A late shout out to freedom

The fourth was a good one this year! But let's be honest, a beautiful day in sunny San Diego when your hubby doesn't have to work, and can spend the day with the family is ALWAYS a good day!!!

Swimming, BBQ's, bike parade, fireworks....done, done and done!

I kind of have a new found love for the 4th of July. It's quite possibly the easiest and most lazy holiday, but we're doing all my favorite things!!!!

Reason for Concern?

Brynlee is a mild nudist. When you're under 2 this could possiby be passed off as cute. After 2...not so much. After the following commentary took place yesterday between Brynlee and Carson's friend Mason i'm launching a new "modest is hottest" campaign in our home.

Brynlee: "Hey Mason, I don't have any underwear on." (said in an uncharacteristically flirty voice for a 2 year old!)

Yeah, i'm a little worried!

Number One

We are blessed, we are lucky, we are better people than we ever thought possible because of YOU!! Our family is led by the best. The Cream of the Crop. The One and only. Winning the lottery wouldn't compare to the feeling of having THE number one dad in our life...not even close! We Love him to pieces and had the best time spoiling him for his special day.

What makes our dad number one? I don't even now where to begin, but I know that everyone can use a Matt in their life. He laughs and makes us laugh constantly. You can't be around him for more than a minute and not laugh. His joy is contagious. He's a hard worker, and has spent the last 6 months building his own business, but we've always known his priority is with his family and especially in spending time with the kids. The memories of their fun "adventures" with dad will be one of those things they'll be telling their kids about. Above all he makes me want to be the best mother and wife that I can possibly be.

Our Perfect day of celebrating our dad was spent eating lots of good food and with both families, and both of our dads who are also AMAZING!!!! I have been surrounded by nothing but phenomenal men in my life.

Father's day fun wouldn't be complete without a little mischief with the cousins. I found the troops outside with this train concoction they made. They proceeded to tell me they had just "bombed" down the hill with my little Carson in the mix. Ay ya ya!!!!!

Tour de California

A couple weeks back Matt left us by our lonesome for a week of some serious male bonding on the road. Literally! What started as a fun little bike riding hobby for the occasional triathlon has ended with another pair of smooth legs in the house....these boys mean business!

We were sad and NERVOUS (mostly me) to say goodbye, but the boys had an adventure to remember!
The team: Uncle Craig, Matt, Nathan, Dad, and Trevor, starting their ride in good ole' San Francisco.

They rode down the california coast on the pacific coast highway (insert my nervous tendencies here....do you know how many oldies cruise that highway in big old motorhomes that are far too big for their own good??? Not to mention the cliffs...oh the cliffs!)

500 miles later and 6 days on the road, the self created "Team Amgen" ended their tour de california in Malibu.

And I think they all ended a little more manly than they began with some serious farmers tans!!!

Bathing Beauty

So i'm a little bit Obsessed with bathing suits. Or maybe a lot, but what difference does it make. Don't know why, but I have been for a long time- I love them....lots of them. I can't go to a store without checking out the latest selection, when they bring out the new crop every February, it's bliss. I won't even divulge how many I have because 1) I don't know myself and I think it's better off that way and 2) Really, I don't know...but i'm sure there's a few in the mix that need to retire if that's any consellation.
This must be a genetic obsession because Brynlee got the bug. Fortunately for her i'm also obsessed with cute little girl swimsuits and maybe even a little bit more because she models them so well. She puts one on almost e.v.e.r.y morning. Even when I want her dressed I can't say that I blame her! Now if only this dang June gloom would pass us by we can get a little more use out of them! But in the meantime we won't let them get dusty in the drawer.

Camping Crazies

Generally, I haven't been known to be campings greatest fan. Something about nasty public bathrooms as your only option (yes i'm a pansy camper, no squatting behind trees for me), a constant feeling of grunge, crazy kids who probably consume an unhealthy amount of dirt and sugar in a 24 period, and a lack of sleep doesn't quite call my name in the same way as a hotel might. But when you combine camping with good friends, the beach, an RV, a comfy bed in the back of a surburban, mexican food to go, and an endless amount of s'mores to be consumed, it makes for a darn good memorial weekend adventure. The kids and I were having a great time on the beach while I practiced my up and coming photography hobby until Brynlee became a little too ambitious and got pummled by a couple waves. She wasn't the happiest gal after that and cried in fear anytime the water got within a few feet of her or her big brother

It didn't spoil or photo session before I was able to get some cute shots.

Then Brynlee realized how delicious sand is and that held her over for even a few more minutes. You might think this is her trial run with sand, but I assure that is about the 5th finger she took in. Apparently she found a real treasure.

Okay serious overload of kid pics, and it may not even appear that we went camping, but we did-really. These guys are just too cute and I need a lot of practice if i'm going to be a pro one day:)

Ah, back to the camping and another highlight. Marshmallows, marshmallows, and more marshmallows. I'm just a little obsessed with all things marshmallow related....Perfection, and the true joy of camping!
Well, as usual, camping took its toll on the best of us and I think this picture pretty much sums it up.

The boys all surfed the next day, the girls ran/walked and we got a little more beach time before heading home. Wow, I really didn't get many group shots, or any for that matter, but at least I caught one of this mega hot surfer.

So we love camping after all, but maybe just in one night doses! The kids crashed seconds within packing up, and we were ready for an earrrly bedtime that night! Until next time...and there will be a next time- anyone game?

No Soliciting

Unfortunately the time has come to make our lives a little more private- but mostly the lives of my two squishable and completely adorably little nuggets! Being one who doesn't login in that often, I know this is kind of a royal pain, but i've just been feeling that this is probably the best thing for now. Too many creepers!!! So, you know the drill....leave your email if you want to keep reading. If I have your email you just might get an invite whether you want it or not...so beware :)