California

This year we took our family vacation to the great state of California! It was the five of us, plus Grandma Cyndy and Jordan's friend joined us a few days late. We had a "niece" (it's actually Dan's cousins daughter) Tahana graduating from High School so we wanted to go support her for that and decided to make a vacation out of it. We left early on the 10th and began our ~12 hour drive up to Northern California. Dan didn't get any sleep the night before so he only lasted about an hour into the drive before it was my turn to take over. Our 12 hour drive ended up taking just under 14 hours, over all I have to say it wasn't that bad of a drive. We arrived safely at Aunt Cece's just in time for dinner. Cousin Jeremy and his family were there to greet us as well. The night was spent, catching up and making our plans for the next couple days.

Day 1: A break for Mommy, a nice spa pedicure with Cousin Lori, the guys went and had a couple beers and Grandma & aunt Cece kept all the younger kids.

Lori, Me, Dan & Cousin Jeremy

This hotel was The Valencia-so of course I had to take a picture with it.

The teenagers hit the beach and streets of Santa Cruz where they had lots of fun. We all met back aunt Cece's for a BBQ and games that evening

Zach (Tahana's Boyfriend), Tahana, Kasey & Jordan

We had 10 days of vacation so be sure to check back for more pictures from our trip. =)

Swim Lessons

I wanted to squeeze this one in before I started all of our vacation posts. The kids (Ashley, Arlo & Zeno) all started swim lessons on the 20th. Yes, I know what I am doing and no, I'm not crazy for taking 4 kids to the pool. =) Swim lessons run everyday for 2 weeks and I have to say we have success after just the first week. The kids are just loving it and I am already seeing a huge difference in their skills after just one week. Allison loves getting to "swim" while the other 3 are in lessons. Here are a few shots I was able to get without Allison having a melt down because we got out of the pool. =)

Ashley & Arlo are in the same class, this is their teacher Miss Lisa

Zeno with his swim teachers Kate & Josh

June

Well, after our crazy May, you would think that June would have slowed down...no way...not with four kids, (our 2 + the boys I watch). We started summer movies on June 1st, which the kids have just been loving. We been doing lots of swimming, let me tell you the girls are FISH, we even got to make a trip down to see Uncle Dave & Aunt Lori's new house and try out their new pool with slide. We have had a few play-dates, started swim lessons (post on this to come), still doing gymnastics and some how fit in a 10 day vacation to California (posts to come). Here are our June pictures.

1st day of movies

Marilyn Monroe?

Sliding with big sister Jordan at Uncle Dave & Aunt Lori's

10!

Catch me Dad

One of our play-dates at the park

The big blue ball, who knew if you stuffed the kids inside and rolled them all around like a rat they would love it. =)

Jacob, Ben & new Baby Michael came over for a play-date as well. Ben loved licking the water from the sprinklers off of the patio. =)

Ashley LOVED Baby Michael, has been asking if we can have our own Baby Michael. She has even prayed about it at bed time and asked for God to give Mommy & Daddy a baby brother, I jump in bed and pray he doesn't. =}

Another swim date at Reece's house, see video below

Picking Daisies

Yup another play-date, with more friends.

Otter Pops...the perfect summer treat.

May

Well, I didn't go 5 weeks without a post because I was sitting on the couch eating bon-bons (I may look like it, but I wasn't. =})We have been just so busy, we had my cousins wedding, another cousin graduated high school, play-dates, BBQ's and just life. There are a ton, but here are our May pictures.

Allison loves to play in her car seat, when she knows were not going anywhere that is. =}

Grandma & Grandpa came up for a BBQ, I have to say I think this was the 1st time Allison went to Grandpa willingly.

Yes she is wearing a bathing suit & snow boots.

Hi!

We got to see my Mom for dinner this month too. We actually all got together for a late Mothers Day dinner. It was great to see my sister and Mom, I miss them so much.

Kisses for her baby

Totally out! All snuggled together.

varoom-varoom

Yeah she learned how to take her diaper off, she was taking me to where she left it at in this picture.

May 19th and I have to bundle the girls to go outside and play.

We got to see Kurstin this month too!

My cousin Ayla graduated High School on the 25th. The ceremony was being held at ASU's Wells Fargo arena. I decided to head down a little early and take the girls to a near by splash pad to play. They had so much FUN!

On my way down that morning, I stopped and picked up my little sister Michelle. I had fun hanging out with her and the girls just loved being with their Tia.

Congratulations AYLA!!

Yeah this was at Ayla's graduation party. I promise you there was no coxing in these next few pictures. She did this all on her own, I just happened to catch each step.

The day after the graduation, I met up with a good friend I went to ASU with, Sandy and her boys Thomas & Aiden. We had lunch then let the kids play, it was lots of fun. Sadly we also had to say our goodbyes, Sandy and the boys moved just a few days later to Indiana. We love and miss you guys, hope you are adjusting well.

As you may know, we are pretty involved with our local library. We attend story time pretty much every Tuesday. The four kids really enjoy it and have made friends amongst the other regulars, so have I. Story time usually only lasts about 45 minutes, but we are usually there for more than an hour, socializing and playing. On May 31st, I decided to host a potluck & play-date here for all our library friends, we had a great turnout and are already planning the next one. =)

Allison officially started walking on April 30th. This video was taken on May 4th, just look at her go. She is even faster now. Oh, and yes Ashley did get in trouble for the kick at the end of the video.