Father's Day Weekend

I started off the weekend early Saturday morning in the kitchen. I was baking up a storm in preparation for a picnic we were having that afternoon with my parents, my brother, his wife, and all of her family. My contribution was to bring a few odds and ends and some desserts. I made Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Butter Cream Frosting. The cupcakes themselves had a hint of lemon, and were like a pound cake, yet light and airy. The zinger was the lemon butter cream frosting that was oh so tart. They were so delicious, and I know, because I ate way too many!!

We made our way to Dixon Lake in Escondido, and were welcomed by a spread of goodies, and family. Dave took the kids exploring, as they started the BBQ, and I joined them on their first hike down to the lake. The kids were busy busy, and found themselves playing on the play structure, kicking soccer balls, or going on more adventures.

Dave was a true hero, and took the boys on an extra long hike to the boat dock, where they rented a paddle boat for an hour. I'm sure the boys were tons of help, but I know Dave got a good leg workout in as well. Afterwards they hiked back, and were talking endlessly of their adventures. What a great daddy!!









We finished the evening, packed up the cars and headed home..


Sunday morning we made Daddy a waffle breakfast with homemade Buttermilk Syrup and then busily got ready so we could get out the door. We played hooky from Stake Conference (I have a hard time sitting still myself for that long) and went down to Doheny Beach with our new tent trailer. We set it up quickly and had a day at the beach, and our first outing with our new camping toy. Unlike Saturday which was cloudy and chilly, Father's Day was a beautiful sunny day with not a cloud in the sky. We finished up the evening with s'mores and put the kiddies to bed.


Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful Dad's out there!!

School's Out for Summer...

Schools Out....for Summer..

The boys started off their day early at school, and the little ones and I got ready to run errands. Once everyone was dressed we stopped at Wal-Mart for some last minute teacher gifts, that looked super cute with the pretty wired pink and orange ribbon I found there. I then bought summer treats: new markers, pencils, watercolors, tape, glue, sidewalk chalk, you name it, we bought it. We are all stocked up for summer crafts and yes, it's all washable!!

We then made our way over to the school. Josh was having a huge Kindergarten blowout with fun carnival games all day long. Natalie and Caleb played amongst all the other little siblings, and I chatted it up with some of my other mommy friends. As they took a break for their pizza lunch, I grabbed the kids and made my way over to the field for the 3rd grade extravaganza. They were busy doing different relay races, and I caught Daniel as he was about to take his turn in one. The goal was to dress up in all the clothes, then run to the other side and disrobe. Daniel found himself with a blue sparkly skirt, oven mits, vest, a funky hat, purple boa, and purple high heeled shoes. It was too cute and fun!!

We gave the teachers their gifts, said our goodbyes and then Josh officially graduated from Kindergarten. He is now officially a First Grader!!

As a treat to the newest grad, we celebrated with lunch at Burger King (his choice) and I even let them get a kid's meal. (I know what a softie!!)

We came home and opened all the new craft items and dove in with such vigor. My dining room table is covered, but that also means the kiddos are entertained.

Daniel finished his day at school, and then left for his co-ed pool party. It was hosted by two sisters, one of which was in his class. When I arrived to pick him up I only counted three other boys, and there were over a two dozen little girls. He played basketball, volleyball, and swam in this gigantic pool.

The best part was echoed over, and over by both parents, and the grandparents (it was their ginormous house) what a sweet, polite, good boy Daniel is. That all the girls say how nice he is to them, and how he was so good and helpful through the entire party.

How fantabulous do I feel, just getting to be his mother!! I'm so lucky!!

Then back home for pizza party with mommy (flying solo till Daddy comes home tomorrow), more crafts, movies, and dancing silly in the living room, followed by nummy mint and chip banana splits.

What a fun day, and a great start to summer.

The only question is..

How do I top this??

Oh wait, Daddy comes home tomorrow, that works!!

Summer, Lights and Planes

We're in the final stretch.

The last week of school, the start of summer. No more schedules, and a lot less picking up and dropping off.

