Fun Day at universal Studios with friends

For vacation Andrew, Joshua, Christian, Sandy (Joshua's Mom), and I went to Universal Studios. We had so much fun playing and being together. Vacations are fun.

Steve's Job

This is me freezing

Steve working in the pump

Recalibrating

Putting the gas back after testing

I was able to go to work for the first time to see what Steve really does for a living. We went to bishop right after a snowstorm. It was a beautiful ride and I loved spending the weekend together (especially since his company paid for the gas and hotel.) We got to see some sights and take in a movie as well - we saw Marley and Me. Steve callibrates gas pumps so that the customer gets what he or she pays for and the company does not waste money. He loves his job and is very good at what he does.

Seattle Mariners

Employees and spouces of NorthWest Tank

Seattle Mariners stadium

For Christmas, Steve's company flew us up to Seattle for a celebration party. We were able to take a tour of the Seattle Mariner's stadium. This picture is Steve standing at the press conference podium giving an address to an imaginary audience. The stadium was impressive. The weekend was awesome. Steve got the award for the "Most Knowledgeable" because he is always willing to help his co-workers through difficult times.

Thanksgiving at the Fosters-2008

Yummy Food!

Sherylee and Joseph-wake up!!! It's time to play.

Phylis, Erin, Andrew, Devan, and Kyle at the Petroglyphs.

We had a silly string fight-this is the aftermath.

Ryanne, Naomi, and Erin staying warm under the covers.

We went to the Foster's in Cedar City, Utah for Thanksgiving this year. We had so much fun being together. The food was yummy! I especially loved the homemade rolls that Madeline made. We went to a Pow-wow but did not stay long as I did not feel welcomed. We visited the Petroglyphs-Andrew enjoyed exploring up the mountains and in the caves with his cousins. We also attended a local Christmas fair. The weather was really cold but I learned that if I kept my feet warm the rest of me would be okay. I remember listening to music and Jim helped Sherylee download many more songs to her MP3 player. We were singing at the top of our lungs (poor neighbors!) I did not want to go home

Andrew had a sleep over with some of his friends. We went park hopping. They went to 5 different parks and played for 10 minutes. when I honked my horn they came back to the car and we went to the next park. At the last park I got out and took these pictures. We all had a blast!

LA County Fair

Grandma Foster brought a friend along.

Steve looking very......cute.

Grandma Laurel was a lot of fun to be with

Steve and Raelynn enjoying the scenery

Andrew panned for gold.....it was a very fun day!

Breakfast with the Fosters

Lilian playing cards with her grandson Dylan and Andrew playing with Emily (picture taker).

Emily took this picture of the group. We had a lot of fun eating together.

Grandma Foster with her grandchildren: Dylan and Emily

Stephen (daddy) and Emily - how sweet!

What shall we eat? Everything looks so good.

Vacation - 2008

Andrew doing his homework at the hotel

Steve and Andrew on the steps at Hearst Castle

Andrew wanted to swim here but there were too many rocks

Raelynn, Andrew, and Steve at the enterance of the Mystery Spot.

The Giants Stadium in the background. It was a cold, windy day.

This year our vacation was August 15 - 24. We traveled up the coast of California and visit some sights and beaches along the way. We went to Hearst Castle, Santa Monica Boardwalk, the beach, The Mystery Spot, The Giants vs. Marlyns game (baseball), to the Oakland Temple, The Winchester House, and to Solvang. My mom got to go with us and spend time together. I loved the whole week. We were very busy and yet were able to relax and enjoy the time together.

I had to let the parents of the children I watch know in January what my vacation would be and since in the past Andrew was off track in August we decided that August would be a good time for a family vacation. We were informed in February that his school was switching to a single track and would be off in July and back in school in August. The school gave us permission to do "Home Study" while we were on vacation and the teacher gave Andrew his homework and classwork for the week. Everywhere we went he had to do his home work - I felt bad for him but he was willing to do it so we could be on vacation together and he didn't have to be in school.

First day of Fifth Grade

This is Andrew going to fifth grade for the first time. He is yearning for some learning!

This is Andrew in his new class room!

Andrew flew from Utah to California-all by himself

Mom sure missed her little guy!

Andrew was given a specail pass for children riding alone. He was given special VIP treatment by the attendants and headphones for listening to the TV and music. He is so brave.

Andrew went to visit his Aunt Christi in Utah for a couple of weeks and flew home all by himself. I was so nervous and missed him terribly. I was so happy to finally be together again.

We had Mother's Day picnic and family get together at the Pioneer Park in Cerritos. Jim's, Merry's, Mom, and My Family were there. We laughed so hard and played even harder. It was a fun. We have a very good family!

Vegas with the Portreys

Since Joseph works for Marriott Hotels in the reservation department - he won a free night stay at a hotel of his choice. Joseph and Sherylee invited Steve and I to go to Vegas and stay for free in this luxury hotel. He had so much fun. We went out to visit Vegas for a bit but decided we would rather enjoy the surrounding of the hotel and the no cigarette smell. We played games and reminisced. What a great get away. Dan and Susan watched Andrew for the weekend so we could go without worries. Thank you Joseph & Sherylee for inviting us and Dan & Susan for watching Andrew. It was so good to relax and have no worries! (Happy Birthday Joseph!)