San Diego Zoo Day

Friday morning, January 16th, we had free breakfast at the Club in the hotel.  As we were walking back to our room to get our stuff before leaving for the day, we stopped to check out the pool area.

Funny seagull at our window in the morning.

More seagulls by the pool area.

Nyles brought a bagel from breakfast and set it down so he could look through the binoculars.  The seagulls quickly swooped it up and ate it!  He learned not to set his food down :)

We then got a Lyft over to the San Diego Zoo.  It was our 2nd time there.  We were there last in February 2023, before we left on a Disney cruise to Mexico.  Thankfully, the weather was beautiful this time, about 70 degrees.  Last time we were here it was pretty cold, around 50 degrees, and it was raining.  The weather sure makes a difference in the experience.

We made it to the zoo!

Pretty American Flamingoes, totem poles and a hibiscus flower.

We went to see the new baby giraffes first.  One was just born 6 weeks before, and the other in July.  They were so cute!

Porcupine, kookaburra bird, bird of paradise flower, and the rhinoceros.

Koala bears and monkeys.

More birds.

Cool plants, cheetah, and fish.

Lemurs, a waterfall, and a pretty "giant pink ball tree" or tropical hydrangea.

Another pretty hibiscus flower, African penguins, and a cool plant. 

We then went to see the pandas.  We waited in line a little bit, but then got to see it!

Apparently the panda came back to the zoo in 2024.

Panda bear!

The cute red panda.

More of the giant panda.

Hippos, and pig.

Family pics.

Flashback comparison:

Maned Wolf from South America.  We saw the mom and dad, but not the 3 pups they just had.  

Family picture on the bridge.

The lions.

Elephants.

More elephants and a lizard.

Fun w/ the statues, and a silly meerkat enjoying the sun.

We then walked back to the other side of the zoo to get lunch at the same spot we did last time.  

We were all definitely hungry by this time.  Then the American Flamingoes again.

We then took the bus tour of the zoo, which allowed our legs to rest a while.

The leopard, monkeys and sleepy lion.

We had basically seen the animals, so the kids wanted to play for a little bit, then they were done.

We then got a Lyft back to the hotel, where the kids wanted to swim in the pool.  Steve and I just enjoyed the hot tub.  

Fun in the pool, a pretty sunset, and we finally got the C4 elevator that Nyles wanted.

We then got some dessert back at the club, yummy :)

Steve and I then went for a walk by the hotel and shoreline.

A view of our big hotel, the Manchester Grand Hyatt (the 2 towers).  It's definitely grand!

Blue Herron, pretty skyline at night, Steve and I w/ Christmas lights behind us.

Looking up at the boys in the hotel room on the 8th floor, coming back from our walk.

We had a great first full day in San Diego.  The weather was warm, and we really enjoyed the zoo. The kids also enjoyed swimming, and Steve and I enjoyed taking a walk.  It was a great day!  We were excited for the next day!

2025 Recap

Steve, Hudson (5), Penny, Nyles (13) and Carter (9).

Steve: Has been busy taking the boys to school and activities.  In his free time, he likes to duck hunt and fish. He is a master at smoking foods.  He helped the boys make smoked chili for our neighborhood cook-off and won 1st place, 2nd year in a row.  He's also the Deacon’s Quorum Adviser.  Steve also helped the boys cut firewood again this Spring and they sold it through early winter when they ran out of wood

Penny: Has been at Fidelity Investments 18 years now and has been a Managed Solutions Consultant for 2 years now.  She was called as the Stake Primary Secretary in March.  In 2024, Penny lost 20 lbs and started weight lifting. In 2025, she lost 50 lbs and has continued weight lifting all year.

Nyles: 13 years old, 7th grade at Jordan Middle School.  7th year of Spanish Dual Immersion.  President of his Deacon’s Quorum.  He enjoys doing baptisms for the dead with Steve every month.  He drew out on a deer tag for the muzzleloader and shot his first deer.  He also enjoys duck hunting with Steve and fishing.  2nd year of playing the flute, in Advanced Band.  Elected as a Student Body officer, and the National Junior High School Honor Society.  He played in Beetlejuice Jr at school, and will be in Beauty and the Beast.  He became officially taller than Penny early in the year.

Carter: 9 years old, in 3rd grade at Altara Elementary, in his 3rd year of Spanish Dual Immersion.  He enjoys puzzles, Rubix Cubes, magic tricks, music, playing at playgrounds, and riding on boats.  He’s learning to play the piano and ukulele.  He did gymnastics earlier, basketball, and will play flag football.

Hudson: Turned 5 in August.  He is going to a new Pre-school, 4 days/week this year.  He is a social butterfly and enjoys making new friends.  He’s very active and loves to give hugs and kisses.  He enjoys drawing, coloring, singing, swinging, trucks, the sandbox, and just playing, along w/ trying to keep up w/ his brothers.  He played T-ball this fall. 

All 3 boys enjoy playing with Legos, jumping on the trampoline and playing with their stuffed animals.  Nyles and Carter started rock climbing this summer and are now in the advanced class, which meets 2xs/wk for 2 hours each. 

