Christmas Day and Sea World

I'm beginning to think the older I get the better Christmas gets!

Rachel, Matty, and Thomas in the play area at SeaWorld. I know Caroline, Seth, Lindsay, Ashley, and Katie were in there too... I just could never get their pictures taken.






Watching these incredible dogs and cats at SeaWorld.
I got a bag of GIANT size marshmallows from Caroline and Seth. But I thnk my favorite gift from them is the 12 jars of apple pie. Now if I can only pace myself - that would be a pie a month. Unfortunately I've already eaten 2.
Matty and Lindsay gave Rachel one of Matty's shoes for Christmas... actually, it is a representation of the NEW van's that they are going to get for her.

CHRISTMAS 2009

This was the best Christmas I have had in probably 15 years. I can't express how wonderful it was. For me, it was 10 days of pure joy - being surrounded by kids and grandkids. And on Christmas Day... Elder Raynor called and made the day perfect! Thank you Caroline, Seth, Thomas, Matty, Lindsay, Parker, David, Rachel, Ashley, and Katie for the best Christmas gift ever.

So let me share some of my favorite memories...

Rachel and Thomas playing harmonica while Rachel, Parker and Thomas dance.
Making cookies with Matty and Rachel while Parker naps on the kitchen counter.
Rachel and Tommy watching horse videos on YouTube.
Matty and Parker at 2am. (Couldn't resist this picture.)
Rachel and Katie enjoying each other's company.
Caroline and Tommy potty training.
Thomas' new talent - creating strong and durable snot bubbles.
Rachel and Parker at 1am. Every night that I happened to looked in on them, Rachel had her computer up and running and was surrounded by Kit Kat wrappers. :-)))
Matty at 5:30am shift. Lindsay and Matty work so well together - what great parents.

Ten Reasons to Move to San Diego

1. No need to drive the freeways with surfboards.

2. The smell of ocean breezes.

3. Good chances of SUNSHINE in December.

4. Walks along the beach.

5. Bicycle rides on the beachwalk.

6. The San Diego Temple.

7. Whole Foods Marketplace.

8. Cheaper flights into San Diego and LAX.

9. Leonardo's Fish Taco Shop.

10. Great SUNSETS.

SURFBOARD LUCK

When Seth was tightening up the straps holding down the two surfboards we brought home from San Diego, he was telling me how he has NEVER had a problem driving home with a surfboard on his car. He said he has a perfect record. Now for me... I have the WORST record when it comes to driving with surfboards. The premiere event being the time we were driving home from Santa Cruz and Matty's new surfboard blew off the top of the suburban. It was raining and blowing so hard that we never saw it again. (I'm assuming it caused no accident but rather blew into the bushes off I-680.) Well, this time was no exception for me. The 60 mph winds on the Grapevine shredded the front tie-down and by miracle only, did we make it to a random "Travel Center" where I was able to buy a cheap tie-down. This got us to the next "Travel Center" where I was able to buy a heavy duty tie-down.... neither of which were the right kind. Fortunately, I carry duct tape in my backpack and that probaly saved the boards! So - Seth still has a perfect record for no problems and I still have my perfect record of surfboard woes.

I Miss My Mommy!

This past week Mom has been in Hawaii visiting Avery (or Parker, I am still not sure what we are calling her; we need some consistency!). Ashley and I miss her soooo much. Our home is a very different place without her, as well as school. I am usually fine when I travel without Mom but, it is totally different when she is not at home. It SUCKS! So I am now ready to announce to the world: I MISS MY MOMMY!

-A&K

Avery Parker Raynor

We are so happy to have another addition to the family. She was born November 16th at 9:53pm. She was 6lbs 13oz. They kept everyone updated during Lindsay's labor process. Check out Matty and Lindsay and their baby: mattyandlindsay.blogspot.com

Surprise Visit

So, Granny Jo and Papa Wally came down to watch Ashley and Katie's water polo team in the state semi-finals. It was quite a surprise! We LOVED the visit. They learned a lot about water polo. Fun was had by all.