California here we went!
Although it was only two weeks ago it sure seems like months have passed! But we did travel West and had a fabulous fast trip. Here are some highlights of the place we called home and our happy visit back there:
Stop #1 was to the LA Zoo. Gianna has no memory of a Zoo, neither does Lizzy of course. We thought it would be a fun family event. So we left Cedar City before the sun rose (-20 with windchill or something ubsurd like that) and were happily gazing at gorilla's by early afternoon (mid 60's).
All the kids got to brush some pampered goats. Lizzy LOVES being in her stroller. She'd pitch a fit whenever Gianna tried to sneak a turn.
Jacob the Spider feasts on the G-Fly.
Bobble headed kids looking at gophers and Mum n Pops at the pretty pink flamingoes. It was a fun time (a little pricey considering 1/2 of the zoo was under construction but of course they don't tell you that before you enter. Hmmm.)
Here is something we DON'T miss!
But here is something WE DO!!!
The place looked pretty good, pretty occupied too. Mom's flowers are O-O-C.
When we pulled into Camarillo around dinner time the kids dove onto the grass, with tears in their eyes crying out "home sweet home" or something like that 
.
Presto Pasta is a favorite with our family.
And a stop at our old home on Skeel Drive. The lawn looks terrible- hard to imagine after all the sweat and tears we put into it. But that's a California lawn for you. The new owners have made the yard their own and have relocated many of the existing plants. I'm just glad it hasn't gone to pot. We were tempted to reach over the wall and snag some oranges- but we didn't succumb. That old house sure has afforded us many a new opportunity since its providential sellling. We've been so blessed....
The Camarillo bookstore I love so well was moved to the new Library campus. It's all so terribly beautiful. I'd move back just for the library. The gal who runs the bookstore still knows me by name and sent me home with a huge box of goods (About $1000 worth of school/teaching stuff) complimentary. Of course we bought boxes and boxes of other books to fill Gary's office shelves and home shelves as well. It was such fun. Here's a shot of us with our cart full of books. Is it possible to have too many books? Nah, unless it's moving day of course and you are in the local Elders Quorum. Well, that was Friday for you. We stayed in a creepy cheap hotel with crawling carpet- I hope to never repeat the experience. We were trying to pinch a penny. Not advisable. Now, on to Saturday!
We started the day with a trip on PCH. It was so GORGEOUS!! I know the shot out the car window does NOT do justice.
Leo Carrillo was on the docket. Although the tide was not at it's lowest, it was still low enough to afford some "sights" to sea, I mean see.
Lizzy is deciding what she thinks of this wet soft stuff. It's practically her first time at the beach!
What a view!! And what a good looking crew!
The kids are checking out the view and finding some goods too. Gary and I each found some clam shells freshly ate out. Both shells were still attached with soft tissue but no guts were left. Shucks.
That's a shot of my happy find. Isn't this so sweet with Lizzy? She liked the beach I think. She was a good sport about it anyway.
This next series of shots needs some narration. We were up on rocks looking at starfish and other creatures when Gary thought it would be fun to catch some big wave shots. He got in position on LOWER ground than the rest of us. He got the said shots but midway through realized he was in a more precarious perch than the rest of us. He and Lizzy were soaked. We're just lucky they weren't swept out to sea.
She looks a little concerned, doen't she? With good reason too!
This next shot is my all time favorite. Gary is so clever with the camera!!!
We grabbed lunch back in Camarillo and hit the parks. Throughout our whole living in Camarillo folks in the ward would call us the Arneill's due to a major road in town with the said name. We just smiled and did't worry about it. We always knew they were talking to/about us anyhow! Speaking of the ward, we went to church on Sunday to the Camarillo 1st ward. Apparently so many people moved out of the ward that the leadership is feeling the pinch- or something like that. When we walked in the building our old ward family made quite a fuss, including Dean Sonnenberg who bowed down to lick out shoes. He is such a ham. We felt the love anyhow. Now, back to the parks.... the kids played while Gary worked on his talk. The whole reason we went down for these short 3 days was because a former student from the Academy we ran decided to be baptized. He asked Gary to give a talk. We decided to make a quick trip of it and we're so glad we did. Sitting in the sun and looking at the flowers in bloom while the kids played for a couple of hours was the best therapy we've had in a LOOOONG time. It was so rejuvinating to soak some rays in a familiar and loved place. The kids were in heaven too. They love their old parks!!!
This is Dad and Devin after the baptism. Jacob had a 'girlfriend' at our old school. She's grown up now but still gave her little fan a big squeeze!!! The baptism was great and visiting with the old Academy crew afterwards was a bit like going home. Heaven is going to be great, isn't it?
Now, some random shots on the way home. Lizzy is a better traveller thanks to a t.v. system and plenty of treats to stuff her face with. Just look at her chocolate painting and face pasting. Lovely, eh?
Can you find the misplaced cookie on the left? On the right... All clean now Mom!
That's it for a trip update. I don't think Gary's going to be doing an entry any time in the near future as his is sooooooo swamped at work. So, you're stuck with me until he gets back to a reasonable schedule. Until next time, ta ta.
. There are days I fear they do, but for the most part they are quite civilized. Joseph is changing so fast it is hard to keep up with. He is growing more studious, more helpful, more responsible and more capable. I've decided he is already smarter than I am (in certain areas ONLY 
) as each week in viola lessons he blows me away with his mathematical abilities. He totally gets the code. His instructor is helping him develop perfect pitch which I am thrilled about and he is concerned about, "Mom, my voice doesn't always make the sound I tell it to. Sometimes it comes out all scratchy or it cracks." He'll get over that in a year or so I suppose. 
).
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