Ward Beach Party!

We had a great ward activity tonight at the beach. We are not usually really big beach people but we had such a fun time. There was lots of food, friends and fun. The girls are actually starting to really like the water, as long as someone's holding onto them. The night would have been perfect but toward the end Lauren and I got wiped out by a big wave. We were standing in ankle high water and we were looking to the side at some dolphins and out of nowhere a huge wave hit us. Needless to say, we were very surprised and of course I hadn't worn my swim attire thinking I wasn't planning of getting wet. Poor planning. We definately went home wet. Despite our dousing, it was a beautiful evening at the beach and we had a wonderful time.

Random Pics!

These are the pictures that don't make it in a specific post but are some of my favorites, so I decided to share!
Hot mama!!!!!
Our little rock star!

When you're the best of friends!

Cool horse huh?

We'll Miss You, Elder Haynie!

While in San Diego, we were able to attend Matt's missionary farewell. He will be serving in the Madrid Spain Mission. We are so proud of him but we will miss him. Emily and Lauren ADORE Matt. He always spends so much time with them. It will be hard to explain each time we go why cousin Matt isn't there but we are so proud of the example he is setting for all of his cousins. Good luck Matt. You're the BEST!

Wet & Wild Weekend!

We spent the weekend in San Diego and enjoyed the sunshine and the water games. The girls had a blast in the "baby" pool (jacuzzi). They think they're pretty cool since they can stand up by themselves in it. There was also a fun new slip and slide to enjoy. It was actually for a skim board. The older kids got pretty good at standing on it but for Emily she was in heaven being pushed. And, as always they wear themselves out jumping on the trampoline. We are always so grateful for our little escapes down south.



Head First!
Lauren jumping (almost!)

Happy Birthday Grandma!

We want to wish a very Happy Birthday to Grandma Polson. We love her and are so grateful for the wonderful mother and grandmother that she is. We wish you a very happy day Grandma (and can't wait to see you!) We love you!

OOOOOPS!

I don't know what happened, we got new internet and I tried to make some adjustments and look what I've done. So sorry Jen. I will work to get it looking cute again when I have a little more time.

Happy 4th!

We had a really great 4th of July. We kicked off the holiday with a little sleepover at the Scotts. We do this so us adults can stay up and eat, talk and play games into the wee hours of the morning (we usually pay for it the next day but it's worth the tiredness to have adult time.) Friday morning we wen to the 4th of July parade in Huntington Beach. Although it lacked some excitement, the girls loved the fire trucks and horses. We then went back home and swam and ate and later that night we went to Hickory Park to enjoy the Torrance firework show. This is the first year we've actually watched it and I was surprised at how good it was. The girls loved the fireworks although Emily required "headphones" to tolerate the noise (see picture below). I love the 4th of July. I think I love it so much because of the memories it brings back for me. As a kid we spent every 4th at my grandparents in Carnation, WA. If fact, the past couple of years have been a little strange, not being there. For me the 4th is not only about celebrating the freedoms we are so blessed to have, but to celebrate family as well. I have such fond memories of spending time with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. I hope that Jason and I can create those same kind of memories for our kids. CHEEEEEESE!


Her "headphones"-apparently they help.
I am so thankful for this country, for the freedoms we experience each and every day and for those who have fought and continue to fight to keep our country free. I feel so blessed to live here and to have such a beautiful little family to share it all with.

Poker Anyone?

So everyone knows that when you just need a few minutes, anything can work as entertainment for the kiddies...even poker. I think Merrick won, must have learned from his dad.

What a Pal!

Thanks to my cute friend Jen for finally bringing me up to speed and helping me make a cute template for the blog. I've wanted to do it for while but just haven't wanted to figure it out. Well, she's a pro and had it done in minutes. Such a computer whiz! Thanks Jen!

What a Bargain!

So, we've been looking for a new chest of drawers for what seems like forever. I must be slow, but I just didn't realize how expensive they are, and the ones that aren't too expensive are poorly made. So two weeks ago, we had a garage sale for the Young Women to raise money for girls camp and Jason was in charge of moving the large items to the garage sale site (the joys of having a truck.) Well, long story short, he picked up this chest from someone who donated it and we went home with it for a mere $30 dollars. I am so excited. Jason and I gave our chest of drawers to the girls and we now use this one. It's a little worn in places so I think I am going to sand it and either paint it black or refinish it. Any suggestions? I am pretty excited to have a fun project and to have so many drawers.

Fun in the Sun with Cousins!

Ok, so I am slow again in posting but I'll try to get caught up. A couple weeks ago, my sister and two of her kids came up from San Diego to play. We ended up spending a few hours at the beach. It was super fun. I don't take the girls by myself to the beach very often since it's so much work to get there, so it was so great to go with other people. And of course the girls love playing with their cousins. Matthew dug them a huge hole with steps that they could go up and down, they loved it. Although Emily was pretty apprehensive about getting wet, Matt and Samantha eventually got both girls in the water. It was a beautiful day and we have a great time. We're so blessed to have such wonderful family.