And We're Back!

Today the kiddos had their first day back at school.  I can't believe Shane is in 5th grade (big man on campus) and Marin in 3rd.  Yeeeooow....they are so big (don't all the mom's say that??).  Lucky for them it was a half day......after starting at 8am they only had to make until 12:05 for the bell.  Kinda perfect first day back I'd say.  They both had pretty great days.  They loved seeing their friends and both have nothing but good things to say about their teachers.  So what a mama wants to hear!  Looks like we're off to a good start!

Everyone checking out the teacher lists.....who'd you get?????

Shane meeting up with the dudes, still rockin' the mohawk

Marin and some of her friends in her class

Don't know if you can tell, but she's trying hard to hold back a couple of tears.  Hard to leave when you see your girl doing that.  *sigh*  But I knew I had to.  :(

So happy to come back at pick up and catch her at recess with a big smile!

Don't have a photo of this, but after a day of firsts, I loved regrouping over dinner and sharing about all our days.  Mmmmm, we even had a special chocolate cake for a "1st day of school" dessert treat! 

Oh!  And in a totally unrelated note, the newest casualties of our Penny girl..............

ERRRRRGGGGG!!!

A Beach Squeeze

As Marin headed out to Palm Springs with her Best Bud, Emma, the boy and I hit the beach in attempt to squeeze out the very last bits of summer with some friends.  Turns out that even though it was a hot 90+ degrees here at home, the beach didn't want to cooperate with our plans.  We saw the clouded over sun maybe a handful of times.  And other than that it stayed completely hidden by clouds.  Fortunately, the boys acted as if they didn't need that stinkin' sun anyway and they hit the waves with a vengeance!  And us momma's??  We took one for the team and we figured out ways to stay warm (just wish I had that hot chai in my hand!).

I'm in love with my boy's eyes!  So this one's just 'cause.

Lookin' like a Three-fer

One.....
Enjoyed a last camp of the summer at Doheny Beach.  LOVE seeing the kids play with their cousins.  It was lots of fun.  It felt like it was OUR beach, we didn't have to share with too many other people.  This trip the kids got really into Cahoots....a game I learned as a kiddo where you have to pretty much figure out the game from clues.  But then you can't tell anyone because a Cahoot never tells!

All the kiddos

Havin' fun

Makes me sigh just seeing it.  Beach.  Family near by.  Red Cup.  People Mag.  Sunflower seeds. *sigh*

Something about this dude made me think of the witch from Wizard of Oz.  Duh duh duh duh duh du....

See the rainbow in the cloud????

Just being silly

.....and more

The gang!

Two.....
*sigh* It's getting super close to back to school for the kiddos.  We got our shop on for a new "1st Day" outfit and some new kicks.  Even though we started off being silly, shopping got old really fast.  haha.  Shane was a quick pick.....it was the girl that took F O R E V E R!  We were only after one outfit!

Seriously already laid out.  They don't start until Weds!

Three.....

A trip to the lake.  I think this was the first trip this summer!  I remember when the kids were smaller, a summer would have us there almost weekly.  The kids have been way more into the beach this year (which I love!), so when we hit the water it's usually there.  We forgot how much fun the lake can be though.  I'm sure we'll head there again soon.

Marin and Sage.  Can you see Shane out there on the kayak???

Marin did this thing called 'corn dog' where she'd roll in the sand.  Um....no thank you...knock yourself out!

Shane's getting so big.  He loves the water and is in it alot.  But then also he'll come and just sit with me.   :)

And then he just gets silly!!  Love it!

Summer and then there's......school

It has been a wonderful and great summer.  And really, the kids have TWO weeks left before school starts so it's not over yet!  Woo Hoo!  Unfortunately, or I guess I should say FORTUNATELY, I started on Monday.  I don't like that I start before the kids do, but I AM grateful to be able to go to school and that I don't have to work my school around a job outside the home.  Whew, that would be tough and many people are doing it that way.  Anyway, I did not get into any of the science classes I need or wanted, but I did get History, Speech and Kinesiology (which is a required class relating to my personal physical assessment).  All required, so, um.......yay school??

This last half of summer has been super fun and super busy (sorry to have been away so long little bloggy).  Last week had my boy and me at our church camp....he as a camper, me as a counselor (prob. didn't need to clarify...haha).  Shane's week was planned long ago and my week got planned probably about two weeks prior to camp.  There was a need, I was able to make it work, and the thought of going to hang in the woods with 5th and 6th grade girls from my church actually sounded pretty fun.  So off we went.  And it was fun.....we had a blast!  A ridiculous amount of activity any 5th and 6th grader would love, tons of kids laughing and singing worship to our Lord and much time to hang out and be silly together.  Added bonus was I got to hang out with my fellow counselor friends, Dave and Stefanie!  But first off, I had to drop off my girl to her papa and grandma Anita's house.  Check out her blog to hear her scoop: http://marinsblahblahblahblog.blogspot.com/

Marin off to Papa and Grandma Anita's

Shane carrying his own gear!

Shane had a 'splash off' with one of the counselors.....my boy won!  haha

WooHoo.....tent 27 rocks!

Oh and while we were all having our little explorations, Mike was having a little giant one of his own.  He was in Indonesia with some friends from our church.  He had a life changing time while there.  It's almost like you don't even need to ask if something is different....you can SEE it.  So incredibly cool.  Too much to write but you should ask him about it, as I know he'd love to share!  

Love that guy so much!!!

So yes, you might see we've been a little busy, but each experience has been so amazing.  I am so grateful to have the opportunity for them all.  Below is a few pics from the week prior to camp.  Pretty random, but I like 'em!  So this week.....off to one last summer adventure.  We're off to our local beach for a last hurrah camp trip.  And it turns out my sis (in law), Michelle, and fam will be joining us!  Super excited for that.  Stay tuned!

Cutest cat I've ever seen.  She looks like a cartoon character.  Her name's Chowder!

I'm pretty sure you should always take advantage of a magnifying glass picture when you can.  So funny!

Wishing you much laughter!!!