With my California King in a Queen Bed

We just returned from a week of gallivanting in the Golden State. While the travel was tumultuous (read: twelve hours of torture), the stay was superb.

The kids were in grandma-and-grandpa-aunts-and-uncles-and-cousin-nirvana (and not the Kurt Cobain kind either). Allen and I were in a shopping/eating/playing coma. We all were enamored by the return of the mature and confident Uncle Alex from his mission in Brazil. It was perfect.

One of the highlights of every visit for me is the time spent with the Great Grandmas. These ladies are adorable and amazing and awe-inspiring. I got to steal them for my own when I married that boy, and I count myself a pretty dang lucky girl for it.

We are already talking about next year's visit to the sunny state. Thank you everyone for your part in our fabulous and refreshing respite!!

Sweet New Specs/Epic Mother Fail

A couple months ago, Ryder's school nurse called to inform me the dear boy had visited her that day. Three times. Complaining he couldn't see the chalkboard (well, dry erase board, but that sounds ridiculous). She gave him an eye test, and said he did poorly. Then she mentioned 4 other students from Ryder's class had visited her that day with similar complaints and outcomes. After school I inquired if anything interesting happened in class that day. He mentioned Matthew got new glasses and they were super cool. Obviously my child was faking.

Last month I took Ryder to his 7-year well check visit at the pediatrician's office. He tested 60-20 on his vision test. The exact same text he scored 20-20 on just one year prior. Probably my child was faking.

Last Sunday I scolded Ryder for not singing during the hymn. He told me he couldn't see the page numbers behind the Bishop. Maybe my child was faking.

Today it was raining. I figured I might as well take him to visit the friendly optometrist since we wouldn't be spending our afternoon at the pool. After 5 seconds the doctor proclaimed the dude did indeed need glasses. Definitely my child was not faking. Whoopsy.

Party: Poolside

Today we ventured out to celebrate a buddy's birthday.

The sun was shining,

The water inviting,

The snacks plentiful,

The pizza cheesy,

The cupcakes decadent,

The diving board high,

The boy brave,

Thanks Tara for a fabulous mid-week treat (it's no wonder my children are obsessed with you), and thanks Evan for turning seven so we could celebrate!!

Such a perfect little summertime play day.

 

Finally Five!!

Thursday Miss Linley Brooke turned five years old.

Allen happily took Friday off so we would have ample time to celebrate.

The princess had the privilege of planning our day.

We began with breakfast at IHOP (which I responsibly took pictures of. On the real camera. The real camera that is now full of salt water. We really should never be allowed to own an expensive camera. And hence, the remainder of Linley's birthday was captures solely on iPhones).

Next up, the beach. The heat index was 115 degrees, actual temperatures between 100 and 105. Perfectly hot and sticky to enjoy salty water frolick.

Ryder loved swimming in the ocean.

I loved having someone swimming with me.

Linley loved socializing.

Tess didn't really love the sand or the sea. She far preferred passing her time downward face dog.

For dinner, the birthday girl requested Macaroni Grill. She has a thing for writing on tables.

The night concluded with cake and presents.

The best part of a ridiculously dramatic child: facial expressions whence opening gifts. Priceless.

Happy Birthday Linley!!

You are truly breathtakingly beautiful, inside and out.

I love you, my little five year old princess.
 

Splishing and Splashing

I totally stole these pictures from Tara's blog. I'm such a klepto. Actually, I've never stolen a thing in my life.

Oh wait.

Nevermind.

Not the time or place.

Friday we played at a park with a little splash pad. Tessa gleefully gulped down gallons of infested water while I basked in the sunshine. It was blissful.

She now has the worst case of Hand, Foot, Mouth I have ever seen. We're talking oozing blisters all over her mouth and tongue. Poor child.

I, however, have a rad tan.

Priorities.

It was a good time had by all. And now we are diseased.

Just another day at the park.

(Thanks photographer Tara for capturing these sweet moments with my babies. You're brilliant!!)

Sisters!!

Mom and dad surprised me and flew Amanda home. It was like Christmas. Except better.

God Bless America.

Red Lips: All the better to smooch you with.

Monday's Firework Spectacular may have been drowned out, but nothing could rain on our own celebrations.

Our cameraman is old. And shaky.

Reunited. And it felt so good (not at that particular moment though. Right then, it felt freezing. And wet.)

Babe.