Part 7 Wild Animal Park / Family

Wednesday March 16th

This was our final day in California. As our last adventure we decided to take a trip to the Wild Animal Park (or the renamed Safari Park). Grandpa Fred was able to take the day off of work and join us, so that was extra special. Reagan took his hand and stayed at his side the entire day. We were pretty tired, so we had a short day, but we still enjoyed the safari tour, the bird show, the elephant run, and not getting peed on by any tigers (past experience).

We left the park by 3 in order to meet Mark's Aunt Julie, Uncle Jeff and Cousin Jim at the house. We had a short visit at Dad's house and then went out to eat at the Claim Jumper, where we met David and Cecilia. We had a wonderful time catching up. It reminded us how lucky we are to be a part of this family.

Thursday March 17th - St Patrick's Day

We traveled to Phoenix, AZ had dinner with Grandma Christiansen, Kevin, Corrie and her kids. Only Mark wore green.

Friday March 18th - Headed Home

Mark wants it mentioned that he drove the whole way. I thought I'd mention that he got pulled over after we crossed into Texas, but the guy took one loook at our packed car and figured we couldn't afford a ticket. What a trip!

Beach Day part 6

Tuesday March 15th

We were on our way to the beach once again. I wanted to take the kids to Torrey Pines, because that was the beach I used to take Colin to when he was a baby. In fact it was on this beach that Colin stood on his own for the first time. He had been pulling himself up on our cooler and just let go. I couldn’t wait to introduce all the kids to this fun beach and they couldn’t wait to collect Shells. I think they brought home half of the beach, but luckily they left most of the sand at Dad’s house. Ü

Part 5 Sea World

Monday March 14th - Written by Mark

Monday was Sea World day. We got a great set of directions from Grandpa Fred and headed out. We made it to the Dolphin show which was fun mix of dolphins, birds, whales, and Cirque de Sole dancers. We had forgotten that Sea World’s unofficial motto is “We will get you wet!” We were about five rows back, so we were definitely in the Soak Zone. We dodged the dolphins well enough, but when the whales swam around the edge of the tank, they flipped enough water up to reach three rows behind us. We survived with only minor splashing.

We moved next to the Arctic adventure ride where our helicopter “crashed” into ice and snow before taking us to see polar bears, beluga whales, and a walrus.

Our next stop was the “Pets Rule” show, where dogs, cats, and pigs entertained us with many tricks. Seriously, who knew cats could be trained to run between people’s legs? We mustered our courage and rode the Journey to Atlantis, where everyone walking away from the ride looked like a bucket of water had been thrown on them. The ride was fun and got everybody wet twice, including wetting everyone’s pants / shorts / dresses. Still, we were undaunted, so we continued to see the Penguins, the Sea Lions and Otters show, and then ran hard to make it in time for the Shamu show. The Shamu show was pretty amazing, even though it was tamed down from what they used to do.

We were mostly dried out by this time, so we plucked up our courage and rode Shipwreck Rapids which had warning signs everywhere “You will get wet and possibly soaked.” Between the rapids, the water cannons that people were firing at us, and the waterfall we had to go under, I think we all got soaked. TARA was able to wring water out of her dress for the next hour! After that we saw the “Sea Stars” Tidepool (I didn’t know we weren’t supposed to call them Starfish anymore), went to a few Aquariums, walked through the Shark exhibit (very cool as they swim over your head), pet some Sting Rays, and they found some gifts from the shop to take with us as souvenirs. As drenched as we were, I think the kids still had a fun time.

Part 4 San Diego

Friday March 11th
This was our day of rest. I wasn’t feeling the best and we were all tired, so we stayed at Grandpa’s and enjoyed a day off. We caught up on laundry, Mark took the kids for a walk to see the Lemon trees just around the corner and we enjoyed pizza for dinner with Grandpa.

Saturday March 12th
After a late start we traveled to Old Town in San Diego where the Mormon Battalion Visitors Center can be found. I had heard that they had remodeled and even had a new movie, so we wanted to be sure to take the kids. It was wonderful. Colin was able to dress up like a soldier, the movie was fabulous, and we were even able to pan for gold. The most amazing part for me was to find my grandfather Albert Smith and his son on the list of soldiers in the battalion.

