

But after about two weeks, we started seeing him smile again.

June ended with Carson feeling much better and we got to go out to Palisades and have a nice day in sun and water. 

Our California Adventures!

We seriously have the bestest friends ever! Annie and Brandon invited us to stay a week with them in California at their Grandma's beach house. We had such a fun time and are so grateful for Annie and Brandon for inviting us.

To start off the trip, Mady and I made sure to have super cute glitter toes. We literally did this like 15 min before we left. Ray wasn't too happy about it, but we were. 

Ray and I decided that we would drive through the night to California. We felt the kids would do better and that way we wouldn't have to make too many stops. So we left around 5:30-6:00 PM and the kids were out before we even had left town. Score!

We got there around 4 or 5 AM. Luckily, we were able to get the kids back to sleep and get a few hours of shut eye before they woke us up at 8. Of course the first thing Mady wanted to do was go down to beach to see the ocean. So I hurried and fed both kids, got them dressed, and headed down to the beach. Since Ray drove all night, he was able to get some peace and quite with the kids gone. :)

Carson did pretty darn well, considering his colic-ness. Me and him just hung out on the beach towell most of the time.

Mady tried making sand castles by herself. She did pretty good considering we didn't have any beach toys with us.

She even found some seashells to put on it. She was quite proud of herself.

Ray came down not too long afterwards to play with us.

Like father, like daughter.

And on special rare occasions, this would happen. Carson would sleep in a hole in the sand that we had dug out for him.

A special thanks to Naketa for giving me the best blankets ever in the summer - aden and anis swaddle blankets. Seriously saved our lives!

When Ray came down, he brought some beach toys with him, including some body boards. Here he is trying to teach Mady how to do it.

Super cute right?

She was starting to get the hang of it and was doing pretty good on her own.

She just didn't enjoy the salt getting in her mouth.

Since Ray had brought toys, we helped Mady make a real sandcastle, while Carson slept in his hole.  

Turned out pretty good, I thought. Nothing like our lake powell sand castles, but it sure made Mady happy.

And then in the middle of our picture, the tide starting coming in dang it. So unfortunately, our castle didn't last too long.

Brandon and Annie know all the yummy restaurants by the condo, so they took us all out to this amazing Mexican restaurant. It was super delicious! Carson didn't think so, darn it. Nursing makes so many foods untouchable.

For our trip, we had purchased a 3 park ticket pass to SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and the Safari Park. Our first stop was SeaWorld. Mady was beyond excited!

Mady was quite enthralled with all the different animals. She thought the orcas were quite amazing. And apparently, they did too!

We didn't get to pet the dolphins, but it was sure fun to see them.

We loved watching the seals - "They have funny tails, Mom."

Mady's favorite thing in the whole park were the sharks.

She thought they were "Soooo cooool!"

She really wanted a shark tooth after seeing this shark jaw.

"Mom, try and get a picture with me and the turtle. He likes me."

We loved all the shows and had such a fun time taking our time riding the rides and seeing all the exhibits. We let Mady look at all the souvenir shops so she could see everything she could potentially get. Once she saw all the stuffed sharks, she wanted one so bad. So while we waited for the dolphin show, I took her back to get her shark. Ray wanted a hat that was also there, so it was perfect.

However, once I saw the price for her shark, I told Mady she needed to get a smaller one. She burst into tears. So while she had her little fit, I stepped a few feet away to look at the hats Ray wanted. I guess someone thought she was crying because she was lost and tried to help her. I stepped in and told them the situation. They just looked at me like I was the worst Mom ever and walked away.  So I tried to reason with Mady, but she really wanted that specific one.

So, when in Rome....

I didn't get a souvenir, but this picture below is better than any souvenir I could have picked. Carson really did so much better than I could have predicted. And I am so thankful for it!

Annie and Brandon told us about this gorgeous beach where we were able to go snorkeling and enjoy the gorgeous view of seals. It was so amazing! I had a hard time snorkeling - for some reason my anxiety got the better of me. But we still had a lot of fun.

And of course, Mady wanted to make another sand castle.

To which, her loving father obliged.