Last night we visited D-land to watch their summer "Nightastic" series and see the Electrical Light Parade. I haven't seen it in years, and it was so nostalgic hearing the familiar sights and sounds of the parade. I actually owned the record as a little girl, and would play it endlessly making up dances and shows choreographed to the music. I also found out that Dave had never seen it before, so he was able to enjoy it for the first time with the kids. It was crazy mayhem with all the summer visitors, so we are indeed thankful that the rest of June, and all of July are blacked out for our passes. We'll see you again dear friend, but more towards the end of August, with less people!!

The boys are out of school in two days. Josh has a huge kindergarten bash planned with carnival games, and all sorts of fun treats. Daniel is having a picnic with all the other 3rd graders, and was one of very few boys to be invited to a an end of the year pool party hosted by two girls from his class. Evidently he is such a nice boy to all of the girls, and is the only one that doesn't tease them or make fun of them. He follows in the footsteps of his daddy.

Dave made an impromtu visit to WA today, and will return Friday morning, just in time to kick off the summer festivities. I'm thinking a day at the beach with watermelon and then a BBQ for dinner.

Yay Summer, you're almost here, we can hardly wait!!

(mommy may be a tad bit more excited than the boys, but don't tell!!)

Caleb Rockin'

So, I was trying to clean the kitchen, and in an effort to do so, I had 80's music blasting through the house.

My little rocker joined in on the fun.

Complete with accessories.

You rock little man!!

Before & After

With children, things get misplaced, and lost.

Such was the case for my hair cutting kit. You know, the one I use to groom, and keep my handsome little boys in check. It has been lost for some time, and my little boys had taken second jobs as mop heads. I finally bit the bullet, and shelled out the bucks for a new kit.


Here are the Before & After's.

(Please disregard the dirty faces, they did take a bath right after this, I promise.)


The new kit is safely hidden where little hands can't help it get lost again. Hope I'll remember where I put it!!

Cruise

Last weekend Dave and I boarded the Carnival cruise ship in Long Beach.

Our very FIRST cruise!!

It was a 3 day cruise that left Friday afternoon, and returned Monday morning. We were excited to spend some time together, just the two of us. The cruise was so last minute, and thankfully my parents were able to come up and stay at our house with the kiddos all weekend long. We had been trying to plan a weekend away to Catalina, but with summer rates now in effect, and us being locals it seemed kind of ridiculous to go now. Then we found the cruise that was less than us staying two nights at Catalina, and included all our dining, and a stop at Catalina Island.

Perfect, book it, and off we went!!

We boarded the ship and made our way to our room, we had lunch, and then back to our room for a nap before dinner. Yes, no interruptions and non stop relaxing, it was so great!!

Saturday morning we had a quick breakfast and then off the boat in Catalina. We walked around a bit, then decided to rent some bikes to get around a little easier. We had lunch on the island, fish n' chips and clam chowder, num num!! Then we went snorkeling, and it was amazing!! It was my first time snorkeling, and Dave and I were proud to be the only ones wearing spring suit wetsuits (short sleeved, and shorts) vs. the full length long sleeve ones. We figured we were locals and used to the water temp, and it really didn't bother me at all, plus were able to dive much easier. I should also mention that the weather was rather chilly and overcast. There were tons of fishies, ghirabaldi, and sheepshead, and some perty blue ones too. We saw lobster and sea snails, and so much more. I could have stayed in the water all day long.

We spent the rest of the cruise walking around the ship, in the hot tubs, watching shows, eating or napping. It was so much fun spending time with just my sweetie.

By Monday morning we were really missing the kids, and ready to get back to normal life. We had an early breakfast and left the boat before everyone else woke up. We were back home by 9am that morning, and an hour later Natalie was asleep in my arms, while Caleb cuddled next to me on the couch. What a great welcome home!!

June Gloom and Sickness

Dave and I returned safely home on Monday morning, and by that evening I had caught "the bug" as well as Dave. He seemed to get over it more quickly than me, and I am still feeling icky and lethargic. Daniel stayed home from school Tuesday and today, and Caleb seems to finally be getting over his bout with "the bug". Josh and Natalie seem to be doing well.

So I will post soon about our wonderful weekend, but for now I am heading back to bed, or the couch surrounded by the kids.

My mood is much like this gloomy June weather, and I need to get better soon and some sunshine wouldn't hurt!!