"You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh your memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them may be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experience." Gordon B. Hinckley, 2006

Monday, October 20, 2008

Newport Beach and Good Friends!

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."
-- Abraham Lincoln
These are our friends, the Kopayghoras. Brian met Alex on his mission in the Ukraine, and he is like a brother to Brian. Alex was orphaned as a teenager, and Brian's family has "adopted" him into theirs. When they were sealed in the temple, Brian's parents were able to stand in as proxies for his parents. They live in California, and although we don't see them very often, when we do it is so special. Brian and his parents all flew out for Alex's wedding a few years ago when he married Liz. Here they are with their son, Joseph. And Liz is expecting a girl in a week!
After 5 days at Disneyland, we were ready for some R and R! I love the beach: the kids frolicked in the waves, dug in the sand, and chased the birds around the beach. It was so relaxing and nice. Sigh. It is so seriously not fair that people get to live there year-round. We even saw a group of dolphins jumping just off the shore from us! Amazing! Brian and Alex surfed and boogie-boarded.

This sunset was amazing. What a blessed day.
Isabel, Liz, and I had lots of "girl talk" together. Isabel is so grown up, and had such good manners. I had a great time with her--I love my little buddy.
I love this picture of Wilber. He's so cute.
Here is Brian and Alex out in the ocean, trying to catch a few more waves before the sun went down.
Isabel found a sand dollar on the beach! She kept saying, "I can't believe I found this! I'm so lucky!"

Brian and Alex
Me and my man
Smooching in the sunset--how romantic!
Here are my other cute guys!
“Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.”

9 comments:

Val said...

We went to Newport Beach for the first time this summer. It was the best week ever. I love that place. Great pics! Glad you had a blast.

Photo Crazy! said...

What beautiful pictures at the beach. Your family is so beautiful.

raising4boys said...

Your kids have the cutest blue eyes...you take such great pictures!! Loved your quote :)

dusty kay said...

Fun pictures Wendi! I tell you all the time, your family is adorable!

Heather S. said...

Looks like fun. Alexa says Ewww about the kissing picture, but she grinned the whole time while saying it. :)

oda41143 Missy said...

Looks like a super fun trip. I've been wondering why you hadn't posted lately and now I know why. I have the funniest mental picture of you guys driving through Vegas with your heads down. Too funny. Glad you had fun and welcome back.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

What an excellent way to end your week!
Beautiful!

Super Angie Супер Энджи said...

Great pics! How fun for you guys to visit with Alex and Liz. Your pics make me homesick for Washington.

Its so fun for kids to go to beach...sounds like a great trip.

Marcie said...

Wow! What a long, wonderful vacation.

I want a kissing picture of Jim and I on the beach at sunset. Yours is darling.