Last of our Summer

Just before we dove into our new adventure of homeschooling, we took a much-needed vacation to California. Of course, we mostly visited my family. The kids had lots of fun playing together, and so did the grown-ups. So much so, I didn't even stop to grab my camera for a single picture. Except for when we took a couple trips on our own. First, we went to the beach. What trip to the coast is complete without a beach trip?? This was also a perfect springboard for our first unit on the ocean.

having fun being chased by waves...



playing in the surf some more...
not sure what m was doing here, but i'd bet it involved some trash-talking to the sea...

gathering treasures...


and here's g -- sandy, happy, and about ready to head out...


We gave ourselves a day to recover, then treated the kids to a 13-hour day at Disneyland. I have to admit I was pretty worried about the masses, the heat, and the horrible lines. But we *almost never waited more than about 25 minutes (for which we can, unfortunately, probably thank the economy.) Anyhow, M's dreams came true when he was chosen to be a Jedi trainee.

fighting Darth Maul...

apparently, Darth got in G's face (and scared him pretty good!)...


*I say "apparently," because while the boys were doing Jedi training, I had the distinct honor of waiting with A to see the princesses. For 90 minutes. To see 3 of them. And is Minnie even a princess?? A didn't buy it. So I guess we really waited 90 minutes to see 2 princesses and a fancy mouse. The camera battery died right when we got to the front of the line. Luckily, I had my cell phone... but who knows if I'll ever figure out how to get the pictures off. Later in the day, A said, "So, the princesses here aren't the real ones from the movies."
Me: "Ohhh, why do you say that?"
A: "I just figured it out."
Me: "How did you do that?"
A: "Well, when we went to see Belle, she was wearing the same clothes as the real Belle. And her hair was the same. But her face was different."
Me: "Oh, what was different about it?"
A: "It was a lot fatter."

There was also this conversation, after watching the Celebration parade (which was just after she met Belle, Mulan & Minnie):

A: "In the parade, I heard a man say, 'Disneyland is the place where dreams come true.' But I don't really think it is. Because, once, I had a dream I met Jasmine. And I haven't seen her."
M: "Well, once, I had a dream I came to Disneyland."

At least someone's dream came true that day! We really did have a great time. And we can't wait to go back, see our family, and take some pictures of them all!! :)

Cousin Sleepover

We've enjoyed a few of these in the last month... of course, I didn't ever think to pull out the camera for CA or Southern UT cousin pictures... I was probably (definitely) too busy gabbing with my family. But here are a couple pictures of the kids enjoying Natalie & Kadin, while I was noticeably NOT gabbing. (Just want you to know they were in good hands, Monica!) ;)

The two princesses...

and a couple of the princes...

Swim Lessons

We tried out a new place for swim lessons this year, and it was such a great experience! Where she had never swam alone before, Autumn was swimming on her own by the second lesson.


Jonah improved his stroke, and began learning a few new ones.

Micah became a pro at floating, and was swimming by the session's end, as well.

This new place allows you to stay for hours after your lessons are done, swimming in their outdoor pool. The extra water time was not only a welcome respite from the hottest two weeks of summer; the added exposure gave them the practice they needed to solidify what they learned in lessons. So, so smart!! And even little Gaby got to splash around every day, as a reward for suffering through his big siblings' swim lessons!