Strandy's Visit!

Our very good friends the Strandys came to visit. It was a nearly impromtu visit, and it was God's timing that both Tobin and I were off and no other commitments! Zach took a continuing education class on Friday and Saturday. So Saturday Corrine, Abbie, Tobin, and I had a beach day. Then Sunday we had a relaxing morning then drove out to Santa Monica where we spent the day. It was SOOO great to see them!!

We walked around our old stomping grounds (Bellmont shore in Long Beach)
We HAD to stop at the local bakery and get a good cinnamon roll.
Abbie enjoyed it!

Then we took them to Huntington Beach!

Tobin and Abbie had a lot of fun playing in the little waves.
I think while Corrine was taking this photo, I was out in the waves getting beat up with the boogie board. I had one good wave, and then tried going out a bit farther. The waves were HUGE (to me at least) and I caught one, but then it overtook me, and I found myself under the water, upside down, for several seconds! Then by the time I got out, be-bedraggled by the wave, several more big ones were coming in. Let's just say I wanted to get back to shore, quickly! It's amazing how close you seem to the shore, but the strength on the undercurrent and wave, can make it seem far. Let's just say I had enough boogie boarding for one day!

Hollywood rock star! On the Beach!

In the morning we enjoyed a little relaxing time with Mickey's Adventure Clubhouse (I think that's what it's called), and then we had eggs and blueberry pancakes! Yumm!

Then we went to Santa Monica!

And Rode Bikes!!!

Tobin and I make a great Tandem Team!

This was my view. ;)

Strandy's on the tandem. I didn't get a photo with Corrine and I on the tandem, but that was interesting. I think all the runners, rollerbladers, and other bikers feared for their lives as we were riding down the path. Let's just say we ended the day by not killing anyone. A success in my book!

Rummels and Strandys

Then we went to the Promenade and enjoyed walking around the shops.
And of course enjoyed Gelato! It was yummy!

Taking Abbie Shopping...training her early. =)

This is Santa Montica Pier.

Then Zach and Corrine took Abbie on the Carousel Ride.

We caught Corrine in a "thrilled moment."

Actually it was Zach that was remembering back to childhood!
Great expression!

Anyways, very great weekend. We couldn't have another visit soon enough!

Climbing Beautiful Point Dume

Tobin, Boom, and I went on a wonderful weekend day off to Malibu. One of our favorite places to climb, Point Dume. It's a beautiful setting, and rock cliff right on the beach, with amazing blue-green water, sun, sounds, and good climbing "problems."

As you can see, many other people had the same idea to good to the beach.
And there were actually quite a few other climbers.
We termed this the Sea of Umbrellas!

Conquering the climb. Beautiful reward in views at the top!

Just chillin' enjoying the ocean!

Boom with her amazing climbing skills.
She's getting so much better!
It's fun to see her figure out new problems!

God's Creation is amazing and awesome!
You can see the blue-green in the water here.

At the end of the day we enjoyed the water.
Here I am getting practically knocked over by the power in the wave.


Here's Tobin taking a ride with the Boogie Board!

Auntie Christy

A photo I think Tobin took from his iPhone. It's me holding KJ (Kate Joy: we'll see if my nick name sticks I kind of like it) my newest niece!

Our night getaway...

Well, LASIX surgery gave us a good excuse to stay at a hotel at the beach. We didn't get to see or do much, but it was nice to relax after the surgery and walk out to the beach in the morning. I love the beach!

Eagle Eyes!

Well, Tobin had LASIX surgery done about 4 years ago, and I had been thinking on and off about doing it myself. And I decided to go through with it! We found a good recommended ophthalmology surgeon, and I scheduled it soon after my screening exam because of my crazy work schedule! So August 28th was the day! I'm glad to say that thus far the results have been pretty amazing. I'm still a little in the recovery face, so I've noticed a bit that occasionally my vision will get a little better or worse, but they say that's normal in the first couple weeks. So pray for continual healing and good vision!!! Pretty amazing what they can do these days. My surgery was at UCLA Eye center, so instead of driving all the way home on Friday we stayed in a hotel at Marina del Rey. That way we didn't have to fight Friday night traffic (which would have taken 2+ hours) to only come back for a 1 day follow up post surgery. It was nice to have a place to stay and in the morning we ate yummy bagels for breakfast (I had coffee too!) and we walked out on Venice Pier.

This was the unfortunate site on the way to UCLA. The fires in So Cal have been pretty bad this year. This is a huge fire that is still not yet contained. These photos are I think the second day after it began. Be praying that it is put out soon or thousands of homes could burn down!

That's downtown LA in the foreground. We don't drive this way very often, and seeing such a huge plume of smoke is definitely an odd site.

Last Photo with 4 eyes! Not that I hate glasses, it's just nice to be able to see without them, wear sunglasses, wake up and be able to see, see the inside of my shower (I don't know if this is a blessing because I'll have to clean it more frequently now!)

Right before surgery. Tobin took this wonderful photo of me in my get up!

Not the procedure room...they didn't want cameras or phones in the room as to not mess up the lasers. For due reason, these are my eyes they are shooting the lasers at!!

Not my surgeon, but one of the assistants getting me ready.

No photos right after because of the sensitivity to light, the fact that you need to keep your eyes closed for healing, and I wasn't thinking about photos at the time! But it went well. Tobin was a good doctor with great bedside manner bringing me what I need, leading me, bringing me Jamba Juice, and comforting me! He's going to be a great Doctor!