Pismo Beach in Summer

July in Puerto Vallarta

yipes stripes

We went on a womderful vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico this summer. We spent time as a family playing in the water, beach, tennis and going out. It was so much fun!

Morning Walks

I have been really enjoying the morning walks Elle, Daisy and I take to the top of the mountain behind our house. It is a beautiful view and we all seem to look forward to it. Elle asks frequently, "Walk, Mama? Walk?". Sometimes we have to get bundled up. It has been chilly here some days. The hills after the rain are so beautiful though. It is truly a relaxing and refreshing part of my day. I thought the picture standing in Mama's shadow was so cute.

K.P.

Mom has been getting frustrated and overwhelmed with her duties since last year so at the start of this year we've begun a chore chart. The kids have always done chores so this was more to remind MOm to remind them what they need to do. They receive points and they are trading off every other week between Yard duty- i.e. dog pooper scooper, feeding rabbit, cat and dog, putting outside toys away, etc. and Kitchen Patrol - i.e. emptying dishwasher, drying dishes, setting table, clearing the table, helping make cookies or breads etc. Mom has made it clear that whether on KP or Yard Duty all tasks in the house are everyones and you need to do what is asked of you. This has helped Mom immensely as well as teaching them the responsibilities of the house. The great thing is... they have been so motivated and willing to help it is refreshing!!!
The kids of course had to have fun with the idea of Kitchen Patrol and made themselves, helmets, swords and shields while putting the dishes away forme. It was too cute. I had to take a picture of it. They were pretending to protect princess Elle from the chores! Of course Elle just wants to help, because she wants to do anything the boys are doing!

Day at the park

Elle and I have been making playdates recently and it reminded me of these pictures i took in the Fall of Elle just having a grand ol' time at the playground.

Swim Team coming to an end

Burke and Kayla




Baseball season is upon us! Burke tries out for Minor B's this week and he has decided to take a break from swimming for a while. We were very proud of his progress. He has improved all of his times by at least 1 second and competed in the individual medley in his last meet. It was a fun season. I know he will enjoy doing it again after baseball season.
Burke gets ready
Dad timing the races
Uncle James hanging with Elle
These pictures were taken at the beginning before Burke had his jammers.