summer snapshot - week 6

john looking super cute with some huge head phones on during our drive to california.
the kids trying out the jacuzzi right when we got there.
then heading down to the beach, oh how i love that california air.

building sand castles, going in the ocean - the water was perfect.
spending quality time together at the beach.
loving being in the coolness of southern cal and being on vacation away from the heat.

hang'n out with friends who were also there vacationing.
andrew buying a ukulele for a souvenir - talked about it for days as we passed the store.
the nice owner of the music shop giving him some lessons.
then inviting him to come back the next day for some more lessons.

walking back from lunch one afternoon.
our short one block walk to the beach every day.
tons of boogie boarding - chris and the boys got really into it, ella gave it a try too.

spending an evening with my good friend from college.
thinking i'm surprising her with my 5th pregnancy -
her huge surprise to me that she is also expecting, due just a few weeks after me!

a fun day spent at the horse tracks.
what a beautiful set up, right along the water.
the kids had a ball, running out with chris to place bets every half an hour.
my 7 1/2 month pregnant belly.
john crashing on chris on the walk back to the car after being at the track all day.

a fun evening spent at my cousin mara's house whom we haven't seen in 4 years.
the kids enjoying their pool slide.
loving that my kids are getting to know some of their second cousins on my side.

a few last beach shots -
it was a glorious week and we were tempted to stay longer.
but we had to get back and get ready for this new little one on the way.
the list of projects was long, but i am so relieved to say we have gotten thru most of them.
oh man, do i love southern cal and getting away on a family vacation is the best.