shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake your building?

I experienced my first earthquake this morning. By the time it registered in my head that an earthquake was occurring it was over. It measured 5.4 and lasted ~15 seconds. We also felt 4-5 smaller after shocks. This was the largest quake in quite some time in the L.A area. Thankfully I am ok and there was minimal damage in the Long Beach area. Yet another thing on my ever growing list of things that are different in California.

"We love Josiah..."

As most of you know, Josiah, our 12 year old nephew went to see Jesus Tuesday. Our entire family misses him so much. JoJo was such a big part of the whole family. We traveled back to Mississippi to be with our family and for the funeral on Tuesday and I flew back to Long Beach alone Sunday night for work. Hannah and I would like to say thank you so much to all of those who prayed, called, sent myspace messages, brought food, came to visitation/funeral, etc. We really felt your love.

Aidan's birthday

3:01pm 3 years ago yesterday our sweet "big boy" Aidan was born. We had a party for him at a park per his request and ate hot dogs for supper (also his request). He asked several times about "my friends" which was kinda sad (because we are here in California alone) but we had a good time anyway. See video bar for a short clip.

First day on the job

Today was my (James) first day at my new job at Long Beach's Miller Children's Hospital in their Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). As with any "new" thing, it was a bit stressful, but I made it ok. It is a very BIG and BUSY place. I won't be bored to say the least.

Hannah and the kids also spent their first full day in Long Beach. They filled their day by checking out the hotel amenities, the surrounding area, and organizing our "home". Lily and Aidan played well together, so that helped. Thanks everyone for your prayers for safe travel etc. They worked!!!

July 4th in San Diego

We're enjoying some fun time with family in San Diego. We arrived here around lunch today. We had a BBQ/cookout where we swam and hungout. We then watched a great fireworks display. I was reminded today of just how I appreciate the awesome job our military does everyday both here and abroad. Hannah has 2 cousins Daniel and Lance who are in the military. Lance is on active duty and is in Iraq right now. He will be home this fall. He like many many other brave men and women are protecting us today in other countries away from their homes and families while we are celebrating the independence of our great country. God bless America!

Cool in California

We made it to Sacramento last night (after 16 hours in the car) where I got my California RN license this morning. We decided to change plans a bit and traveled to BEAUTIFUL (and very cool as in cold) San Francisco where we saw some sights and took in some local cuisine. We then traveled down hwy 1 which follows the pacific coastline to Monterey CA where we'll get some much needed rest. We probably have not encountered temperature above 70 degrees today (ranging from 50-70 in the daytime)! We had to breakout our jackets! We'll head to Long Beach tomorrow.


Aidan being goofy trying to pass the time in the car.


You know your bored when you fall asleep picking your nose!


Two beautiful sights!


View from our tour boat.


View from the car on hwy 1.