Happy Birthday Bethany!

Dress Up Party!

Bethany said, "the best part is presents!"

The kids weren't too interested in games.   They just wanted to eat cake and watch Bethany open presents.  Of course that matched Bethany's agenda perfectly!  This game was a total flop but made for a cute picture.  After cake and presents and we had some time to fill and everyone was content to play with toys.  Bethany happily shared her new toys, which surprised me, isn't that why opening gifts almost always happens at the end of a party?

Camille is our official party planner and made this adorable cake.

Pinewood Derby

Carter and Ryan both got to participate in the Pinewood Derby in Cub Scouts this year. Both did well and their cars look awesome!

Carter's Car won the "Flames of Fury" Award for his car which he specified from the very beginning must have flames coming from behind.

Ryan's car won the "Fishiest Car" Award. He and Scott put a lot of work into this car. 

Labor Day Picnic

We found this beautiful spot not far off the road.  Ryan was sick but managed to make it with lots of  help.  We had sandwiches, potato salad and watermelon.  We were all worn out from a stressful week and came home and took a nap.

Could We Live in a Smaller House? Maybe...

We finally got new carpet! We all moved into the garage for a week while the new carpet was being installed. Every kid got their own square of cement in the garage that was theirs alone. The kids thought it was great. We even had the night-lights in there. Carter opted to sleep outside in the tent by himself. We were all grateful at the end of the week to have our own rooms again.

Carter's Baptism

Congratulations on getting baptized Carter! We love you!

Fairy Princess Tea Party

We haven't posted in a while, so this is an update on how we finished up the summer. Bethany and Sarah went on a Mommy-Daughter Date to the Fairy Princess Tea Party and Ballet. Bethany got to dress up as a princess, have "tea", make a crown, and watch the Cinderella Ballet.

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.