Yosemite

Our family summer vacation was spent at Yosemite. We all had a fun, nature filled vacation. We stayed at housekeeping camp.... which ended up working out great for us. We had a little cabin next to the river, cooked all of our meals, and relaxed by the fire each night. Our days were spent exploring, hiking, and biking. We have never seen so many waterfalls! Much to our dismay, we did not encounter any black bears. We did however, see squirrels, deer, and all kinds of birds. It was fun to spend time with each other free of any distractions. The kids are already talking about next time... so I am sure we will be back.The top of Mirror Lake... the kids hiked a total of four miles on this particular hike. They were such troopers!A Bear Grylls worthy shelter discovered by Tatum and Davis.Tatum was fearless, always trying to talk Ryan or I into getting a closer look at the water.
Yosemite Falls.Splashing in the Merced River.
Davis relaxing at our campsite. All day long he kept asking if we could please go back to the campsite. Definitely his favorite part of the trip. The beach by our campsite. Lyric is sampling yet another rock, while I get an attack hug from Davis.

Ryan and the girls getting a close-up of Bridal Veil Falls.The kids had so much fun rock hopping to cross streams.
Miss adventure, taking a two second rest.

A Disneyland Kind of Day

Ryan had the day off, so we decided to do a sun-up to sun down day at D-land. Dad usually gets let behind at work... so this was an extra special trip!! The kiddos got to go on the "big kid" rides. Davis loved Soaring over California and was such a brave boy on Space Mountain. Tatum has been waiting months to take dad on Grizzly River Run and loved getting soaked!! Lyric, as usual loved Small world and was excited to see"bippy boo" (Cinderella's fairy godmother).

Davis has desperately wanted to participate in the Jedi Knight Training Ceremony, but has never been chosen. We were all so excited when he got to go up this time. He was so handsome in his cloak! He was the littlest one out there and impressed us with his unflinching bravery. Tatum, on the other hand was crying in fear of Davis' life. If we are ever attacked by the dark side... it will be comforting to know that Davis is around and well trained.

Davis Vs. The Dark Side Video

Doheny Camping

We had a camping trip planned with our friends and Ryan ended up having to go to Florida for business. Me, being slightly crazy, decided to take the kids on my own. For the most part we survived and had a great time. It was our first stay at the Doheny group site and we loved it!

Davis, Tera, and Tatum

Sand babies: Carson, Lyric, and Mckynlee

Daxton and Davis showing off their kite flying skills.

Davis and mom enjoying a campfire foil dinner.

Little monkeys: Ashton & TatumAshton, Davis, Tatum and Tera looking for crabs.
Lyric and Mckynlee... not sure who's dirtier.

Tatum and her big sis for the week, Amy.

Yathzee, even more exciting when played on the beach with a dozen babies.

Lyric and mom enjoying a peaceful moment.

Partners in crime: Brendan, Davis and Daxton

Tatum's Ballet Recital

View Recital Video Here

Newport with the McEuen's

My good friend Kate and up met up in Newport with all of our kiddos in tow. Thanks to Kate's sister, we stayed in a great little timeshare near the beach. It was so fun seeing Kate and catching up on our crazy lives. It was mostly chaos... but a least it was fun chaos.

Just a couple of beach hunks showing off.

Our great discovery... a secret beach cave!!Lyric, happy to be getting dirty.Barefoot beach rock climbing (not recommended).
We brought home our very own cute little sand creature.My handsome little man, enjoying the view.

Brunch with the Cook's

Kyra, Kim, Niki, Me, Shelly relaxing after we stuffed our faces with an amazing Hannon Brunch.

This villainous looking boy was seen wandering throughout breakfast.Mmmmm. (Except for the Tabasco sauce Lyric is about to consume).And the husbands are stuffed too. (Just as a side note: Ryan and Clint are good buddies, but they are NOT holding hands.)

Beach Rendezvous

We were able to meet Grr and Papa at San Clemente Beach. A little chilly, but we had a good time regardless. Yeah for grandparents and the beach!!

Tu-tu Cute Lyric

Lyric loves showing off in the frilly tu-tu Aunt Jes made her. Absolutely perfect for practicing her Tatum inspired ballet moves (turning circles until she face plants into the carpet, giggles and then repeats).



Completely random, but cute nonetheless... Lyric has been often found communicating with the neighbor's dog through a knothole in the fence. Probably the closest thing she will have to a pet for now. It never fails to excite her. Love this girly!

Missing the Cook's

My dear friend Shelley and her family recently moved to Washington. We are devastated and miss them so much. They are an awesome family and will be a beam of light wherever they go. Here are just a few of the many things we are missing:

col-de-sac bike riding rendezvous
up to the moment info on the best deals
hilarious pedicure girl's nights
morning check-up calls
sweet cuddly Camden & Tatum moments
afternoons by the pool
late night scrapping
slap-happy game nights
ridiculously insane mall trips with all of our kids
helping each-other through the pukey-lethargic pregnancy phase
celebrating motherhood together
trips to Newport Beach
Working together in primary
Fresh, homemade bread

I have been so blessed to have such amazing friends! Shelley has become one of my closest friends and I am grateful for her friendship. Can't wait until we meet up again!