California

After getting back from Korea, Alden and I got to spend a great few weeks in California with my family.  While we were there Alden got spoiled by all the family and got to adjust back to this time zone.  Alden loved playing with everyone and by the end of the trip it felt like certain family members had specific roles in Alden's mind.  Alden would always ask Grandma to read books to him.  Aunt Katrina was there to help him get in to things that were too high to reach and let him see Scorch (Maren's bearded dragon).  Erik was the energetic one who Alden would go to when he wanted to play outside or be chased.  Maren was always there to supervise Alden's interaction with the dog and bearded dragon and make sure that Alden learned how to treat animals well.  Grandpa was the one who would take Alden on walks whenever he had the time which Alden really enjoyed.  And as for me, I was the one Alden came to when he needed security and comfort...which was rarely while we were there because my family looked out for him so well.

Here are some pictures that were taken during our time in California that summarize Alden's experience.

He loved sitting at the piano and "playing."  He would often go to Katrina when he wanted to play piano.

Alden loved the hose and sprinkler outside.  I still don't understand how he hates bath time but loves water guns, hoses, sprinklers and pretty much any other water.

We took him to the pool one day and although he clung to me most of the time he liked it a lot better than bath time.

 Grandpa loved to play with Alden when he got home from work.  Alden enjoyed doing the noble Duke of York with Grandpa more than he liked doing it with Mommy.

My freshman roommate, Debbie married Matt while I was in California and my mom and sister brought Alden up to the temple on the wedding day.  Alden had a lot of fun walking around the temple grounds and he loved the fountain.  It was a really fun day and I am so happy for Matt and Debbie and I am so glad that I got to be there.

Alden's favorite thing at the temple grounds.

Such a great couple and I am so glad that Tawny and Skyler came out to the wedding too!  The reception was a lot of fun and Alden just wanted to dance the whole time.  He was very upset that I wouldn't let him dance during the first dance! =)

At the end of our time in California Alden and I drove back to Utah with Katrina and we got to drive through areas that smelled like smoke for at least four hours.  These were some pictures taken in the Nevada desert just past Lovelock, and you can see the hazy smoke.

It was great being with my family for awhile in California and Alden and I truly enjoyed our time there even if it was hard to come back from Korea.  Now back to Utah to prepare for our next adventure!