Happy Birthday Tia

Happy Birthday Tia… Thank you for inviting us to join you on your birthday celebration.

My sis turned 31 this year and we all went to the river to celebrate with her. I am not sure who had more fun, my kids or her. This was our first trip as a family to the river and the kids kept saying all weekend… THIS IS THE LIFE. We all agreed. I loved every minute of it. Isabella learned how to wake board and water-ski. She got up for a few seconds, but kept trying, I was so proud. Aaron got up as well on the wake board once, but was then done. He’s always willing to try something once, but if it makes him nervous he will not try it again for a while. Each of the kids got to drive the boat and that is where Aaron shined, that was his element. Again kids are different and I love each of them for their differences. All of us did a lot of tubing and everyone loved that. Thank you again Tia and Pete for showing my kids a wonderful vacation, you both are amazing!!

Tia opening her presents on the way there

Isabella made Tia's card this year and is was the sweetest card. It made our hearts melt.

Ready to go on the Mambo again

Designated flag holders

Love that smile

Driver #1

This was his thing... I think he asked Pete every 15 min if he could drive...

Daddy doing his thing with the kids

Happy girl

Mom, Tia and Me

Abby doing what she does best

Good times just hanging out

snow cones

family pic

Aaron on the wakeboard

Abby doing her own thing as always

Mom, Tia and the kids just hanging out

My wonderful parents

Family fun at its finest

 Abby got cut off.. sorry sweetie

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 :)