lifes a beach

Friday, April 16, 2010

Day 3 Exploring Lausanne, Switzerland


Julie was excited to get out and explore the city. These
are the steps we had to walk down, and CLIMB back
up each day.

Down by Lake Geneva, looking around and enjoying the
good weather.

Mel and I sitting by Lake Geneva.


I wanted to take a photo of this sign because
of the city Bern on it. that is where the temple
is. Also, just to see the language, etc.

Getting a picture of some of the architecture in Luasanne.
This is called Chateau du Ouchy. Mel said it was a castle
that was turned into a hotel.
We took a boat cruise on Lake Geneva and got to see several
cities that border the Lake.

Mel enjoying the cruise
This is where there were grape vineyards all along the hill
side. There are a lot of grape vineyards in Switzerland. It's
amazing how they terrace the slopes and grow the grapes.

A beautiful view of some of the Alps.


This is Chateau du Chillon that sits out on Lake Geneva

On Monday night we were invited to Mohamed's house for
dinner. Mohamed is an employee of Mel's
company, Kinemetrics. He is in charge of the Swiss office.
They prepared such a wonderful dinner. Best dinner we
had while traveling.

Julie was so happy to have people her age around, even if
it was only for one evening. They are now facebook friends.
I was amazed at how mountaineous Switzerland was. I should
have known, but didn't really realize. Across from Lake Geneva,
(which is HUGE by the way) is a part of France. We could see
Evian across the lake. That seemed neat to me, to be able to
see another country looking over across Lake Geneva. The
boat cruise was enjoyable. Relaxing, and just taking in the
sights of the cities bordering the lake, and the gorgeous Alps.
We took the Metro down from our hotel, to Ouchy, which
is what they called the little area where it bordered the lake
and where we got on the boat. There were lots of people around.
I guess we weren't the only people on Easter/Spring break. And
we'd heard they'd had a cold winter, and the weather was sunny
and a little chilly.
In the evening we had dinner with Mohamed and his family. It
was nice to drive in a car to his house. And Julie had fun being
around his children. They told us a little about schooling there,
and getting into college. I have to say, I LOVE America. We
are definitely the land of opportunity.

Day 2. Heathrow Airport & Lausanne, Switzerland


Here is Julie and Mel at the Heathrow airport. At a place
called Giraffe's. Not many choices for food there in London airport.


Julie and I on the train after arriving in Switzerland.


When Julie found out she got her own little section in the hotel
room, she was VERY happy!


going up the very small elevator to our room. We look a little
bushed.


The view from Julie's little alcove.


The name of our hotel in Luasanne.



Sunday, April 4th was spent flying, layover in London's Heathrow
airport,flying some more, and also getting settled into our hotel
room in Luasanne, Switzerland. We traveled through the night, and
lost about 9 hours. The flight was pretty good, but it was a little
squished in the plane. Thank heavens for movies during the
flight. They helped the 10 hour flight seem a little shorter.
When we arrived in Geneva, we found the train that would
take us to Luasanne. It was fascinating to me, to hear all the
people speaking French. I have a weird way of thinking. I
almost felt like the people were just pretending. I thought "How
can they really talk like that all the time? And, how do they
understand it?" I know.....weird. But the train was smooth, and
pretty fast. The hotel was very close to the train station, so we
walked to the Hotel. The train system in Switzerland amazed me
as well. With all the mountains, I'm surprised that you can use
such a system. But they have got it ALL figured out. There is
a LOT of walking going on in Europe also. No wonder why there
aren't many overweight people. Besides the fact that food is so so
so so so expensive. I've figured it out. Food is a luxury to them.
They can only buy what they need to get by. Anyway, we arrived
to the Hotel Elite, slept very well and were happy to begin our
time in Switzerland.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Day 1 My travelogue of Our Switzerland and Paris trip


Julie in front of the sign at the airport




Julie and I In a little eatery at the airport.


Julie and Mel at the same little eatery. We shared a drink (soda)
and a little sandwich.

Mel travels...Mel travels the world. Joneel didn't use to travel.
But Joneel travels more now. Every year Mel travels to
Switzerland for business. I've always heard how beautiful
it is there, and how nice Switzerland is. So, I figured in my
mind that someday I would go there with Mel. Well, in
December 2003, Michelle beat me to it. She went with
Mel to Switzerland, so I decided that Michelle couldn't
be the only only one that got to see the country, so I told
Mel that I would like to go and we may as well take Julie
with us. So, that's what we did. My only stipulation was
that I didn't want to go in the Winter. My Mom had taken
me to England and Scotland in the Winter, and I didn't want
to do something like that again. So, Mel was able to arrange
our trip for April 3-14. The first day pictures are just from
the Los Angeles airport. We left on Saturday, April 3, 2010
at 6:25 p.m. bound for London, Heathrow, continuing on to
Geneva, Switzerland.

