California Dreaming...that it was 10 degrees warmer!

In June we headed out to Newport Beach, CA, fully aware that it would be cool, or at least not hot.  It was what worked best for my extended family so we went for it.  It was COLD!  On the first morning we tromped out around 10 am and sat wrapped in our towels, coverups on, and even put up the tent to screen the kids from the wind.  Of course we wised up and followed the locals, staying indoors until around lunchtime when the chill had burned off.  I'm here to say, the chill never burned off.  It was always a little chilly.  So, I stand a firm supporter of the Atlantic side and the Gulf Coast.  However, we had a BALL!

My cute sister found a gorgeous spot in a very nice house and we squished all of the kids into the master bedroom.  It was perfect.

Boys, boys boys!  There are a lot of boy cousins which happened to be a good fit for our kids.

I laugh every time I look at this picture because we are all a bunch of raggedy travelers out for a hike.  It was pretty cool to explore that part of the country though.

We were in Newport over Father's Day so we did a bit of toasting and roasting and celebrating the dads.  My mom bought these hilarious umbrella hats and Christian quite enjoyed himself.  Who says he doesn't have a Marriott silly bone in him?

Lego Land!  The kids had a great time, but I would say it's a on-time kind of park.  And it's really for younger kids, so it was perfect for us.

Sharing shade with Nana.

The amazing cities and displays went on and on and on.  Truly incredible.

Cozying up with dad on the patio.  I wonder what movie they are watching?  Tarzan?  Mr. Fox?  Lion King?  Badger night cam?

Laurel is just a natural mothering person.  She took good care of Georgia

My darling mom after a day at the beach.

Georgia and Ava sporting the shades.  This was their first real experience getting to know each other.

Happy Charles, no matter the temperature of the water.

Best buds.  Jack was thrilled beyond words to hang out with his cousin he never gets to see.

Wrapping up warm with daddy.

James and Charles

Christian took a surfing lesson and really loved it.  We watched him take on the waves and he actually did a pretty good job staying on.  Not sure it holds a light to sailing in his eyes, but he had a great time and the wetsuit's not bad!

Digging the most giant hole possible.

Padme.  Don't you think she looks like her with her hair and hood?  So funny.  We were freezing.

Dinner out at the Crab Shack, I think it's called.  Great food served on paper plates.  

Last Day of School

Charles' preschool has a tradition of walking to the park for lunch after their last day of school.  The parents meet the kids there and Georgia gave Charles a happy greeting.

These two women have been the teachers for all three boys (except Jack who had one different one), and in the fall Georgia will be in their class.  They are simply marvelous women.

Picnic on the lawn at the elementary school.  What a great community we live in!

"Prizes" from Mrs. Wintheiser, my favorite teacher of all time.  Can I say that on a public blog?  She really is something special.  

Wow, it's been a LONG time since I've posted anything, so looking back at the last day of school seems, well long ago.  There's nothing like walking out of school into the sunshine of a promising summer.  I remember it well and it matters not what grade you just finished, it always feels free.