Saturday, July 9, 2011

Summer Day of Fun

The newspaper is a dying breed, but I'm still an avid reader of it. It's sad though. I know the Internet provides you with tons of information. But, your local newspaper provides you with so many fun activities and happenings in your community. I read about a story time at Rancho Los Alamitos, just minutes from our house. Our neighbors joined the kids and me for a really fun morning.


Our day started out at Rancho Los Alamitos for 2 hours of fun and outdoor activities. The theme was spring and they had stories, interactive plays, and crafts.Bailey making her flower crown.

Showing off her artistic ability
Love this picture. Hand-in-hand walking to the next activity. Next year, Samuel, Annabelle and Vicki's 15 month old brother will be walking along side them.

Raif is definitely ready for preschool, he sat there the entire time listening to the stories.

The next craft.

Our day ended at the bay for dinner on the beach. Bailey and Raif had fun jumping off the hill.

Go Raif!

Flying like an airplane!

I love summer!!!












Friday, July 8, 2011

Sea World Adventure

My mom and I packed up the kids and headed down to San Diego for the day to Sea World. We were there for eight hours and although Raif was a bit whiny at times, we still had a great day there. We caught 3 of the shows and got to see a penguin feeding and some guests in the water with the dolphins. We also got to see the new exhibit, Turtle Reef. Raif LOVES sea turtles so he was so beyond excited to see so many of them.

Shamu show, you forget how powerful these creatures are
A small little lagoon for the sea turtles

Raif was focused on those sea turtles

Raif was not so game to see Elmo and Grover, I can already see how Santa will go this year. Bailey thought they were hysterical messing with her hair!

During the hot afternoon, we headed over to the arctic


Grandma and Bailey cooling down

I love these guys!

Bailey and Grandma near the penguins

A little snack for the kids

Watching the penguin feeding, the birds wait for a dropping...he got two while we were there

Excitement for Raif at Turtle Reef

They watched the sea turtles for quite a while

The new exhibit is really beautiful

Some of the sea turtles are massive

Focusing on more sea turtles






























Tuesday, July 5, 2011

4th of July

We once again spent our 4th of July holiday at the bay. The Irelands and us headed over in the zodiac and the paddle boards for a wonderful time. The same crew is at the bay each year and it is so fun to see the kids grow up together. Each year, it gets easier and easier with the kids, and they always have such a great time. Sarah brought hair dye, which was a huge hit with all of the kids. We've learned from the past, that the kids are so done from being out in the sun all day, that we just stay home and enjoy a peaceful BBQ and fireworks from our rooftop.

4th of July 2011

Paige was floating around

Reagan, Bailey and Raif showing off their colorful hair
All of the kids with their dyed hair!

Say cheese!

Bailey and Reagan out for a paddle board ride

Raif prefers it on the sand

The fire rescue boat sprayed water on the kids

Colby and Raif were digging it!

Pretty wet from the fire boat!

I'd say Raif loved it!

Raif even got to ride on the police 4 wheeler

He's getting adventurous!

Sarah and me

Colby and me

Bailey and Reagan on the floating raft

Roasting marshmallows after dinner

Bailey was still in a patriotic mood, busting out her 4th of July dress from 2 year ago!

Boomer wanted a marshmallow too!






































Avalon Trip

Saturday and Sunday we spent over at Avalon. Uncle Greg, Aunt Shelley, my mom and dad, and us and the kids all headed over for a fun overnight stay. On the way back, we were in a huge school of dolphins which was very exciting. I didn't get any pictures of the dolphins, but it was still very exciting.

Grandpa and Raif enjoying a snack on the ride over
Aunt Shelley and Fancy Nancy

Uncle Greg relaxing on the ride over

I mean, really, does it get any better than this?

Uncle Greg decided to give the paddle boards a try

Man down

One more go at it

Uncle Greg, the adventurer, jumped off the bucket tower

A little siesta before heading home

She is definitely not camera shy