Isn't it Adorable?

Thanks to Wendy and her bright idea for Tess - I had to have a scripture bag for Kalli too! As many of you know, I am no seamstress, so with a lot of help from Kim and Wendy, this is what we got. Kalli loves it, especially the 'real' scriptures inside of it. (We read the picture B of M stories to her now). Thanks girls, I literally couldn't have done it without you!

Our Little Pioneers

Who says Pioneer Day can only be celebrated in Utah?

Victoria's Secret

Victoria Street beach is one of the best beaches around and Kalli and Tess couldn't get enough of the water. It was so fun to watch them laugh hysterically as the waves surrounded and sometimes engulfed them.

Ohhh, to be a kid again!

Long Time No See

We haven't seen Chad, Laura and Michael in almost a year, so it was nice when Chad had to come this way for a conference and his family came with. Kalli was so excited to have Michael stay with us, she didn't stop asking how much longer until they arrived. She was also pumped that she got to sleep in the tent with Nate while they were here.
So when they arrived, we headed to Riviera Beach in San Clemente . Kalli and Michael had a blast looking for seashells, running around and digging in the sand

they even got to do a little 'surfing' together

Annie drove down from Monterey to visit as well (this was pretty exciting for Kalli as well) so when she arrived, we headed to one of my fave spots - Thai Bite. It was so good, we couldn't get enough and I was stuffed by the time we left!

Treyvan thoroughly enjoyed it as well

Of course, we had to take a dip in the pool - Laura and Michael

Kalli and Annie

Lookin' good

Like bro like sis

Annie wanted a chance to go surfing, so we hit up the beach one more time

Treyvan felt at home with his Aunt Laura and the kids couldn't get enough of the water

Kalli had so much fun with everyone; we are thrilled that we got to spend some time together. We hope they all come back soon! Love you guys!

It Was Bound to Happen

Treyvan's first fat lip. He fell this morning in the bathroom while I was getting ready for church. He was actually holding on to me but he reached for the door and before I knew it his lip hit the scale on the floor. I saw blood and immediately checked to see if all his teeth were there. I don't need another toothless child!

Thank heavens it was just his lip! Now he looks like he has a bird beak. Poor guy!

Skating It Up

Tonight, we went to the ward Roller Skating Party. Nate helped put it all together in the stake center gym! Kalli has never been roller skating and was very excited to try

after a few crash and burns (and a few bruised up shins of mine) Kalli finally got it down and found some friends to skate with


Wendy and I decided to join in the fun too

I cruised around with Kalli

while Nate and Treyvan enjoyed the nachos and licorice

I don't think Kalli stopped skating for more than 5 minutes the whole night

We had such a good time - I think we might have to invest in some skates!

Official Mud Runner

Ever since I heard about the infamous Mud Run, I have wanted to participate, but I couldn't until now! I ran the 5K at the EcoFest Mud Run in Irvine (next to Wild Rivers). I was supposed to run with a couple friends, but they couldn't go last minute, so I went by myself. I didn't know what to expect, but I had a good time.

This is one of the mud pits we crawled through

I finished in 35 minutes about 150 out of 500 participants (I went through the team finish area by accident so I had to backtrack, that is why the time isn't accurate). Not too bad considering the obstacles that we had to go through. I definitely want to try Camp Pendelton next year and compare. Can't wait for Round 2!

Beach Babe

Staying Cool at the Pool

One way to beat the heat this summer is spending lots and lots of time at the pool

Treyvan sitting with his bud Vaughn

Paige leading, as usual, the other kids in a train

Kalli striking a pose

Tess diving in

and Madison doing a crazy twist

This is just a glimpse into the fun we have. Bring on the heat!

Surf's Up

Nate has been telling Kalli he will take her surfing with him for a few weeks now and she can't stop talking about it. She told me in the car today that she can't believe her and Tess are going to be surfers. She was so excited! A couple days ago, Nate and Kalli painted his board, getting it ready for Kalli's big debut. Since then, Kalli refers to it as 'MY' board. It is hilarious :)

Nate was pretty stoked about his original design

The "Kamakazi" - what do ya think?

We met up with the Lowry's this afternoon at Doheny beach. Without much hesitation Kalli hopped on the board and away they went

and here they are on their way in - it only lasted about 20 min. Kalli was excited about it until the water kept spraying her in the face, which scared her and she began to cry. It was all over from there. Don't worry though, we will try it again :)

Jake and Tess were out 'catching' some waves as well

Jake was kind enough to let me use his board - Nate was shocked to see me out there. The water was warm so I thought - why not?!

Nate, the Pro, riding the 'barrel'

Treyvan had fun in the sand

and so did the new 'surfer' girls. Can't wait to try it again!

Two of a Kind

Serioiusly, so cute! I hope they always get along this well ;)

Kalli is already torturing her brother

problem is, he actually likes it :)

Happy 4th!

Our Independence Day was a lazy one. It started off with a thorough vacuuming and washing of the cars, then to be honest, we all took a nap. Treyvan was sick, Nate was too and I was exhausted from taking care of a sick baby for a week. Kalli just lounged in her new hammock Nate rigged for her in our front yard.

Around 5:30, the kids and I went out to the Aliso Viejo celebration. We did a few games and visited some booths

then we waited in line for 45 min to get Kalli and Tess' faces painted. Kalli was a patriotic butterfly and Tess was a fairy with sparkles. They look so cute, it was worth the wait!

Treyvan showed a little patriotism

Next, we headed to our usual spot on the Lowry's hill, for the 3rd year in a row, to watch the fireworks. Nate stayed home while Treyvan slept, so Kalli and I set up for the show.

Kalli could hardly wait for the fireworks to begin

The fireworks were great and the finale was fantastic!

God Bless America! I am so greatful for the freedom I enjoy and this wonderful place I get to live in.