Our First Real Earthquake!

Well, we experienced our first real earthquake today. It was measured at 5.6!!! This was a real southern California quake. I was on a play date at my friend Rachel's house when everything began to shake. I didn't believe it was actually happening at first. Luckily my motherly instincts overtook my shock and I quickly grabbed my kids and ran to a door way. I don't know if that is the best thing to do now that all this controversial information is out there on what to do but...anyway we lived through it just fine and no damage has occurred (only a crooked mirror on the wall). Collin had a lot of questions about the earthquake and although he was clutching my leg during it, he told Daddy later that it was kind of fun. I was pretty scared because I had never really experienced anything like it before (unless you count the studio tour at Universal Studios, which I don't) and my heart was racing for quite a while afterward. Isabelle, my fearless child, wanted to get down and go back to normal play the second the quake stopped. We are all fine and safe and I am not scared anymore but it does make you think about emergency preparedness and how important it is. I have a lot more work to do in that area.

Trip to Utah

Me and the kids took a quick trip to Utah in the end of June. I drove all by myself and although I made it, I am not looking to do it again any time soon. It was fun to see everyone and the kids had a great time with all the cousins! Collin of course uses their names when he talks about them, but Isabelle just calls them 'cousins' and she is always calling them on her phone and saying 'hi cousins.' All 17 grandchildren were together which was wonderful especially because the scattering of the tribes of Collins has really begun. Luckily some of the scattering happened to a closer location to me.


Emmy got married!!! I had a great day and it made the long drive worth it!! She was a beautiful, beautiful bride and the whole day just said "Emmy" in the best possible way. I love that girl and I hope that it's not another 8 years before I see her again. Cam and his family are moving into her ward so there will be more connection and hopefully more contact!
The last night of the trip the kids were soooooo tired. They actually fell asleep in the same bed and I couldn't resist snapping a picture. I guess after 4 days of all party and no naps they could finally lay in the same bed and sleep instead of play. It was a great (but short) trip and the kids still talk about how much fun it was (Isabelle always says Utah with a smile)!