Sunset Cliffs

Yesterday my parents drove up to spend the day with us. And what a perfect day to come! It was a beautiful day in San Diego, with perfect weather.  We took them to one of our favorite spots, Sunset cliffs.

 My mom fell in love with it, as anyone would.  She took tons of pictures and we were even able to convince her to climb down close to the edge a couple of times.  She was still constantly telling us to be careful, but hey, at least she was down there with us too! :)

Hiking the cliffs with my parents, Gary and Florence

Me and my Daddy

We were trying to do a cool pose, didn't quite work...

Absolutely beautiful. 

Here are some pictures of the sunset (the place isn't called Sunset Cliffs for nothing). Eric took all of these, and a few dozen more...

What a fun day! We definitely needed a little break from worrying about studying and other tiny problems like our house falling apart, and our car dying.  But our apartment seems almost back in order after our two bouts with mold in the last month (except for the fact that we think we now have termites...), and our car seems to have miraculously started running again, and school doesn't start again until tomorrow morning. And we have beautiful sunsets like these to enjoy! Life couldn't be better!

Thoughts on the weather and nursery

What a beautiful day! Have I mentioned how much we love San Diego- especially in the winter? Eric came home from church today and changed right away into shorts. I love not feeling frozen every minute of the day, even when we are inside (ie, one year ago in China). I went for a long run yesterday morning along the harbor and it was so beautiful and warm!

We had the windows wide open today during nursery to let that beautiful sun in. I thought it was a wonderful idea- that is, until toys started making their way out the window. Should have seen that coming. :). Nursery was so nice today. We lost half of our kids at the beginning of the year to Primary (that poor Sunbeam teacher!) so it has been a lot quieter due to that. But our church time was also changed to 11:00 and so I think nursery time now is during a lot of those kids' nap time. Today for example, the kids seemed so subdued and quiet, like little zombies almost- I think because they were so tired. At least it hasn't turned into a cranky tired yet. Not yet at least...

Speaking of Nursery, Eric's mom introduced me a while back to an awesome website, Sugardoodle.  It has lesson ideas and help for nursery, primary, and all the way up to Relief Society.  Tons of great ideas- it has been really helpful.  Definitely check it out if you do any sort of teaching at church, or even if you have kids- there are so many activity ideas on there. I have so many ideas now for what I can do to make nursery more than just letting the kids run wild and then feed them snacks, sneaking some for myself while we are at it. Hopefully I will be able to take the time to actually implement some of them!

I am enjoying working with these little kids a lot more than I was expecting. They are all so adorable, except of course when they decide to throw toys at each other.  And I have discovered the secret to all of their tiny hearts- bubbles.  Who know that some simple soap and water could make a little kid's face light up so quickly. If only it was that easy with everyone!

Another year over

"Another year over, and a new one just begun..."
               ~John Lennon, lyrics

Eric and I were talking over the last year together and what a wonderful year it has been for us! So much has happened and so many amazing experiences and opportunities have come to us. Definitely another year of big steps and changes for our little family! Eric and I will always remember our months in China- the excitement, traveling, food, but most of all the time we had to be together.  It was like an extended honeymoon, a great beginning for our marriage!
The time we had over the summer with Eric's family is also a time we will always be grateful for. I loved the time I had to get to know Eric's parents better.  They are such wonderful people- I've got to have the best in-laws out there!
Now in our new home in San Diego, Eric and I have settled in and are very happy. These will also be months to remember and treasure- our tiny apartment, riding our bikes every morning together to school and work, the worry and stress over finances and budget, trips to the beach, and again, time spent together.  Everything that would be so hard, difficult, and stressful has been made so much easier and enjoyable since I can go through it all with Eric.
This year has been one of growth- for each of us individually and as a family. I can't wait to see what this new year will bring.

Happy New Year to all of you!