Sep. California vacay part 1

We got to spend a few days at our great friends, the Daines' residence in Pasadena. We had a lovely time and can't wait to go again.

This picture cracks me up of Claire & Ryder playing video games!
Oh the difference between girls and boys.

Lila and Stella spent time dancing and swapping binky's.

Malibu beach

Claire & Ryder hand in hand.... so sweet.

the daddy's

the mommy's

I love what the humidity does to Stella's hair.

Do you think they played hard enough?

Kindergarten

These were taken on Claire's first day of kindergarten. Yes, I cried. Claire had a good time. Stella wanted to go with her. Another bittersweet milestone.

wake boarding

Claire likes to wakeboard with her daddy, while Stella cries in the boat.

More summer fun

Sprinklers underneath the trampoline. (Not sure why Claire looks like she's gagging.)
These boys are our sweet neighbor lady's grandchildren. Claire & Stella enjoy playing with them when they are in town.

Swimming at Lava Hot Springs.

bike riding (attempting, that is)

Enjoying the eve. sun on a Bear Lake beach.

Look closely and you'll see the start of a baby bump.

Sprinklers and wading pool fun in our yard.

Raspberry days

During Bear Lake Raspberry days, there's a tradition of fireworks on the beach. We like to go out on my parents sailboat in the middle of the lake and enjoy them from there. It is cool to see the reflection of the fireworks on the water.

waiting for the sun to set

waiting for darkness

After the fireworks you get to enjoy a parade of boats festively decorated with lights. It's a party.

Stella & her potty chair

Since summer brings frequent travel, the potty chair was a necessity to take along. After all, how do you expect a two year old to "hold it" or just pee in the bushes? So here's just a sneak peek of public urination, at its finest.

peeing on the beach

peeing in the woods
(camping without plumbing)

Bear Lake beach fun, 09

My parents live in Fish Haven, so we spend a lot of our summers playing here.

Claire and her cousins love the ponds and muck on the beach because they are warmer than the lake. Although the water is murky, I don't blame them, really.

I love this picture of Claire looking as if she's in distress. What's up with the hand out behind her? Such a girl, that's for sure.

My two older sista's, Becky and Kristin.

This is how Stella prefers spending her time on the beach... flexing her legs (a strange habit that seems to be relaxing to her, for some reason. Weird I know) and.....

sleeping.