President's Day Weekend

I was able to get TWO days off of work so we could go out to CA to visit two of the Universities who have accepted Jared in their PhD programs for the Fall. This is very exciting for me, though I felt guilty leaving my students, especially because we had two performances the next week but they did fine. Anyway, since we've been married the appealing thought of living in Southern California has been in my head because Jared is from Orange County. Visiting Dana Point Harbor, just a few minutes away from Jared's Fam's house. This was the spot Jared took me when I first came out to meet his family 4 years ago over the same weekend! I wouldn't leave without going to the beach!

Jared and Dad White, looking cool in their shades
After admiring all the Yachts and Sailboats it was interesting to see this one, It looks like an old pirate ship. I guess tourists come to see it here at Dana Point.
El Torito Grill, we ordered a guacamole appetizer and the waitress made it right at our table.
Here we are with President and Sister Oveson. He is the Newport Beach Temple President and came to do a fireside at the White's house for the Young Men and Young Women.
Jared with Jesus, a family friend and really sweet guy.
Ok, sorry, now more about the schools. On Valentines Day we visited UC Riverside. They were very friendly and the professors seem to be good for Jared's interests. You can skateboard on campus! That would be fun for Jared and puts some use into his two or three skateboards that hang out in our apartment because he would get a ticket at BYU. Above is the family housing at UC Riverside. It is really different, several blocks of tiny individual houses, around 650 square feet. Our own house would be cool, but it doesn't really have a "homey" look. It is cheaper than Wymount though, believe it or not. For Southern CA, that's pretty good!
The next day we visited UC Irvine. I really liked it here and the current grad students we met were so nice and helpful. I could see Jared working with guys like them. One was a member of the church and told us about the ward. He showed us his apartment in the complex pictured above, where he lives with his wife and baby. It was really nice actually, but about double what we pay right now. (side note: You can see what my main concerns were with these visits, if you want more details about the programs and scholarship offers you'll have to talk to Jared).
This is the door to the Spanish and Portuguese office at UC Irvine. I just think its so cool how they can have "out door" schools in CA. Jared's high school was this way as well, all the hall ways were out doors! That's pretty cool for this Utah gal.

Ultimately I just want to go where Jared is going to be happy and enjoy the program he is in. We can live anywhere for 4 years right? I love Southern California and his family is so close, and we have friends there too. . . BUT Jared has also been accepted to Indiana University and UC Davis (Northern CA). He is still waiting to hear from Emory in Atlanta, Washington University in St. Louis and Arizona. We'll see!