California McMillans

Had a great trip to Utah to spend Thanksgiving with my folks. We drove the 2005 Toyota Highlander 4wd and I had to drive most of the way since Heidi didn't like driving in the snow. Here is a picture of me and Scott riding Utah's Traxx light rail system in SLC. Layton's indoor pool, Surf 'n Swim On the platform for the diesel-electric Frontrunner At temple square, 15 second exposure at f/22 Adam and Lisa. Lisa claims that I bought her that hat from Ecuador, but I don't remember. It's a nice hat, anyway. At the Heber Creeper's Polar Express train ride Linzer and my dad At the Gateway in SLC Kira with my phillips screwdriver Chelle and Jared Mrs. Clause with the parentals and grandkids Kira, Jade, and Lily On the Polar Express Twas a fun trip even though we got detained on I-80 in both directions for a total of 3.5 hours. Thank goodness for 4wd and my savvy driving (I used to practice doughnuts on Bessie and the blue car so I knew how the car would perfor

The three cars: Bandit, E-Maxx and Rustler. The 3 drivers: Scott, Danny and Tyler. 1 problem: Tyler no longer wants his once fast car, the Rustler, because a newer and faster car came along, the E-Maxx. I now know why my parents always got two of everything during our younger years. We shall see how this dilemma will be resolved. Of course Danny being the Daddy that he is usually ends up carless or with the slow car again. What a guy. I told him to get 2 E-Maxx's, one for him and one for Tyler and get rid of the Rustler, but then we have a towing problem as you can see with the size of the thing. Best of luck!

My kids love bath time. They throw a ton of toys in the bath and can play forever. Tyler and Scott like to line up cars, squirt each other, make bubbles and watch their sister. Kira loves to hit the water and watch and feel is splash. It never gets old for her. She plays with toys and lets her brothers pour water all over her face. Something they would definitely not let her do to them. So fun seeing her old enough to interact and play with her brothers. So cute. Scott is much more of a father figure, protective, baby sitting type brother to her. He makes sure that she is safe, has a clean diaper, will hold her for me and makes sure she knows the rules. Tyler is all about having fun, being mischievous and having someone to play with. It will be interesting to see their roles and relationships play out in the months and years to come. Love sibling relationships. It is so fun to see.

Danny's birthday was November 10th. We had a great day and I think Danny did too which is AWESOME and makes me really happy! Everyone woke up early to open presents. The kids wrapped the E-Maxx in a huge box and of course loved helping him open it. Everyone was excited. Danny asked for a RC helicopter for Scott to drive. We now have three nice, fast, fun cars and helicopters so that everyone is having fun. Lately Danny has been left carless since the boys take the fast ones after about one minute. Danny was excited for his new toys. He also got a voice over book and some money to take a class. That needs a whole post explanation in itself. He had a good morning in the office and we met him for lunch. We have the same routine everytime we meet Danny. Wendy's lunch at the park. We had a brownie cake and sparkling cider to celebrate. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and the boys played with their toys. So much fun and so lucky to have a two hour lunch. The staff blocked out an extra

NEED A PHOTOGRAPHER?? Three years ago I took on 1 more swim lesson in my already full schedule. The person on the other line seemed cool and quite frankly I used to have a really hard time saying no. A last minute decision that I am soo grateful I made. Stacey and her family became great friends! At the time Stacey really liked photography. It soon became a dedicated hobby and eventually a passion. I have watched Stacey transform from a really good photographer into literally the best photographer that I know. She is INCREDIBLE!! She uses fun, bright colors, catches the little moments and has such a fun style. I am sooo proud of her and want to tell the world. She is so busy and probably doesn't need anymore work, but if you are looking for an amazing photographer for lifestyle, babies or weddings, you should definitely check out her site . So impressed!! Here are a few photos. Casey's Wedding...AMAZING!! We were on Aquabears together. I thought this shot was cool...Have no id

Before My Heart Stops : A Memoir By Paul Cardall http://beforemyheartstops.blogspot.com Paul was born with a similar condition to Tyler and is one of the oldest survivors today. He wrote a book about his journey with a single ventricle. It was so great to hear and read a book from someone who is walking in similar shoes to Tyler. Before Tyler was born he came to me in the temple. He came as a man on the other side. He told me that he had a special heart; a heart to teach, a heart to love and a heart to learn. I have seen how Tyler's heart has given him and our family unique opportunities that would not be possible with a normal heart. I came away from reading the book with an added appreciation for being a heart mom. With added appreciation for how Heavenly Father creates each of us. And an added appreciation for my testimony and faith in my Savior and membership in my Church. Anyone who is dealing with illness, either themselves, their family or an associate should read t

Danny had been an associate for four years. It has been quite an experience. In dental school there are a couple of routes people can take. You can associate, specialize or be in the military after school. Danny envisioned himself as a general dentist. He loves working with people, loves doing a variety of things and feels he is good at what he does. The first year out Danny was blessed to work with two amazing mentors who were great dentists, teachers, role models and so much more. After a year, Danny left one of the practices, realizing he didn't envision himself buying the practice, and had a couple of jobs that were interesting to say the least. His first job was at a failing practice with no work and a boss who was in school to specialize. Danny realized that he actually did LOVE working on teeth. He was so bored not doing much dentistry and eventually left. His second was with a dentist who asked Danny to do things he didn't feel comfortable with. Danny realized h