After the Visitors Center we walked around Old Town and the kids bought a few souvenirs and then we said goodbye to Dad, as he headed back to the house and we traveled over to show the kids the Temple. We loved walking around the temple grounds. The San Diego Temple is about the most beautiful temple ever built. After touring the temple we headed over to Islands for yummy hamburgers. We were lucky to be able to watch the San Diego State vs. BYU Basketball game while we ate, but BYU was sadly not as lucky. After returning home to Dad’s it was time for homework. Colin and Caitlyn especially hit the books, then it was time for ice cream and off to bed.

Sunday March 13th
We awoke LATE! Church started at 9 and we woke at 8:30, so we were up with a jump and running around trying to make it out the door in time. Hallie and Reagan were the only people ready to leave when Grandpa was leaving, so they went with him to save the family seats. The rest of us walked into the sacrament meeting room around 9:07, but still in time for Sacrament. Grandpa’s ward is full of kind friends. The kids seemed to enjoy their classes. Mark even ran into a friend from BYU named Lee Evans. We were all thankful for a break and for the spiritual uplifting. That afternoon we had a special visit for Mark’s brother David. David has grown up into an amazing guy. We really enjoyed our visit and were a little sad when it was time to say goodbye, but the day was getting late and Mark and I had a promise to fulfill.

We needed to visit the beach. I thought La Jolla would be perfect and it couldn’t have been better. We parked and walked along the coast, enjoying the seals, Sea Lions and surf. We stayed until the sun went down promising to return to the Ocean again before our trip was over.

Part 3 Universal Studios

Thursday March 10th

We ate breakfast at the hotel first thing and then packed the car back up for our trip to Universal Studios. We got lost. After four different sets of directions, we finally pulled into the Universal parking lot around 11 AM. We had a pleasant stroll through Universal City and then we entered the park. We loved the Hollywood themes (red carpet, famous characters, and movie sets). The tour of the TV and movie lots and that also included the new King Kong 3-D, was by far the greatest part of the park.

After the tour it was time to get Mark’s much needed churro. He was kind enough to buy one for each of the kids. We then watched a show about how Special Effects are made. Some of the Special Effects were a little scary but the kids, Mark and I really enjoyed the show. After the show we took the many escalators down to the lower level and road the Jurassic Park and Mummy Rides.

Hallie and I were even lucky enough to run into Shaggy and Daphne with the Mystery Machine. Hallie didn’t like the look of Shaggy (He was too hairy), but she was super excited about Daphne.

After three rides on Jurassic and two on The Mummy, we decided to take the escalators back up to the upper level. While waiting for Mark to help tie shoes Colin, Austin, Hallie and I discovered JAWS! Hallie thought he was cute.

Then we made our way over to Curious Georges Spray Park. Reagan and Austin both had giant buckets of water dumped on their heads. Hallie got a little wet, but soon discovered a play land full of balls. She, Colin and Caitlyn all spend the next half hour shooting balls at each other. What a great time! But it was time to start heading to San Diego and Grandpa Fred. We made it back to the car and once we made it out of L.A. traffic we were on our way. With just a small stop for sandwiches we pulled into Dad’s driveway around 8:30. We were all excited to see Grandpa and to stretch out.

California Trip Part 1

Friday, March 4, after the kids finished with school, we packed the car and traveled 5 hours west to Fort Stockton. We didn't arrive until just after midnight, but the kids traveled well, as we talked about what an amazing reward they had at the end of this trip. Saturday we were up early and after a continental breakfast at the hotel we were on the road again. It was a long 10 hour day in the car, but we finally arrived in Phoenix Arizona around 6 PM. We were blessed to spend the night with Corrie and Steve (Mark's sister and brother-in-law). It was especially fun to watch the kids together.

Luke, Shea, Paige, and Easten were so fun. We told stories, played in the back yard, jumped on the trampoline, roasted s'mores, and the boys even squeezed in a few video games. We hope that we will be blessed to spend more time with this sweet family.

On Sunday morning we got up and enjoyed a breakfast of cinnamon toast made by the kids. We took our time getting ready for church and then enjoyed Sacrament Meeting with Corrie's family. We left after sacrament and traveled to west Phoenix where we met up with Mark's Grandma and Cousin Kevin. They were so sweet to the kids. The kids fell in love with Kevin and his motorcycle. Colin and Austin even went for short rides. Grandma was full of information about the family and reminded us how lucky we are to be part of it. It was a terrific visit and we wish it could have lasted longer.

We got back in the car and traveled on to Anahiem, California where we were to stay the next three days. We checked into the Holiday Inn and quickly unpacked the car and then it was off to sleep, because in morning we were on our way to Disneyland!