Beach Hike

Today we got out of the house and area and headed to Dana Point. We haven't hiked since Kaui (2 months ago) and even longer since we have done it with the boys- we changed that today!

A favorite hike of Dan's is to start at Dana Point Harbor (by Ocean Institute) and climb rock around the point to Strands beach. Our goal was to do it at low tide- we made it most of the way, but had some pretty tricky spots where we had to get wet and do some serious rock climbing.

After we safely made it around the point we were greeted by the lifeguard saying that the rocks were closed (no kidding). We assured her we were NOT going back the same way. Instead we headed up to the top of the cliff and walked along the cliff trail on top back to the harbor.

 Cave boys

 Some harrowing places along the coast

 Walking the trail along the top of Dana Point

 Beautiful Dana Point Harbor

It felt so good to have the energy to do this with my family. As Dan said, it wouldn't be an adventure if it weren't a little bit scary. Well, this was definitely an ADVENTURE!!

Pool Daze!

For the first week of summer vacation the boys participated in VBS- That is Vacation Bible School! They were at Voyagers Bible Church for the week with a bunch of friends- from preschool days, church and even their current school. What an amazing program this church puts on each year.

Each day after we would get home and have lunch we headed to the pool. Some days we were joined by fellow children from our complex, cousins, friends or just us- but each day was fun and wet!!

 My cute summer boys- love 'em!

 Cousins floating around!

 Nathan and Jason enjoying root beer floats

 Cousins- Gidget (above) and Gracie (below)

Family Photo Shoot- Summer 2012

A friend from preschool days offered to take current family photos. Tonight we headed over to the Jeffrey Open Space here in Irvine and were photographed all over the place. She did an amazing job- here are a few of the shots she got (more to come). We definitely have our Christmas Card picture among the bunch!!

Summer Fun Begins

To kick off summer vacation, we headed to the great outdoors- aka Irvine Regional Park. What a beautiful day to be outside with my boys and my mom!!

 Getting ready to paddle board

 and we are off

 Grammy's turn!

 There's a monkey in the tree!

 Bald Eagle wingspan

 Barn Owl wingspan

 Red Hawk wingspan

 Brown Bear

 Monarch Butterfly

 Mountain Lions

 Me and my best girl!!

Last Day of School

Today is the last day of the school year. I can't believe it is already here. Where has the year gone? I won't say it was an easy one, but it was a good one. As you can imagine, the boys are THRILLED to be heading into summer vacation. After school let out we headed to a friend's pool for an impromptu pool party. What a great way to end the great year!! 

 Yeah- Last Day of School!!

 Nathan- future 4th grader

 Jason- future 2nd grader

 Goodbye & thank you Mrs. Weie

 Best Pal and first "girlfriend"- Tiku!!

 Playing at the pool after school

 Where did he go?

This boy loves the water!!