A Visit to Burbank

Never have we flown into Burbank and just stayed around town. The grandparents and I had fun going to a mexican resturaunt nearby that was rated 4.7. I love to go to those. We shared fajitas and had two different meats and a variety of vegetables. That kind of family meal sharing iswhat my dad and sister like for the variety. We helped my sister get ready for renters and house warmed her new ADU (Alternative Dwelling Unit) in her backyard! Its like a little house back there. We cooked and saw a movie and went to Forest Lawn Glendale for a museum and view of the area which was so nice. We visited the Glendale mall which was a cute shopping stretch with a fountain and high end stores like Tiffany and Co. We walked the paths of Burbank a lot and drove around the Tesla we were picking up. The ride back to Sacramento was pretty good and uneventful except we had to charge three times because it was over 100 degrees outside and we believe the air conditoner was taking up all the energy. There was quite a bit of wind as well. It was a quick trip and I got to see places I haven't before so that was a great experience. Jury is still out on taking Teslas for road trips.

Spain, Rock of Gibraltar, and Morocco Adventures

This vacation was anticpated since November 2025 when our airline cancelled our flight. My folks are I really felt like it was just fine that we were going to go in February. I had a lot of time to be convinced that all would be well with my duties and responsiblities enough to travel to Europe for 12 days. I felt supported by my friends and family and I am so glad I went. We first went to L.A. and spent the night at Tanya's house then we were off to Madrid. I did not sleep on the plane, but it made it nice to adjust to the time change. There was an 8 hour difference. Tanya and I explored the area in Madrid, we saw so much city life and had a delicous fish dinner in a quiet place on a cobblestone street in the rain. It really was a great first imppression. All of the people looked happy and did not mind the rain and it was so clean and beautiful. We slept well at the JW marriot in Madrid and it was lovely. We had the fancy breakfast there and made it to the airport to fly to Malaga. The airports on our trip were so large and we really got the grandparents working hard on their steps. The flight to Malaga was short, but wow what a small plane. The car and resort were wonderful. I helped Tanya navigate using GPS and we made it around pretty well. There was quite a bit of weather at the time, but we changed our destinations and it made it so that we were not caught in the rain and enjoyed the excursions so much. We only had one rest day, but we loved seeing Sevile, Madrid, MarBella, Malaga, Granda, Rock of Gibralter and Tangeir. The highlight was a day long tour in Morroco. The guide picked us up from the ferry that crossed the Mediterrian Sea and asked if I would like to go see a botanical garden, have a morrocoan breakfast, and head to the beach to ride camels?! I say infatically yes! The food there and in Spain was good. They would eat a little bit of protein, tons of bread and lots of olives. We bought autenthic Morrococan rugs and visited a "pharmacy" there and loaded up on Morrocan oil. We saw the Rock the Kashba site and a cave and of course saw more monkeys. There were hicchups and crazy situations, but the experience was excellent and very worth it. The Alhambra was amazing and we loved our tour there, each of the activites and places we ate were great. Paella and lots of Tapas and everyone eating outside was fun to experience. We were treated like family every time we ate out. The horse drawn carriage at the Plaza de Espana and Gardens nearby was very nice. We even road on the top of a hop on hop off bus. I loved the fresh flowers they had on every dinner table. There are too many pictures and video to remember it all by, but I am grateful I took a leap of faith and experienced Europe in February.

Utah, again and again

Joe moved to Utah and we got him settled in, but then Brian had a misison reunion in Utah and we went out there in June, we went in may, and will be visiting in July and August! The mission reunion was nice. It was such a spiritual experience. I loved the fireside, hearing the president and his wife talk about the micracles of the mission coming toegther, their call, their blessing of staying in the calling and how the work flourished. I could tell that each missionary there was touched by serving at that time. I'm glad they had the music, food, and pictures of the people and culture of the area. I can see why Brian is so in love with the country and the people. I heard stories I hadnt before and was totally impressed with the whole thing. I'm so pleased he went on a mission there. We got to spend some time in Lehi at Jordon's house and had awonderful time with our children. We always do! We played games, and went out to eat. We played Pokemon go and went to a new game store and to DI. We anticipate more trips to Utah. We will be going to the cabin and will be hosting an open house in Lehi for the wedding celebrations! We finished the pre bridal photo shoot and the bridal shower and are working hard on the details of the wedding. It is a busy time. I listenend to something from Presiden Oaks that said, focus on the important things, all of them at once. I took that as little by little we can be hitting all the impostant parts and progeressing over time. It is something to think about and try to implement. I know whenever I do a tiny bit in my yard or garden, it makes a difference later, especially with the heacy lifting of spring clean up. I'm making a goal to do more daily and maybe things will run more smoothly.