Fall beach days

Last week we had cousins from the Dodd family in town.  It's always a novelty for Utahns to go to the beach in the fall.  This year has been exceptionally hot.  So not only were we at the beach in mid October, but it was 80 degrees and beautiful.  

We visited Dana Point beach in Orange County and then Crescent Bay beach near Laguna the following day.  It was truly a great time.  There is nothing like the beach.  It's good for the soul.  It's a great dose of vitamin D for all. 

At Crescent Bay we were able to get  to the tide pools.   Oh my!  Can I just say that I *HEART* this place.  It was so fun.  Myles and I spent a good three hours exploring.  We saw enenemies, sea urchins, small fish, crabs, a baby octopus, hermit crabs and sea snails galore.  It. Was. So. Fun.! 

Thanks for coming to town Petersens!  Can't wait to do it again. 

Honor pins

It's a tradition at Bradoaks to have flag ceremony each Wednesday morning.  They have been doing it for more than 20 years now.  One thing they do is award honor pins.   So what is an honor pin you ask?  Well the actual item is just a button kind of badge that has the school logo on it and the words honor pin.  For the kids it's much more than that.  It's an elete club that students gain entry to as they demonstrate good "bobcat ROARing".  How does one "ROAR" you ask?  Well it's being a good citizen basically but, you demonstrate you have Respect,  you are On task, has a positive Attitude, and you are Responsible.  Each week teachers may award one  student per class the pin.

The second week of school Lydia was chosen by her teacher.  To see how excited she was is an under statement.   To see the look of dejection on Audreys face would also be an understatement.   The ceremony didn't happen last week as the teachers and principle were taking the ice bucket challenge for ALS.  The really great things was that the following week Audrey was picked for the pin.  So in the end they both get them on the same day.  Though Lydia will be the first to tell u that she got her pink First!

Update:  The following week Mr. Myles was awarded the honor pin by his teacher.  We are off to a great year!  

I love my little honor pin bobcats!

Bradoaks Elementary 2014

It's official, school is underway and all three kids are thriving there.  Myles, our big first grader, has Ms. Johnson.  He was supper happy as a friend of ours had that teacher last year and Harry really talked her up.  Audrey and Lydia are both in Ms. Dimovs kinder class.  I asked for them to be placed together this year.  We will see how the year plays out.  Next year may be different but this year I wanted them together.  For me it will be easier to have them together.  It's one less classroom to volunteer in, one less teacher gift to find.  You know, I'm all about practicality.  Love having all the kids in one place.  Love not paying tuition for preschool school.  Love having my mornings to do...whatever!

Dodd cousins

At last we have gotten together with our cousin Jason from New Jersey.  We have tried to get together on a few occasions but something has always kept us apart.  Not this year!  Ritchenya and Jason have come to Southern California for a week of fun in the warm sun.  We have enjoyed seeing them and showing them around our little town of Monrovia.   We have taken them to the local beaches of Venice, Laguna, and Manhattan.   Bjorn and Myles took Jason to a Dodgers game while the girls had a night of manicures and pedicures.  Last, we've made our way down to La Jolla for another beach day and to Legoland and Sea World.  Our visit is coming to an end and they will soon be leaving.  We hope it will not be another 5 years before our next visit. 

Pioneer Days

Every summer I trek back to my stomping grounds in Bountiful Utah.  It's a good time to bottle fruit, make jam, and salsa.  I love it.  Who doesn't like being the center of attention?!  My parents always roll out the red carpet when my kids come to town.  This year we were treated to Kangaroo Zoo,  Lagoon, pioneer village, the 24th of july float viewing complete with lunch, numerous free babysitting nights,  swimming and park outings at Auntie Kristins, and way too much staying up late to chit chat.  I'm exhausted but can't wait to come back and do it all again.  Thanks mom and dad and Melissa and Kristin for making our trip so special.

Lydia shares a story

Lydia has become quite a great story teller.  She loves to read books and she has a great memory for the words.  Here she is telling you the story of The Three Little Pigs.  Hope you like it.

Gaviota Beach

Since we had a long weekend we thought we would take the kids back to a place we visited when they were 2 and 3 yrs. old.  We drove north past Santa Barbara 30 miles and picked blue berry's.   It's one of my most favorite things to do.  Two in the mouth.  One in the bucket.  You can see how it goes.  It's fun to see who can find the biggest berry.  I didn't bring my camera so I have no photos to show you,  sorry.  If you want to know what it's like you will have to come out and try it for yourself. 

Next we head down the road to Gaviota State Beach.  It was a place with tide pools and tons of shells.  However, we hit it too late and missed low tide and most of the shells and tidepools.  Oh well the kids still enjoy playing in the water and on the beach.  And we did find some shells too, just not as many as last time.  Great day all in all.