Birch Aquarium

While in San Diego we visited the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. Last time I was here, I was a junior in high school oceanography class thrilled for a reason to be out of school. This time, I was with my friends and together, we faced mine and Lori's arch nemesis: fish. To me, fish are like a scary movie that you watch with your hands held over your eyes. You can't leave the room, you have to be there to watch it, but you need to watch by peeking through your hands. This aquarium felt much the same way. I got the chills looking at these freaky creatures, but I just could not look away! I also feel the same way about snakes.Okay, so we did get somewhat close to a fish. We posed inside this shark mouth. Here, Nick rescues Matt from being eaten by the shark. Thanks to Nick, I still have a husband today.
Lori, Jenn and I. Jenn is the polar opposite when it comes to fish. She loves them. A view of the coastline from the aquarium. It was a pretty sunset.
Eating our hearts out at California Pizza Kitchen. We were impressed that Jenn used chopsticks throughout her meal, so Lori gave it a whirl.

Ohhhh, I love BBQ chicken pizza!!

SOOO GOOD!

Reagan and I were out and about yesterday and we stopped into Panera Bread and shared one of their seasonal bagels...Gingerbread. It was really good! The perfect flavor of Gingerbread but also a little bit sweeter than just your average bagel. There was something really sweet melted in bits throughout and I couldn't quite place what it was, so I looked online and here is the website description:

Flavored with ginger bits, cinnamon, nutmeg, molasses & filled with vanilla & cinnamon chips.

WOOT! Doesn't that sound good? We will be making many more trips there, I predict. Panera Bread Gingerbread bagels + Stephens hot cocoa = holiday heaven!

Pipes and the Beach

On Saturday morning we ate the best french toast ever at a breakfast place called Pipes near Del Mar and right next to the beach. It was a really cool setting. So good that we ended up going back the next morning for a second helping of that french toast.
Bro, check out Matt with this sign. Whattup with that?

After Pipes, we headed down to the beach, where the water was way too cold for all of us, except Reagan. She beelined for the waves, but we decided we knew what was best more than she did and kept her out of the water.

Weekend in San Diego

We took a quick trip to San Diego the weekend before Thanksgiving, to surprise Jenn and meet her 2 month old baby, Layla. Nick and Lori were also there that weekend, so they were in on it and helped execute the "Surprise Jenn" plan. Although Jenn seemed more confused than surprised (she thought we would be coming the following week), it was fun to ambush her in Nordstrom's Rack. We had a great time with our friends and have some killer photos to share.

Matt and I (well, mostly me) had a moment of silence as we passed this California landmark. We even stopped for gas at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit just so that I could smell the amusement park air. I think that is the closest I will get to this place in a VERY long time. When Matt and I are retired and 80 years old, we will be all over Xtreme and Goliath.
Not long after we met up with everyone in Mission Valley, we went to get some grub. Reagan almost walked into the mens bathroom.
We have done tons of driving for the last week and a half and Reagan has been an angel 90% of the time. We owe much of it to her new carseat. It cost us an arm and a leg, but has been worth every penny.
The cell phone obsession continues. Nick was really cute with Reagan and she set aside her newfound shy streak for the time being and played happily with our friends.
Our first night there, we ate at Islands Restaurant. It boasts this cool view of the San Diego temple (taken from the parking lot), but boasts even greater hamburgers and cheese fries. I have been hooked on Islands hawaiian burger forever, but I made some new discoveries this time: cheese fries are sensational when dipped in ranch dressing (thanks, Lori) and the yaki tacos are excellent.

Funny Moment

We just got back from an extended stay in San Diego, then Utah. I cannot stop laughing at something my 6 year old niece, Ashlee, said. She asked me what a 'soul' was. I responded that it was like a spirit or ghost, and it was something that no one could touch. She then asked, "like your privates?"

Hee, hee.

