happy days

Sunday was Fathers Day. Yesterday was Shane's birthday. He has had double days of fun ever since Tyler was born 9 1/2 years ago. This year, he celebrated Fathers Day with

A little bit of this

and a little bit of that

a little bit of this

and a little bit of that

The birthday celebration continued yesterday with a few friends, a seriously lit-up cake and a whole lot of silly string.

Let me tell you, it's hard to surprise this guy. He's SUPER sneaky and always knows/finds out what the plan is ahead of time. This time I waited until the actual day to get the ball rolling. That way, he's at work and can't find out anything. I called a few of his friends and they all showed up at 7:30 for cake and ice cream. He didn't have a clue. Mission accomplished.

We love you Shane! Happy Birthday and Happy Fathers Day!

girls day out

Today was the last day of swimming lessons. The kids did so great! Paige isn't afraid in the deep water anymore, Tyler has a great freestyle stroke and Morgan has learned to kick and scoop, go all the way under the water and jump from the side.

After lessons Tyler went to play at Kale's house for a couple of hours while I enjoyed some girl time with Paige and Mo. Poppy's Home Decor was having a princess day. The girls put on their best outfits, and jumped right into the activities there. Face painting, decorating crowns, glitter toes and a tea party with Natalie and Lily.

We had a blast! Morgan LOVED her face paint and cried tonight as I washed it off before bed.

Girls are Drama with a capital D, but we sure know how to kick it princess style! I love my girls!

It's hot out.

Is this what it's like in your house? Our kids have to be carefully trained for the summertime. We have to turn off the tv and invite a little creativity into their minds. Right now, they're " jammin' " with their guitars. Sounds awesome. Tyler can play the intro to 'Walk This Way' over and over and over. . . . . and over. Paige has a fake Barbie guitar. You can imagine the tunes that are going on here. Who needs tv?


Yesterday Mo and I whipped up a little roasted chicken for dinner. She LOVES to help. . . and pose. It's hot out. She insisted that she cook in only a diaper. . . and an apron. At least she chose to keep the diaper, otherwise, you wouldn't be seeing any pictures.

It's very hot out.
We decided it was time to get a pool.
Big decision.

Some might say it's not good enough.
We've never said that.
When you're hot, you find a way to cool down. ANY way.

Maybe it's a blow up pool.
Maybe some of us swim without suits. . . with only diapers
Maybe our grass is dead.
Maybe the pool is full of grass and leaves.
Maybe we don't care.

Maybe she looks like Quazimoto with her goggles on :)

Maybe he's a little pruny.

awww, I love you Quazimoto!

We have to end the day with a little snack. Mo's favorite and mine. She eats everything except for the dark green rind. We try to offer a new piece before she takes it that far.

Time in Cali

So, Shane took a job with a doctor in Scottsdale. PHEW! Relief. The commute is a little lengthy, but it will work. Last week was his last week officially "unemployed" so we decided to take a quick trip to California before the new job started.

Due to unforseen events and several weeks spent completely together, the conversation was seriously lacking on the drive there.

I'm talkin' crickets chirping for 6 1/2 hours people.

Is this what it's going to be like when we're old and retired. Possibly. Am I ok with that. . . sure. I mean, hearing the love of your life breath for 6 1/2 hours COULD have a calming effect. . . if I were more patient. I mean, it's better than NOT hearing them breath. That would just cause panic.

ANYhoo, we made it there safe and sound, and at a decent hour. We played with little miss Molly (Grandma and Grandpa's puppy) for a couple of hours and then hit the hay.

Day 2 was spent at a lovely place called Point Loma and then San Diego. Have I included enough pictures?

Picnic lunch with the squirrels
Spotting boats with the binoculars
Choking a spanish explorer
A tour of the Lighthouse
Exploring the tidepools
A walk to Seaport Village
Dinner at Anthony's

Day 3 was spent at the beach. . . ahhh, lovely. No pictures. Sometimes I just want a break from being behind the lens.

Day 4 Barb and I participated in the Aflac Iron Girl 5K at the fairgrounds, and then we drove home. Such a fun few days!

(A view from the bottom of the spiral staircase in the lighthouse.)

This metal sculpture was along the pier in SanDiego. Cool huh!If you look closely, you can see our reflections. Looks like a little Super Mario Land.