I am superwoman

I drove 900+ miles

in 3 days

with 4 children

BY MYSELF.

I deserve an ice cream cone!

California Adventure, Part II - Surf Camp!

Surf camp was a blast! It's basically a whole week that we spend living in the dirt and camping at night, and on the beach and in the Mo Ho during the day. It's such fun! Here, for your viewing pleasure, is a little taste of what it's all about. . .

Sandy Kids. . . Emilee LOVED the beach. She particularly loved running in the water and we spent many an hour chasing her around the shallows.
After all that sand and sunscreen, you've got to have a bath.

The boys really got into the boogie boards this year!

Grampy was good for a launch.

Shove!

Chandler also loved every bit of the beach. . .

When at surf camp, you have to help out. Ethan's job was opening the olives for the salad every night with his brand new Leatherman (courtesy of Uncle Theron)

And you've got to learn the art of the "street change." Our guys still need just a bit of assistance, but they're getting there.

Don't forget your shades.

Breakfast at Pipes every morning. True breakfast bliss!

And don't forget breakfast dessert afterwards! VG's is just the thing.

Gordon and I spent at least an hour a day (I'm not kidding) applying sunscreen to someone or another. When it was time to hit the beach, it took at least half an hour to get them lubed each time. It got old pretty quick. . .

And what would surf camp be without a little surfing! Grampy and I head out.

My first wave!

Woo Hoo!

This is Chandler's version of "going boogie boarding." He would strap it on, and then run around in the shallow water for hours, dragging it behind himself.

I'm pooped!

Grampy and Me

Gordon hunts for the perfect wave

And finds one! Ho Daddy!

Grampy surfed some pretty gnarly waves as well, and we were all impressed with his new found ability to stand up! Go Grampy! You're our hero!

As you can see, Surf Camp is pretty awesome. Stay tuned for Part III!!!

California Adventure, Part I

Our big adventure began with a two day drive to Grammy's house. We were lucky enough to split up the event with a stopover at our dear friends house, the Heiney's. We had such fun with them and I was thrilled to finally be able to meet their darling little two year old twins, Grace and Anna. The kids all made friends and we are excited to say we are stopping again for another sleepover on the way home. Yea!
On our second day of driving, we got to Grammy and Grampys just in time for a BBQ and a swim!

Emilee tried surfing first

Followed by a little pre surf-camp rehearsal by Ethan and Aidan.

Ethan really loved the "rockin' fig" and even got some style points. . .

We went to bed exhausted that night and got up the next morning to pack the mo-ho (that's motor home for you non surf-campers) and drive off to San Diego. . . more to come. . .

California Dreamin'

Been wondering what we've been up to? Here's a little preview. . .
More fun and photos to come this week as we recover from the sun, surf, and sand, and get a little more screen time on the computer.

8 is Great!!!

Ethan turned 8 on Thursday, and it's been a star spangled birthday. We've had all-American baseball birthday cake,

and there have been some pretty exciting gifts!
But the best thing of all is that now that Ethan is eight, he had the opportunity to be baptized a member of our Church. We are so proud of Ethan and pleased that he made the decision to make this covenant with his Father in Heaven. The baptism was lovely, and Grammy and Grampy flew all the way from LA to be here with us. They even participated in the program. Ethan's Daddy baptized and confirmed him. Ethan is beaming.
The whole family afterwards. Ethan is loving his new jacket. So grown up you know!!!
What a grown up little man. I can't believe I have an eight year old(!) but I sure am glad I do.

It's great to be eight!