Texans visit California April 2010

Destination-Monterey Bay Aquarium

First task-rent a large van to accommodate the crowd.

Here are the darling cherubs (Carly, Josh next to me, Jack, Ave, and Kaela). I'm wearing my traveling vest. Steve bought me two for my birthday; one light weight summer fashion and one dark heavier weight for winter travel. Lots of pockets means no purse to lug around:)

Josh, Carly, Jack, Ava, and Kaela (Ava is in the stroller not shown).

Carly and Aunt Jana (sporting her Harley Davidson Round Rock, Texas t-shirt).

It was a great trip. The three hour trek to the coast was a snap because we were all together singing and laughing.

Kaweah Lake was fun too. The adults watched the skills of the little ones jumping off the table.

Aunt Lydia brought back bracelets from Samoan island and gave them to the girls. Needless to say it was a big hit. Kaela in purple and Carly in pink. Carly has her stuffed turtle souvenir on her lap.

PICTURE TIME SUNDAY MORNING:

Clarissa's family: Kaela 5 yrs, Ava 3 1/2 yrs, Isla Belle 8 months

Jarod and Megan with Carly 5 yrs, Jack 2 1/2, and Josh almost 4 yrs

Jarod reading the Ensign while the boys snap their shark heads, $3.99 souvenirs from the Aquarium were quite the hit.

Grandchildren are simply glorious!

Kaela said, "You are my best friend." Carly responded, "I love you too."

I think Josh's smile sums up my feelings too. I love you all-MORE!

Grace's 1st Birthday,Gen. Conference and Easter

Grace is ONE today, April 2, 2010.

We are excited to share in the fun with Autumn's children.

Grabriel 2 yrs., Ave 3 yrs.,Grace 1, and Kaela 5 yrs. old

Kaela couldn't control her hugs and kisses. Grace liked it, but not as much as Kaela.

The frosting was a bright pink and topped with white M&Ms.

Kaela has the cutest smile.

Except we placed blue M&Ms on top of Gabriel's just because there was sooo much pink and girly stuff everywhere.

Ava kept trying to blow out her candle,she huffed and puffed until we finally just blew it out for her.

We watched General Conference via LDS.ORG streaming. We attached the computer to our stereo so we could hear it; I loved ite.

Coloring Easter Eggs was fun. Seeing how many holes Gabriel punched into the egg before it was colored was exciting.

Ava kept saying she wants more color on her egg.

Clarissa said to her girls, "Say thank you to Grandma Tess for the Easter Baskets." Kaela immediately retorted, "Mom, the Easter Bunny brought our baskets not Grandma.

Gabriel was over joyed with the prospects of sweets treats..... chocolate.

Isla Belle is only 8 months old, she crawled around and watched everyone else. Next year she'll love her Easter basket and eat all she can stuff into those sweet cheeks.

Hearst Castle Feb 2010

Hearst Castle is right off the ocean. It was a misty day.

Autumn and Clarissa went with me. It was sooooo fun.

I wish it weren't so overcast and rainy. This picture of the castle doesn't do it justice; it is enormous.

This is the famous outdoor Greek Goddess pool.

There at statutes all over inside and outside the castle.

This is a beautiful fireplace but my camera ran out of juice.

32nd Anniversary March 25, 2010

Making her shine before she gets on the raceway.

Notice the "32," it is representing our 32nd anniversary. I gave Steve a trip to Laguna Seca to drive his car on the world famous track .

Some people take "driving" on the track very seriously. Notice the guy sporting the beige racing suit.

The straight a way. His car sounded like a real race car...varooooooom!!!!!

Coming out of the corkscrew. He looks so professional.

We had such a great day.

The next day we went to Monterrey and had a wonderful breakfast at Schooners. That's the ocean in the background.

After eating, we went window shopping. I cracked up when I saw a Harley Davidson shirt with a macaw riding a Harley bike. What a perfect souvenir.

Monterey Bay Aquarium Day trip-Wilsteads 2010

The day was picturesque. I bought a Granparents pass last April. We could visit again with no extra charge. Clarissa drove Damon's company car so it was a fun, cheap trip. We were celebrating Clarissa's 29th birthday.

Clarissa is holding Isla Belle (6 months) while Kaela (standing) and Ava (sitting) looks out into the ocean.

This is our second trip to the Aquirium. We went last April. The girls love the feeesh (Ava's pronunciation).

Ava and Kaela look out to see the otters.

Kaela asked Ava to get off her. Ava reports, "No, I not done." She was resting on a comfortable spot.

Isla Belle is always smiling. She is an easy baby.

Lunch at our favorite restaurant was a great treat.