For the first time since moving to London, we went home to the states for an entire summer. We were so excited . . . camps (Caleb and Emma), EFY (Emma), and family time (everyone)!
We’re Off . . . Doll and All
Being Home
It was so nice to wake up in our own little house to a beautiful sunrise, knowing that we were out in the country without city-life for awhile.
Sunrise at our Own House
One of the first things we did was go exploring. The last time we had been at our house was at Christmas time . . . winter is very different in California from summer, even without snow.
We were thrilled to see the bees thriving. We collected all kinds of fresh fruit as we walked along the property line. We were even able to make freezer jam from our collection of blackberries! Sometimes it’s the little things that we have really missed.
A Man and His Mower
We made a quick assessment of priority projects and started to work. Chris hopped on the mower and tidied things up a bit before we moved on to the bigger projects.
Hauling in the Dirt
We were able to track down some fresh dirt to bring in to level out some of the property, in preparation for planting grass seed later on.
Dumped Dirt
Smoothed Out Dirt
It took a number of trips to get the amount of dirt we needed, but the end result was exactly what we needed.
Still Hauling
In further preparations, Chris had the kids out helping dig trenches and fix up the sprinkler lines. It was hard and hot work, but when it’s a novelty, it’s a lot of fun!
Chris, Hannah, & Caleb
Family Time
After taking the mornings to work hard in the yard, it was always nice to know the afternoons were reserved for spending at Grandma and Grandpa’s in the pool.
Caleb Working on His Splits
It was even better when the cousins would meet us there for a fun-filled afternoon.
Emma, Lily, Hannah, and Sydney
Chris & Aunt Heather
Cami
We were really lucky to be by a number of cousins during our time in California, even though it wasn’t during a family reunion. We had a number of cousin sleepovers, movie meet-ups, and just hanging out times.
Hanging Out with Liam
Lily & Emma
Sometimes the moms even got to get out by themselves for some pampering. Grandma got to go for her first-ever pedicure!
After the Pedicures
Our visit corresponded nicely with the 4th of July. It’s been a long time since we have been able to celebrate that holiday in the states. Add in traditions and more family time and it was pretty amazing!
Stephenson Dry-Ice Root Beer
Waiting for the Fireworks
Cousins Waiting Patiently
Fireworks Display
There were many other family times that we really cherished being there for, especially Great Grandma Myers’ 85th birthday celebration.
85 Years Young
Emma also took advantage of being close to Grandpa Stephenson, who serves as a patriarch for our church. She asked him to give her her patriarchal blessing while we were there. It was a special experience for them, but also a time that Chris and I realized how special our children are . . . and how quickly they are growing up!
Emma & Grandpa Stephenson
Friends
I do admit that one thing we weren’t very good at this time was getting together with friends during our visit. We were enjoying working at our house and spending time with family that we didn’t really tell anyone else we were around. We will be better next time!
The kids and I did spend a day visiting some of my oldest and dearest friends from my freshman year at BYU, who just so happen to live within a 2 hour radius of our California home. We had hoped to all get together in one spot, but Jennie was close to delivering her 5th baby and Natalie had a sick little boy. So, the kids and I got to drop in for a lunch date with Natalie and her kids then drive on to swim and visit with Jennie and her kids. On our way back through, we stopped again at Natalie’s for dinner, a swim, and to see her husband, Clay (also a great friend from that year at BYU). It was a fun-filled day that flew by way too quickly!
BYU Friends . . and the Next Generation
Small Town Living
In our more quieter moments (when the older kids were at camps and Chris was back in London), the younger girls and I explored our little town. One of our first finds was the local library . . . to get library cards. It was so fun to be recognized by the librarian every time we walked in, and for the girls to participate in a Summer Reading Program.
Town Library
Aunt Heidi and Uncle Joseph had left some of their bikes in our garage and the girls were excited, as we haven’t had bikes for almost 4 years! Cami was determined to teach herself to ride a 2-wheeler . . . and she did! Once Cami was comfortable on the bike, we went for a bike ride to a local nature trail.
Bike Ride/Nature Trail
Another bonus of being home was enjoying the local fare. We did a couple stops at In’N’Out and Five Guys, in addition to Outback Steakhouse, and Chevy’s. We never did get to Coldstone Creamery – we’ll make sure we get it next time!
Hanging Out at Five Guys
California State Fair
We were packing up to leave and Chris had just arrived back from London, but the kids were adamant about seeing what all the hype about the California State Fair was about. So, we took a few hours and introduced the kids to this part of American culture.
Any doubt this is California?!
Chris, Caleb, Cami, and Hannah
Walking the Grounds
Our favorite tent was probably the livestock tent, which we sadly realized would have been Emma’s favorite as well, but she was finishing up Girls’ Camp with her cousin, Lily.
Hannah – Milking the Cow
All the kids got to try their hand at milking. This was what Cami talked about all week – getting to milk a cow at the state fair. But when it actually came down to it, she was not so sure about the entire thing. We strongly encouraged her to do it so she wouldn’t regret it later. I think she was glad she finally went through with it.
Cami – Milking
Caleb almost seemed like an ‘old hat’ at it. After a short explanation, he was doing it on his own. Then all the kids got a certificate for their achievement of milking a cow.
Caleb – Milking
Since we arrived at the State Fair early on in it’s running, some of the animals weren’t there yet, but we enjoyed the ones we were able to see.
We even ran into a dog show in one of the arenas. We knew Emma would definitely be heart-broken that she was missing all this.
Dog Show
We enjoyed a few more hands-on activities in the Kids’ Tent . . . .
Hannah’s Bubble Creation
. . . but then we were off for the fair food!
Corn Dogs!
Fried Twinkies!
Funnel Cake!
It was a fun couple hours. I’m not sure if it was what the kids were expecting or not, but we had a great time.
Saying Goodbye to Poppy, the CA Bear
Two of the hardest things about leaving California was leaving our little country house and our family. We had a fun-filled, busy summer and were grateful that we had a home-base of our own for those down times. We can’t wait until we can go back and enjoy working in the yard again!
Our Last CA Sunset
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