Pre-op with Anesthesiology and the BEACH!

 The real reason we came to California was to take Rydon to Shriner's Hospital for his cleft lip surgery. We met with the anesthesiologist on Monday morning for a pre-op and then headed down to Torrance to stay with our friends, the May family, and go to the beach. It was the first time all of our children have seen the ocean. Zenock had his dream come true to be buried in the sand. When Ayla saw him, she tried to push him out of the way so she could get buried as well. She loved having her legs hiding and trying to find where her toes went. It smelled so good out there. Although the cloud cover was fairly heavy it was still nice to relax and let everyone play for a few hours. There are some really cute videos on my phone that I need to load onto youtube so I can share the link here. Keep checking back for that.

 A family picture, including the sleeping baby Rydon. Naps on the beach are awesome!

Aquarium of the Pacific

This place was so neat to visit. I loved that they had both inside and outside exhibits. I really, really wanted to see a big octopus, and it was a long while before we found one. Sadly, it was about the same size as the other octopi I have seen. We loved the seals, otters, and sharks the best I think. After we saw everything we took a walk down to the lighthouse and played on the grass for a little while before heading back to Terri's house. It was a beautiful day on the Long Beach Harbor.

 The Queen Mary

Claremont and the fourth of July at the Zoo

 

 We stayed Friday though Sunday night at Terri Ingalls home. All her kids are grown and far away, so she had a nice empty house for us. We spent our extra time helping her mow the lawn and play outside in the beautiful weather. Thank you so much, Terri, for your hospitality!!!

 I loved watching this hippo family. They are huge!! Do you see the baby?

 Do you see the elephant's butt??

 Ayla's favorite!!

 

Some sort of deer.

 More jumping on Terri's tramp. 

 The shirts I made for us to wear at the zoo. I stayed up way too late the night before to finish the backs, but they were worth it. I love matching shirts....as nerdy as that may be.

Watching fireworks on one of the college's football field. It was pretty darn chilly for us Vegas heat rats. I was really wishing for long pants and a jacket. We loved the show. All the kids loved it as well. We are so very thankful to the entire Wolfe family for taking us in and giving us a place to sleep, a delicious couple of meals, swimming, and fireworks. We truly enjoyed ourselves in Claremont!!