San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site

Before we headed to the rehearsal dinner on Friday we wandered to the San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site. The site was very well done — both adorably entertaining and informative. It was interactive which, really, is perfect for any age range. I would definitely check it out if you're in the San Diego area.

Nathaniel dressing up as a battalion member.

The Moore's: A Love Story

Once upon a time a woman named Joyzella (she went by Joyce, smart move) fell in love with a man named Sammy (yes, Sammy, not Samuel). He went off to serve in the military, but Joyce couldn't forget him. She didn't want to be forgotten either. So she sent a photo:

Joyce

And Sammy took a few photos of himself, too, lookin' all kinds of handsome.

Kayaking in La Jolla

The Thursday we were in San Diego we headed to La Jolla to go kayaking in the ocean. It was an incredible adventure — exciting, peaceful, educational and shockingly beautiful! I'm so glad we purchased a water proof camera for the experience. It was well worth it to have the memories captured!

It was a little scary to kayak out over the surf and admittedly it took me a long time to get use to the rockiness of being in a kayak — especially a double kayak!  

Disneyland and San Diego Zoo 2013

The day after we arrived in San Diego for Taylor's wedding we headed to the San Diego Zoo. The weather was lovely and it wasn't terribly busy — it was perfect! We both had a blast seeing the animals and just being together.

At the zoo.

Taylor's Bachelorette Party

Remember when I was asked to be a bridesmaid? The final days of being a Clark finally arrived for the future Mrs. McBride! We arrived in San Diego just in time for me to head out to the bachelorette party. We — the bride, bridesmaids and a few friends — spent the night in Downtown San Diego dancing, bar hoping and all around just having a good time! Definitely a success celebrating Taylor's last week of singledom!

Always,

My column

Did I mention that creating N-town meant I got my own column? Complete with a headshot and signature? I feel like I have arrived. Check out my columns here.

Do you see that?! Mug. Signature. BOOM.

Always,

On Church Callings: Public Affairs, Part 2

In September I was asked to assist with public affairs work for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on a stake (local) and multi-stake (regional) level. Due to some changes on our committee, I was recently asked to move from being a stake public affairs assistant to the stake public affairs director.

Let the adventure begin!

Always,

Smoothies with Molly

More often than not in my line of work I am peppered with belittling or nasty emails pointing out my flaws. Occasionally, someone sends a complimentary email that just brightens my day. Molly Levite Griffis is one of those people.

May N-town

The May edition of N-town is ready in all its glory. Check it out here and here.

Always,

Dead Baby Case

Occasionally I get the opportunity to cover the crime beat again. It's not my favorite for the obvious reasons, but it does at least offer a good pause to reflect on my own life. In April I covered a story about a caregiver who allegedly killed a child in his care from child abuse. The whole story was pretty sketchy, including the fact that the man was the boyfriend of the baby's mother and his court record had a slew of domestic abuse related charges just before the two started dating...why someone would date this man, I don't know?