The day following our beach day, we went to San Diego Zoo. I was super impressed with the Zoo. We spent a total of 9 hours walking around, and I didn't feel tired, hot, or bored. It was so perfect. Even the kids had a great time.

I think Mady was quite amazed at seeing these huge animals that she has never seen in real life - at least not this close anyways (Hoogle Zoo has nothing on this place!)

I mean look how close this guy (girl?) was!

It's so sad to think there is only just a handful of these rhino's left.

The giraffe's were super cool also. I think Mady could have watched them all day, she was quite taken with them.

Just checking out the antelope that are in with the giraffe's.

"Mom, look a kangaroo! Wow, I've never seen one before!"

Mady just checking out how her hands match up to a bear's paws.

They had these huge statues of animals all over the park. Mady didn't really care, but I tried to get her in a picture with them.

Ray and Carson were good to make me happy by being in a picture with the statues.

Mady did like the turtles though. Maybe its because she could "ride" them.

We only got to see the "Mommy lions". Mady said the Daddy was probably at work. 

Mady liked the arctic section of the zoo. It had these cool tunnels you could go through and pop your head out.

She liked the helicopter too. 

I personally enjoyed the escalators...a lot! I mean, seriously, who in their right mind enjoys pushing a stroller up a hill in the California heat?

Every statue that we saw, Mady had to get a photo.

However, when I wanted to get in the picture with her, it turned into meltdown.

So then we let her take a picture by herself.

Which made her stop crying.

And who doesn't love crocodiles?

Or maybe they are alligators?

I really wanted a cute family picture while we were at the zoo. But Mady just wouldn't cooperate.

Ray and I just had to laugh, because usually its Carson who gives us a hard time.

So we said thanks and moved on. The waterfalls and greenery in the bird sanctuary were so gorgeous! It was probably one of my favorite places of the zoo.

And Carson was just as happy. He did so good!

We had quite a few people ask us if we wanted a family photo. We kept saying no everytime we looked at Mady and saw her get that defient look on her face. But once we reached the end, we wanted to try one more time to get a good family photo. And here is how it turned out - Mady refusing to look at the camera half screaming and Carson looking down at her trying to figure out what was going on.

I thought these turtles were so weird! They had the longest necks. Mady wasn't too sure about them.

The zoo was probably my favorite place we went to on the trip. The kids did amazing for how long we stayed. We wore both the kids out and they slept great! Carson only woke up twice! I hope we will be able to go back to the zoo sometime soon.

The sunsets over the ocean were so gorgeous in the evening. We tried to go down every night to see them.

This particular evening was actually our last evening at the beach. We were heading home the next day after we spend the day at the Safari Park.

It was quite depressing, but we had enjoyed every bit of our trip.

Our last stop was the Safari Park. However, Ray made sure to have us stop by a mochi shop. He was beyond excited. Literally, I have never seen him happier. Don't these look super cute?

I felt the park was pretty cool, but it would have been better if you had money to spend. There were lots of fun extra things to do, but they all cost a pretty penny.

I think Mady's favorite part was feeding/chasing the ducks.

One thing that I thought was better over San Diego Zoo, were the cats. They were always just right against the glass.

I got a good picture of the tiger looking at Mady. I think it was mostly enthralled by her painted face. 

Lunch was ok. Carson whined the whole time. Mady just wanted to chase ducks. And Ray and I were hot. 

This was probably the best salad I had on the trip. I really should use black beans more often in my salads.

Mady absolutely loves getting her face painted. It cost $15 dollars for this butterfly design!

Guess who let Mady do it.......Daddy.

But we botht hought it was so worth it. She was so grateful and was just as sweet as could be the rest of the time.

Oh and a side note, not once did I get reprimanded for nursing in public. Just a whole bunch of stares. 

We ended up going leaving in the afternoon since we didn't want to spend more money doing the extra events they had. It was fun, but I think we won't be going back. We headed back to Utah after the park. We were sad to leave but ready to come home.

Overall, it was a fabulous trip. We are beyond grateful to Annie and Brandon for inviting us to come stay at their condo.

Hopefully, we will be able to come back soon.

Because this place is just too beautiful to go without seeing for too long.

And make more amazing memories that will last a lifetime!