Summer in full swing! I laughed as I looked down at these cuties on a shopping trip. Decked to the nines in pink and accessories ready for a trip to the grocery store!
I tried my best to have a few service projects this summer. My plans were grander than I was actually able to carry out but a few that were successful and easy: Thank you notes, cold water and peaches for the garbage man! The girls waited in anticipation all morning for the noise of the garbage truck on our street. They ran outside and flagged him down. He was really sweet and seemed to appreciate our kind and humble offering. Another project we did was playing "secret service agents". We baked cookies and delivered them to a lady from our ward who just had surgery. The girls wanted to add an element of surprise so they pretended to be secret service agents, sneaking up to drop off the cookies and running to hide after they rang the doorbell. It was exciting for them and I loved seeing them be happy about doing something nice for someone else!
We took a field trip with friends to California Pizza Kitchen. Before the restaurant opens they allow kids groups in to make their own pizza. While the pizzas are baking the kids get a tour of the restaurant and kitchen. The kids loved it.
Exploring bluebird park in Laguna Beach.
Kate playing on the tree swing. A branch from our tree has provided hours on entertainment as the kids use it to swing off the wall and into the pool.
This is my favorite shady spot to read in the afternoon. There is a nice breeze and the girls swim and Clara plays on the grass.
Our sweet neighborhood Grandma hosted all the kids on our street for a pancake breakfast and swimming. It was such a treat. We love our Cardinal Crew!
Paul and I were able to sneak away for a night to Dana Point to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary! It was such a treat. We stayed at a fancy hotel, ate delicious food and enjoyed a relaxing 24 hours without kids! Paul surprised me with a beautiful right hand ring at dinner. I was so excited! He treats me so well. It's been a fun 10 years and we are so blessed to have each other.
We spent many days at the beach chasing waves and building sand castles.
I love this blurry photo above. This was my view as I ate my breakfast one morning. All three of my girls playing together so well. It didn't last long, but for that moment made me very happy.
Kate and I went bridge jumping in Huntington Harbor. One of our favorite spots.
And our end of summer trip to build a bear! The girls motivation for doing their summer jobs every day was a trip to build a bear. They had to work hard to earn this trip and were then given $40 each to spend. It was fun watching them decide how to spend their money and what mattered to them and what didn't. I was proud of them for working hard all summer to earn this trip.
We celebrated GG and Gramps 95th birthdays! Mom went all out planning a party for the kids and kids at heart. Puppy petting zoo, magic, balloon animals, swimming and fun. Every kids dream. We love GG and Gramps so much and are so happy to celebrate them! They have spunk and such optimism and love. I hope I can be like them at 95.
