Santa Cruz, Mystery Spot, Monterey Bay Aquarium and The Jelly Belly Factory

We finally had some time as a fmily to go on a quick family vacation. Paige was done with Link crew, Devin was done with college orientation and Brian had some days off. So we headed to one of our favorite places to visit, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. They were having some free bands playing and there was the $9.99 all night ride passes. The beach was a little cold but it was fun walking on the beach and playing in the sand.

Sometimes Avery has a hard time smiling for the camera.

We stayed the night in Santa Cruz and then thought it would be fun to go to the Mystery Spot. Funny all the times we have been to Santa Cruz we didn't realize how close the Mystery Spot was. Actually just up the road. The Mystery Spot is a place where weird phenomenom occur. It was fun to check it out. Definitely a once in a life time place to visit and we have the stickers to prove it.

The ball was rolling off of the board in the wrong direction.

Look I am the same size

It is a place you have to see for yourself.

Next, we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Lots of things to see, otters, sqiud, sharks seahorses. Lots of seahorses.

Simulation of what it feels like to be washed over with the ocean. Zachary liked this the best.

We even saw Bubba Gump's, don't know what happened to the picture. Our kids didn't know what that was. Time to watch Forest Gump.

On the way home we had to stop at the Jelly Belly factory. It is a family favorite. Free jelly beans get me everytime. We were able to meet up with Julie Jeffery there too. Special treat for the kids.

Short but sweet, we all needed the family time.

Party at Lake Gibson

Jarrett's 10 th Birthday started out with our family tradition of breakfast in bed. Bear claws and yogurt, Jarrett's favorite.

This was jarretts year to have a friend party so we spent alot of the day getting ready for it.
His theme was camping and swimming, so Our Home became Camp Gibson and the pool Lake Gibson. Here is how the cake turned out. Not too bad and Jarret loved it.

See the sleeping bags in the tent and the sign watch out for bears.

When friends showed up we registered them for camp and then and then made stepping stones for them to take home as a souvenier. Next, to Lake Gibson for fun and games.

Here we are playing toothpicks but with popsicle sticks since the kids couldn't see the toothpicks. The object is to have a popsicle stick in your hand to move on to the next round.
There is one short from the number of people in the game like musical chairs.

Then we started the fire to roast hot dogs and smores for latter.

Brian wants me to mention that it was really a hot day and a fire doesn't really fit in, but he loves Jarrett.

Dallin, Alec, Nathan, Michael, Julie, Luke, Evan, Brittney, Christopher and Jarrett getting ready to roast their hot dogs.

Here is Dallin, Alec, Nathan, Gavin, Evan and Brittney

The Fire pit

Our Fire marshal testing the fire

Smores, YUM!!!

Presents!!!

Bakugan

Bionicle

Money, who doesn't like money?

More Bakugan!!

Basketball? I don't have a hoop.

Big present! What could it be ?

Basketball Hoop, Yeah!!!

to go with the basketball.

Jarrrett didn't want Zachary to blow out the candles while we were taking the picture.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JARRETT, WOW 10 YEARS OLD, we LOVE you!!!!

Paige Turns 15

I can't believe it. Paige is 15 years old today. This year she got a family birthday but I think she still made out like a bandit. Her aunt and uncle Trudy and Montana and Bree-n and Tannen were here visiting so they got to celebrate with us. Happy Birthday Paige, We love you.

Zachary loves Presents