Kevin and I left on Monday of last week to go to California for our anniversary! On Tuesday we had been married for 31 years. I have to honestly say that it no longer feels like a recent event. Ha ha! Which makes sense considering all the things that have happened. Children especially mark the passage of time, and we've had eight of them and they are mostly grown! We even have almost five grandchildren! Crazy. But they are all accomplishments that make me happy about what we have dedicated our time to.

    We had a great week. We stayed until Friday. Kevin had to work Wednesday and Thursday, but on Tuesday we rented a jet ski and played with it on the ocean. We had a lovely lunch looking over Dana Point Harbor. That afternoon we swam at Salt Creek Beach and sat in our chairs, talking, watching the ocean and the happiness of people at the beach. That night we went out for Indian food. Yum!

    On Wednesday while Kevin worked, I did homework and read on the beach. That evening we went back to San Clemente Pier (we ate there Monday night, too!) and watched the sun set. On Thursday while Kevin worked, I did homework and read on the beach. That evening we went to Crystal Cove historic district and reminisced about our time there. We got shakes and burgers at the Shake Shack and watched the sun set again!

    On Friday, we went for a last walk along Doheny Beach (right across from our hotel) then drove along the Pacific Coast Highway until we got about parallel with the John Wayne airport and found a big Barnes and Noble. We had fun shopping for books and had a last yummy lunch of Thai curry before turning in the car at the airport and flying home!

    Our kids were doing great, and the house was clean! Beth and Ben had spent the week at FSY. We got to pick them up on Saturday morning. They both ranked the week 10 out of 10 for spiritual growth! They shared some things they learned and resolutions they want for their lives moving forward, and I am impressed. They are great kids with great thoughts, and I love that they had such a great experience!

    On Saturday, I spent the day with ward members because we had a funeral and I'm the new compassionate service leader. I love those people. 

    That afternoon we had dinner and a party to celebrate Mariah! Because, guess what? She finished her Master's degree! She is now a certified secondary health teacher with an advanced degree. All the family came over. We ate food and reported on our various trips. Then Sarah had a ceremony for Mariah! She brought the graduation regalia to wear, gave a speech in her honor and had Mariah speak. We all cheered! It was really fun and we are so proud of that girl!

        We were not done with big events, though! After Mariah's graduation party, Ben and Chey talked Cali into going for a quick walk up the trail to see the view. But guess who was up the trail with pictures and flowers and a RING?? Richmond Durfey. He asked Cali to marry him. As soon as Cali saw him, she knew what was happening and ran toward him. I love that. Cali running toward a future she has decided will bring her the most happiness. So exciting! She, of course, said yes and we are planning a wedding for December!