Cali = fun in the sun

We have a family reunion with Shayne's fam every other year in Oceanside, California.  At the end of this week, Shayne & I left for Europe (post to come) so our vacation was cut a little short this time around.  I managed to be out there for a couple days before I flew home with Skyler.  Shayne drove the big boys home a few days after that.  

The beauties of the beach (my nieces)

My dear friend, Laura came to spend the day on the beach with us!  She lives close to LA, but is not a fan of the beach.  I'm so glad she decided to "rough it" and  came to hang out with us!  I love her DARLING children!  SOOOOOO cute.  Just wish her sweet hubby could have come too. 

  

A certain boy kept doing face-plants in the sand.  I'm not so sure why.  Maybe it's a 1 year old thing... 

June Highlights

To kick off the summer, the boys (Hunter/Cole) purchased a sno-cone machine.  They had a lot of fun this first night - Hunter and his best friend had the radio going and made all sorts of "deals" to draw in the neighborhood.  Cole rode his bike around recruiting friends to come buy a sno-cone!  If I remember right, they made close to $30!

best buds - with their "dual-creation"

 Cole got BAPTIZED!  Cole asked his dad to baptize him.  He was surrounded by family and friends and it was a special morning to celebrate his choice to follow Jesus' example.

Part of turning 8 is starting the cub-scout program!  Both Hunter and Cole attended Scout Day Camp this year - but at different times.  I went with the 8 and 9 year olds and it was a very fun day.

PS getting this many 8 & 9 year olds to row in an orderly fashion was an ABSURD expectation.

Hanging out at Grandma's house.  I caught Skyler sharing his goodies with Grandma...

We went waterskiing with a friend.  He brought along his skiing buddy who happens to be a skiing instructor for his livelihood.  He went out there with Hunter and Cole - what a fun day!

Both Shayne and I got up on Slolem skiing.  They had that cool bar and were able to give us instructions as we moved.  It was my best experience with slolem!

They also had Hunter drive us home...

And last, but not least, I also completed my first 10K.  I finished it in great time and I didn't get sore or feel exhausted - it was a great run.  (plus I also had my running buddy with me, everything is more fun with a friend!)  So it had me thinking along the lines of trying a half marathon...  maybe next year!   PS my fancy medal went behind my number, oh well.

May

At Cole's piano recital, he received his 1st TROPHY EVER!!!  He scored high in his festival and earned that fancy trophy all by himself.  He was EXTREMELY proud of it!

This is just a pic of the gang lounging on Mother's Day...  ah, love those cool evenings the BEST!

Danny completed his first year of preschool.  Thank goodness for cute mom's who put together the hats, the little ceremony, and cute goodies.  Whatever I contributed isn't memorable.  I love all these little friends and it's been a great year exchanging preschool classes in our homes.  I learned a lot as a mom/teacher/and about me.  I can do it - but it stresses me out!  I'd rather teach 70+ kids with band instruments.  Call me crazy...

For the past 6 months, Hunter has been studying piano with a top notch piano teacher.  While he is at his lesson, I take the younger boys to visit Great-Grandma nearby.  It has been such a treat to have this weekly time with her.  She always makes us a meal - she certainly didn't have to - but it was her way to shower us with love.  I took my camera along for one of these visits.  I loved that my boys were able to grow a special love for great-grandma.  It's sad that we've decided to move Hunter to another teacher - especially since we won't be next to Great-Grandma's house regularly now.  I have every intention of still visiting often - but chaos usually does settle in around here.

And just a random pic that I love- Grandpa in the hammock with Danny and Skye.  Gotta love the summer days coming!