Malibu Camping

There is something about camping that makes you forget about everything going on in the real world while you just play, relax and enjoy everything around you. We spent 2 nights at Malibu Creek with some good friends of ours... the Rasmussens, Petars, and Bergmanns. We ate some amazing food, went exploring, had super creepy whirling dervish neighbors, sent the boys on a hunt for the rock pool, fought off bees (unsuccessfully for me), enjoyed wildlife, took drives, and actually got our kids to sleep in their tents while we enjoyed late nights by the fire under the stars. This is camping.

My friend, Sarah Petar, is a little domestic goddess when it comes to food, decor, and anything creative. She brought this banner for our campsite and family photos.

And she made these little hobo sacks for each of the kids.

Could Skyler be any more happy and content here with her brother? I love this.

Suzy and her "baby"... about to be a big brother when Coral arrives soon!

Finn Petar

If you're not dirty while camping, you're just not having enough fun.

Scarlett (one week older than Charlie) is very touchy-feely and Charlie is not sure how he feels about it.

Oh Tate... Sweet happy campers.

Feeling Coral move around in the belly!

My baby girl.

There was always something delicious to eat.

Yes, that's Starbucks on the table... we all napped our kids in the car while we drove down to Malibu for coffee and car rides. It was a break from the 100 degree afternoon for a while.

Wally & Skye hanging out.

Explorers...

The rock pool!!

Skyler has a thing for personal hygiene even while camping.

And for going potty in public.

This meadow backed up to our tents and we had deer passing through all day. And coyote passing through all night, howling like I've never heard!

My snuggle bear.

Wally and Ryder were together nonstop.

All of us on our last night.

Enjoying s'mores before bedtime.

Week B and C

B and C week came and went so fast! B week was awesome, C week kind of petered out, but I have high hopes for D week...

The kids helped make Brownie Bites and we mailed off a big one to Uncle BUMBLE.

Then we made handprint BUTTERFLIES which I took no pictures of, but here's the inspiration:

Charlie continues to take naps like a champ...

so that we can do things like this:

We made BEANIE BALLS which were awesome. 3 balloons trimmed up, layered and filled with beans. Lots of ball tossing games that week.

Another special thing for B week was when Chelsea came and taught Wallace and Skyler about BARCELONA. They learned about the buildings, the language, soccer, and this guy (Messi). Thanks again Chels. Such a treat to have you do geography this week. ;)

Loving our neighborhood, all the kids, and the final warm nights of summer.

Been visiting the magic kingdom here and there.

For C week we made CATERPILLAR prints with balloons. We invited Wally's neighbor friend, Emi, over to join.

Then they did homework books out on the sidewalk before Emi went to her school (she's a "late bird" so they don't start until noon... fun for Wallace to have her around in the mornings this year).

For C week, we also went and visited these guys at the Centennial Farm with my friend Sarah and her little Scarlett (born a week before Charlie) and her oldest, Finn (born a month after Skyler).

Preschool -- "A" week

Wally's first week of "preschool" went great. He loves it. We studied the letter A. This included a trip to the library to get our "A" books, many discussions, letter writing, Bible Stories, drawing & painting, visiting a pet store to look at Aquariums, and making our service project for (A)unt Bri.

Letter writing practice

Painting the Aquariums we saw.

Wally showing Skyler how to do his computer game.

Skyler doing her weekly chore.

Apple prints

Apple bread for Aunt Bri!

Wallace was so proud to have his verse memorized by Friday. "As the deer..."

Quiet Bags

I did it. I made the quiet bags that I should have made 5 months ago. Here they are with the names given to them by W and S.
"The Matching Wheel"

"Curly Q's"

"Marker Bag"

"The Clothesline"

"Felt Flower Making"

"Animals"

"Guys"

"Number Matching"

"Paperclip matching"

"Sewing"

Click on the wheel and print if you would like a matching wheel of your own. I glued mine onto cardboard for extra strength. Enjoy!

More of Summer

I love the boys softball tradition each summer and the warm nights hanging out with old friends.

So many mornings on the bay.

Charlie wanting to get out on the board.

Rian and Wally exploring through the boats.

Ready for Liv's Princess (and Prince) Party!

With the birthday girl.

Lake Arrowhead

We were invited by our friends Shin & Sarah to spend Labor Day weekend in a gorgeous cabin on Lake Arrowhead. There were kids running around, delicious feasts, lots of time in the water, beautiful nights with games and great conversation. It was perfect.

Out on the deck.

The girls out for a float.

Sarah coming back from a paddle.