Sunday, August 9, 2009

Beaching it!




We traveled to Southern California  again this year  because we just love the beach!  We tried the San Clemente beach this year. There were lots of families there so we fit right in, except for maybe our swimsuits!?  Scott couldn't get enough of the water and body surfed at every opportunity.  Camille  and I liked to swim too, but we weren't as brave as dad.  Carter mostly wanted to go back to the motel to swim and watch TV, but since his parents weren't cooperative he learned to boogie board.  Carter takes after his dad and soon was riding the waves all the way in.  Ryan and Bethany loved the waves if they had lots of hands to hold.  I decided after listening to Bethany that squealing must be half the fun!  We ate lots of take out and sandy junk food.  The kids thought breakfast at the Hampton Inn was "the best" and usually got the big eye every morning.




Sandy snacks anyone?  The seagulls at Crystal Cove state beach didn't seem to mind.  They got into our chips and unopened cookies.  Luckily, Carter took it upon himself to protect the snacks and save our food from the seagulls.

Exploring the tide pools at Crystal Cove State Beach


Super Ryan!

Showing off our sun burns

We missed low tide but were able to see some neat critters anyway.  It was fun to watch the big wave crash on the rocks, but Bethany found it rather intimidating.  I would too if I were less than 4 ft tall...


A beautiful purple star fish.

This interesting blob is a sea slug. Ryan and Scott picked it up and said it felt like holding jello.
I'm really glad that it's against the law to take any of these "friends" home.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Fourth of July Festivities

We celebrated the Fourth of July at our home this year with the Butlers. We had fun playing in the backyard, BBQing, eating homemade ice cream, watching movies, and enjoying the fireworks.
We love Kung Fu Panda!

Uncle Mark, Grandma Butler, Camille, and Uncle Phillip
Aunt Laura and Uncle Rex
Carter, displaying his new webkinz
Ian couldn't get enough of the sandbox...

Jacob- Just testing mom!
Audrey, Eva, and Bethany- Three royal princesses.

Happy Birthday Carter!

We had a family birthday party for Carter this year. We had a great time. We opened presents, ate cake and went swimming! Happy Eighth Birthday, Carter! We love you!
Carter opening his long awaited webkinz.

Displaying the cake Camille and Carter made before digging in.

Camping at Strawberry

We went camping at Strawberry with our friends in June. We swam in the lake and ate lot's of junk food. Zack did finally succeed in catching some crawdads, and shared them with Ryan and Carter. They took the crawdads home and ate them! 
Kayleen,  Baby Rheese, and Brian
Bethany and Tyler- Best Buds, all set to go.
Sarah and Scott
Camille
Back: Maddy, (the volunteer motor)
Middle: Bethany, Tyler
Front: Sydney
Zack- Crawdad hunting.
Maddy, Tyler, and Sydney
Carter, all bundled up.
Bethany
Baby Rheese and Kayleen
Ryan testing his luck. Got to love those shoes.