Caitlin and Griffith Park

While Robyn visited in nearby Los Feliz with friends she met on the KF listserve, Stephen, Ryan and I toured the remodeled Griffith Park Observatory.


Some of my favorite displays: touching meteorites that came from the Moon and Mars; weighing yourself on scales geared to the planets. To lose weight--go to Pluto--I'd weigh only about 40 lbs there. Want to gain weight? Go to Jupiter--I'd weigh about 500 lbs there!

Ryan's new wristwatch.

Stephen checks out the cellphone coverage. The hills in Griffith Park looked blasted and dry.




After Griffith Park, we picked up Robyn, drove over to UCLA, and met Stephen and Ryan's cousin Caitlin, who is attending a 3 week college prep "Discovery" camp there. We drove along Wilshire Blvd, the boys admiring the Lamborghini car dealership and the girls pointing out Rodeo Drive, until we came to The Grove--an outdoor mall sort of place. We stuffed ourselves at Wood Ranch Restaurant before heading back to UCLA and home. It was great to see Caitlin again!

Austin & Rachel's Wedding--Newport Beach Temple--July 19, 2008

A new couple--Austin & Rachel--married for time and eternity at the Newport Beach Temple
(Be sure to visit the blog entries for the reception and rehearsal dinner too.)

Greeting guests outside the temple.

First married steps.

Gathering for pictures on the temple steps.

Hurry--time to gather for family photos.

Austin: Marrying Rachel was a "no-brainer."

Is it time to throw the bouquet yet?

"Ya done good, son."

Mingling with the guests.

The "merger and acquisition" is complete.
See "Rehoisal Dinner" blog entry for explanation.

Hooray, Rachel is officially part of the Robinson family now!

Austin + Rachel's Wedding Reception July 19, 2008

Austin and Rachel held a beautiful outdoor wedding reception. The skies were clear, the weather balmy, and the breeze light--beautiful weather for a beautiful couple.

Austin & Rachel under the gazebo

Cutting the cake.

Open wide!

The Kiss.

Smiles all around.

Austin & Rachel's Rehearsal Dinner--July 17, 2008

The Martins and Robinsons met for a pre-wedding "rehearsal" dinner at a restaurant on the shore of Lake Mission Viejo. The welcome sign--on an easel--reminded Susan of a "Board Meeting." We decided it was a "Merger and Acquisition" meeting--the merger of two great families; the Martin's acquisition of another son--Austin; and the Robinson's acquisition of another daughter--Rachel!

Jeff's artwork. Austin's spelling.

Mom and Grandmas

Our littlest guest. Master Dylan.

The preprinted menu. I couldn't read it without my glasses, either.

All of the tables had a nice view of the lake.

Katie and Christian brought the latest issue of People Magazine to the dinner. You've heard of Brangelina--(Brad Pitt an Angelina Jolie)? Even more famous: Raustin--to finally wed!

Susan is excited, but Brian's not so sure....



Grandpa Steve and Grandma Marion present the lucky couple with their first set of Rook Cards, to be played "Robinson Rules"


Thanks to all who came and participated!

Venezia + 1 year

No exciting photos this week, so here's a rerun from last year's trip to Venice.
If I ever go missing, look for me in Venice first.

Countdown to Rachel & Austin's wedding:
T-minus 6 days and counting...
We had a wonderful day at the Newport Beach temple on Saturday with Austin and Rachel, plus Rachel's mom and dad (Susan and Brian).

A big blessing in a little package

It's Sunday July 6th. Pardon me if I take a second to record one of life's blessings.

For the second week in a row, I was privileged to hold my little Grandson Dylan Ashworth Robinson in Church during Sacrament meeting. Today I sat him on my lap and snuggled him into the crook of my left arm, placing my right hand over his chest to snuggle him tight and give him a sense of security. My hand wrapped from one side of his chest around to the other, with some to spare--and Dyan opened his hand and placed his palm flat on the back of mine. His little hand rested there, periodically touching, patting, and grabbing at mine. What a blessing to hold him, with Christian and Katie right next to me! Last week, I was all ready for church in dress slacks and a white shirt. I thought, no that's not what I want to wear--so at the last minute I changed into a dark blue suit. I got to church, Christian and Katie sat down on the bench with us. Christian handed Dylan to me to hold. As I snuggled Dylan up to me, I saw that Katie had dressed Dylan in a dark blue double breasted little jumper, with cute white buttons and piping, that matched my dark blue suit and white shirt. It was fun to hold him close and think ahead a few years to a time when Dylan will be wearing a dark blue suit, bearing the priesthood, with a testimony of his own, serving Heavenly Father, and maybe getting ready to go on a mission.

Eternal thanks to Christian and Katie for bringing this wonderful child into the world, the right way, and for doing such a great job raising him!

Sorry, no pictures for this week's thoughts-- but go on the the posting for the 5th of July and our fun family activity at the Beach on July 4th.
Jeff

July 4th at Crystal Cove State Beach wth Greg, Jillair & Nathan

We enjoyed the day at Crystal Cove State Beach with Greg, Jillair and Nathan.

Nathan explains his latest bodyboarding moves to Ryan.

Thumbs up from Stephen.




"That was awesome!" Ryan rides his new bodyboard.



What's a day at the beach without a little seaweed fling from your older brother?



Austin and Rachel run through the waves.

Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil

How to catch a sandcrab!