Swan Boats

The kids and I found these cute little swan paddle boats in Long Beach that we've been wanting to try out.  We headed out on Saturday since the weather so nice.  We rented them for 1 hour and rode around this cute lagoon by the beach.  We all took turns paddling and it was so fun!

 

Around the lagoon we saw some cute birds... a family of Canadian geese.

snowy egret

Grand Prix & Girls Day

Brian took the boys to the Long Beach Grand Prix on Saturday.  They went last year for the first time and really enjoyed it.

UCLA has a FSAE program to engineer and race this car.  We just learned that BYU also just started a program like this.  Robbie is excited to get involved with that.

 

While there, they were interviewed by ABC7!

While the boys were away, us girls had a fun day too.

We went out for breakfast at The Broken Yolk.

 

We did some fun shopping and Catherine got to spend her birthday money.

 

We made cookies and then Lydia went to the temple with our youth group.

Overall, it was an awesome day!

Sunshine & Chicago

We've had such nice weather this past week.  We've been going outside to read and play a lot more in the backyard.  Thomas tried reading and riding at the same time!

Lydia and I went to see one of the YW in our ward perform in her senior theater show, Chicago.  I don't love the story line of this musical, but the production was well done and the talent is amazing!

 

Distinguished Scholar

Robbie was recognized as a Distinguished Scholar for his 3rd year in a row at his high school.  They recognize the top 25 students of each class.  Robbie is #2 in his class right now.

He's such a great student!  We are proud of you Robbie!

San Gabriel Archangel Mission

The mission that Thomas is researching for his mission project is the San Gabriel Archangel Mission built in 1771. It's the 4th mission of the 21 built. Since it was only 40 minutes away, we decided to go visit it as a family on Saturday.

replica hut that the Gabrielino natives would have lived in

Brick vats for making soap and candles

Modern fountain celebrating the Natives contribution to building the mission.

 We've enjoyed visiting the different missions that we pass by or that the kids research.  They are all unique and interesting.

San Juan Capistrano Mission

In 4th grade, students learn about the California Missions and write a big report on them.  Thomas's  class went on a field trip to the San Juan Capistrano Mission.  It's the 7th mission of 21, built in 1776.  It's probably the prettiest one I've been to.  The gardens are just gorgeous!

 

The bell tower 

 

Learning about the mission and the Acjachemen natives.

Making an adobe brick like they used to build the mission.

The chapel

The ruins of the original chapel- destroyed from an earthquake

part of the gardens

Tom's class

 

Warming Up

 We've had some warmer weather this week in the 80s.  Catherine has loved being outside on her swing set and playing in the water. 

Robotics: State Competition

 Robbie competed in a state Robotics Urban Search and Rescue competition this week through SkillsUSA.  He and his partner, Erin, built a robot to go through an obstacle course, collecting ordinances along the way.

 

Their school email had a spotlight of them.

 

Brian went up on Saturday to watch the actual competition.  They had a great run!

Robbie is the driver and is not allowed to look at the course as they maneuver it.  The car has a video stream that he sees on the computer.  His partner, Erin, walks around the course and calls out directions and commands.

Yesterday was the awards ceremony.  They didn't make the podium, but we are proud of the hard work he and Erin put into it.

 

Lydia and I got to be there for the awards ceremony.