Mandatory First day of school pictures

OK so I know that the end of October is not the usual time to post back to school pictures but in my own defense I have been a little busy or maybe lazy.

So, isn't my kid cute, even missing half of his teeth.

Holding one of the bags of back to school supplies-I feel like I'm outfitting a major company instead of just a third grade classroom.

Catching you up

Fun thing-yes, I may be a dumb blonde but for the first time in my life I noticed that there were fish in the waves at the beach the other day. I've seen pictures of fish in waves but never in person. They were probably there but I was too busy having a ball.
We went to the beach several times in one week before school started and had a blast. We just didn't have anything fun to do so we slipped on the suits, grabbed the boards, and hit the beach. The waves were great because the wind was up. We had such a good time we kept going back until school ruined our good time but I guess all things must come to an end.
Thoughtful moment the other day. I was walking out of my temp job and just felt tired-emotionally worn out. I said to myself that I want to go home. I thought of my comfy couch, curling up in the corner. Then I remembered-I DON'T HAVE A HOME, Then the scripture entered my head about Christ and having no where to lay his head, no home. I guess atleast I'm learning something.
My poor car hit 200,000 miles. I have had it for almost 10 years, many trips from Utah to CA and back. I've gone to New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Northern CA. I love my car-even if it has power nothing and sounds like a law mower going down the highway.
Last but not least-da-da-da-da- I HAVE AN APARTMENT!!!!! I also have a roommate but nothing is perfect. My biggest worry is me. I have not had a roommate since before my mission. Do I have the patience to handle it not being my own house? Can I do this? Happy thoughts! Wait and see. It is in Los Al, across the street from the park, two blocks from school, one block from Shaun's best friends house, three blocks from Church, and half mile from the high school and middle schools where I usually work. We can ride our bikes almost anywhere which saves gas and wear and tear on my over 200,000 miles car. Now the fun game trying to fit all of my stuff inside. I may end up sleeping on the patio or the back area so that I can fit the piano.
Have a great evening guys, Love ya, Shauna

Travel Museum

After a fun filled Primary Olympics activity this morning we headed to Griffith park for a little Train Time. As always we are train fans. I keep wondering if he will ever out grow this fascination with trains but I am more than happy to reinforce it as long as it lasts.


I wanted a picture of Shaun on the outside of the train. I was standing there waiting for him to come out and suddenly he is climbing down from the top of the train and onto the front. Luckily, I trust him to not fall and hurt himself.

This is the side plate that he walked along in order to get to the front of the train. He climbed out the front window to get up there.


BIG WHEELS KEEP ON TURNING!!!


FORWARD!!!!

This is the small train that we got to ride on.

I just love this train for the colors, no black and boring here.


There were some random spare wheels just left at the end of the tracks so of course Shaun had to climb on them.

Once we finished here we went for a drive around the park. We saw an awesome playground and then a sign that said train rides and pony rides. We kept driving and found them. Shaun didn't get to ride on the pony because they closed too early but we went on another train ride which was much more exciting. It went over bridges and through a forest. They had statues of forest animals scattered throughout and Snow white and the dwarves as well.
All in all a fun afternoon and we will definitely have to do it again.

Fierce, Deadly, Wild animals hopping loose

I was stepping up the stairs on my way into the Temple when what to my wondering eyes should appear but a cute little bunny out of no where. He was just sitting there enjoying some carefully cultivated Temple landscape. The area around the Temple is not developed so there are often "visitors" who actually used to call this hill home until the Temple was built. I have seen several of these different neighbors-rabbits, lizards, snakes, and mice. Who knew you could do some good work for ancestors AND have a wild animal tour?
This is maybe the other bunny's "eternal companion"? or not.

Final gymnastics class

This is Shaun's last class for this term. He gets to stand on the riser and gets to make his stand for his applause. Girls are supposed to hold their arms up and point their hands upward but boys are supposed to hold their arms out with palms open or fists closed. This is his end of routine pose.He has worked on many new things in this class. He has practiced summersaults on the beam, back hip circles on the bars, and learns the vault for the first time. We got to watch the mens gymnastics at the Olympics and Shaun and David were blown away at what those men can do. Quite an inspiration!
Pull up on that bridge!
Practicing tuck jumps on the vault.
Shaun is not the shortest but he has shorter legs so he usually needs the spring board closer to the vault than the other kids in his age group.

Goofy Children

These kids never cease to amaze me how crazy they can be. It shows that it doesn't matter how far away from each other they live they all come from insane genes.There was some fabric left over from a blanket Erin made for Madzie. Nothing says tough guy like a powder blue Rambo headband.
Ok, so maybe nothing says tough girl like a powder blue headband, an eaves dropping toy and one pajama leg pushed up. Oh, and don't forget the scowl.
How to leave your mark at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
1. Press face firmly against glass.
2. Press face harder against glass and make sure to firmly squish nose.
3. Drag pressed and squished face back and forth across the door.
4. Now drag yourself down to get the full on effect and make sure to cover each square inch.
Love, you grandma. Have fun cleaning up once I'm gone.

Park day with cousins

Erna and her girls came to visit. We headed to the park for a morning of fun! The moms in our ward get together on Tues. mornings for an hour at the park. It lets the kids work out their energy and moms get to socialize at an adult level. The boys were bored because they come to this park a lot and so there's nothing new but the little kids and the girls who haven't been here a million times thought it was great.
Erin, Sheila, Rylie, and Kenzie's curls (yes, she now has hair!!!)
Madzie on the swing.
Madzie on the swing again.
Kenzie opened her day presents from Aunt Timarie, Uncle Mark, Kal, and Tri.
More presents.
"Thank you"
The boys found the perfect climbing tree.