Summertime

So, what else happened between getting engaged in early July until early August when I flew back to Beijing? A lot of relaxing and hanging out in Santa Cruz mostly.

I went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium with my wonderful friend Amelia. I love the jellyfish there, as you can also see here and here.

Jon and I took his dog Gypsy to the beach where they chased each other around in the surf and then came and dried themselves off on me.

I also met and was able to stay unscathed by Jon's cat, Dori.

Jon and I went to his friends' wedding.

We also went to the zoo where he turned into a giraffe and complained I was taking too long to take his picture. Really, I was just waiting from him to make this fantastic expression:

He took me to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk where I grabbed the metal rings while riding the carousel and tried to toss them into the clown's mouth. If you know what I'm talking about - you've done it too, I bet!

I also had some time to catch up with friends and family. I managed to catch two of Uncle Steve's games this summer - one the day I arrived from China and the other the evening before I left to return to China.

This is my last year over here in China before I move back to California. There are still a few adventures here I want to have before heading back so stay tuned! And if you are thinking about visiting while I'm here, you better hurry up!

--Sarah--

California Happenings

I've had a great time in California so far.  I've been able to spend time with family and friends and have enjoyed it so much!

I saw lots of family including Great Aunt Burneal, Great Aunt Audrey and Great Uncle Earle, Great Aunt Pat and Great Uncle Burl!

I read to my cousin's little boy and gave him a present from China.  It was great spending time with them in Santa Monica.

I went to Monterey via San Francisco and Half Moon Bay with my brother.  We got splashed at Half Moon Bay and saw some neat critters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  We stayed at Jerilynn and Ray's and had a nice visit with them.

I had a great 4th of July with my friends and my sister and brother.  It began at the Davis Farmers Market and ended at the Davis demo and fireworks show.

I went to San Francisco on the ferry with Mariah and her twins.  It has been nice to spend so much time with the twins.  They can call me "Auntie" now!

I had a nice lunch with my grandparents and my cousin Laura.

Now, it is time to hop on another plane and fly over to Kenya via London!  I'll be visiting Kenya and Tanzania for the next 2 1/2 weeks!  I'll be back in California for a few days before heading back to China for another year.

--Sarah--

Birthday with an Octopus

Well, I had a fantastic birthday that lasted for a whole week! First I spent a weekend with my fab friend, Amelia. We went to the Winchester Mystery House, then to the Mystery Spot of Santa Cruz, and finally to the very mysterious Monterey Bay Aquarium. Okay, so maybe that last one wasn't so mysterious, but check out the show the octopus gave us! (Not the best lighting, but you don't want to freak out the critters.)



Also, there were some pretty sweet jellies in my favorite room of the aquarium.

The following week, my friends threw me a wine tasting and dinner party. What a great birthday!

(63 days to go!)
--Sarah--