Politics

On my way out of the train station a card was shoved into my hand announcing that Barack Obama would be in San Francisco. As I drove away from the station I decided that I would leave it in Miriam Pinoli's door (my boss's wife) who is a die hard republican just like my sister Amy. I don't get into politics since voting in California or Utah is pointless, but I do enjoy getting people riled up about politics. On the way home I got stuck at a red light for a while and decided that I would personally sign the invitation for Miriam. So I wrote something like "For Miriam, thanks for being my greatest advocate. I appreciate your support and hope to see you there tomorrow night" and then I signed it "Obama". Below was her response.

Indoor Fun & Gratitude

I remember this time last year so clearly. The weather has started to cool down a bit and although I really can't complain about California temperatures, we have spent a little more time indoors. It rained some over the weekend and Reagan was getting over a cough and cold last week, so I was straining my brain trying to find ways to entertain her. Last week, I was in another room when I her grunting and complaining from the front room. I went and checked on her playing and found that she had climbed into the blanket basket and couldn't get out. This wasn't very nice of me, but I slyly watched for a few minutes from around the corner where she couldn't see me. It was kind of cute to see her trying to get out and I could almost see the wheels in her head turning while she figured out a way to do so.
Bathtime is still fun time for her. Now, when I say "cheese" or "smile" she does it! I love her big cheesy grin. She has this bath book that she likes to read. When she wants me to read it to her, she lets me know by throwing it to me, getting water everywhere.


I am very grateful for my little Reg's. It is fun for me to look back in time and see where I was a year ago, two years ago, etc. Almost exactly three years ago, Matt and I were settling into the Bay area and our new apartment, Matt was a week into his first job out of college and we were enjoying our surroundings. Almost two years ago, while I was nauseated 24 hours a day, we were finding out that our little person was going to be a girl. We had an interesting Thankgiving that year. I couldn't be around food cooking, so Matt settled for a dinner of rolls and green beans. Exactly a year ago, I was watching little Reagan grow up too fast before my eyes. So much can happen in a year and I wonder today...what will be going on in my life a year from now??? Hmmm...

I finally watched it!

I have always been a huge Dancing with the Stars fan until this season. I think I just got sick of it. That usually happens with reality shows and me. I enjoy the first couple of seasons (i.e. The Apprentice and Survivor) then I just get bored and realize that the producers of the show only pick hot people to be contestants. But now that the so-so's have been weeded out, Matt and I actually tuned into the show last night. Now I can chat with Mom Roundy about it! Here's what I think: I feel like I really SHOULD like Marie Osmond...after all she is from Utah and is Mormon, right? And the Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman is allright, she really tries. But Matt and I both agree there is something about older women who try to be 20 and sexy. Its just gross. We flinched every time Marie shimmied last night and when Jane (aka Dr. Quinn) walked out in that bathing suit...er, I mean, dress...I about died. I wear more to the beach than she did and I am in my 20's. All that aside, those two are mighty good dancers. Jennie Garth was a much better actress on 90210. I just don't like her facial expressions. Those expressions that people do in ballroom dancing (you know the ones I am talking about) can come natural to some and look good, but just not on her. But again, I have to hand it to her...the dancing is good. The soap star Cameron is good too, but I think he may be going home. Matt says he has guns and I say he has crazy eyes. Why does his partner always wear leg warmers during practice?? Let's see...who else? Mel B is good. I think she will win it. She was definitely 'spicy' last night. I actually really like her accent, too. I normally am not fond of the English accent--sorry--but it suits her. I actually enjoyed listening to her speak.

In other tv news...The Office!! Jim in a mustache and Karen...clearly still not over him. I have a strong feeling that we haven't seen the last of Karen. I had a hard time picking a quote from the episode. I enjoyed Michael asking Jim to host the dundies if he doesn't survive and also Phyllis' microwave popcorn quote. Plus Dwight had some pretty good quotes, but they contained bad words, so I guess I shouldn't post them, even though I was ROFL. Rolling on the floor laughing...I got some text message lingo from my sister Loni. Sometimes I steal her phone when she isn't looking and I read all the text messages she has received and sent. I do not understand what the big deal is over texting. Why does Loni's friend, who she just saw 10 minutes ago, text her 'Hey' and that is it? Then Loni texts back, 'Hey' and her friends writes 'What are you doing?' and yada-yada. Seriously, she could easily call her up if she had something important to say, right? I have, however, finally learned finally what LOL and ROFL means. I will throw a few more out there as I read Loni's messages and learn them.