Cheer Banquet, Senior Year



VARSITY CHEER



Julie with her little sister on spirit, Brooke Bauer

Cheer Banquet was held on April 2, Friday night. It was well attended,
and it was a night to celebrate the girls. Mrs. Weiss, who has been
the cheer advisor, along with being the Activities director, was
stepping down as cheer advisor, so there was a lot of farewells, etc.
A fun part of the evening was the senior video, and also the video
from pictures taken through out the year. This was my 10th
cheer banquet. I think I'm glad that I am all done with these.
They were fun while they lasted.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

eating peas


Sam and Grace eating peas from the garden

I LOVE Tyler's garden, and looking at the two of these
enjoying peas from that garden, I would have to say
that they love it too.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Macy's blessing (added more pics)


In the car on the way to the Church




Clark's Mom Valerie, made Macy's dress.

Sweet Macy was blessed in Alpine, Utah with lots of family
around. She is definitely a sweet girl. We drove up for a
quick trip, and only wished we had more time with them.
Macy had lots of family support, and Clark gave her a
beautiful blessing. We had a potluck dinner at the park
across the street from where Mel grew up. It was nice.
Especially the sweet smiles and coo's and "almost" laughs
from the person of honor.....Macy.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Newport Week-end Fun


Sandra, A. Renae, Julie, Me and Mom



Sandra, I apologize for putting the first picture up, but I think
you look cute. It has the best color, don't you think?
My Mom has been staying in Tijuana for 4 weeks now. On the
weekends we pick her up either in Murrieta or Carlsbad, and
then have time to visit, or do fun things like go to Newport
Beach. this particular week-end, My Aunt Renae, my cousin
Sandra, her daughter Stacy, my cousin Linda, my daughter
Julie, myself and my Mom had fun enjoying the weather,
the beach, and just each other. We also got to make a trip
down to Cafe' Rio. We sat and gabbed for quite a while. I
like making memories like this.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Scrounging for a post (All Things Senior)





Well, I know you've seen the first picture before, but this
is a little better version from Neil Rickman (photog).
And the second picture is one of our favorite Senior
pictures also.
The last picture is the Varsity Cheer and Song squads.
Julie is third row back, fourth from the right. Not a
great picture, but like I said, I was scrounging for
a post. My camera is not in the house right now, so
couldn't download any new pics. So here it is,
everything Senior!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

They make me happy

I Love my Grandkids. They are like little treasures from
Heaven. Today, Stella told me she liked me. Sterling gets
excited when he sees me. Saturday, Grace told me she
loved me. Sam loves to give me hugs. Such sweet moments.
It's funny how all I want to do is LOVE them. And be a good
example for them.
I am so proud of my children and their spouses. They are
good parents.
I have been blessed.


Sam likes to do what Grace does. Great playmates


Stella and Sterling. They are pals

Sweet Macy for her 2 month comparison photo
I'm sure she will be a great big sister someday

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Where's Julie



So, Which look suits Julie?

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Michelle and Macy are heading home. = (


Grandpa enjoying little Macy

We got a cute little smile from her

Going to meet with Lorna and Lindsay and Courtney
Melissa made the cute little hat for Macy

Julie's friend Sara washed hands, wasn't sick, so got to
hold Macy. She really likes baby Macy.
DARN IT !!! Our time with Michelle and Macy has come to an end.
I'm not happy about this at all. I realize they need to be back with
Clark, but I have enjoyed getting to know Macy's personality these
last 12 days. She is so sweet, so lovable, and a pretty easy going baby.
She eats well and sleeps well. At this moment, I can smell spit up
from Macy on my shirt. haha. She also will spit up with all the
bubbles don't get up. = )
Clark and his Mom took off Friday at noon, got here at 10 or so, and
we went to Newport Beach Saturday and met up with my cousin
Sandra. Today was church and Valentines Day. Lots of sweet
stuff happening here. Anyway, family is everything. And I have
the best people for me!!!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

dances and weddings




l-r Amy Sue, Grooms friend, Courtney, Grooms brother in law
Michelle, Grooms friend, Nicole, Noelle, Mark, Grooms sister,
grooms brother, Grooms sister, Grooms brother, Alicia and Ben
Michelle and Noelle


Mrs. and Mr. Heaton


Macy


after the dance....had to get a picture = )


Daniel and Julie


LOTS of GIRLS



Jenna, Matt, Julie, Daniel, Jackie, Alex

****Warning***** pictures are in reverse order******
Back at the end of January, Julie was nominated for Winter Formal
Court. We thought it was a fun honor and at the end of the evening,
she was crowned Winter Formal Princess. Another girl won the
honor of Queen. Julie went with Daniel Armstrong, and went in
a very large group of kids and had a blast. The pictures of her
with her sash and tiara are after the dance, and NOT good.
camera is fairly new, and I don't think I have the right settings.
DARN IT !! Anyway, I'll post the pictures anyway.
Then Michelle came down with little Macy, to be here for Noell
Perkins/Heaton's wedding. The wedding was yesterday, in the
rain, and tonight was the reception. All fun times. Michelle was
a bridesmaid. Noelle was a beautiful bride. When Noelle threw
the bouquet, Julie caught it. Ha ha. She just stood there, and it
landed in her hand.