vegas

*Palm Desert Aquatic Center a couple weeks ago:

 *My sister's family arrived from Germany a few weeks back. They are not here very long so we are trying to squeeze in lots of cousin time, which my kids LOVE.

 

*This past weekend we went to Las Vegas with some good friends. We've gone with them numerous times and it's always so fun. We seem to pick up right where we left off, despite the fact that they live in OC and we see them maybe once a year. I adore Ana and Chris and Jeremy are pretty much cut from the same cloth.

On the second night, our waitress told us that the ladies room was very fancy and people had taken pictures in it. Ana and I found it quite funny because it was not fancy at all, however we still took a pic. :)

 

The Cheesecake Factory is always a must when we go to Vegas. I like to go to the one in Caesar's because the shops where it is located are always so pretty to walk through.

*While we were in Vegas, the kids stayed with Chris' parents. Once we were home, we had one free night before I went to pick them up. We weren't really in the mood to drive anywhere far, so even though we had a kid-free night, we got food to-go, ate at home, then rounded out our romantic night with a Walmart pick-up. Here we are waiting for our groceries. :)

p.s. I've mentioned before that Chris' mom spoils us with amazing food whenever we visit. Apparently the homemade ice cream and various other treats she had for the kids was not enough for Cam. Debbie walked in and found him on the pantry floor, sneaking handfuls of chocolate chips. :)

summer

I have SO been enjoying our summer so far and it's mainly because, other than our mini trip to Huntinginton, we have had blank slate days we've filled with little stuff. I can't tell you how nice it is to wake up and not be rushed or have to be anywhere. Here are a few things we've done.

 *We (my dad, Cam, and I) attempted a hike one day, which didn't turn out quite as expected. When we had done this particular one before, a recent fire had made the mountain very easy to navigate. Now that the brush has grown back, it literally became impossible to see the trail and just plain annoying to trek through the weeds. So we called it quits early and finished the morning off with a bike ride instead.

 

*Costco trip.

 

*Swimming at the community pool.

 

*A while ago we googled, "guinea pig shelter" and found the closest one to be near L.A. The kids had been dying to go. We went this past Saturday. You are able to bring your own piggies and get a free wellness check. I'm happy to report our pigs are in good health. Hehe. The only downside to the trip was that it was FAR. Very far. I think we decided that it was a fun one time thing, but maybe it should stay a one time thing. ;)

 Oreo, waiting his turn for his check up.

You can see (middle of pic) that the kids were DONE with traffic. ;)

*We planned to meet some friends at a park. We happened to stumble upon a "free lunch" program where the city passes out lunches to kids at the park. Score!

*Yesterday we celebrated Father's Day with my parents here at our house. I made a copy cat of Chris' favorite restaurant dessert.  I got several "10's" so I think it was a hit!

 Applebees Butter Pecan Blondie

 

Huntington Beach

Yesterday we got back from one of the most fun trips we have taken as a family. Last summer Chris played in a golf tournament in which he entered a raffle.  He ended up winning the top prize, a two-night stay in Huntington Beach. We were both in shock. Saturday we headed down and had the most amazing time. We felt so spoiled.

The first thing we did when we arrived was head down to the pool. The following day we went to the beach, however the kids actually didn't last that long and were anxious to get back to the pool.

  Included in the stay was a meal at one of the hotel restaurants.

Outside the lobby.

Since Cam has really been into running this past year at school, I decided it would be fun to train for a 5K together. I wasn't sure what Kendall would think, but she has been totally on board. I must say that when we went running this morning (back at home), she pointed out that it wasn't quite as fun as jogging at the beach. No joke. :)

One of the highlights for Cameron was exploring the hotel (mainly the stairwells). I'll be honest, I doubt he was allowed to roam to the extent that he did...but it was so much fun for him and ended up being a good activity while the rest of us were relaxing in the room ;)

 

Sunday morning at Panera.

Our second night's dinner took place at, of course,The Cheesecake Factory. We surprised the kids by meeting Chris' brother's family at the restaurant. We got some cheesecake to go and enjoyed it on our balcony before bed. 

It was SOOO sad to have to leave. Chris is playing in the same tournament in a few weeks. Who knows? Maybe he'll get lucky again (probably not...but one can hope!).

han solo

*We spent Memorial Day weekend up north. We had an extra good time as Chris' brother's family was there. Some highlights:

-My MIL treated myself and my SIL to a Relexology foot treatment. It was soooo nice.

-We had a big BBQ on Saturday. The meal was good, but the dessert? Strawberry pizza; strawberry, cookies n' cream, Butterfinger, and Almond Joy homemade ice cream; homemade lemon, butterscotch, and oatmeal cookies. Wow. :)

-Got one Hallmark movie watched

-Such fun watching the cousins get along so well and enjoy each other's company

*Chris belongs to a men's club at a local golf course. Along with his dues, he gets credit he can use at the clubhouse restaurant. Last Wednesday we had my parents out for dinner. The downside was that the kitchen made a few mistakes, resulting in the food taking FOREVER and being made wrong. Plus we were then over charged. The upside was that we got to sit on the balcony and enjoy this view (Cam and Kendall  playing while we waited and waited for the food). :)

*Yesterday morning was family lawn day. This was sadly the first time we have ever made the kids do much with regards to the lawn (I'm terrible at chore stuff). Hmmm...I think that should change...

Later in the day, we all went to see the new Han Solo movie (awesome!).

Afterward was dinner at Gourmet Pizza Shoppe.

*One thing I love about Chris is that he is always making me laugh. I DIED when I read his Facebook post from last week. He had just come from the dentist...