Candy is Love

How do I love Halloween? Let me count the ways...

1. Carving pumpkins. Matt chooses the most difficult template and I choose the easiest. He spends an hour carving his, I spend 3 minutes carving mine, which is actually Reagan's.

The end result is that Matt's looks a hundred times better than mine!!!2. Playing in the cool fall weather. And enjoying sugar cookies from the neighbor, Miss Betty.

3. Attending the ward trunk-or-treat party. Last year Reagan lasted about 15 minutes before we had to take her home. This year, she ate it all up, including another sugar cookie.
4. Reagan begging for more chocolate.

5. Burning the soup that I made for dinner. This is the second pot that I have charred in the last week. Matt claims that if I really want a new set of cookware for Christmas, there are easier, less smelly ways of getting it.
6. Going trick-or-treating with friends. Reagan didn't really get the concept this year. She just enjoys being around other children. But once she realized that candy was involved, boy, she got it real fast! Candy is love...
7. All smiles in anticipation. I have noticed a trend in the photos of Reagan grinning. There is always food nearby. Can you spot the Cheerios in the first photo?

Happy Halloween!

OHHH D! OHHH D!

"Break me off a piece of that": applesauce, Chrysler car, football cream, lumber tar, Snickers bar, Grey Poupon, Claude Van Damme, Nutrasweet, Fancy Feast.

All About Us

Melanie asked us to fill out this fun survey thingy. Reagan's answers are in parenthesis after mine.

1. The Best Thing I cooked in the last week? I haven't done much cooking, but I would have to say Pork Roast--my dads recipe. (Reagan: "best thing I ATE is cheese and Ritz crackers)

2. Anywhere in the World to Go and with Whom? Somewhere Carribean with Matt (Reagan: "I would grow another foot in height and go ride the kiddie rides at Magic Mountain while my dad and mom ride X-treme and Goliath")

3. Last time I cried? Last night because the carseat I want for Reagan is on recall. (Reagan: "like five minutes ago when mom wouldn't let me have my binky. I did more than cry; I threw a total fit.")

4. What are 5 things I was doing this month 10 years ago? Let's see...it was October 1997, so I was a junior in high school. (Reagan: "I don't know.")
*Gearing up for high school soccer season
*16 and having a license, I was driving around whatever car I could get my hands on at home...either the Escort or the Cavalier.
*Hanging with my Hawaiian Tropic Models
*Crushing on some homeless druggy at Granite Hills High School
*Helping make the junior class homecoming float (homecoming was the night of Halloween)

5. What are 5 things on my to-do list today?
*Watch The Office
*Work on Reagan's photo album
*Make Matt's lunch for tomorrow
*Get our Halloween costumes together
*Drink hot chocolate for my sore throat
(Reagan says: "Drink glass of milk before bedtime, cry for my binky, poop my pants, wipe my runny nose on mom's sleeve, carry my purse and cell phone around.")

6. My 6 favorite snacks? Only 6? Hmmm..
*chips and salsa
*Graham crackers dipped in milk
*Candy bars or cookies that have been frozen
*Carrot sticks
*Cold cereal (preferably Marshmallow Mateys or Cinnamon Toast Crunch)
*Dried fruit such as mangos, craisins, etc.
*Trail mix
(Reagan: "Oh, this is easy, all I do is snack everyday. My favorites are Ritz crackers, cheese chunks, fruit snacks, cooked carrot sticks, Cheerios, and apple slices.")

7. My 5 worst habits? (I am asking Matt on these)
*Picking out stray hairs from my head
*Picking toenails
*Bad temper in traffic
*Leaving toilet seat up
*Calling girls, 'dude.'
(Reagan: "I don't have any.")

