Jay was asked to go to Memphis for two weeks on business with only three days notice.
I fully supported this work trip but panicked at the idea of being home alone for two weeks. We have great neighbors and ward members that I know would come to my rescue if needed, but I still wasn't thrilled with the idea.
I fully supported this work trip but panicked at the idea of being home alone for two weeks. We have great neighbors and ward members that I know would come to my rescue if needed, but I still wasn't thrilled with the idea.
I got excited about possibly joining Jay on his trip, but that didn't make much sense because he would be working third shift.
When I told my dad of our predicament, he was quick to offer assistance in a plane ticket to San Diego. Within a few hours my flight was booked!
On Sunday August 10th, I dropped my love off at the airport and kissed him goodbye for two weeks.
The next three nights before I left on my trip were awful. I absolutely hate being separated from Jay and was not fond of the silence that filled our home. I was just so grateful that I only had to endure three nights of being alone before I got to see my family.
On Tuesday I dropped Kella off at the kennel, then Wednesday morning I flew to San Diego for two weeks.
It was the best trip! I feel so fortunate and hope so desperately that I can keep making these summer trips a regular thing. I love my family and I love my hometown so much.
Del Mar Beach | August 14th & 16th
Channing's Wedding Reception | August 16th
The Girls | August 17th
"Abbey Road"
Grandma Jackie
Dana Point | August 18th
Jerris was on her way to Utah for college, but just before she drove off I got to bid her farewell with breakfast at Harbor House Cafe along with Marin and Kari.
Jerris was on her way to Utah for college, but just before she drove off I got to bid her farewell with breakfast at Harbor House Cafe along with Marin and Kari.
Mission Bay | August 18th
San Diego Temple | August 21st
Del Mar Beach | August 22nd
Steph's senior portraits.
Steph's senior portraits.
A tropical storm in Punta Eugenia, Mexico caused some insane swells for Southern California. Newport had 20-foot waves!
Luckily I never ran into any 20-footers while in the water with my family; however, there was an incident I'll never forget...
Me, Dad, Jess, Steph, Luke, Kinz, and Taylor swam out to a perfect spot in the ocean where we could catch or dive under the waves before they broke. A set of three or four waves would come rolling in and they were big, but like I said we were in just the right spot where we felt we were in no danger of getting mauled by the swells.
Out of nowhere a massive wave started brewing up ahead of us. I calmly swam out further into the ocean towards the wave and dove under just before it broke. I popped out of the water relieved by my decision to face the wave before it had a chance to maul me. Then I turned around to find my family and make sure they were ok. But they were nowhere in sight. I quickly turned back around and saw another wave coming. Just as before, I swam towards the wave and dove under just in time. Three or four more waves came and I just kept swimming, fighting the urge to panic and telling myself that the set was almost over. It so wasn't. I caved in to the panic and literally began to fear for my life. I was absolutely exhausted from swimming further and further into the ocean that I could barely hold my breath under water for 2 seconds.
I grew up doing this. I had older siblings who taught me how to be brave when swimming in the ocean. Even after previous scary experiences of being caught in a swell, I survived and still felt confident going back in the ocean.
This particular experience goes down as the scariest one. The waves wouldn't stop coming. At one point I remember thinking this is it.
Eventually the set passed and I used the last of my energy to swim to shore where I found my family safe and sound. Although, they were also pretty wearied from their own near death experiences.
I'm aware of how dramatic I made this story, haha. And now as I look back it doesn't seem like a huge deal, but in the moment it was definitely frightening. That night I said a few extra prayers of gratitude for being alive.
The ocean can be terrifying, but it is one of God's most beautiful creations and I have such great respect for it.
Incredible shot captured by Luke.
Luckily I never ran into any 20-footers while in the water with my family; however, there was an incident I'll never forget...
Me, Dad, Jess, Steph, Luke, Kinz, and Taylor swam out to a perfect spot in the ocean where we could catch or dive under the waves before they broke. A set of three or four waves would come rolling in and they were big, but like I said we were in just the right spot where we felt we were in no danger of getting mauled by the swells.
Out of nowhere a massive wave started brewing up ahead of us. I calmly swam out further into the ocean towards the wave and dove under just before it broke. I popped out of the water relieved by my decision to face the wave before it had a chance to maul me. Then I turned around to find my family and make sure they were ok. But they were nowhere in sight. I quickly turned back around and saw another wave coming. Just as before, I swam towards the wave and dove under just in time. Three or four more waves came and I just kept swimming, fighting the urge to panic and telling myself that the set was almost over. It so wasn't. I caved in to the panic and literally began to fear for my life. I was absolutely exhausted from swimming further and further into the ocean that I could barely hold my breath under water for 2 seconds.
I grew up doing this. I had older siblings who taught me how to be brave when swimming in the ocean. Even after previous scary experiences of being caught in a swell, I survived and still felt confident going back in the ocean.
This particular experience goes down as the scariest one. The waves wouldn't stop coming. At one point I remember thinking this is it.
Eventually the set passed and I used the last of my energy to swim to shore where I found my family safe and sound. Although, they were also pretty wearied from their own near death experiences.
I'm aware of how dramatic I made this story, haha. And now as I look back it doesn't seem like a huge deal, but in the moment it was definitely frightening. That night I said a few extra prayers of gratitude for being alive.
The ocean can be terrifying, but it is one of God's most beautiful creations and I have such great respect for it.
Incredible shot captured by Luke.
LA | August 23rd
Santa Monica Pier with Josh.
Santa Monica Pier with Josh.
Parks Family Portraits | August 24th
Lunch in Temecula | August 25th
Renee, Ashley and Claire, Natlelly and Mateo drove from Corona to meet me in Temecula with Mom, Jess, and Steph. We had lunch at The Lazy Dog Cafe.
Renee, Ashley and Claire, Natlelly and Mateo drove from Corona to meet me in Temecula with Mom, Jess, and Steph. We had lunch at The Lazy Dog Cafe.
Del Mar Beach | August 26th
I was not at all ready for this trip to end. But of course, two weeks without my Jay was way too long and I couldn't wait for our sweet reunion.
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