California Craziness

Last week we took a quick trip to California! We left on Wednesday and came back Monday. We decided that next time we go to Cali, it must be for longer. There are far too many people we want to see and hang out with! We went to Cali, for 2 reasons. First, Jesse friend Logan and his wife Ashli were being sealed. Logan and Ashli were married a year ago and Ashli was baptized a year ago, and were able to be sealed together Saturday. Second, Jesse's best friend, Jake, who also happens to be Logan's cousin, was also going to be there for the sealing, meaning we could hang out with Jake and his wife Amber and their 2 kids. As if that wasn't enough stuff to do! We stayed with Jesse's wonderful sister Rachel and got to squeeze in some time in their busy life with 5 kids! It was so good to see them! Rachel and Rusty pretty much made it possible for Jesse and me to have any sort of dating relationship! I always stayed with them when I would come see Jesse on the weekends. And it was at their house that Jesse proposed to me! Needless to say, the Marsh family holds a very special place in our hearts! I was also able to see 2 of my very good friends from college, Tiffany and Marisa. We were able to go to the beach, and eat at ALL of our favorite places! But, the trip did not get off to a very good start...

On Tuesday, Steve came down with a fever and feeling yucky and it lasted all the way until about Friday. Yes, that meant a 4 hour, non stop flight with a sick baby. NEVER again! Considering how yucky Steve felt, he did ok on the plane, but still stressful. And to top off the already miserable plane ride, a gigantic man sat next to me, leaving only about half of my seat to me. So, Jesse, Steve and I were all squished up to the window and stuck in our row....with a sick, crying baby. Yay. But, we survived and arrived in LA on time and headed straight to rent our car. We then proceeded to get lost trying to find the freeway. Yay again. Meanwhile, I have a headache, Steve is NOT happy...but we find an In-n-Out Burger, and all is well for about 5 minutes. Until the first of 2 terrible phone calls. First we talk to Rachel who tells us somehow one of the kids brought home lice and she is currently de-licing EVERYTHING and that we probably don't want to stay at their house that night. (Sorry Rach...don't hate me for posting this part of the story!! It's funny now right?!!) So a good friend of hers graciously allowed us to crash at her house that night. (Thank you Muirbrooks!!) But, before we even get to Orange County, Logan calls with the news that their sealing had to be pushed back until Tuesday due to a new rule and date confusion involving Ashli's baptism date and confirmation date being 3 days apart. So...here we are driving to Orange County, me with a splitting headache, poor Steve finally passed out in the back seat, all for no reason now that we won't be able to make it to the sealing. So we go to the Muirbrooks to relax and clean up and head to dinner with 2 of Jesse's friends. BJ's pizza is a fave, and so we were on the uphill to having a better trip!

The next day we get a call from Logan saying that their Stake President emailed the First Presidency and got approval to keep the original sealing date, and all was well!! We would be able to make it after all! Yay!!

So, to sum it up, traveling is awful and we just choose to forget the travel day to California. We were able to stay with Rachel, go to the sealing, and see lots of good friends. It was so much fun to be there, and to witness the beautiful sealing. We have such good friends in CA and love to visit every time! So, here's some pictures from our adventure.

My best friend Tiffany after we met up for breakfast. She is so amazing, and I love her so much!

We had fantastic weather, but not quite warm enough for a swim in the ocean. That didn't stop us from going to the beach though! Unfortunately, Steve was still feeling pretty icky, and didn't enjoy it that much, so we didn't stay long. But we didn't leave before getting some great pics!

I am a beach girl, through and through! Steve liked it until he fell in the wet sand!

He did enjoy eating the sand! Much to daddy's dismay!


Mommy and Daddy are happy!

Jesse's sister Liz and fam came and stayed with Rachel Friday night and Liz and Charlie came to the temple with us Saturday morning. Thank you Rachel for watching kiddos!! You're amazing!

Here we are outside the Newport Beach Temple. It is beautiful! And it was a gorgeous day as well!

Jake, Amber, me and Jesse. I had so much fun getting to know Jake's wife, Amber. Our hubbies decided we are an internet dating success story since we really got to know each other through our blogs! We get a long great and are now the best of friends!

Everyone after the sealing.

The Broadbent's and the Cope's. We love you Logan and Ashli! And Serenity!

The last thing we did was have dinner with my old roomie, Marisa, and her fiance, Lane. I've known Marisa and Lane for 5 years now and they just get engaged, so it was super fun to see them and get caught up on all the wedding plans. You guys are awesome!

We went to church with the Marsh's and had to take some pictures after! They have the most beautiful ward building.

Rach and me with her girls and her niece (on the Marsh side).

Jesse with the kids, minus Ren who was asleep! We love you guys and miss you so much!

The cousins...except Ren!

Thank you Marsh's!! We love you!