8. My 5 favorite foods?
*Chili's grilled chicken sandwich
*Homemade taco boats
*Hamburgers and french fries
*Cold cereal
*Pork salad from Cafe Rio
(Reagan: "Please see the snacks category above.")

9. Five places I have been?
*Puerto Rico
*Mexico
*Hawaii
*New Mexico
*Texas
(Reagan says, "Utah, California, Hawaii--my mommy was 6 weeks pregnant with me, New Mexico, and Texas.")

10. My 6 favorite memories?
*Christmas Eve and morning all growing up. It was such an exciting time as a kid!!
*Catalina Island with Lori 2000. A crazy trip that turned out to be so much freakin fun.
*My first date with Matt to Preference-I asked him and we went to the Spanish Fork dance, listened to Counting Crows and ate ice cream off our table for dessert. Upon getting in the truck, he said, "Oh, you like Counting Crows. Me, too." I knew he was the one.
*Family reunion in Lava Hot Springs 2004-staying overnight in Soda Springs. Matt and I were dating at the time and he came along. My parents made me share a bed with my sisters while Matt slept in the other cabin. No funny stuff going on there.
*Matt proposing to me in Sundance, Utah on July 13th 2004. It was a total surprise and a VERY long story. I will share it when we celebrate our 5th anniversary in 2 months.
*The day Reagan was born-June 22, 2006. She was three days overdue, but it felt like 3 years. After an unusually short labor, my little girl arrived and automatically pooped on my stomach...surely a prediction of things to come.

(Reagan says, "Mom is tired and doesn't feel like giving my 6 favorite memories. Let's just say they probably involve Baby Einstein, stroller rides with my BFF Adelaide, my grandmas and grandpas and my mom and dad, and a recent trip to see Lori and Nick.")

OK, so I would love to see some others fill this out. This includes anyone and everyone who should read this post, but I REALLY would love to see answers from my Hawaiian Tropic Models (Lori and Jenn), Loren, Lance/Katey (please start a blog!), Caitlin, Lindsey and Loni, Amy, Jeff and Selly, Lindsay, Robb and Lori (last 3 need blogs!). Oh yeah, and all the Cowell Terrace and ward friends here in Concord--and on the east coast (Burts). My freshman ward buddies Jeanine, Rachel, Jessica. My cuzzin Brooke. Ruth in SLC!! Anyone else???

The Purse Curse

When I was in 6th grade, carrying a purse was so cool. That lasted for like 2 months. Ever since then, I hate carrying around purses. Not that I don't like the way they look, but I seriously hate having something slung over my shoulder and I always set it down and forget about it. In high school, my friends teased me because I wore a mini backpack around instead of one. Then I graduated to college and found a canvas thing to sling over me.

Times have changed and I now enjoy purses. Finding the right one is hard. Lori and Nick took us to the Las Cruces ROSS and I found a freakin fantastic purse that I am now in love with. Thanks you guys, you have great taste. We also were laughing because Reagan seemed to catch onto the purse idea rather quickly. I couldn't resist buying this little red purse for her. She now carries it around, slung over her arm and shoulder as pictured. I showed her how she can store things in it and carry them around. She thought that was cool.

Filling up Red Crabbie

While Reagan and I were away, Matt picked up some play sand to put in Reagan's red crabbie sand box. She sure loves the sand and with the weather being a little bit cooler, it gives her something to do. I am now finding the sand everywhere. It starts in between her toes and hands and ends up in the bathtub, after the water has drained, on the couch and in her socks after we remove them at night.

Deja Vu

I have had a sense of remembering all day today. For the first time in a couple of weeks, I actually logged onto the news and was blown away to hear about the wildfires in Southern California. As I read about the situation and the specific cities and towns that were being affected, I was totally brought back to the situation almost exactly 4 years ago. That was back when my family still lived in San Diego and I was living in Utah and the Cedar Fire destroyed much of Southern California. I even remember being in town a few weeks later for Thanksgiving and surveying the damage. Harbison Canyon and Crest, only a minutes drive from my parents home, was all ash. It was unbelievable.

