Sunday Dinner

So...I like to take pictures...

I might get it from this guy-

 We had a family dinner over at Gammy & Papa's and Grandpa had the tripod all ready to take family pics.  Above is him taking his time (a long time...) trying to capture the perfect shot of Mark & Tracy's family.

He finally got some great shots and we had a yummy Roast Beef dinner.

And then this happened-

Hallelujah!

 Rainbows a re so pretty and this was a good one!

 I got to explain to my grandpa what a selfie is...

#selfiesunday

It's Official!

 Go Mustangs!!

Exhibition-Crest Canyon/San Dieguito River Park

 Saturday was a hot and beautiful winter day!  It was also the day that Brody's 2nd grade class from HTeNC, put on their Science Exhibition.  We took a field trip to the San Dieguito River Park and Crest Canyon back in October.  The kids got to learn about the animals and plant life that exist there.  Since then, they were each able to pick one of the animals that use this habitat and do a report.  It was done really well.  Ms. Lee, the teacher, picked animals in A-V order (That's all that are in the class...).  Brody picked "Anna's Hummingbird".  The kids all lined up along the Grand Ave pier that extends into the lagoon, in front of their posters and gave their reports on their findings.  

 Not only did they have to report on their animal(s), they had to sketch the animal(s) as part of the art portion of the assignment.  Brody's Hummingbird was so awesome.  He picked the Hummingbird because it is so colorful!  Lots of families, teachers and even a camera crew came and listened to all the kids' reports.  It was so neat!  And because it was such a beautiful day, we also got to see so many of their animals out and about in and around the lagoon.  That made it extra special.

 Ms. Lee and the nice Ranger we so pleased with how well the kids did, that the kids artwork and reports will be featured in the official pamphlets put out by the Coast to Coast Trail/San Dieguito Park group.

 What a cool way to learn science, actually out in the field!  I love that he gets to learn this way!  And I am so proud of him and the great job he did!  Way to go Brody!

I took a video of him giving his presentation, and when I figure out how to convert it, I will get it loaded up!

A Sunny Holiday - MLK

 Yesterday was a Holiday - MLK jr. Day!  The kids had the day off school and Luke needed to get to the Reuben H Fleet Science Center to get his Webelo Scientist Activity pin, so off to Balboa Park we went.  And it was an absolutely gorgeous day.  My Grandpa Doug (Grandpa Duck - as Gav used to call him...) is in town, so my parents thought it would be fun to meet us down there.  We had a blast playing with all of the exhibits...

 After almost 2 hours in the Science Center, we grabbed some lunch and ate outside.  It was fun to hang out with my parents and grandpa.  The kids don't remember him too much.  I feel bad.  That's totally my fault.  I just have never really been that close to him...my fault, again.  I'm hoping we can have some fun with him while he is here this week and make some memories.  Especially after losing Papa Moss last week, it makes me want my kids and myself to have as many special moments as possible with these special people.

In Loving Memory...

 Thursday night, we made the long drive up to Bakersfield to say goodbye to Papa Moss.  The service wasn't until Friday morning, so we stayed in a hotel.  Friday was a record low of 73 degrees (hallelujah!).  We drove up to the National Cemetery of Bakersfield.  It was a beautiful place.  The Veterans Assoc. put on the service, and it was really neat.

 The ceremony was so honorable and special.  It was silent as they carried his flag covered casket to the podium.  

 Then they did the gun salute while the bugler played "Taps".

 (I totally had goosebumps and it was quite emotional)

 Then they folded the flag...

 And presented it Uncle Greg.  He served in the Army.

 I don't know the name of the man that gave the prayer.  But it was very nice.  And then, that was it.  It was done.  It was so short, but so sweet, and so cool.  I'm so glad we all got to see how our country honors those who serve.  The kids will remember this forever and it was, I think, the perfect way to send Papa Moss home.  And he will be buried with men like him, strong and honorable.

Zac, Ben & Meish and Us were the only grands and great-grands there...

 It was actually a beautiful Bakersfield day!

 Bye Bye Papa....We will see you again...

 After the service, we went to Anita's for lunch (it was yummy!) and then we stopped by to visit with Grandma & Grandpa Wilson...

 And Grandma Robbie...

It wasn't a sad day.  He lived a full and happy life.  He died at home surrounded by people who loved him.  Everyone he met loved him.  He was a cool dude!  So glad we got to be there to send him home.