Legoland

Laguna Beach

One of our main missions was to go to the beach while we were in CA. Mission accomplished.

The Park At UCI

One of the areas that we looked at was right near the University of CA, Irvine. So, we took a trip over there to walk around. They had a large grassy area that the kids play in. And there was the most beautiful tree in the middle of it. As we were leaving, Charlie started having a bit of a meltdown and didn't want his picture taken. I showed him.

Checking Out The Community

The main reason for going to CA was to scope out possible areas to live. We visited one city that was developed by the same people that developed the community we live in now. It was HUGE. There were three elementary schools, a whole shopping center and, of course, a park just about every where you looked. It was beautiful, but felt a little "The Truman Show" at some points. We did find another area that we liked. But of course I didn't take any pictures.

The Drive Out To CA

The drive out to CA was beautiful. I knew I would be blogging about the trip, so I tried to pick some pictures that someone would want to see if they did not live out here. I loved the snow capped mountains and the jagged green hills. Also, the picture really doesn't do it justice, but the black spooky trees were really, really black. I don't know if they had been charred by fire, or if that was how they really grew. And I love the windmills. I think they are pretty in their own industrial type of way.

Also, on a photography note, all of these pictures were taken while driving, through the window. Our motto is, "Quality First", here at Dragonfly Daily.

Turning a Corner

I have almost made it to spring break! One more week to go.

This master's program is, without question, the hardest thing I have ever done. I leave the house by 6:30 a.m. and usually do not get home before 6 p.m. And sometimes it is 7 p.m. Three days of the week, I am in the classroom teaching and the other two days I am in class myself. After getting home and putting Charlie to bed, there is always a few more hours of work to do. There is always a large project or paper due at any given time. There are hundreds of pages to read a week, and there is always a test to study for.

As you might guess, my favorite time is when I am in the classroom. The kids have really melted my heart and with both rotations, so far, I have wanted to stay longer.

Despite the long hours, the stress, the frustrations and the frequent mini mental breakdowns, I am glad I am doing this. Most things of value are hard. And if that is true, this experience is priceless.

There is no way I could be doing this without Shawn. He has always been more of a family man than most men I know, but he as stepped up even more so now. He has made countless dinners, done loads of laundry, and taken the boys out of the house so I could study. And there is no end in sight. His support may become even more needed this summer as I teach summer school while taking 4 classes. And his tasks may have to become more varied. In fact, I am willing to bet there may be a lice check in his future at some point.

But his support remains unwavering (at least until I give him his first case of pink eye) and for that I am grateful.

Pictures From The Park