Happy 11th Birthday Nathan!

To celebrate Nathan's 11th birthday we went to see The Box Trolls. When we saw this advertised months ago we saw that it came out his birthday weekend and he decided then that we had to go for his special day! Before the movie the boys picked out their Halloween costumes (it's a surprise).

The next night we had a special dinner with Grandma Mary who brought his desired cake. She also gave him his most anticipated present- a Transformer that he had chosen (really cool). He also got money for his savings account and a new 26" bike to make riding to school easier. Can't believe my baby is 11!!

Jelly Roll chocolate cake with Mint Chip Ice Cream- yum!

                                      

Box Trolls was a hit!

How did this little baby turn 11 so quickly?

Back To School

The boys started new schools this year! Jason is attending Palisades Elementary School- right down the street from our house. His teacher is Mrs. Pearson and he is in room 17. Nathan started Shorecliffs Middle School in San Clemente. I drive him and his bike to school on my way to work and he rides his bike home 3 miles each afternoon. He is enjoying switching class each period and has 5 out of 6 guy teachers- very cool!

End of Summer Fun!

Summer is quickly coming to an end so we are trying to soak it up! One evening we walked around the point at Dana Point Harbor, we had some picnics at Pines Park in Capo Bech and the night before going back to school, we went to Salt Creek and walked around the area. I love living near the beach and having these amazing places (and more) just minutes from home.

        

 We chased the sun and got to see it set in the ocean blue!

 family selfies-so cute!

 boys love climbing the rocks!

 Salt Creek honey!

 Surfers enjoying the waves!

 Jason climbing at Pines Park as the sun sets!

Another Day in Paradise!

Grammy and I headed to our favorite beach spot, Emerald Bay, for a beautiful day of sun, sand and surf. The water was clear, warm and refreshing. 

Setting up camp!

 This hole kept them busy for hours

 No comment

 "Do we have to?"

 Even Grammy got in the water

Look how clear it is- awesome!!

Summer Concert Date Night

Dan and I went to our first San Diego concert to see Sara Barellies at UCSD. She is a great performer and it was the night of the SUPER moon- bright and beautiful!

Sweet Chloe

I couldn't resist! I love that my sweet girl is cuddling with Jason's pet dog, Goldie! Goldie was Jason's substitute until he got a dog of his own- so glad that the girls get along!!

Emerald Bay Day- FINALLY

Now that I am working, we don't get to go off and do the fun things we have enjoyed these past summers. But a summer isn't a summer without a trip to Emerald Bay- best beach ever!! Today did not disappoint! The weather was perfect, the water refreshing and the company priceless. I wish every day were a beach day (seriously- I could do this every day). Photos courtesy of Instagram Filters!!

Ryan Revisited

Since Dan didn't get to see Ryan in July when we did, we flew him out to visit us for an entire weekend. We picked up the boys from the buses and then picked up Ryan at the airport. It was so awesome to have our big boy with us for the weekend- lots of male bonding going on!!

 Lunch after Guardian's of the Galaxy

 Ryan brought Xbox and the boys played a lot!!

A rare family photo!

Emerald Cove Day Camp

                                    

After going up to Bass Lake and setting up the office for Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp, I came back  down south and got ready for our day camp (and moved our entire house too). Our day camp, is located in San Juan Capistrano at JSerra High school. This year we had a 5 week program- a 1 week outreach program and then two 2 week sessions back to back. I would go to the site each day for camper check in and then would do stuff at home or the office to support both ECDC and YSSC, get supplies for camp and then head back for check out in the afternoon. Lots of driving and chaos, but so rewarding! While I was working, the boys were at their own camps (H2O Adventure camp at Dana Point Harbor, ECDC for Jason & YSSC for both).

Here's me on my way to work

Some of the crazy staff dressed up for a game!

 Jason was a camper for 1 session! 

 Jason with Sonny Salsbury (camp legend)

 Jason & Mr. Storm

Getting is Award from his counselor

 The fabulous Eckert girls

 Beach day with ECDC campers!

 Skeeter as one of his camp characters- so funny!!

 Last day of camp- see you next summer

Top 10 reasons to LOVE living in Capo Beach

1. Riding bikes to El Torito Grill for dinner

 2. Crazy signs around neighborhood

 3. Awesome new neighbors with a big yard!

 5. 10 minute walk to beach at the bottom of the hill

 6. The beach at the bottom of the hill

 7. Brothers bonding at the beach at the bottom of the hill

 8. The awesome view of the beach from Pines Park

 9. Strolls at The Dana Point Harbor

 10. Sunsets- Enough said!!