Reflecting on 2014

There seems to be just a few constants in life, one of them being change. The winds of change blew in at the beginning of this year and opened a new chapter in the Thompson life in sunny southern CA. Chevron asked Mike to take a new assignment as Finance Manager of a refinery in L.A., so we packed up and moved to Redondo Beach. We weren’t expecting to move, and we were sad to leave behind our friends in the Dublin area. We appreciate the warm welcome from our new neighbor and ward families.

Nicholas got to finish 1^st grade in a new school and didn’t seem to miss a beat. He also joined a new primary class at church where he was the only boy with a handful of girls. We laughed so hard one day when we asked him how his primary class was and he said he had to get out of there because the girls wouldn’t stop singing ‘that song’ from Frozen. He just rolls his eyes at that and would rather watch Despicable Me or Star Wars. He played soccer this fall and was recognized by his coach for being the most improved over the season. Nicholas turns 8 next May and is looking forward to his baptism.

Ryan who turns 4 in January, thinks he’s a least a couple years older than he is. He and Nicholas are inseparable. What Nicholas does Ryan does. Ryan advanced himself to Primary over the summer by announcing one day he was no longer going to nursery, so we got the Sunbeam leader to let him join a little early. He’s been going to pre-school several days a week and swims with a lot of confidence for his age, despite the fact that he looks like he’s about to drown most of the time.

Carrie puts up with us boys. When she does get a free moment to herself she’ll be found reading a book, heading to the gym, or trying to squeeze in a much-coveted nap. She has run a bunch of 10-K and ½ marathon races this year, although had to slow down a bit over the last few months because of a pesky knee injury just before our Malibu Triathlon in September. She still competed in the swim and bike, but looks forward to being full strength for next year. At church, she got to serve as a cub scout leader for part of the year and is currently enjoying her work with the sisters as Relief Society secretary.

With the new job and less business travel, Mike got back in shape this year with the triathlon and lots of running. He has been able to recharge a bit. He was disappointed to leave behind his work with the youth in Pleasanton Stake, but was quickly called again into the YM presidency in our new ward. He also enjoyed dusting off his vocal cords a bit, taking some voice lessons, and singing his first solo at church. Mike and Carrie also got to take a couple trips together to Mexico and Hawaii. Many thanks to Baba and Papa and Grammy for watching the boys during these times.

The other main constant in our lives besides change is the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how it strengthens our family. We love that there are truths that we can teach our children and that bind us together eternally as family. We love the fact that our kids look forward to ‘family night’ on Monday evenings. We love that they expect to read scriptures together as a family before bed. Most of all, we LOVE our Savior and this time of time when we can reflect more fully on his birth and life. HE IS THE GIFT.

We'll Miss You

We are sad to say that Lightling went to bird heaven today.  He was a great bird and always talking.  "Pretty bird" and "good morning" were his favorites.  He liked taking baths in the sinks and looking at "his friend" (himself) in the mirror.  He even survived a big wound when Ryan poked him in the chest with a toy.  But with little boys and a fragile bird, accidents happen.  We will miss him and are glad he got to spend a couple of years with us.  Enjoy flying in heaven pretty bird!!

A Little Bit of Cowboy

We got back from Cabo just in time to catch the Fourth of July rodeo in Bandera.  While we were gone, Papa and Baba had bought the boys some cowboy hats and lassos.  They loved that and Nicholas was thrilled to lasso his cousin, Eli.  We missed the fireworks but God put on his own fireworks with an awesome lightening show later that evening.  One thing we miss about living in CA is the thunder and lightning storms that happen in the Midwest.  What power in the sky.

   

Papa took the boys swimming everyday and on some cool outdoor adventures. 

I guess Mike and I need to get some cowboy hats as well, GG looks pretty good in hers : )

Beautiful Cabo San Lucas

Mike and I finally got away for a “just us” vacation, thanks to Papa and Baba.  Cabo is beautiful and we did absolutely nothing but relax all week long.  No scheduled activities for us, we just wanted to be on our own schedule.  We ate when we wanted, played tennis every day, took our swims in the great wide open ocean, and got in some great naps and movies.  We did take a boat ride over to Lover’s Beach and to see the famous arch (El Arco).  We didn’t get a picture of it since we didn’t take the camera on the boat.  Off of Lover’s Beach we swam with the fishes and admired the beauty of the place. The last pic is a bus Mike liked because on the back it said “Jesus Cristo es mi Salvador” y mas.  We loved going into town and picking up a few souvenirs and gifts as well as practicing our Spanish.  It was a wonderful trip and we can’t wait to go back again one day…with the boys of course : )

    

Great Visit

We were thrilled when we got a phone call from Denise, a friend of Mike’s from Duke, saying she was in town with her fiance.  She and Ya came over one afternoon and it was nice catching up on old times and new stories.  They were so sweet and brought the boys some nice Legos to build.  We are excited to go to their wedding this summer in Hawaii.

  

Angry Birds Easter Meets the Minions

 

  

Spring Break 2014

Well, Spring Break was busy around our house.  Sorry the pictures are small...we didn't want to drag around our big camera so I had to settle for my phone.  We kept the boys busy this week!!  We started off going to a big park overlooking the city.  The boys loved it and the views were amazing.  We went to Universal Studios too and rode the new Despicable Me ride.  Ryan lasted longer than I did and only got scared half way through.  He and I mostly hung out in the playgrounds while Nicholas and Mike rode all the scarier rides.  When Ryan was in preschool I took Nicholas out to a go-karting place and we sped around and played games in the arcade.  We took the boys to see Rio 2, and we really enjoyed the cute movie.  The boys got matching pajamas for the summer season and we enjoyed having Mike home for a couple of days during the week.  We did some non-fun things too like going to the doctor and taking Cheerio to the vet, but hey, life's not all fun and games right?  We're just glad nobody broke anything or anyone over the week and the house is still standing : )  We had a blast and can't wait for summer fun coming up!!!

Walking School Bus

Well, the picture doesn't do it justice because I only had my phone with me at the time.  But one great thing that we (or at least I) love about our new house is our walking school bus.  Two days a week the kids meet at the corner of our street and walk to school with two parent volunteers.  I walk Nicholas the other days of the week.  I love it...it's such a fun idea, although I don't think Nicholas wants to hold the bus : )  I love being able to walk to school.  It's a bit of a walk (about 15 minutes) but it gives me a chance to talk to Nicholas and we get to observe nature.  Plus, the weather is awesome so we enjoy our "walk-n-talks".  And then if it's raining I drive Nicholas to school and we get there in literally 2 minutes.  I'm just thrilled that we live in a neighborhood with so many kids.  What a big change from our last house.  I really appreciate that this school district puts a lot of emphasis on physical health through walking school buses, morning exercise at school, and running club twice a week.  In fact, I might volunteer to do a day for the walking bus next year (you have to get fingerprinted and fill out lots of forms), but I really feel that kids should be active and this is a great way to do it : )

And the winds shifted...

If you've ever watched the movie "Chocolat" with Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche you'll understand when I say that the winds have shifted once again for the Thompson's.  Yes, we are moving once again.  This time we're staying in the U.S. and we're even staying in the same state : )  Just moving to a place where we can finally enjoy some of the real famous CA weather.  We are excited about this next adventure and can't wait to enjoy all that southern CA has to offer.  We'll be in Redondo Beach so if you're tired of the cold anytime, come see us!!!