Smiling Mom

We had the opportunity to tag along with my dad to his institutes in Indian Wells, California.  His team an he have a powerful message they are sharing with teachers and principals throughout the country.  Their message of No Excuses, and the notion that not only every child CAN learn, but should be learning.  And it’s our (the schools) job to make that happen.  Powerful.  Like, change the face of education powerful.  I attended a few sessions and now feel more of a sense of urgency to get back out to the school site and make changes happen… more on that later.

For now, some pictures.

eClaire hanging with Auntie Ali.

Cousin Mika, hamming it up.

Cousin CJ and BC.  BC’s all, “AAYYY!”

But the majority of our time was spent sitting just like this in the pool, avoiding the 110 degree heat.  Gotta love vacation!

My children LOVE the beach.  San Diego has warm waters, and sunny skies.  We couldn’t miss an opportunity to play in the sand.

Exfoliating…

Hanging with Daddy

Jumping waves

Boogie Boarding (OK, only Daddy and Uncle Jonny who joined us)

And Making Memories

Good Times, happy days.

So, no BlogHer for me this year.  Maybe next.

Instead I had the pleasure of seeing all my extended family, reminiscing about my grandma, and catching up on old times.

I have a big family. A big Mormon extended family.  We are not.  But I often feel that even though I was not raised in the Mormon faith, I was raised somewhat Mormon.  Mormonism is more than a religion, it’s a culture.  I was raised with the Mormon culture.  And I think I am a better person for it.

My husband and I don’t often take pictures together anymore.  So I am attempting to remidy that.

Notice the earrings… thanks Fussy.  I LOVE them!!

And the shoes.  Well, let’s just say that a girl who, a day before BlogHer, learns she can’t go to BlogHer, MUST do some retail therapy.  Mine was in the form of a trip to Ross Dress For Less…  The shoes?  Ya.  they cost less than $18 AFTER tax.  BOO YA!