California Vacation, Part 1

Family, friends, wedding, and a baby on the way! (For my sister) You can say it's been busy, yet exciting time for the Carter and the Wheeler side of the family. Collin and I got packed and left Provo for the journey ahead. We got to drive 10 hours on the road, with Miles and Mikaela accompanying us, to my hometown of Loomis, California. :) They were great driving companions and kept us entertained. It was a very exciting time for them, because they were going to be married on August 23rd!

When we got home, the first thing we did was get our preserved wedding cake out of the freezer. At first, we were both nervous, because we weren't sure about how the cake was going to taste after being in the freezer for a year. It tasted just as good as it did on our wedding day. 

 

The week before their wedding, my mom and I attended Mikaela's wonderful bridal shower. We got to eat lunch, play games, and celebrate with the gorgeous bride-to-be. Mikaela was just showered with gifts!

   Me, Mikaela, and Jocelyne, all the Wheeler girls together. :)

Later, we went to our Aunt Gayle's house for a Wheeler gathering with the aunts, uncles, and cousins on Collin's side of the family. We ate pizza, went swimming, and played outdoor games. Collin comes from a big family, so it was great to see so many Wheelers!

That same night, I went to a shopping center called The Fountains in Roseville. There, I had a girl's night with my girls Stephanie and Mona. We go way back, probably to my freshman year of college. We enjoyed frozen yogurt and just talked for hours catching up on what's been going on in our lives. It felt just like old times.

The following Sunday, we attended church at my home ward in Loomis. It's been a very long time since I have been to my home ward, it filled my heart with joy to see old friends again. After church, we packed our stuff yet again to go down to the beach with Collin's family! On our way there, we visited Collin's family friends down in Livermore for dinner. We enjoyed yummy enchiladas and salad.

We drove down to the beach on Monday. So what's the first thing you want to do? Go hot tubbing, of course. :) 

                 The Wheeler brothers enjoying their vacation

After checking into our hotel, we headed to the beach. I couldn't have been more excited. I love the beach! I love the hearing the ocean waves on the shore, the cool breeze, and the ocean water beneath your feet. I haven't been to the beach in a year, so I loved every minute of it. Collin and I really like to boogie board. He was in the water for most of the time.

 Our fabulous beach picture

Tuesday was more beach fun. The boys spent a lot of time building a sand castle which ended up looking more like a sand kingdom with a pyramid, villages, and temples. It was awesome! The girls spent a lot of time relaxing and playing with my sweet niece Lila. She gets so happy and excited when you are active with her. I love that feeling when she looks at you and just smiles. After a while, Collin and I walked around the beach just talking and being silly. I love that feeling he gives me when he makes me laugh. It was overall a really good day. I was honestly sad to leave the beach.

 She is such a model. Just look at her strike a pose for the camera. :)

 Smiley Liley!

 They boys building their sand "kingdom."

On Wednesday, we spent the whole day with my family. We ate sushi at the famous Blue Nami in Roseville and saw Guardians of the Galaxy with my sister Kelsey, her husband Jordan, and my mom. We all really enjoyed it. At night, we spent time with my dad and my stepmom Patty. We ate at a Chinese resturaunt called Tsing Tao. It has become a family tradition. I've always enjoyed eating there with family. We ended the night watching "Mrs. Doubtfire," one of my favorite Robin Williams movies.

Thursday, we went on a double date with my really good friend April and her husband Jordan. We ate at Crazy Sushi (as you can tell, I love sushi. :) ). April and I have been close friends for a long time and we got married in the same year within a month from each other! I always love being around her and Jordan. They are so fun! Despite that we both live busy lives, I was glad we got to spend time together.

In the evening, we got see Mikaela go through the temple for the first time. I felt instant happiness knowing that in just a few days, she was going to be my sister. The temple brings so much peace and joy, especially throughout marriage. I was so glad that Miles and Mikaela would soon experience that.

To Be Continued....