The month of June brought with it a super fun visit from my Aunt Michelle and Grammy! Michelle needed a break from the kids and my Mom came with. I loved having them here for a few days to shop, eat out, explore, and have fun. Highlights included Belmont Park for the day with Ev and Anna, going to see Wonder Woman at the theatre, and Michelle’s home-made granola- which I am STILL eating! We made so much and I had LOADS. We always made granola growing up so it was super fun to do that together. We’ll take visits from my Mom and sis whenever possible.
Can’t believe I finished my very last preschool party. After 6 years of being room mom I finally graduated with Anna entering kindergarten. Loved putting together this “end of year” party and celebrating with Anna’s awesome teachers and all of the preschool parents. I miss them and sad that it’s over. Anna in particular misses Miss Ann and her buddy Gavin. Preschool has been a wonderful experience here in San Diego and we’ve loved every minute of it.
While my Mom and sister were here, my dear friend Henrike, had her baby boy! We were so excited! I’ve watched each of her kiddos while she’s gone to the hospital! This is her fourth baby. Twice she’s had her baby while my Mom has been in town- ha! It’s a tradition. Loved having Ellie and Violet and Ava over for a few days. It definitely reminded me of the rigors and hard work of having little toddlers around. There is very limited time to get anything done and life revolves 100 percent around the care and tending of little people. Don’t get me wrong- my life is still quite full of parenting responsibilities- however, I’m able to have a break here and there, make dinner, write an email, etc. These things are harder with so many little ones around! It was an interesting reminder of the old days. So happy for Henrike and Rich. Baby Nathan is super cute.
The end of the school year truly flew by! The kids and I threw a Happy Summer party! Hawaiian themed— just like the preschool party. Heck, I had all the decorations, I had to re-use them at least once. Loved having friends over to celebrate the end of the school year and start of summer. (this feels so weird writing this, btw…. summer is now over and school has begun! Summer came and went in an instant! BOO!)
Evelyn prepared herself for Girls Camp the week after school let out. The girls drove up to Pismo Beach area and camped near the ocean. They had a wonderful week and I was so grateful Evelyn had the chance to attend and be with her amazing leaders and friends. I questioned letting her go — she certainly did not want to, and I was nervous about her stomach and health in general. She doesn’t have the strongest constitution. But Blake gave her a beautiful blessing the night before and she felt she could do it. Two of my dearest friends were there and on the watch and Ev knew she could trust these two women who love her so much. It ended up being full of physical challenges for her, but also full of joy and amazing experiences. My heart was full in seeing the happiness she felt afterwards.
While Evelyn was gone, the boys enjoyed a beach water sports camp down at Mission Bay. They loved paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, and catamaran-ing. So so fun! I loved hanging out with my friends and Anna on the beach while they participated in so many fun activities. The moms were even able to rent all of the equipment for FREE while the boys attended !Love living in San Diego!!
We also enjoyed the San Diego Fair the Friday before Ev returned home. Probably our last time at the fair— it’s quite expensive and not as awesome as the fair I used to go to as a kid (Puyallup). We might just save up for Disneyland instead of wasting our money…. but obviously the kids had a blast and loved eating funnel cake, and hoping on all the rides. I loved being with Blake and the kids, despite the hefty price tag.
Had an absolutely awesome visit from my old college roomie- Emily Stallings and her sweet family. Man, it was so fun to see her and Jed and her kids who were absolutely darling. Seriously, the best family and we laughed our heads off thinking about all the fun times and the crazy dates I pressured her into going on! She reminded me of this one crazy date called “The Book of Mor-Fun Date” in which we were required to go through various obstacles and challenges and were never fed for over 4 hours- ha! I showed her that the author and creator of the date was now “famous” as an illustrator and writer of children’s books for Deseret Book. Later that month she was at Deseret book and actually SAW him signing books! We laughed our heads off. Love old friends and remembering different times of life. I sure did enjoy my college days.
We enjoyed celebrating Father’s Day for Blake. He truly is an amazing Dad who gives so much and loves us all so much. We are blessed to have him in our lives- along with my father and Blake’s father. So blessed. All of these men mean the world to me and I wouldn’t be who I am today without their love and support and kindness in my life. So glad our girls and boys have Blake to look up to as a role model and confidant.
Most Friday nights this summer we spent the evenings with the Jones. We love hanging out with the Jones- watching movies, swimming, making Amy’s yummy pizza. It’s always a good time and we are blessed to have such dear friends. This year Dane is not doing flag football or soccer with Braxton so hopefully we can continue our tradition despite not having our lives intertwine as much.
The beach is a place we will always be throughout the summer. We had so much fun meeting up with friends to celebrate the opening of the beaching season! I love summer beach days. I actually love them. I love going in the waves and boogie boarding. I gave it up when I had young kids but now that they are all independent and can take care of themselves on shore— I’m back to boogie boarding! It’s the very best. Grant and Dane have taken up surfing this year too! They are new at it, but really enjoying so far. Wet suits help!
The month of June was full of everything fun. Summer is my FAVORITE time of year and it never ever lasts long enough!
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from my mom and sister in my planner-- ha!
