We Love L.A.

Again... should be writing something for my class. But– a weakness to procrastinate must not get better with age! 

A few pics of us enjoying California Adventure and Disneyland. Also, another fav place in L.A. is The Grove an outdoor mall and farmer's market. While there we enjoyed lunch with my brother before we had to leave for HI. Being St. Patrick's Day, the crowd was serenaded by a lone bagpipe player. Very cool and very loud (the reason Benben is covering his ears). 

(this photo is from 2007- didn't get a chance to take a photo w/the fruit this time. too busy eating)

The greatest thing about The Grove is the multitude of ethnic eateries and fresh produce available. In other words- the FOOD! Mia and Jas went shopping while we ate our lunch. Benben had pizza (no surprise), Nani had sushi (as expected), I had Greek, Butch had Irish, and Ben had a sample of everyone's fare (naturally). Mia and Jas came back with two bags of fresh fruit. It was all gone except for one mango before we got on the plane. We're still thinking about those mouth watering, mammoth sized, juicy red, Spring California strawberries we smackereled. Never has anything tasted so yummy! Will have to go one more time before heading back home. Anyone have any requests?

Lines, and Cubes, and Sculptures... oh my

Nerdy title – oh well. Family is at the beach and Jas is trying out surfing. Should be doing four summaries for a class right now, but can't get started. So after noticing that it's been 3 months since we've posted anything thought I'd try a new one.

Love L.A. So many cool things to do there. A few pics of the fam at LACMA. Top 3 things we enjoyed while there:

1. Collection of Picasso paintings
2. Heard the UCLA orchestra perform Tchaichovsky and works from Romeo and Juliet
3. Sculptures of every kind– antique, modern, contemporary

Will be adding some other fun photos of our time playing hooky and escaping for a bit. Stay tuned–

She's a little girl...

Little crooked smile on her face
Tells a tale of grace
That's all her own

Nani is 8! Whoa- when did that happen?! Apparently, right under our noses. Eight years ago she came into this world weighing 8 lbs. 4 oz. and 19 in. of itty bitty. NOW, she's a bubbly itty bitty standing tall at 52 inches. If you happen to catch her on a good day there's no stopping the giggles. But, if you have to wake her up for school in the morning you better have ear plugs and a safety mask on. Although, mom has just discovered about a month ago that if you whisper what's for breakfast in her ear the little princess rises gracefully out of bed. Pancakes is the magical word.



Another giant stepping stone for Nani as she turned eight was getting baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was also especially memorable, because she and the triplips (Lexi, Kaylee, and Annie Carson) had their baptism services together. It was a spiritual feast for our family. Afterwards, a chocolate feast provided a sugar rush for everyone. Who's bright idea was it to do a chocolate fountain?! White frilly dresses and chocolate- never a good combination. We missed family members who weren't able to come due to distance and health issues, and are grateful for family and friends who were able to attend and give their love & support to Nani. We are blessed to overflowing because of this little girl! Her dad knew from the beginning that her name should be Nani- a Hawaiian word meaning... beautiful and splendor.

Eyes wide open
Always hoping for the sun
And she'll sing her song to anyone
that comes along

Happy Halloooooweeeeeeen!!

The beautiful Indian Summer weather found ghouls and creatures abound. Meet some of those we met along the way as we ran about trick-or-treating. Hahahahahaaaaaa!!!

Costumes, Chinese Buffet, & Cornbelly's Corn Maze

Annual Carson Halloween Shindig

• 7:00 pm Dinner at Twin Dragons Chinese Buffet – Best Chinese Buffet in Utah Valley
• 8:30 pm David Archuleta Corn Maze, Haunted Corn Maze, bull riding, cow train, haunted creature
  
• 10:30 pm Donut eating contest – Defending champion 3rd year in a row... Jasmyne Carson
  
• 11:00 pm Good night and don't let the corn monkeys bite!!