SUMMER...

went by faster than any other in recent memory. This was the first summer in 11 years where I was not dealing with an infant or being pregnant...it was soooo nice and made it easy to play. Both Anika and Taryn were able to go visit my parents in Minnesota each at a different times so they will be missing from certain pictures.

Well lets start with the 4th of July.

This little community parade we attend is always a great way to celebrate the holiday.

So I went to 4th of July at the beach only 1 time in my life and made a promise to myself that I would never ever do that again. Well that is true unless you are invited to Monarch. It was an amazing event...one of my most favorite 4ths ever. Easy to park....a huge deal, and as an added bonus we got to hang out with

fun friends and eat amazing food.

What a bonus it was to have so many of Anika's BFFs there.

Now this will be a summer never to forget for Josh. He was one with the ocean and it started this day. He got on that boogie board and never got off. It was magical for Joe to see his boy fall in love with the ocean. I always dreamed he would find that magic on a football field but what can I say. I married a surfer :)

It must be in the Genes.

Way to go Josh!!!!!

I need to post a picture of the large friend we found that day. Yes that is a sand crab.

I have never seen any close to as big as this guy.

I love the 4th!!!

MAMMOTH...

was a great trip to kick off summer break!!!

We went up with my family and had such a wonderful time. Lots of fishing, exploring, hanging out and enjoying the beautiful surroundings and each others company. This was an annual trip we took growing up and we always loved it. We would go during winter break and ski. It was always during my birthday which was so fun. It was great to show the next generation around.

There was still skiing the last week of June.

Yeah we did not pack for that.

It was clean.

This is an earthquake fault

The kids are always begging Papa to take them fishing. We were not all that lucky with catching lots of Trout but Anika got one.

They are super tasty but lots of bones to deal with.

Josh never caught one but is still excited to go back and try again.

My hunky anchor man :)

This boy was not all that into fishing but loved driving the boat.

We went to Bodie an old Ghost Town and it is so cool.

A must see if you are ever in that neck of the woods.

She knows where they keep the money :)

The Fish Farm

A geyser.

Thanks for a great trip Mom and Dad.

I love the memories we make when we are all together!!!

ALOHA...

In every area we have ever lived I have always found friends. These friendships are usually started through my kids. I have my sweet Taryn to Thank for finding my dear friend Kelley. I love her and her family so to say I was devastated to find out she would be moving all the way to Hawaii is just a slight understatement. I miss her everyday. Her daughter is Taryn's best BFF ever so she has had it rough.

We threw a fun going away party for her and her friends. These 4 are so tight.

Forever Friends.

END OF AN ERA....

in School for Anika.

In our district 5th grade is your last year for elementary...too early.

She had a lot of fun her last few months and worked really hard. Here are some highlights of her last months as a little kid.

Colonial Days

She also had a story she wrote with her good friends performed at an assembly for the whole school...so cool.

Piano recital... she has been my only kid who has begged to take lessons although that did not start until this year so I have hope for the others.

Open house is always so fun. We were blessed with incredible teachers this year.

I think our best ones yet and I am so grateful for all they do!!!!

1st grade with Mrs. Schwartz

3rd grade with Miss Purcell

5th grade with Mrs. LeFever

My elementary school graduate. Good Job Annie!!!

My future students. I am expecting a A in art out of the little one....

never a dull moment.