July and August Events!

We have been really busy lately. I'll catch you all up here with the events of the past month and a half. We took the kids camping in the middle of July over to the river. We have a favorite spot we like to visit. The days were pleasant and nights were cool and a bit windy, to be expected when you're by the coast.

The kids always look forward to our camping trips. This has been the best investment by far for family time. We love it!
The next weekend was spent working in the front yard. We had 3 yards of 3/4 inch Lodi stone hauled in, 12 bags of rubber mulch (this stuff rocks) and many new beautiful plants and flowers.

We are not totally done. More rock needs to be ordered and more planting. That we'll hopefully get done this month. We want it finished before the rain comes.

Then Colin turned 5 and we had a fun Dirt Bike themed birthday party here at the house for him. All his best buddies, cousins and family showed up. It was a great day.

Max and I created the Dirt Bike Themed cake. We did it last year for his birthday and again this year. It's becoming our tradition to make these for the kids. It turned out really great and the kids loved it. Colin finished off his T-Ball season with an ice cream social and trophy presentation.

The kids did really great this summer and he made several new friends. It was a fun experience.

The coach was very positive and encouraging things to say about each child. Very thoughtful and patient coach.

Colin started Kindergarten a couple of weeks ago. His teacher is Mrs. Houston. He really likes her. He has already made several new buddies that he hangs out with. We went to an orientation the day before school started, which helped. He was a little nervous and shy at first, but warmed up quickly.

The parents were invited to stay the first 30 minutes of school for a scavenger hunt. It helped the children learn where many of the things were in class.

I can't believe he is in school now. Where did the last 5 years go? It makes me sad sometimes, but I see what a smart, sweet little man I have and I couldn't be more proud and blessed. Lastly. we ended August going camping again back over to the river. Like I said it's our favorite spot. We had the best spot this time. We over looked the river. It was beautiful. A couple of the guys from Max's work and their families joined us. There were plenty of kids to play with. Colin loved it because he had a little more freedom this trip. A couple of the kids were older, so they would take the younger kids up to the general store and arcade. He thought that was way cool.

It love this picture of Luke. He loves getting wet, but didn't want to get totally submerged. One body part at time. This just cracked me up.

Same for Ava. She was totally unaware and enjoying the moment. I hadn't yet got her swim suit on, but that didn't stop her from getting right in. She took off her shorts and tucked her knees in her shirt. We always come home with so many little shells she finds. She just won't leave them behind. Buckets full. She is such a little scavenger. I love it!

Saturday nights they have hay rides on the tractor. It is something the children absolutely love. Every time we go the twins fall asleep. People sing camp songs, wave and cheer at all the campers as we go by. Fun traditions and great memories. We ended the month celebrating my birthday. Max and I went out to dinner at my favorite restaurant. Ended up running into one of my best friends and her husband. We all had dinner together. It was a lot of fun. My Aunt watched the kids for us. Always a nice break. We also celebrated Max's grandma's 83rd Birthday. My in-laws brought a little cake and some cupcakes for the kids. It was a beautiful day and we blessed to spend the afternoon with her. So now September is about to get underway and I am sure many more good days and special memories are ahead.