We went on a Disney cruise this year to the Western Caribbean in the Spring and the Bahamas in September.  We also enjoy hiking, being outdoors, and kayaking.  We’ve been going camping more: Uintas, Bear Lake, Payson Lakes.  We feel so blessed for all that we have, for our family, and to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives.  We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2nd Week of January, leaving to San Diego

I worked Monday through Friday this past week, then we left to San Diego for a quick family weekend trip Thursday afternoon (the boys had Friday and Monday off school, and I had Monday off for Martin Luther King Day).  Here are the highlights from the week.

On Monday, Nyles stayed after school to work on the school play, Beauty and the Beast.  He is going to be Maurice, Bell's dad, in the play.  That evening, Hudson also had his karate class again.  

On Tuesday, Carter was back to choir practice at his school, at 7:40am.  Nyles stayed afterwards again for the play.  Nyles and Carter then had rock climbing from 4-6pm.  I had late night at work from 5-6pm.  Then Steve and Nyles had YMs at 7pm.  Steve taught the boys how to make "walking tacos," which is taco meat in an individual chip bag, like Doritos.  You can then add your toppings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, etc.  The idea is to not have to use plates, just throw away the chip bag when you're done.  All the YM really enjoyed the food and will now being making them for their YM camps coming up this year.

On Wednesday, Nyles had play practice again and also his honor society meeting at school.  Carter had activity days w/ the 2 Evans boys (Clay and Beau).  They set goals for the year.

 Hudson made his "candy sushi" w/ Steve's help.  He got it at our white elephant gift exchange w/ my sisters.  Tate Evans also gave Hudson a glow-in-the-dark 3D Gecco.

Nyles went to the orthodontist on Thursday morning.  He is scheduled to take off his braces next month and be officially done!  Carter had choir practice again that morning, so I dropped him off and Hudson at preschool, while Steve was w/ Nyles at the orthodontist.

Silly Piper now wants to play catch w/ Princess Leah.  Nyles excited 

Thursday at noon, Steve picked up the boys from school, came home, everyone got some lunch, then went to the airport.  Rob came w/ us to take our car back home.  He stayed at our house w/ Piper while we were gone and also fed the fish.

And we're off!  Nyles and Carter posing as Delta employees in the airport.  

Hudson showing us his store.

Getting on the plane and taking off.

Pretty landscape as we went.  

Over the ocean to turn around, then some fog came rolling in as we came into San Diego.

I emailed the manager the week before we left and asked if they'd upgrade us for free, and they did!  They put us in a King Studio, which was 700 square feet.  It was awesome and spacious!  They even brought up a rollaway bed for us to use, so all 3 boys had a place to sleep comfortably.  It was perfect!  I also told them we just celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary, and they gave us a bottle of sparkling cider and chocolate-covered strawberries!  So fun!  

Our nice spacious room and some goodies!

There was a kitchenette and nice bathroom.

Our room number.  We also had free club access, where they provide free food.  They offer breakfast, afternoon snacks, and some evening hors d'oeurvres.  After dropping off our bags, we went to check out the evening options.  Steve trying a strawberry back at our room.

Fun sign down by the main lobby.  View from our room windows.

Great quotes:

“At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, a parent.”

—Barbara Bush

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

—Angela Schwindt

First week of January 2026

Monday, January 5th, we were back to school and work.  Thankfully I was able to work from home.  Here are some happenings from the week.

Hudson is taking a karate class on Monday nights.  He was a little nervous, so he asked Carter to do it w/ him.  Steve also took Hudson to an open house to learn about Kindergarten!  He got a free backpack!

On Tuesday, January 6th, we had the funeral for Grandma LuDean McGrath.  My parents came down the night before, stayed in Tremonton, then drove the rest of the way the morning of the funeral.  Steve gave the family prayer before the funeral.  

The funeral was beautiful and well said.  She was an amazing individual.  She made everyone feel loved and welcome.  She was like another grandma to me for the 17 years I knew her.  The boys were so lucky to know their great grandma.  We enjoyed taking her dinner on many Sundays and playing games w/ her, Diane, Dave, and Joann.  We'll miss her greatly!

Closing the casket.  

Quick picture w/ my parents after the funeral.

Beautiful program for LuDean (she picked it out herself before she passed).

LuDean's cake recipe that she was on KSL for.

My parents left after the funeral to try and get home while it was still light.  We drove up to the Salt Lake City Cemetery, which is downtown in the Avenues, for her burial.

Steve and his cousins carrying her coffin to the gravesite.  Hudson snuggling w/ Claire.

Thankfully it was sunny, though cool.  It was the only sunny day all week; a miracle.

By her casket: Jeff, Carrie, Dave, Joann, Steve, Stacie and Melanie.  Dave, Joann and Diane.  

Carter, me, Nyles, Hudson and Steve.

George (LuDean's Husband), and Carol, George's first wife.  Ethel and George Leo, George's parents.

Isaac w/ Hudson.  The boys found a worm in January!  

Following the funeral home driver back to the church for the luncheon.

After the luncheon, we went home for the boys to do rock climbing.  Steve and Nyles then had YM's that night.

We finally got snow!  Cute Piper.

