Update Part 3: Family and friends

We already feel so at home here in La Jolla. Part of that came with finally figuring out the roads and getting a sense of direction. But mostly it's because we already have so many friends and have been able to see some of our family who live down here.

Our apartment complex is mainly family housing, so there are always kids playing outside with their parents, and toys that have long since stopped belonging to one child and now belong to all children are out on the lawn. There is always a car or a scooter or a teeter totter to keep Kimball busy. We also have met so many nice families while we play in our yard or the complex's playgrounds. Kimball loves all of his new little friends!

Our ward is also amazing, and mostly consists of young student families like ours. A few weeks ago we went to a ward party and picnic at the beach. Here is me and Kimball after we ate our hotdogs:

                        

Maybe Kimball's hotdog isn't settling well with his stomach?

This week we went to a group Family Home Evening and got to know some families even better. Kimball latched on to the Bishop and tried to sit on his lap or pull him down on the ground to color the whole time. We've had dinner at our neighbors' home where there are two little boys that Kimball loves to play with. And I'm joining a babysitting co-op with other women in the ward where you get a certain number or tickets or tokens when you watch someone's children, and then you can spend that "money" when you need three hours off yourself. Sounds good to me!

Our second week here, we had dinner with several of the graduating or near-graduating students in Jordan's department. He already knew some of them, and it was great for both of us to talk to them and be introduced to more students. There is one other family in our ward who is doing anthropology, and I think our families will be great friends. Jordan actually met them when he visited UCSD in January. They have two little girls that Kimball absolutely adores. So we are feeling very welcome and befriended around here!

My cousin Alison, her husband Bryan, and their son Zeb live a couple hours away, and we were lucky enough to see them a few weeks ago. We met up at our beach and played away until it became obvious that it was way past nap-time. They even brought their boogie boards so Jordan and I got the chance to really get in the water and play in the waves! After the beach, we gathered at our place for some pizza. Unfortunately, I didn't take nearly enough pictures (none at all!), but here is a picture of Kimball and Zeb at the pool this summer when they came to Utah to visit:

                            

My Aunt Rexine and my Aunt Marian (who Kimball calls "Ha Ha!") came down for Labor Day weekend. We got to hang out with my cousins Bryan, Ed, Brooke and JD, and Brooke and JD's little guy Isaiah. Our first day, we went to Old Town San Diego and visited the Mormon Battalion Historic Site and Museum, and had Mexican food for dinner.

Luckily, I took a few more pictures this time, but most of the pictures (and the videos) are from my cousin. Thanks Bryan!

The next night we had barbeque and a bonfire at a beach about an hour north of us. It was so much fun! 

There are still many more friends in the area that we are meaning to meet up with, but so far we have been busy and happy! Next time I'll write about all the fun things Kimball has been up to. Here is a little teaser...