The Last Summer Fling

We have had so much fun with the visitors we've had over the past 3 weeks. Some visits were planned well ahead and some very last minute, but we have been thrilled to have everyone come. Ironically, the last group we had stay with us planned the furthest in advance. My brother, his wife and my sister have come to visit almost every year that we've lived in California (3.5 yrs). We have become the family vacation spot and LOVE it! So, once again they came to enjoy some good shopping, beaches and of course time with us. This time, Jill brought her new husband, Nick as well.

First stop, the beach - Montage

Nate's handiwork and Kalli, so willing to pose for a picture

Treyvan had a fab time too

Of course, the underwater camera had to come out.

Mark and Cristin-7 mos pregnant and don't know whether it's a boy or girl - (I bet it's a girl :)

Jill and Nick - the honeymooners

Kalli hitching a ride from Nate

Wow, what a HOT couple!

Kalli flirting with the camera

We took turns walking and sitting with a rock at the bottom of the pool. Why? Well, why not?

After spending a full day shopping, while the boys golfed, we headed back to one of our favorite beaches - Victoria - even though it was a bit chilly and cloudy. It didn't stop them from getting in the frigid water.

The waves were really big that day (8-10ft) so Cristin and Jill tried to get a few photos

Treyvan was pooped, so I layed him down for a little nap. (He just HAS to have his blanket over his face).

We are so glad we got to see everyone again and look forward to the next trip. You'd better reserve your spot at 'Hotel Fischer' soon - we fill up fast! :)

A Much Awaited Reunion

I was excited when Kirsten, my long time friend, and her daughters met up with us for a couple days. We first met at Disneyland - I wanted to go to Fantasmic while it was still showing. Kalli and Hannah got along perfectly. They loved the show. Kalli's favorite part was the big steamboat with all the characters on it at the end .They couldn't take their eyes off the show. It was amazing - I loved it too!

The next day we met up with them at our house then took off to Woods Cove - my favorite Laguna beach. We were there for hours and the kids had way too much fun with each other.

This is the first time Hannah and Olivia have been to the beach ever and I think it was a hit!

For dinner, we met up with Jesse, another friend from high school who lives in LA. I thought Ruby's would be the perfect place for a bunch of sandy girls (and one little boy) in swimsuits to get some food. It was perfect and lots of fun catching up.

On our last day, we met in the middle at the Castle Park in Irvine. I was watching Tanner that day and I was a little worried that he might not want to be with all the girls, but he fit in perfectly!

We had so much fun, I am glad we could spend some time together! Until we meet again, Kirst...Thanksgiving in Utah?

Why it Pays to Exercise

I went on a walk around the Niguel Regional Park lake this morning with some girls from the ward and guess who we ran into...Magic Johnson!

We had just walked over the bridge and stopped to lift our strollers over the steps when Magic Johnson appeared and asked if he could help. He lifted Cami's stroller up and then proceeded to give the high schoolers running by a high five. What a nice guy! I didn't realize how big he really is- wow!

So who wants to join us next time?

Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

This afternoon, while Treyvan was napping, Nate and I did the same. Kalli was watching a video and when we woke up, this is what we found.

Kalli must have gotten sick of wearing her church dress so she took it off and since she couldn't go into her room (Trey was asleep) she found this dress to use as a blanket. I don't know why she used Nate's shirt and shorts to lay on since there are two perfectly soft couches 5 feet away from her-you can't always explain a 4 yr olds thought process :)

I love this girl!

A Good Surprise

So Monday morning, right as Shana was leaving, Michelle - my BFF for as long as I can remember-called and said they-her, Dustin and 2 yr old Mason- were in St. George on their way to Vegas. Since we couldn't meet them there, I convinced them to drive another 4 hours and spend a few days with us. It wasn't hard. By 4 pm they arrived. We were excited to see them and spend some time together.

We did a little shopping, went to the beach and swam in the pool, but the best part was the conversation. It is as if we never skipped a beat. We were sad the trip was so short, but we hope they come back again real soon! Love you guys!

I'm So Glad When Shan Comes to Town...

One thing we have come to expect and look forward to each summer is lots and lots of visitors. When you live in such a beautiful and amazing place it is easy to entice people to come for a quick visit. One of my best friends from high school, Shana, came with her 3 beautiful kids this last week and we hit the beach and pool every day for some fun in the sun

We went to Riviera beach in San Clemente first, where Kalli and Jake played hard

then Kalli made Jake into a sand shark and Olivia into a mermaid.

Next day-we headed to Laguna Beach and took the trolley in to town

I could have sat on it forever - it was so relaxing

Shana, Jake, Olivia and Sammy - pumped to be here!

















Of course, we had to get some gelato while we were there













the kids waiting patiently for the next trolley. Then we headed to Woods Cove beach (off of Diamond St.) to let the kids play for a bit, but we ended up staying for 2 hours! We had NO beach gear, but that didn't stop the kids- wet clothes and all!













That night Shana craved some Thai food, so we went to one of our fave spots-Thai Bite. Nate joined us and gave Treyvan some lemons to suck on. He wasn't quite sure what to think













After Thai food, we took a dip in the pool













Treyvan loved to be bounced up and down













Sammy loved the underwater camera













We even got a group shot

















In the morning, Kalli and Olivia enjoyed some cartoons on their homemade chair













and for the last day, we went to TableRock beach. I thought it would be perfect, it's beautiful, lots of seashells and the water would be good to play in. When we got there, the lifeguard told us that the water was too rough for the kids to play in- big bummer-but there were LOTS and LOTS of shells for the kids to sort through. They were in heaven!

Treyvan face planted in the sand - Who couldn't love this face?!

The ever running nose faucet proved to be a great 'glue' for the sand

















Finally, that evening we went to Mimi's Cafe, Shana's treat. It was delicious and the kids enjoyed their mud pudding and worms.
Shana and the kids left this morning. Kalli cried when she realized they were going. She was sad that she would be bored now. They all got along so well - it was fun for everyone. This is Shan's 3rd trip here (she has come every year since we moved to Cali), I hope we see her again next year and the next and next...

Apples of My Eye

Look who thinks he is so big...

T is pointing out the damage he's done to that apple

These 2 are going to be the best of friends (right?)

So darn cute, I love these 2!

Pool, Pool and More Pool

Will we ever get enough? I don't think so. Not with this little fish in our family :)

Handstand contest

and always diving for rings

I think Kalli would live in the pool if we let her!

A Little Fun in the Sun

For a change, today we headed to Dana Point Harbor for a picnic with the kids. We even had enough to feed the squirrels

then the guys got an idea from our neighbors to catch some crabs down by the water. After much determination and many failed attempts...

Curt pulled through with a couple crabs in the end. The kids loved to stare at them as they frantically tried to escape.

Then we headed back to the pool a little later for a bbq and bocce ball.

The boys played ball while we lounged in the pool. It was perfect, couldn't ask for more!