Carter is going to start playing flag football.  Saturday afternoon, Steve, Nyles, Dave, and Rob went fishing in American Fork.  Nyles caught the only fish.

Carter wanted to switch his bed to the twin bed, so he could have more room to play in his room.

It only took us all day, but we got it done!  And Steve put in some side shelves in his closet to organize his stuff/toys.  Looks great and he loves the extra room!

Sunday after church, we went over to Pauline's house for lunch and to play games and do our white elephant gift exchange.  

For some reason there were TONS of birds on our way to Pauline's house.

We made mini pizzas in their new pizza oven for lunch.  Then played the candy bar game, then Left/Right/Center game, then exchanged gifts.  For fun, we brought my big bear as a gift.  Rose got it, but ended up leaving it :)

Pauline w/ lots of candy!  The boys w/ their candy.  Exchanging gifts.  Rose w/ the big bear.

More pics from the games and gift exchange.

After being at Pauline's, we stopped by Dave/Joann's place.  They had brought Carl over.  We ended up staying for dinner :)  Dave made pancakes and warmed up ham.  We then played a game (Apples to Apples), then went home to get ready for bed.

Silly Hudson pretending to be a dinosaur.  Then getting tickled by Dave and Steve.

Hudson being a dinosaur

Great quotes.  I'm so thankful for the knowledge we have of the plan of salvation and eternal families.  Though it's hard not to have her with us now, I know we'll see LuDean again, along w/ our other loved ones.  Until we meet again...

Last week of December, start of January 2026

We had the last week of the year off from work and school.  It was a fun, busy, and emotional week.  Here are some highlights.

Monday morning, December 29th, we went down to Thanksgiving Point to go to Thanksgiving Point (Dinosaur Jurassic Jungle) w/ the Thomas Family.  Dave and Melissa lived in the branch w/ us when we lived in Midvale in our condo.  We moved out about the same time, but have kept in touch over the years, which has been great.  

As we finished the Jurassic Jungle, Steve got a call from his dad telling him that is Grandma LuDean had officially passed away.  We were all sad to hear the news, but we also knew it was coming soon.  After going to Thanksgiving Point, we drove up to Sam's Club to get a snack.  They then came over to our place and played a few games before they went home.

Getting a snack at Sam's Club w/ the Thomas family after going to Thanksgiving Point.  

I later made sourdough.

Silly Hudson playing in the bins.  Playful Piper, playing w/ Steve's foot.

Tuesday, we all went to the chiropractor.  Then that evening, Steve and I went to watch the new Avatar movie.  Dave and Joann had free tickets but ended up not being able to go, as they were now dealing w/ funeral arrangements.  Rob met us at the theater and joined us for the movie.  We appreciate the free tickets and date night :)

On Wednesday morning, we went rock climbing as a family.  We invited Ezra to join us since Nyles and Carter have guest passes each month they can use.  

Steve and I after the movie.  Rock climbing w/ Ezra.

That afternoon, we dropped the boys off at Pauline's house to stay the night.  Steve and I then went to eat dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (early celebration for our anniversary).  After dinner went went home for a bit, then went over to Dave and Joann's place to play games w/ them and Jeff/Kim at 9pm.  We were only going to stay 1 hour, but ended up staying until midnight and brought in the New Year.  

The boys having fun at Pauline's house before bed.  

Steve and I at Dave and Joann's house.  Happy New Year!

Cute Piper.

On Thursday, January 1st, New Year's Day, we went over to a pickleball place and learned how to play pickleball.  It was a lot of fun, but Nyles and Carter didn't get to play since another couple was there too.  We'll have to go again.  It's a lot of fun.

Steve and I went to the temple on Friday, January 2nd for our anniversary.  We actually got married on a Friday, 17 years ago!  It's been so warm this winter so far, though, that the flowers are confused.  They think it's actually Spring instead, so the daffodils are starting to come up and bloom!  Unlike on our wedding way where we had a huge snow storm that night and it was super cold!  What a contrast!

Daffodils blooming at the temple.  Steve and I on our 17th wedding anniversary.

Steve and I then went to a couple's massage.  That evening we went bowling as a family.

Then we went to eat out at the Olive Garden, yummm!  We also finished another puzzle.

On Saturday, I had a Primary Presidency meeting.  Steve and Nyles went and helped Zach Hannay move from Eagle Mountain to his mother in-laws place in SLC.

We are now at 10:30am church time instead of 9am.  Sunday evening, Nyles was set apart as a Teacher in the Priesthood by Steve.  Our neighbor Scott Ellis came to represent the Bishopric.  Dave, Joann, Diane and Rob also came.  We really appreciate the love and support from everyone.  Thank you.  After getting set apart, we had dinner.  Steve smoked a brisket overnight.

Cute Piper.  I made brownies, blondies, and sourdough to go w/ dinner.

Nyles after getting set apart a Teacher.

Steve cutting the brisket.  We played a game afterwards.  

Diane had to head home, so we missed playing w/ her.

Great quotes.  We're so thankful and blessed to have the priesthood in our lives.

We're especially grateful to know we can be reunited w/ our family members again after death.