Summertime.

It’s SUMMERTIME!! But…Ben and I spend most of our time at school, working, in the library or the math lab…that’s ok.  We’re hoping this means that all this boring hard work and avoiding the intense temptations of forgetting school and surfing and playing everyday instead will someday pay off in the form of a nice big house on a nice pretty piece of land (ocean view, please).  And of course the satisfaction and fulfillment of being educated.  Speaking of which, I finally changed my major for the LAST time (and third time..) to MATH.  Yes, I am embracing the nerd in me and just going for it.  It’s very time consuming, but somehow I get a tiny thrill every time I get the right answer, and I want to do it again. Sometimes it's crazy frustrating though, but like I said, hopefully it will pay off someday. And Ben is still studying Accounting, and he likes it.  We manage to get out a couple times a week and relax at the beach.  On Saturday we spent the afternoon until sunset snorkeling, reading, and laying out at one of our new favorite spots, Three Tables. 

We are so in love with this place. 

How could you not be?

Luckily, since it is summer and all, BYUH gives us a little 5-week break in the middle of the semester and we were so lucky to be able to go to the mainland to visit our families in California and Utah.

This is Mason, my 3 yr old nephew.  I think he's pretty cute.

Mak (sister) and Trevor, our other cute nephew playing around after Tennis.

I really miss these two when I'm out here in the middle of the Pacific.  I wish they would come visit me....:)

It was so fun to get to spend time with these lovebirds.

Ben had to work a little longer than I did in Hawaii, so I flew home without him.  Before he was able to come to CA, we went to San Diego to visit my sister Kelley and her husband Rob.

We had a lovely time surfing all day, hanging all night... 

and goofing off a little too.

Back home in Santa Barbara, we went to one of Ben and my favorite restaurants, Brophy Bros. on the harbor.  While we wait for a table, we always watch the fishermen bringing in their catch of the day, usually sea urchins or crabs.

My mom and I left Ben at the beach with the boys to go watch Mak do a little dance performance down the street.  When we came back we found them like this!  All three happy as can be, Ben probably the happiest.  Brilliant babysitting, Ben.

 On one of our last nights, we spent time with my sister's family at their new house in Camarillo!  The boys now have a huge yard to play in, a swing, chickens, a little rock fountain, and the best part....a PIZZA oven! 

Ben and Shaun making our pizzas.

Trevor, the "Pizza Man" was so proud of his creations.

This toy is the new obsession in the Pike family.  It's called a goof board.  My dad made them to practice cross stepping on his longboard.  It's basically a piece of plywood that you balance on a pipe with.  It's pretty challenging.  By the time we left, Dad was able to cross step to the nose, hang five, and step back.  Pretty impressive!While we were in California, we spent most of our time hanging on the beach, surfing, stand up paddling (during which we had some pretty amazing encounters with dolphins, pelicans, seals, and even otters!), hiking, and just spending time with the family.  As I always do when I'm home, I went to a few workout classes with my mom's trainer, Christina.  Her workouts are evil.  But we love her.  And so do our bodies.  (After they're done screaming at us.)  I always tell Christina I wish I could put her in my carry-on so I can stay in shape during school.  I'm sure she wouldn't mind moving to Hawaii...In the middle of trip, we flew up for a quick stay in Utah over the 4th of July.  We had so much fun hanging out with Ben's family there.  Pictures from that to come soon.  THANKS FAMILY for letting us escape our busy lives here to come play with you, we love you lots and miss you always!