October...Where did you go?

October came and went! It began with our last week of fall break where we enjoyed some "summer" weather in SD once again. Babcia treated us to tickets for Disney on Ice as well.
Weekends continued with soccer for E and A as well as flag football for O. Babcia came down one Saturday to catch all the action. Next, came our annual Westmont Octocaz weekend with Jeremiah's old buddies from college along with their precious families. These guys continue to pull together a wonderful reunion for all of us.
A pumpkin patch trip, pumpkin carving and of course trick 'o' treating topped off our October month. Halloween night is a highlight for our family because we serve hot apple cider along with candy, set out our chiminia in our driveway, and welcome all our neighbors to hang out and reconnect.  Along with the Halloween festivities, my family squeezed in a Chipotle birthday dinner for me, and a memorable night continued with our community. The next evening I was treated to a date night out with my favorite guy! A great way to kick off November.
Woo hoo! November 2014...here we come!

Fall Break 2014 Destination: Yosmite National Park

This was our second fall break trip up to Yosemite. From a momma's point of view it takes quite a bit of work to prepare for a camping trip. Once you get there, we have early morning risers in our tent trailer and days without showers....but watching everyone having fun and creating life long memories makes it all worth it! (I think:)) The daily majestic views also make me grateful for making the effort of traveling here. The beauty of the this valley is unbelievable! Remembering our engagement 17 years ago on Half Dome always amazes J and I as well. Bringing our children to such a special place is a joy for us. I know these trips will always be such great highlights for our family.

Hello September..!!?

 The hot and humid weather continues, but soccer season begins in full swing. Adam gets to play for the first time and our family has 3 children in sports activities now! Yikes. Saturdays are pretty packed, but we are encouraging each other to enjoy the craziness of it all. Its so fun to watch their excitement for the sport each child has chosen to play. O stopped playing soccer a couple years ago and now is focusing on a travel team basketball as well as flag football beginning in October. Life is full but taking one day at a time and thanking the Lord for peace and joy in the moments we have with our kiddos. Even the challenging ones! Heading to the coast brightens all of our days in the midst of busyness so we try to do that when we can.

School's in but Summer Fun Continues....

In the midst of our regular school routine and weather being so warm in SD, it still felt like summer to our family this month! Some fun activities we enjoyed in August:
Pic 1: Coach Daddy and E begin their weekly soccer practice. Games begin this weekend!
Pic 2: Free Range Ball night every other week at our local golf course. Had fun enjoying it with friends.
Pic 3: The kids and I checked out the new downtown library. 9 stories high with an amazing children's section and view from the 9th floor. Awesome glass elevator too!
Pic 4: Warm evenings in the park while Owen had basketball practice.
Pic 5: Going to the beach to watch the sunset and grabbing some Krispy Kreme along the way. Sweet summer memories,
Pic 6 and 7:  My 20th high school reunion and a fun catch-up dinner with dear college friends
Pic 8: A's preschool tricycle rally! Don't get too wet in the car wash Adam!
Pic 9: A and momma checking out the new downtown water park. Very cool!
Pic 10:Checking out leopard sharks at La Jolla Shores with O. Awesome!
Pic 11: Another magnificent SD sunset. These never get old.

So much to be thankful for!!

Back to School! Yes-Already!

Summer break has come and gone for this family! Back to school we go. Owen is an upper grader now: 4th grade! Elizabeth is a happy little 2nd grader and Adam had his first day of preschool. All were thrilled with their new teachers and classrooms. The olders were super excited to be with all their school friends as well. Counting down until Fall break in September!

Happy Birthday Jeremiah!

 Happy Birthday to the greatest husband and father a family could ever have! We are so thankful for you!
Picture 1: A little celebration on the actual day at home.(July 21st)
Picture 2: Stopped at my parents house on the way home from Santa Barbara and celebrated on the 20th.

Summer Fun!

With the kids being on a year-round school schedule our 6 week summer flies by! After we returned from Maui we were able to enjoy some local fun in the sun as well as a house swap with a family from Santa Barbara. I don't think all our summers will always be this packed and fun-filled, but this is one summer break that the kids will always remember.
Picture #1: Our first time to the Del Mar Summer Fair with the sweet Olson crew.
Picture #2: My cousin Julie moved down to SD and lives in Del Mar. We spent one day on her beach and hanging out with her at the pool.
Picture #3 Cow Appreciation Day at Chick Fil A. Free meals with drinks for the entire family!
Picture #4 Pool dinner with the Thomas. We also spent lots of mornings at the pool this summer. The weather has been amazing!
Picture #5, 6 and 7: Our last summer getaway to Santa Barbara. We visited with old friends, hung out with their families, and took the kids up to Westmont to see where it all began.:)