Swim Lessons

She's all suited up and ready to go. Peyton opted out of the picture but she rarely misses an opportunity! She loves the water and is continuing lessons because she's not ready to give up her floaties yet.

San Diego

The kids spent the weekend in San Diego and they had the absolute best time. Peyton was sweet to let me know that he was so happy to see dad and I, but, he wanted to go back. I can't blame him. The weather is no comparison. They went to the beach, Knotts Soak City, got to stay up late and eat a bunch of stuff I wouldn't let them. A huge thank you to Randy and Katie for wanting to have them. It's an awesome feeling when someone calls and asks to have your kids for the weekend.

A french fry that looks like her hair.

Nap time. She was apparently happy right where she was at. She didn't want to get in bed.

Wii Project

Peyton has been wanting a Wii and I have to admit, so do I. Over dinner one night he was rambling off a list of his wants and needs and asking why we just can't to the store to get them. I got a little frustrated because as much as we'd like too, you just can't have it all. Not to mention that at 7 years old his perception is that we work hard so we should have the money. With that comment I thought of an idea and we made him a deal. Figure out how to earn half of the money and we'll give him the other half. Without hesitation he said I'm going to recycle and maybe I'll start a lemonade stand. Thinking that recycling could take forever I told him we'd make a sign with 25 rings. For every 5 dollars he'd earn we'd match the 5 dollars and he could tear off a ring. I thought this would help him stay motivated and see progress.

Last weekend we went to our family reunion and told everyone about what we were doing. We made sure he collected his bottles and cans but then the family started emptying out their own recycling bins and here we are 12 bags of recycling later. This is going to go a little bit faster than I thought. He and his good friend Luke spent the afternoon separating it and it's now ready to go the recycling center. He may have a Wii by the weekend.

Big Bear

Drew all suited up and ready to go.

Peyton gearing up to jump in. I love how his tounge is sticking out.

An ice cold beverage makes the boat ride that much better

The Halloways

Peyton, Braydon and Marcus

Danielle and Al invited us to Big Bear for the 4th weekend but because Mark had to work we couldn't go. We decided to get out of the heat for a day though and see what Big Bear was all about. The drive up the mountain was a little rough with Drew getting sick from all the curves. Once we were there though it was absolutely georgous. It's so amazing how fast you relax. The weather is perfect, the motorhome sight they were staying at had everything you needed and it was right on the lake. Running water, clean restrooms, swimming pool, tennis court, bbq's and a clubhouse. My kind of camping. We rented a boat and headed out to the lake for a few hours. The water was freezing and it was a little windy. I have no idea how they swam but they did. The rocking of the boat put Drew to sleep for just about the entire time. I can't wait to go back again. It was such a fun family day.

Taking Drew for a spin.

Mark doing his famous back flip. He's just like one of the kids. I have no idea how he was able to handle the freezing water.

4th Of July

Mellow this year. The kids didn't want anything to do with fireworks or sparklers. Peyton said

he was "over it". He's never been a big fan and it just didn't feel like the 4th without them. We spent the afternoon at my moms. Randy, Jesse and Katie came to visit so it was fun to relax, laugh, eat and watch the kids swim. Randy brought a surf board and gave Peyton a lesson. Desert surfing...the safest way to learn. We hit a few balls on the golf course which I think annoyed some of the neighbors but it was a lot of fun. I'm ready to have real lessons. I hate how big Peyton looks compared to the pictures of Drew. He's growing up so fast.

Father Day

Mark had to work Father's day but he was home by mid day which left plenty of time to celebrate. The kids spent the morning making his sign and decorating his cards. As soon as he got home they couldn't wait to show him. We gave him his gifts, went out to eat and then went bowling.

Mark getting a little misty eyed by all the love.

One of his gifts. He's been wanting a bike to ride to work since it's so close to home now.

The three kids enjoying being outside.

Cousin's Weekend

We've tried to get together with Mark's cousins and do a trip. Last year a cruise, this year Vegas and next year a trip to San Luis Obispo. With everyone busy with life, raising kids or finishing school, it's good to know we have a weekend set aside so we can all catch up.

We stayed at the NYNY Hotel which I really liked. They have so much going on and so many little places to eat, you never have to leave. Chelsea just turned 21 and was able to join us. She was a blast and we've learned that age has definately set in. We cannot keep up with the younger kids thats for sure!

**The four cousins***

A night at the Planet Hollywood dancing, listening to some really good people sing karaoke, losing my purse and crying but thankfully having Chelsea go to each and every table till she found the honest person who turned it into the bartender. I was so grateful. I assumed someone just took it. There are honest people in Vegas. Who knew?

The Excalibur hotel has beer pong. Mark and I had never played and although we lost I'd like to think we gave them a run for there money. Katelyn and Erica were for sure the champions beating Chelsea and Alec. Don't mess with them.

33 Years

Mark turned 33. A mellow birthday with just the four of us. We were going to Vegas the next weekend and planned on celebrating more over there. He chose dinner at El Mirasol,(do we ever eat anywhere else) then home for dessert and presents. Simple, easy and a lot of fun. The kids were so excited to give him his gifts. Thankfully the weather has been beautiful and we're able to spend most evenings outside. Still though, a candle doesn't hold up very well in ice cream.

Little Ladybug

Drew's dance season ended with a spring recital of the teachers version of Alice in Wonderland. Her age group were ladybugs and were the cutest little bugs ever. The girls had to wear their hair in buns and I was a little nervous how she'd react but she loved them. She's been wearing her hair like that ever sense. The teachers at school have a hard time looking for her on the playground without her little afro.

The Little Things

After hearing me complain how my necklaces would end up in one big knot or how the kids liked to use them as lassos and rope each other, Mark made me hooks in the closet to hang everything individually. Now I can see my scarfs and necklaces and the kids can't get into them. Very excited. It kind of reminds me of shopping at a store. It's the little things in life that make me happy.