The Real O.C.

We spent a day in Orange County, visiting family and enjoying the beautiful weather.

Below is Laguna Beach.  It turned out to be a misty evening but it didn't stop us from enjoying the sunset trying its hardest to creep through the clouds.  I thought it was absolutely breathtaking to see the sky like that, stand on the shore and feel drizzly raindrops on my face.

Earlier in the day, we stopped by the Newport Beach Temple and let the kids walk around.  We brought a little picnic lunch and ate it there by the fountains and the flowers.  What a beautiful temple.

Our kids have been so awesome on this month-long trip in California.  I'm so grateful to my parents for taking such good care of us while we've been here.  I love California so much and I've loved having my kiddos here with me.  What an amazing summer we're having.

We've chosen Bozeman, Montana as our new home.

What happened to Twin Falls, Idaho, you ask?  Well, a few red flags popped up during our contract process with the hospital up there and so we decided to try another avenue.

We're excited for the next chapter in our lives.  We've learned that it just doesn't matter where you live, where your house is, or which job you choose.

Family is most important.

Keep the family together and it'll be home no matter what. 

Just Some Photos

A little inspiration for your Monday night.

I always enjoy the Los Angeles Temple.

It is so HUMONGOUS that I can't even believe it sometimes. 

It is so awe-inspiring that I just stand there and take it all in.

I'm so glad I was endowed here.

Even more glad I was married here.

It holds a special place in my heart knowing that my parents were endowed and married here.

I love, love, love the temple.

On Saturday, we journeyed to the Channel Islands Marina and enjoyed the boats and the cold weather.  It was a gorgeous day, all foggy and dewlike.  Is that a word?  I like that word.  Dewlike.

Dad, Husband, Superhero!

Jason's been here in California with us this week.  These two pictures describe perfectly what his duties have been.  We went to the beach today.  We have been using up every bit of him.  We love our daddy and miss him immensely.  He heads back to Texas tomorrow for his continuous preparation for his dermatology boards in about ten days.  Study!  Study!  Study!  Miss us as much as we'll miss you, Daddy!

California

We're in California, enjoying our summer at my parents' house until we decide where we're moving to next and when.  Our lives hang in the balance.  Ha ha!

But have no fear, we will decide soon and be on our way.

Meanwhile, we're going to the park every day and enjoying the gorgeous weather and beautiful surroundings, and lots and lots of cozy grandparents time.

I took these last two pictures of my lovely Texas surroundings the morning we left for California.  It was such a gorgeous morning and I was in "mourning" while driving away, leaving our home in Texas ... a place I will always love and hold dear in my heart.

Beautiful Texas.  Beautiful Hill Country.  We were so blessed and lucky to have lived in such a wonderful place.

Residency Graduation

Finally.

Three years ago we moved here to San Antonio to begin a dermatology residency that I in no way had any idea and/or firm grasp on how difficult, arduous, and tested-to-our-limits it would be.

Looking back, I am proud to say that nobody died.  It was quite a journey.

I am beyond thrilled and proud of Jason.  He graduated!  He worked so hard.  I can't even tell you how hard he worked.  My words and my expression of them would be at a 1st grade level compared to the enormity of Jason's accomplishments.  Find a toddler to tell you about the science behind how the universe works and that would be exactly my answer. 

Jason will take his dermatology boards in July which will make him a triple-boarded physician in dermatology, dermatopathology, and pathology.

 These group of doctors have been like family these past years.  It was a bittersweet farewell to all of them but no doubt we will keep in touch through the years wherever we end up.  Above are all the residents and staff of the dermatology department at UTHSCSA - University of Texas Health Science Center of San Antonio.

 These physicians above are all the residents in the programs.  1st, 2nd, and 3rd years.

 Above is just Jason's "class":  Wenhong Zhou, Emily Becker, and Tim Straight.  I'm ten years old around these people.  Amazingly talented doctors.

 After pictures, Jason was the first to tear that white coat off.  ha ha!  It was so hot, but not only that, Jason doesn't care at all for the stuffiness and the recognition.  This is a perfect description, actually, of Jason when it comes to the past three years.  Release me!  Release me!

 Jason with his close friend/colleague, Tim Straight.

 Dr. Kraus, the head of the department, handing Jason his diploma and certificate.

 Good job, Jason.  Take a breath.  Or a vacation.

The happy couple.

Boxes

We're having fun our last final days here in the house.  It's weird to see the pictures come down off the walls and get packed.  That always makes me sad.  I don't know why.

 The boys are so cute to involve Christie in their "wrestling" and playing.  She's getting to be pretty tough.  She absolutely adores her brothers and it warms my heart.

Swimming

We are having a blast these last few days in our home and in our pool!  We had our friends over today for swimming and ice cream cones.  Jason came home early from work, came outside and asked, "What is this?  Summer vacation??"

 Jimmy was killing me with all of his posing on the rocks!

Ryan and Owen are good friends with Jacob and Jimmy.

Christiana looks so cute in her rashguard and swim shorts.