Brandon had to work a half-day on Friday, so I loaded up the kids and we played at Oceanside beach and pier. The kids really enjoyed collecting seashells and playing in the sand! For future reference, the concessions were so-so and we need to be more careful about not setting up in the surf zone. We came back and the kids went swimming with dad while Kendall napped. Kara & Kava's wedding reception was impressive and a lot of fun - lots of dancing and traditions from Kava's family. His 10 minute dance with his groomsmen for Kara was a surprise! Kendall was the cutest little dancer at the reception. Rachel was asked to help be a "waitress" and she got a special headband to wear, which she was thrilled with. Andrew kept sneaking cookies.
On Saturday, we headed to La Jolla cove to see the seals (parking is a nightmare, but it was fun to do it once!). Then we spent the rest of the morning at La Jolla beach. The ocean floor was very kid-friendly (no rocks), but there weren't many sea shells or concessions. As long as we bring lots of our own food, this beach might be one of our favorites for the kids. Nana hates the beach with a passion - too much sand. She played for awhile, but then just covered herself with a towel and waited for us to be done. At one point, the kids made her a sand ice cream cone and when she went to pretend-lick it, she accidentally gave it an actual big, sandy lick! It was too funny!! Since we had spent the morning doing something Nana didn't want to do, she got to pick the afternoon activity and we ended up at the Flower Festival in Carlsbad.
On Sunday, we opened Easter baskets and watched the morning session of General Conference at my Uncle Scott's house. They even saw a nest of baby doves and got to FaceTime with cousin Ryan! It was a great weekend - we are so lucky that the beach is only 5.5 hours away from Mesa!
The countdown to Cade coming home has begun! And all we've been talking about is "the hug"!! I gave him very specific instructions via email to make sure he doesn't mess this up.
Cade,
Refer back to this email if you have any questions over the next month and a half.
I already wrote this to you last year, but you need to hear it again. Mom wants a hug of a lifetime when you get home. No pressure, or anything. Just do what comes naturally, or follow these instructions:
1. Apparently, you're supposed to pick her up off the ground briefly when you hug her (and running is not a requirement, but if you run to her, you will get extra bonus points)
2. It needs to be the longest hug you've ever given someone - at least 30 seconds to a minute if you can stand it
3. Refer to this RIDICULOUS you tube video of a missionary hugging his mom (which mom has watched 100 times) if you have any questions. Here's the summary (in case you'd rather not watch it) - the mom is late getting to the airport (sound familiar?), so he starts hugging everyone else, then when his mom finally comes, he runs to her and they embrace for literally 6+ minutes. It is crazy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
You are welcome. My condolences. Good luck.
Whitney
p.s. I have no requirements for the hug you give me. I cannot speak for Brandon, however. :)
Cade,
I just found out last night that I missed one key component - the hug needs to include picking her up and SPINNING HER AROUND (one time is sufficient). This was new to me, but it is a true story! I could not make this stuff up. Spinning is apparently more important than the running. Just to be clear. :)
Whitney
