Smyths in San Diego

My family (sans Dave who had a big test to prepare for and take) rented a beach house for a week in San Diego. With my new job, I only had enough vacation to spend a couple of days with them, but they were truly excellent days. I really needed that relaxing, family-filled vacation.

Aaron brought his girlfriend, Anna. It was great getting to know her a little better :)

Dad treated those of us who wanted to go to a Padres v Yankees game. It was an exciting one, where the umpire called against the Padres during every close call. The Padres still won -- woo-hoo!

On Sunday, a bunch of us went to Sacrament meeting. Then Adam and Lindsey indulged me and dragged their kids to the temple so I could see it. Apparently, their bishop challenged the kids to touch a certain number of temples this year. I was only too happy to help them in their goal, even if they were in a hurry to get back to the beach.

We spent the rest of the day at the beach. It was glorious weather. 70ish degrees and very few clouds. I don't think anyone came home un-sunburnt.

We spent the Fourth of July at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There was almost nobody else there. One of my few requests was one day where the whole family was together. Check!

I ended the day with a headache so bad I went to bed at 8pm. No fireworks for me! But the early bedtime meant I was wide awake at 6am, and had the beach nearly all to myself the next morning.

Lindsey and Adam bought all the boys joke tank tops. We laughed a lot when they opened them!

Anna's comment when Aaron opened it was, "He looks like you!"

Dad, Aaron, Anna, and I took a ride on the roller coaster "The Giant Dipper" at Belmont Park, around the corner from our beach house. It was a good coaster, if a little rickety.

Also got an enormous ice cream cone (because I was on vacation). I'm glad I only asked for a single scoop!

And then I had to hurry home. The rest of the family stayed a few more days, and had some great adventures. I'm glad they took photos!

June!

Sunday evenings continue to be my favorite time of the week

I bought my tickets to Newsies nearly a year ago. I am so excited I finally got to see it for the second time. Loved seeing how much my friends enjoyed it, even if none of us had seats next to each other.

From left: Theresa, Nichole, me, Jamie, and Larissa

 I live on the third floor, so I asked mom my if she'd help me wash my windows. She proceeded to just come over while I was at work and wash them for me. So, basically, my mom's a saint. 

I am so grateful!

I had one chip in my windshield for 9 months with no problem. A second one meant the windshield was toast. Thank goodness Safelight is willing to come to my workplace.

My brother Adam turned the big 4-0. How weird is that? But he will always be young at heart.

And effortlessly cool.

Dave, Mom and Dad at Adam's party

My last chance to say good-bye to Laura before she married a doctor and moved to Virginia.

I'll miss our birthday lunches with Janette. 

My friends keep getting married and moving out of my ward, as they should.

Larissa and Rob threw a party for the 2016 Tony Awards. They had a costume contest, so I wore my 1776 costume (and won), though Jamie's Alexander Hamilton costume was brilliant. I love Larissa's parties. She invites the best people, and her food is beyond tasty.

Jamie is not giving away her shot!

I cannot see enough of Amy!

 Liz and I drove down to Manti one Friday to do a session at the temple, and see the 50th Anniversary of the Mormon Miracle Pageant. That temple is splendid. So much history and the architecture is gorgeous. The pageant was more entertaining and insightful than I remembered (and just as cheesy).

The G-unit was ordained a deacon on the same day his brother was blessed.

Big day. Great kids. Lots of family.

Brothers! 

Jordyn, PJ, and Peter

 Father's Day is always hilarious. The men in my family are the best.

Papa and Angel baby

I adore this little face!

 Finding Dory was darling

I always seize upon every chance for a mini Little Women reunion. Jillian and Summer were wonderful in West Side Story at CenterPoint Legacy Theater. I'd never seen the play or movie all the way through, and I was surprised at how funny and affecting it was. And the dancing was incredible. Could become a new favorite, even if there isn't a role for me in it anywhere ;)

This is me trying to avoid road rage (I was stopped at a light at the time):

 I won this computer monitor in another contest at work. Woo-hoo!

Peter also had a birthday. I love seeing him and PJ together.

I always knew Pete would be a terrific dad, and he absolutely is.