Where's Waldo?

I am not sure where Waldo is in this picture, but I am pretty sure he is there somewhere. On Saturday, after Alison's game in Carlsbad in 101 degree weather, we headed straight for Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea. It was unreal. I have never seen anything like it, but the ocean made room for all to share, and the kids didn't mind one bit.

After body surfing with their dads, the girls claimed their own piece of real estate to dig up, build, and explore.

The girls with a few teammates and siblings. Note: Justin in the background making a "crab trap".

Ryan found some "private time" by moving down shore a bit. The waves were slightly bigger here. Without people to dodge, he was in heaven. The ocean is so beautiful!

Later that night, as Alan and I drove down to La Jolla, exhausted from the day, there was the most beautiful sunset. What a sight it was to see the temple illuminated with such beautiful color. I guess I am a little sentimental that way. Alan would say I am a tree-hugger at heart.

First Day. . .

One for the money, Two for the show, Three to get ready, and Four to Go!!

First day of school

Getting Ready ( 2nd and 4th graders)

7th Grader heading out to catch the bus

Hurry mom, we don't want to be late!

Upper Classman Preschooler giving a big thumbs up!

Ready, Set . . .

The last week of our summer vacation . . . We tried enjoy every last minute. Thursday was a great day at the beach. Good friends. Perfect weather. This picture sums it up well. What a great ride! Good thing too, because my battery died.

Nana came to visit and was a great help with all of the last minute preparations for school. We organized a little, played a little, and even relaxed a little. We enjoyed a mother/daughter night out - dinner and a movie! Just us, it was nice.

Nana and Justin the day before school a neighborhood waterpark.

Friends picnicking on the top of a grassy hill

Boys posing

Girls posing

Tomorrow is the big day! Are we ready?

Legacy

Alie's soccer team, "Legacy", has been practicing hard and winning tournament after tournament. These young girls work hard playing 2 - 4 games every weekend and practice 5 - 6 hours every week. Her coaches have been awesome and her daddy has loved helping out! He is right there with her through every practice and every game to encourage and cheer her team on. She is learning new "moves" and positioning. The teamwork is awesome to watch! She has been part of this team since June, thought I should get out my camera . . .

I love the determination in her face

Playing Left Wing

Nothing better than Kettle Corn when the sun starts to go down

Alie with her Daddy

Damon with the girls. Taking a moment to suck down that vitamin C.

A visit to Nana' house. A visit to "the country". A visit without many pictures. . . Relaxing.

Highlights: Cousins playing in an open field (Nana's yard). Chasing lizards. Heckling the turkeys. Feeding the horses apples. Finding "secret groves" of trees. Learning how to shoot an airsoft gun, riding the four wheeler, swimming at Brenda's, taking care of her five kitties, baking cookies, McCartney, Uncle Darren's BBQ, and having a girls night out.

Ryan had some great bonding time with his Hoho.

Little cowboys all clean and ready for bed. . . It was a fun couple of days, Thanks Nana and Hoho!!

Tiny Treats

After a fun slumber, the girls wanted to make some tiny treats for their American Girl dolls. They pulled out the tea set, and we began making some yummy miniature creations. . .

decorative cookies

(mini vanilla wafers, frosting, and tiny candies)

tiny doughnuts (cereal)

The boys thought it looked pretty fun

We each decorated a tiny three layered cake.

(Ding Dongs).

Yes, we each lit and blew out our very own tiny candle.

Thanks girls, this was fun!

What's better than one little guy in the house? Two little guys. We had cousin swap/sleepovers for a couple of nights.

Justin is was so excited to have Carter over!

We picked up "Scratchy Face" from work, and went to lunch with our new combination of kids - 3 boys and one girl.

These two were great helpers with their younger brothers. They are growing up so fast.