Blogging vacation

courtesy of:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_9&listing_id=12636992

We're leaving for a little adventure for the next couple of weeks, so won't be posting at all...but I promise to get some great pics for my next blog story. Meanwhile, hope you all are having a fun and exciting summer as well.


xoxo

Summer Solstice

~homemade hats (by Bri) for the days festivities~

~like father, like son?~

~amazing afro-brazilian dancers~

~grouchbug after a full day with no nap~

~little fairy...Mia~

Since we weren't able to celebrate Father's Day with Matt & his dad last weekend we switched it up a bit to have a Daddy-Solstice day. We started the day with a breakfast of yummy homemade quiche, banana nut bread and fruit salad on our brand new dining table (which I'm loving). At breakfast the guys got gifts of artwork de la mihas. Then we took a 45 minute bus ride up to a local Summer Solstice parade. I never realized how convenient and comfortable public transportation was and am planning to use it much more often in the future. We made our way to the parade to be greeted by radiant afro-brazilian dancers, colorful and creative floats and somewhat freakish costumed performers ~ all dripping in sweat from 2+ hours in the blazing sun, yet all with smiles from the days excitement.

We then rested on a blanket amidst the product vendors, live music and vast array of eye catching festival goers for a picnic lunch. I packed some chicken salad sandwiches, with couscous and a salad garnished with dried cherries, goat cheese and glazed pecans. We visited with friends & family while watching the days events play out. It was a fun and relaxing day for sure. We ended our fun with a ride home on the bus after stopping at a wine cafe for some refreshments.

The one person missing was my own dad who I know would have enjoyed the festivities. Sorry, we missed you dad...hope your Father's Day was especially relaxing and happy. Love you tons.

xoxo

Funshine

~athlete in training~

~shortarm fetch~

~serious juice squeezer~

~absolutely love this one~

So today we packed up the kids, grabbed the sunscreen and canopy (awesome gift from Greer & Jerry) and headed to the beach for the entire day. The weather here has been H-O-T and the sea is the place to be. There was lots of fun to be had including surfing, running, sand play, naps and sand dollar collecting. Nothing like a day in the sun, surf and sand. I could definitely do this more often:)

xoxo

Starri days (and nights)....

We had a fun visit with Bri's cousin Starri last week who we haven't seen in over 10 years. She and her family came out to stay with us in Cali and see some of the sights. We went to a small local aquarium, did a little wine tasting, drum circle dancing and sushi devouring. Although the weather was gloomy the first two days of their visit, the sun decided to come out before they left for Colorado and life was good. Shilo, the baby, was adorable as you can plainly see with big eyes and beautiful blonde curly hair. It was great to reconnect & meet her new family.

xoxo

Here comes high school....woohoooooooo!

One week ago today my beautiful Bri graduated 8th grade with a huge smile and the excitement of knowing some of her closest friends will be going to high school with her. She is such an amazing spirit who spreads pure joy & laughter to everyone who knows her. We are so very proud of who she is and where she is headed.

Her day started with a half day of school and yearbook signing, followed by lunch with friends, a makeover at the MAC counter and a new doo. Following graduation was a big party for the whole class with a DJ, dinner, games, slideshow and prizes to boot. They had a blast.

Congratulations Bri on your many accomplishments and for being the shining light that you are. I am so very blessed to call you my own and to accompany you through life's joy, sadness, love and wonder. I know you are going to love your high school adventures.

xoxo

Walter Marcyan

Remembering love

~Grandpa & Nanny B~

Today was a day of celebration, family, love & mourning. As I previously posted, my Grandpa Walt & Nanny B passed away in September last year. They shared a love so strong that lasted over 50 years and bonded them even in death. My Nanny B passed away less than 24 hours before my grandfather as he had no reason to carry on without her. Their memories and legacy are deeply etched on my heart and the hearts of family and friends. It was wonderful to see all of the family come together to say goodbye and share the love that they left us with. We are ever so blessed and ever so grateful to call them our own.

Ditching school.....again

morning beautys

get ready, get set...........

scream!!!!

the wounded

jumping babes

Bri's girlfriend slept over after Disneyland and we headed out for another day of fun. All the kids met up at the park for a potluck, some jumping action and ice block riding. They put all the blocks together for an ice block train. It was a fun & relaxing day and the kids loved having a couple of days off of school (not that they're doing much anyway). They are such a nice group of teens. We are very blessed knowing Bri has found such great friendships these past couple years. I know she'll miss seeing them every day.

Yahooooo!

Monday was Bri's class ditch day & trip to Disneyland. I have to say even though (maybe because) I organized the trip I was a bit hesitant about how the day would turn out. First of all....I'm not a huge fan of amusement parks. Hate the crowds, food, lines, trash, noise. I have a bit of a bah-humbug outlook. My second thought was how having a toddler and 20+ teens could be tricky. Luckily, six other parents came and my oh-so-awesome-in-laws (who helped me immensely with Maya). Then there was the whole Disney thing in itself. I have this thing against all the Disney (and other corporate) marketing of the princesses and such toward the kids. It just bugs me. Lastly, I was sure I would be absolutely exhausted from the day having left at 10am and returning at midnight.

I have to say....I was completely wrong. Disneyland was fun for everyone. It was clean, people were friendly, and both the teens and the toddler had a blast. It was a happy place.

I think we'll be going back in the near future.

xoxo