I wish we all could be California girls

I really enjoy our trips out to California. Not only is it ALWAYS great to see Scott, Jymme-lyn, William and Harrison

but it is also fun to explore the huge state. We really have done quite a bit:

Disneyland

Santa Monic

a Pier and beach

Hiking

L.A. Zoo

Aquarium

Farmer's Mark

et

Malibu

Tourist Day-Los Angeles Walk of Fame, Hollywood sign, Beverly

Hills

Shopping (must I really add this?)

Can't forget In-N-Out Burger and the list goes on!

This particular trip was very exciting but also difficult because I probably won't be able to vis

it as often as I have been able to with graduate school beginning. Unfortunately, my summers will be booked from now on and I will only be able to manage the usual Christmas and Spring Break trips. Luckily, w

e all have access to SKYPE, so we can chat and see each other whenever we choose. I must say, if it weren't for technology, I tr

uly would feel out of touch with my family.

I have noticed how Will and Harry may be extremely mean to each other one moment and then the next, you catch them having a precious moment. Will was giving Harry little drops of "pop" (actually water) by placing the straw on Harry's tongue.

They

both thought this was hilarious!

The also like to cause

mischief together

...when it is quiet, something devious is happening

Like, playing in Belle's water dish and drinking from it

But, they are both hard workers and Will is especially fond of yard work. He is always lending a helping hand to Scott

Sometimes though, mowing the yard (or cleaning the grass) gets exhausting, but Will never leaves a job undone....

To be continued....

Moving day could not have happened, the way it did, without the help of some very gracious individuals. Sara and Matt, Daniel and Dave, Kevin, and my own family! Thank you all so much for your wonderful help, I really do appreciate it!

With all of your hard work, I now have a furnished apartment! Take a look:

Kitchen

Hallway

Bathroom

Balcony

and the view: Target and Gordmans

Living Room

Bedroom

Let Me Explain

The reason it has been several weeks since my last post is due to many factors:

1. My last day of work

2. Moving Day to Lincoln, NE

3. Unpacking

4. Back to St. Joseph, MO

5. Trip to L.A., CA

6. Back to Lincoln, NE

**All the while, no internet!

Where to Start?...

I realize it has been far too long since my last post....is that how I began my last post? Not good! Well, I have been so busy it is hard for me to recall what I did 2 days ago.
So, I will catch you up with my 'lasts' and then my 'firsts'.
I ended my 3 years with the Meltons on the last week of July. Dillon and I went all out! We went for a boat ride down the river, enjoyed a bike ride, cooled off in the pool, ate at our favorite places: Olive Garden, IHOP, and you guessed it!...Subway. I have to say, since my time watching Dillon ended, I have not eaten at Subway, but I feel like I am always looking for one. (for those that don't know, Dillon requested Subway for nearly, EVERY meal and typically got his wish.)

We had an interesting experience at Olive Garden. Dillon just couldn't enjoy his last time at Olive Garden without me, unless he ordered some mussels. I was quite weary; I knew there was no way he would actually enjoy them! However, at age 11, he convinced me that he ordered them in Miami and absolutely loved them, so I said, yes. Well, wouldn't you know, once those suckers came out so did the theatrics. All of a sudden it was a chore to convince him to eat them! I tried one, the waiter discussed the texture, consistency, and taste and finally after a table full of women sitting next to us said, "come on, just throw it back and swallow it!" he finally tried one. It was quite a dramatic afternoon...I had to leave the waiter a very nice tip to say the least, but it was all in fun.

Later that day, it started to rain, but he wouldn't let it get in his way of fun. So, he put on his rain gear and rode around on his golf cart. Then it was time for me to leave on my last day of work. It was an emotional day, but I know that it will not be the last time I see Dillon and the Meltons!