The Carter Cabin

Last week we went to California for a little getaway. We were supposed to go on a cruise this week, but our cruise ship caught on fire a few months back, and they still haven't finished the repairs. My Dad had the week off from work, so he asked if we wanted to come down and play and maybe help with a few projects. We got to my parents house on Tuesday night. On Wednesday, Russ helped my Dad repair a fence and garage at my brother's house. While the boys worked, the girls shopped. We had a blast. On Thursday, we went to my grandparents cabin. We haven't been their in about 6 years. My uncle now owns the cabin, and he made a bunch of changes to the place. It looked so nice!! While we were there, we did what we Carters always do, played lots of games. Anyone that knows my family, knows that they are epic game players. The cabin is such a nice place to getaway from technology and just be together as a family. Mirian loved getting to know her cousin Shade better. She is obsessed with babies right now.


Mirian and Shade loved sharing toys


Say "Cheese!"


Bath-time for Babies ( I love clean babies!!)

The next day we went to Columbia, a restored mining town. It was fun to relive my childhood there, getting Sarsaparilla, climbing on the rocks, and of course getting an old-time family photo.


Just us girls, sitting on the rocks (and Russ too)


I love the old buildings that they have restored here


Don't mess with this rough 'n tough family

The next day, we had to leave, we were sad that it was such a short trip, but we had a wonderful time. We were sad that Scott and Olivia and their kids couldn't be there either. We missed you guys.

Southern California Trip Continued

I know it is a little late posting the rest of our trip. We have all been sick with colds and we have had family visiting. But I guess it is better late than never. To continue our Newport Beach Vacation, we went over to Crystal Cove to look at the tide pools. Crystal Cove is a protected beach, so we thought it would be a lot of fun to see different sea creatures. Only problem was that we went at high tide. It was still a beautiful beach, and we had a good time, even if it looked like rain.


Russ and Mirian Looking at the Ocean


Olivia, Robert, Scott and Sydney Carter (aren't they the cutest family?)


Watching the waves come up to our feet


Looking for shells with Syd

That evening, we went to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. It was fantastic! We really need one of those closer to us. On second thought, maybe not, because I would want to eat there everyday!


Beautiful Sunset


Delicious Thai Chicken Wraps!!!

The next day, we kept pretty low key. Scott and Olivia had to leave, so we played games all morning until it was time for them to pack up. Once they left, we just crashed. We were so tired from all the playing and all of the sun.


Mirian Loves her Cousins!!!

On Thursday, Russ and I woke up sick with colds. We felt so miserable, especially since we were on vacation. We did go swimming, but it started raining on us. That evening, we drove to Long Beach, to meet up with one of Russ' Brokers for dinner. We ate at Parkers' Lighthouse. We forgot the camera, which makes me so sad, because it was the cutest place ever! And my Chilean Sea Bass was to die for.

The rest of my family came down on Friday and we spent all day at Crystal Cove. It was a beautiful day and the water was perfect! We spent the whole time playing in the surf, while Grandma watched babies. Again, I forgot my camera (Kristal, did you get any good shots I can steal?) To finish the trip off, we went back to the Cheesecake Factory for another fabulous meal and then games back at the time share. We had such a wonderful trip. It was nice to not have any responsibilities or time schedules. We loved every minute of our trip and wish we could do it all over again.

Huntington Beach, Day 2 of Vacation

We slept in a little, then . . . . . We went to Huntington Beach!!!!! Temps here got to 108, but the beach was fun and awesome, except at the end when Russ lost his sunglasses in the Pacific Ocean, so if you see some prescription Bole's float up, let me know.






Oh Yeah, Mirian loves Watermelon!!!!!!













We had some visitor dolphins nearby. We also had a sea lion, but couldn't get a picture.




We also found this random head in the ground!!! Syd loved it!!!!

Sunday Afternoon in Newport Beach

We arrived to Newport Beach, CA Saturday afternoon. We mostly just rested since our day started at 3:30 in the morning. On Sunday, we slept in a little, then went to church. The church was right next door to the temple, what gorgeous temple!!!


We walked around the grounds and enjoyed the view.

Afterward, we checked out the resort. Tons of things to do!!!!!! They have mini-golf, basketball, several pools and hottubs, a playground for the kids, fitness center, arcade, etc. It also has a coy pond and we went to check that out.



Mirian loved looking at the fish.



What a great vacation!!!! We are so glad that we get to spend it with family!!!!!! Thank you everyone for making the effort to get here and thank you mom and dad for booking the resort for us. We love it!!!!!!

Trip to California

Enjoying Hula's

We went to California this weekend for Jeff and Marlena's ring ceremony and for the blessing of little baby Shade. We had such a wonderful time, even if it was a whirlwind weekend. We left Thursday night after Russ got off of work and drove till Klamath Falls, OR where we stopped for the night. Then we got up early the next morning to finish off the trip. We stopped in good ol' Chico and met up with our good friends Megan and Josh and got some yummy Mongolian Bar-b-que at Hula's. Then we hurried home to be greeted by family anxiously waiting for us to arrive so we could all go out on the boat. Uncle Jim brought his boat, and Dad got his boat working, plus we had 3 jet skis for 12 people (including Mirian). It was crazy, but so much fun! Mirian was a little nervous at first being out on the boat, but then Grandpa let her drive and then she thought it was pretty cool! We tried taking her out on the tube, but that was too scary for her.

I'm not sure about this Mom!


Driving the boat with Grandpa is fun!


Look at that worried face

We planned on going out on the boat all day on Saturday too, but it ended up being freezing cold with little sprinkles. We were all really nervous, because the ring ceremony was going to be outside. Luckily, the weather held out for us during the ceremony. Jeff and Marlena looked so nice and baby Shade was as adorable as ever. We finished off the evening with a massive game of Scum.

All the Carter kids with Marlena


Cute baby Shade with Russ


And this lovely picture taken by my Fabulous Sis-in-Law, Olivia!


What do I do with these petals?


Cute Flower Girls!!

On Sunday, Shade was blessed at church. It was such a nice blessing and it was so fun to see people that we hadn't seen in a while. We spent the rest of the day cleaning up from the reception the night before and playing more Scum. We had such a great time and we were sad to have to leave on Monday morning. We love getting to spend time with family.

Playing Grandpa's Piano