Aunt Grace's Cabin June 2013

This week the kids and I were able to spend some time up in Show Low-Lakeside at Aunt Grace's Cabin with my brother Jaron and his fam. The cabin was beautiful, the kids had a blast, the weather was lovely (ESPECIALLY at night!) and it was nice to just be able to get away for a few days. We were hoping more of the family would be able to come, but everyone else backed out last minute for different reasons. Kind of a bummer, but I'm still glad we were able to go with Jaron and Aileen and spend some time with them. We love mountain getaways! 

Chillin in the cabin

The BEST part of going to the mountains... :) 

Conrad couldn't get enough of the quad. He LOVED IT! 

And then..there is "THE swing!" You can't go to Lakeside and not take a ride on the swing! So many memories  growing up took place at this exact spot. It was great to be able to bring my kiddos there and let them make some memories of their own! 

 

Even the pregnant momma took a ride! WAHOO!! I forgot how much fun it is!! :) 

We had planned to play in the lake, but turned out the public pool was a better (and much cleaner!) option. So I stayed with my Conrad at the cabin while he napped while everyone else went swimming...

THe cousins! CHillin on the front porch, drinkin and eating their snacks

Silly kiddos!! We love them!

We will definitely be going back to this cabin soon. Maybe for a snow trip?? YA! :)

California 2013

We had a WONDERFUL time at the beach this year. It was the first year we actually stayed in a hotel rather than a campsite, (all the campsites were full!) and we all definitely missed the camping, but it was still fun. The hotel was right next to the beach and had a little kitchen in it for a good price so it was perfect for our little family. Plus, I will never complain about a nice, hot, CLEAN shower after playing at the beach all day. :) I Miss the beautiful green grass and trees, cool salty breeze, warm sand, and mesmorizing waves already. Kind of spoiled the rest of summer, taking our "summer vacation" early! It was the only weekend Justin could take off until we have this baby though, so it was definitely worth it to be together as a fam and just enjoy beautiful Carlsbad! Already looking forward to next year!

Enjoying lunch on the beach

Brax's fave thing to do at the beach was dig for sand crabs. He probably spent 90% of his time collecting them. Love this man! 

And Bella, she loved to run from the waves and splash and play, then come lay in the nice warm sand to warm up. My pretty girl! 

Sweet Conrad wouldn't let me set him down in the water, but he loved for me or Justin to hold him while the waves crashed around our feet! And of course the sand...what kid doesn't love playing in the sand? My sweet baby boy...

And then there's my other "baby!" He couldn't get enough of the waves and just swam and swam, enjoying the cool salty water. It was fun to watch him just relaxing and enjoying himself. I love how the beach gives everyone something fun to do. No one ever gets bored! 

Time to bury the kiddos! 

Yup, that's my Bella! 

My and my Girl. Too bad you can't see my belly, then you'd see my and both my girls! :) 

Sat night we took a walk down the Pier. It was BUSY, but the view at the end was worth it...

Doesn't get better than this...

Justin just HAD to golf at Torrey Pines while there, so I took the kids to the aquarium. It was nice, and the kids loved it! 

Goodbye California! Until next year! 

Saturday

Yesterday was a good day. A busy, productive, good day. 

It started out with Brax's last day of basketball for the season. This is the first season he has played bball and has really done well and improved so much just in these few months! This last game he made 5 shots! WAhoo!! He has his daddy's genes and is one competetive little boy, but certainly has the makings of a great player! We are excited to see him play again next season and watch him blossom all the more! 

After Bella's dance pictures, house cleaning, lunch, naps, and a little swim time, we then went to our annual ward MONSTER slip n slide!! I think I look forward to this almost as much the kiddos! :D We had a BLAST and spent all afternoon at the park, slippin and sliding to our hearts content! 

Finally around 5ish, with bruised bums we rushed home to take showers so mommy and daddy could get ready for our date! Shay Shay (my sis Shaliah) come to watch the kids so Justin and I could spend some time together. We had a lovely evening, went to P.F. Changs then perused Scottsdale mall (ok mostly just one store - TESLA motors - they are a beauty! ) where we ran into some friends and spent some time chattin it up with them. Top the day off with a "movie night" with my other sister Alisha and some much needed FRO YO, and that my friends is a lovely day. 

Next weekend - the BEACH and CALI, here we come!  

6 Months

So I'm a little late posting "belly shots" this time around, but better late than never right? 26 weeks... I already love this little princess and am cherishing every kick, flip and flop she throws my way. Still hard to believe this is my last go at creating these miracles....I'm gonna miss this stage! 

Iriigation Adventures

Some of my favorite memories growing up are playing in the irrigation during the summer. I remember catching crawdads and all sorts of magical creatures and thinking it was the greatest thing in the world! Now, looking back and remembering some of the things we caught and seeing what comes into my own yards, I can't believe I ever submerged my body in this "Water!" However, remembering the adventure it was to me, and watching the joy it brings my own children, how could I possibly deny them those memories? They think its the greatest thing in the world, and I will let them believe that for as long as they wish! Have fun kiddos!