The fires burning today seem to be much worse than before. I am comforted that my family no longer lives there, but I do have a few close friends who do and I know that many of you guys also have family that still live there. I hope that they get this contained or the wind dies down or something. For the latest update, you can pretty much check any news website, but the best for me has always been www.signonsandiego.com. Click if you want the latest info and some crazy photos. For those of you with loved ones living there, my thoughts and prayers are with you!

New Mexico

Reagan and I took our first "sans-Matt" trip out to Las Cruces, New Mexico to visit Lori and Nick. Lori and I have been best friends since the summer before our freshman year in high school. We have had some of the raddest times of my life together and every time we get together, its like nothing has changed at all. We love to reminisce as well, about our crazy times. Reagan just took to them right away. After a day or two, she was used to their cute doggies as well. I love Lori's family as well. They treat me like one of their own and make me feel so at home. I have known them for years and it had been a while since I had seen everyone. It was so fun to be with them and to let Reagan get to know them. She had so much fun because everyone was so friendly to her!
The back drop of the town of Las Cruces is the Organ's, which is basically the tail-end of the Rockies, Lori informed me. They were really cool looking and you could see where they got their name...jutting out like keys on an organ.

Lori and Nick's brand new house was gorgeous. And they sure can decorate! Sometime in my life I will own a home and I will hire them to decorate.

We ate at a local pizza place one night and it was fun. I felt like I was with my own family. The pizza was good, too!
Reagan and Kylie, Lori's niece, had so much fun together. On this trip, Reagan learned how to hold hands with people while walking (thanks, Lori!)
On Sunday, we drove to the Carlsbad Caverns, a few hours north of where they live. We got to drive through the town of El Paso, Texas as well. The caverns were really cool, reminding me so much of the Timpanogos caves, but way bigger. And you don't have a tour guide leading you along.

Because of Reagan's obsession with calculators, remotes and phones, she just loved Nick's shirt. Especially when he would say "beep-beep" as she poked at the numbers.
Strolling down the path in the caverns.
I had a hard time getting the feel of the place on camera. I don't have the greatest night vision on it and it was just hard to capture a good photo of the scenes. But if you look closely, you can see the ceiling hanging down all pokey and stuff.

After Carlsbad Caverns, we headed up to Cloudcroft, a little town in the mountains of New Mexico. Lori and Nick reserved a place at the Cloudcroft Lodge. I learned something new...when a place is said to be 'charmed,' that is a fancy way of saying 'haunted.' Halloween spirit really kicked in for us that night, with ghosts on the brain. Click here to read the story about the haunting, but to be basic, a woman named Rebecca haunts the lodge. She was a skanky chambermaid who's boyfriend found her cheating and killed her...or so the legend goes. Now Rebecca haunts the entire hotel. Lori and Nick were so smart and ended up renting a lodge from the same hotel down the road called the Pavilion, which we were assured wasn't haunted. At least, no one had reported anything as of yet.

However, our night could not be complete without a tour of the actual haunted lodge. The guy working there let us see the governors suite, which is the most haunted room there. Here we are in the actual hallway where Rebecca's ghost roams!
The Cloudcroft lodge in the morning, a much less scary time of day.
Road tripping was so much fun with the Moog's. We drove through some teeny towns that we swore to never ever live in and ate a Taco Bell that made Lori lose her appetite due to the dead flies falling into the windowsill by our table. My favorite drink, Starbucks Strawberries and Creme Frappucino, became Reagan's new favorite drink. She got ticked when I took the straw out to have a sip for myself. For those of you wondering...this drink does not contain coffee.

The coolest rest stop I have ever seen.
Our last stop was the White Sands National Monument. Part of Transformers was filmed here (never seen it, but Lori says it is the scene in Iraq). It was really cool. It looks like snow, but it is actually fine, white sand.

Reagan had so much fun, she just loves the sand.

Oh, man, we had so much fun in New Mexico. Lori and Nick totally went out of there way for us and made it an excellent time. We can't wait to go back and I need to bring Matt next time. :)