Summer Fun

It has been way to long since my lost post, but we have been enjoying the summer tremendously. Let’s begin with a trip to Disneyland in late July. The whole family went all 10 of us, my five, mother and father in-law, Mason, Sister in-law and Madison. When all of us get together to go out, which is pretty it makes for a great day for the kids and us.

This trip was especially fun for us because we had done something none of us had ever done before at Disneyland… the canoes around Tom Sawyer’s Island. It was great. Isabella really tried hard to row when the guide told us to, the boys Aaron and Darin had more fun splashing water at me with their ores and Maddy and Abby just wanted get in the water and swim. Luckily ever one stayed in the boat and we were invited back again. Here are a few pictures from that new adventure.

We also stood in line to see characters this time. I’ve realized how much Abby LOVES the characters, she wants to hug them, kiss them never let go. I have to drag her away from them. She absolutely wants to stay and just hug on them. She is the sweetest thing when she wants to be. Maybe I should wear a big furry costume all day and perhaps she will be sweeter to me and not such a pistol… 

Tea Cups

Fantastic Five  :)

Fantastic Five with Minnie

The sun was a little bright in the kids eyes for this one

Abby loved Minnie

and Mickey

She did not want to let go of Tiger

So fun

Getting ready....

Daddy with his Gems

Such an good girl.. always trying so hard

Isabella had her first official tournament with her soccer team the first weekend in August. It was in San Juan Capistrano and she had an amazing cheering section all of our amazing family came to one game or another and showed such amazing support. Thank you Grandma, Tia, Pete, Aunt Tracy, Aunt Linda, Ryan, Chelsea, Kim, Sophia, Uncle Mike.. you are all so amazing. I am a little sad because I was so invested in the game I forgot to take pictures of her with everyone after. But thank you again for coming.

Her team did very well and made it all the way to the championship game. Although they did not win, they placed second and the girls played amazing. Looking at this picture of her face makes me smile because I know she loves this and that is all that matters. She has also made some great friends and we look forward to the year ahead.

I am so proud of you Isabella, I love you!!

So happy... I get all chocked up every time I see this picture...

Such a great bunch of girls

So proud!!

We have made it to the beach a few times again in August and once again my kids are happy. I think if we lived a little closer less then 30 min. I might go every day, just for an hour or so. When we are all their together, no one is fighting everyone has a huge smile on their face and we are in a great place. I love that feeling and want to try to continue to provide more of those moments for my kids.

As good as it gets...

Three in One

1st Birthday’s

It is such a blast to be able to share these special moments with our friends. Plus these parties are a lot more fun then the parties I threw many moons ago. We went to two western themed parties with ponies and animals. The kids had an absolute blast. It is so fun to see them smile.

Aaron and Mason sitting on the hay

Isabella and Savanna waiting for the pony ride

Isabella on the pony

Abby and her pony.  The pony guide told me after the party that she thought Abby took the most pony rides of all the kids.

Daddy having a little too much fun with old buddies...

Beach

My kids love the beach, each for different reasons. Isabella loves to look for sand crabs, Aaron loves to stand at break and just get wet and Abby loves to play in the sand with buckets and water. Being that close to the kids and nature has a way of humbling me.

Tired family after hiking back up the hill. San Clemente is a tough walk.

Abby and her toys

Trying to keep Abby contained :)

So much fun in the sun

“I DO”

Darin and I attended a wedding last Sunday and it was beautiful. We met wonderful new friends, were able to reconnect with old friends and were reminded of how special our commitment to one another is.

Kerri and Rafik - beautiful bride and groom

Parents night out :)

Beautiful location

I was able to sneak one picture with the bride at the end of the night. Love ya KB.

PS - I had to put three memories on one post because I loaded all my pictures and then realized if I did not use them all on this post I would have to reload. Sorry three kids and trying to make dinner while writing this blog does not allow me extra time. So hope you still enjoy :)

The last 45 days or so....

Once again, I have been unable to make time to blog. It’s Saturday morning and everyone is asleep still so I will try to quickly cover the last 2 months before someone wakes and the day as mom begins.

1. The kids and I were able to hit California Adventure to visit with friends. They stayed at California Hotel and had a blast. This hotel had a wonderful water slide at its pool and they just loved it. Thanks for the invite M&D, we had an absolute blast. Madison also joined us on this adventure and was in pool heaven.

My surly group eating lunch before the big swim.

The girls

Abby loving the slide :)

2. Thank you to all our friends that either come over here and play or allow us to come play with them. Staying home in the summer with a tight budget gets interesting on how to keep the kids from getting bored.

Aaron and Hailey taking a break from jumping.

Isabella showing us how its done

Play date with 12 kids and two adults.... everyone survived and had a really great time :)

Kids ages ranged from 10 months to 9 years

Baby Cody, the sweetest one of all :)

3. 4th of July.. this year Darin and I stayed home and invited anyone who was free to join us. We had some takers and enjoyed every minute of the day. Thank you friends and family who joined us on this amazing day, we love you all so much!!

All decked out in our red

The best family picture in the bunch.. gotta love Abby.

Grandma, Mom, Isabella and Abby.. we love to do our toes :)

Isabella and Sophia

Madison and Isabella

The boys and yaya.. thank you Darin, Ed, Ryan, Kyle and Eric for making great memories with our kids. They loved playing basketball with you all!!!

Savanna, Abby and Sophia

The Page family.. thanks for sharing this day with us :)

Grandma and Chelsea

Other things going on, but with no pictures. I am so excited to start a mini book club with a girlfriend of mine. I have no idea on what or how to properly do a book club, but I got the basics down, read the book, talk about it... I open to any additional suggestions. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

My in-laws are having construction done on their home in which makes it very difficult for them to stay in the home. They have been coming over to my house every morning for the last week and spending the days with us. The kids are in 7th heaven, Mason and Madison are here having a blast playing with the kids. It does make for a busy day keeping five kids out of harms way, not fighting and having fun. I don't know how you all do it with 3 or more kids everyday, but I give you BIG kudos. It takes an amazing, special person to do this every day. Don't get me wrong, I am actually loving having them around, plus it gives my mother in law and I some great time together.

Wishing you all a fantastic July!!

Ten Things To Smile About

Another month has come and gone filled with some fantastic moments.  I am on a journey to improve myself, one that is different from the daily workings have been trying the last few months.  My goal is to become a better woman, wife and mother. I am ready to learn.

Ten things that made me smile this month.... 

1. Spending time with my little ones at the happiest place on earth.

Abby and I enjoying the day on the rides she loves

Isabella and Aaron so happy after the parade at California Adventure

2. Abby running after her sister at soccer practice, not really that great, but it did make me smile.

3. Having spent a wonderful four days with family and friends during the Memorial holiday weekend.

4. Attending a new church with a wonderful family. Thank you Couch family we really enjoyed ourselves.

5. Celebrating our niece's 2nd birthday. Love you lots lil Maddy.

6. Visiting the Ophthalmologist  and learning that what we are doing to help Isabella's eye is working. Her lazy eye is getting stronger. :)

7. Sharing in a celebration with family on my cousins son 1st holy communion. Witnessing the love their family shares with Jesus is beautiful.

8. Warm May days filled with laughter and water.

 

9. Amazing connection and conversation with my hubby.

10. Spending an early Mothers Day dinner with my loving family.