4th of July+

We didn't have a super eventful 4th of July, which was kind of nice because we were so exhausted! The lawn needed some help, and we had some surprise helpers. Gigi and Poppy have helped with our lawn several times this summer, which is so sweet of them. As if they don't have enough going on! But they always make time to serve others and are great examples. AJ was sweet to come too - we're happy to have him home the rest of the summer! 

We got to tag along with Gigi, Poppy, and AJ for lunch at Harris County Smokehouse. We had breakfast for lunch, and it was probably one of the best breakfasts I've ever had. Dead serious.

The rest of the day was fairly quiet. I went to the store (by myself! Score!) to stock up our fridge and we did lots of laundry. Poor Tyler was in a lot of pain from a really bad sunburn. I put lotion on his back several times and the kids laughed when I drew a face with it.

Even though we didn't do anything super festive, we were prepared with 4th of July shirts. Can't resist them.

I promised the kids a patriotic popsicle after dinner if they ate, but they did not. So I ate mine in front of them and Max cried. Maybe one day they'll learn to eat their food! Tough love baby!

The rest of the week was pretty low key too. We did finally make it to the library after not going for a while. I love our car rides home from there because they can't wait to look at the books they got!

Finally earned a popsicle, on July 5th haha

We recently discovered our sprinkler system isn't working (funny discovery to make in July - just shows how much rain we've had!) so we spend our evenings watering the lawn. Usually the kids get wet, whether or not they're wearing the appropriate clothing.

Love this scooter gang!

We loved having the Bakers in town for a bit longer than expected. These three girls, born within two months, are becoming cute cousin friends. With all the 4-yr old emotions, displayed below.

Actually, they were pretending to be dragons. I asked for dragon faces, happy dragon faces, and regular happy girl faces. 

California trip {day 7}

Our last day! We checked out of the hotel and drove down to San Diego one last time. Our flight wasn't for several hours so we met up with everyone at the Mormon Battalion Historic Site. I had been there a few years ago but they've made some changes and it was fun to go back!

Panning for gold.

Max kept finding gold and throwing it back in. Catch and release kind of guy. He actually ended up choosing a rock to bring home instead of a piece of gold! To each his own I guess.

We enjoyed walking around Old Town San Diego (where the historic site is) and the kid got to pick a candy from an old fashioned candy shop thanks to Gigi. They probably picked the least old fashioned candy they had in the place - a giant candy necklace and a car with candy in it - but they were happy. Can't argue with that.

Then it was time to fly home! Max loved sitting by Gigi this time and showing her the toys he had brought and treasures he had acquired on the trip.

We were happy to be home after a wonderful trip! Whenever I asked Millie what was her favorite part of the trip, she would say "Right now!" But I think now she says Disneyland. Max said "My favorite part was when we went to California." Sums it up pretty well I think!!

California trip {day 6}

On Saturday we drive out to San Clemente for some more beach time! The Denning family was so sweet to host us. Yummy food, gorgeous weather, just an all-around great time.  

Max didn't let me put on his swim suit but was so happy playing in the sand.

And now for some better-than-iPhone-quality-pictures! Thanks to Kurt for these.

L to R: Rob, James, Tanner, AJ, Garrett, and Tyler. These guys were doing crazy boy stuff for much of our time there. Very entertaining and no one was injured, so it was a win win.

There was a commuter train the passed right by the beach every so often, and Max got to excited every time!!

Sheri has a cute online shop and was so nice to give each of us a beautiful apron and the kids got cute T-shirts too. She even gave me a onesie for the baby! So so sweet.

After that we went back to our hotel. Both kids fell asleep in the car (they were troopers for all the car time on this trip! There was a lot). We looked up some places to eat and happened to choose one that pretty much shared a parking lot with the hotel! We discovered this after buckling everyone in, of course. But we enjoyed a yummy dinner and settled in for the night. Millie needed to be worn out after her nap, so before bed I took her swimming at the indoor pool in the hotel. She thought it was pretty magical that there could be a pool inside and we had a fun time just the two of us.

California trip {day 5}

Friday was wedding day!! The San Diego Temple was over an hour from where we were staying, so we made sure to leave early. We actually ended up being there an hour before Tyler needed to go in for the sealing, so we drove around a little bit. We dropped Tyler off and I took the kids to a pet store to kill time. I let them count all the fish in every tank and do all the silly things we usually are in too much of a rush to do. 

We eventually went back to the temple and found our wedding clothes and got dressed. Millie looked so beautiful and felt it too! She smiled so big for every picture and felt like a princess. Max was so dapper and handsome. 

Stole the pic below, but they were so happy! And we are so happy for them!

It was a big bridal party - 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen. 

The kids were pretty good during pictures, with constant reminders that they were earning a frosty with good behavior and big smiles.

Kissing pictures aren't my favorite and below is why. Looks like I'm attacking Tyler haha. But AJ kills me!

We made the trek back up to Murrietta, stopping to eat at Richie's Diner along the way. It was delicious! Got back to Shayna's in time for more pictures before the reception. And throwing rocks in their little river. 

It was windy again! 

It was a fun wedding day celebrating an awesome couple. We are so happy for Mitchell and Shayna!