Wes got a special Halloween treat this morning when I surprised him with a trip to the pumpkin patch rides and petting zoo, just the the two of us! I took Sam there when he was about Wes' age and thought it would be fun to repeat the tradition with Wes this time. The goats were as friendly as our dog, Lexi! Wes was very brave and rode on every ride, even the fast ones!
This was our first family trip to Tanaka Farms. An oasis in the middle of Irvine, Tanaka Farms felt like we were on a farm in Vermont that morning (until it reached 93 degrees!). It's been a hot fall in Orange County this year. The corn stocks were "as high as an elephant's eye" and formed a fun corn maze that took us a good 10 minute walk. The boys raced on a track made of hay several times. They tested their strength lifting pumpkins. There were many scarecrows to visit with throughout. This last pic is in front of a field of vegetables and quintessential red barn.
Troy and Brooke Boocock's joyful wedding! Here they are arriving by boat at the reception at Balboa Pavillion.
Sam and Jackson have been going to Disneyland together since they were babies in Ladera Ranch. Jon, Christi, Jackson and Sarah Coy are great friends and we had a lot of fun yesterday at Disneyland and California Adventure with them. In the evening we met Aunt Carol and Uncle Boyd and their friends for dinner in California Adventure.
The Disneyland Band, dressed as firemen, gave a comedic performance in front of the firehouse.
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at California Adventure was our favorite activity of the day. It's an interactive playground designed for kids who have excess energy to burn off! They have trails lined with evergreen trees and the kids can climb the tree house forts, rock walls, rope bridges and tree slides. Aunt Carol and Uncle Boyd went on the white water raft ride there with their friends Chuck and Mark.
We have the tradition of enjoying my birthday dinner at the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach. The Loft restaurant there has amazing views of the hotel grounds and pacific ocean. The Montage Resort is amazingly beautiful and people travel from all around the world to stay there. The service at the restaurant is beyond belief. The food is heaven on a plate. The combination of everything makes for an unforgettable experience that was thoroughly enjoyed.
The Fountain Valley High School Class of 1998 reunion was last Saturday night. Many friends who were in the GATE program from elementary through high school were there. What an impressive bunch! Everyone has continued down the path they began as a young child. The school spirited girl became a high school teacher in charge of an ASB program. The computer wiz kid now works for Google in Seattle. Kristin Deatherage, pictured here, was an exceptional long distance runner, star athlete, and the daughter of our science teacher. She now has her doctorate in physical therapy and works at a children's hospital. She teaches the children how to walk and run again, and gives cancer patients the opportunity to have sports experiences like playing t-ball. I was so happy for everyone there, that they have accomplished so much and continued to grow into the people we all knew they could become. Many of them have doctorate degrees, and masters degrees were the norm. It was a great celebration and a joy to see everyone!
