Christmas and our trip

Here I sit in Smithfield, UT enjoying the cold and wintry weather we left for sunny California. The kids opened their presents on Christmas morning at home in Lockeford, then we cleaned up a bit and hit the road for Idaho. The boys were thrilled to find that Santa thought they were good boys this year and brought them presents that they love to play with. We left for Idaho around 1PM and stopped for gas three times. We stopped once to have a bite to eat in Elko, NV but I felt like we could make it driving straight through. I don't enjoy hauling in all the luggage to the motel, sleeping, packing up again the next morning. So, luckily the roads were good and we made it. I tell you though, that last hour and a half was torture fighting to stay awake. It's a good thing Christy was there to slap me around and keep me awake.

On the 26th we had a Searle family Christmas party. It was also a time to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary on the 27th. We (the kids) gave them a Garmin 650 GPS for Christmas and a Shutterfly memory book for their anniversary. Each family wrote a memory and gospel principle they've learned from them and we filled it with pictures as well. I think it went over well. It was great to see my sister and three brothers and their families. They are all great examples to us and we appreciate their kindness to us. So, we had our pictures taken as well and will post it later. It was nice that it had recently snowed and has snowed since we've been here. We pulled the kids around on a tube behind the snowmachine and four wheeler. Luke and Isaac forgot what snow and cold are like. Isaac took all his clothes off and said he was ready to go play in the fluffy snow. We told him it wasn't quite like swimming and needed to bundle up. He just went plowing out through the deepest drift he could find and realized after that it can get cold fast.

We left Shelley this afternoon for Smithfield. Christy's brother is here from California as well putting in cabinets for his Mom. So we'll spend another day here playing with family then head back to Cali on Sunday. This trip has been fun, but traveling sure saps a lot of energy out of an old man of 34. Christy's sister Mailee came up from Spanish Fork to see her and do her hair and whatever else it is that sisters do together...a lot of talking. Anyway, I'm tired so night night.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Another month gone, holy cow, where does the time go? Christy had a birthday last week. She wanted an ipod, so I bought her the touch. It's super cool. I think she likes it, but takes a little time figuring out.

We went to the beach again with some friends and the kids were able to see urchins, anemone, star fish, and other stuff in tide pools.

We also visited the Oakland temple to see the lights and go through the visitors center.

Christy is taking the boys to the club swimming a couple times per week. I'm surprised how well they're adapting to the water and swimming. Isaac had his swimsuit on tonight asking to go swimming. They really enjoy it, which is good since I've never been a great swimmer and I hope they'll do better in water than myself.

My parents have their 50th wedding anniversary on the 27th, so we're heading to Idaho for the occasion. The kids are excited to see family. They're also very excited for Christmas. Luke asks us everyday if today is Christmas. That's all until next time...

Here we go

Quite busy I guess and forget to update the blog, and I know everyone is dying to know what is going on with us. I went on a trip to Provo at the end of September and golfed 36 holes with my brother-in-laws, then went to the BYU vs. Air Force football game. It was beautiful weather (except the 2nd half of the game it rained), and golfing was grand. Then in October I helped out Dr. Rasmussen in SLC with On - Target (a GPS/GIS/RS conference).

The family is doing well and having fun. Adam and Zach finished up soccer. Adam's team lost their first game in the playoffs, but he did great as a defender. Zach, well he enjoyed trotting around the field but never was too involved with that round sphere they have to kick. They had fun trick or treating. Last week we went to a car show. Adam won his school spelling bee and competed in a 16 school spelling bee yesterday. He made it to the fifth round before being eliminated. Then in the evening it was pine wood derby time for Adam and Zach. Zach's car won 4 and lost 2. Adam won all his races except for the championship race, but he beat the car he lost to earlier...so I guess he tied for first. Taking the kids to a movie right now, so I'll have to post more later.

fun times on the sod farm

We're planting now and it's rather dusty around here. It's quite the process since we have to prep the land, fertilize, seed, net, and pipe the fields. Thanks to the great weather in California, we'll harvest year round as well. There was an article in the local newspaper about local sod farms http://lodinews.com/articles/2007/09/08/news/2_sod_070908.txt. They highlighted our competitor, and put a small little blurb in about us, but at least we were mentioned. In other news, Isaac is pretty much potty trained. He's had an accident on a few rare occasions, but it's nice to be without diapers again. Christy tells me she needs another child. I think she's not thinking rational.

day at the beach

What a day! We went to Dillon beach on labor day. It was FREEZING!! The boys didn't seem to mind. They played in the sand, built tunnels, explored, and even played in the cold water. They had a blast. I stayed bundled up reading my book. It was fun spending the day together. We ended the night with pizza and hot showers. It was a good day.

This is our family as of July 2007. We got this picture at our niece's (Chelsie and Shawn's) wedding. Adam is 10 and in the 5th grade, Zachary is 8 and in the 3rd grade, Luke is 4 and will start kindergarten next year, and Isaac is 3 and is just full of love! We live in Lodi, CA and are lovin it. We love the weather...in the 100s lately, and being in wine country! It is beautiful here. We love our ward. So many great families and great friends! Greg is working with the webelos and I am the primary chorister...there is no greater calling!! Greg grows grass and I play tennis. We are having lots of fun here and hope to stay for a while. Until next time!

Soccer time!!

Adam and Zachary are playing soccer this year. They are having a lot of fun. Adam played today and tied 3 to 3. It was only 104 degrees outside. We love California!!