San Elijo Getaway

We decided to plan a getaway last minute over Veteran's Day weekend. We scored with a beachfront site down at San Elijo state beach. This by far is our favorite quick getaway. It is a beautiful beach with great surfing and scuba diving. Easy access to downtown if necessary and great bike trails. The kids had a blast. We love having our tent trailer and plan on putting it to use monthly:) Here are a few photos we took to give you just a piece of what this weekend was like.Jake's favorite things in life: the kids and the beach.Luke always seems to CRACK us up:)The kids were amazing. The love they show eachother makes us so proud of them.Kate and Luke catching air over their sand castles.Precious!The beach was covered with sea stars and lobsters.Proud daddy.Our view that we just loved.

The Ladybug, the Pirate & the Geisha

Happy Halloween 2010. Boy, I miss being a kid; it's so much fun. We had blast on Halloween with the kids this year. We went to a Halloween trunk-or-treat at church the night before and trick-or-treated the night of. I think having a full grocery bag says enough (not plastic-paper). Watching the kids run door-to-door and saying trick-or-treat is the best. I wish these little munchkins could stay so innocent forever.
Our precious ladybug who loved walking forward while looking backwards at her wings fly.

Our Pirate who loved to play his part with his sword in his sisters' faces
Here's the face that our Pirate loved to make while our Geisha was so proper.

Our Geisha had a blast with this costume. Anytime she gets to wear make-up, she's happy. Although, a pure white face doesn't look to natural for her.

Pumpkin Carving

Pumpkin carving is always alot of fun yet messy. The kids picked out their own designs and had alot fun doing it. Kate wanted a cute little pumpkin with the traditional happy smile, and Luke wanted the funny pumpkin. Holidays are so much more fun with kids although Halloween can't come fast enough the year, since I bought the Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters about 2 weeks ago, and can't keep my hands out of the bag. The kids even know where the stash is and want a candy for everything they do. The kids can't wait for the big day.
The Results
Kate getting her hands dirty Claire watching everyone carve away. Getting started- outside activity:)

Luke's Little Buddies

At times, I feel sorry for Luke knowing he's not getting a brother to play with, but he is always surrounded by other boys whether its his cousins or his friends. Luke loves to play with other kids including his sisters. He is such a sweetheart and always has a hug for those around him. He puts a smile on our face everyday. We truely have been blessed to have him in our little family. Thank you Luke for all your love. XOXOXOXOXO.
Luke with his cousin Zach

Luke with his cousin Julian

Luke with his friends Price & Dallin

Little Lady Luncheon

Time is going by way too quickly. Our Kate turned 5 years old last week and we decided to throw her a little lady luncheon with a few of her friends. She wanted everyone to get dressed up as little ladies/princess and have a nice girl lunch:) (Kate's exact words) I had done most of the prep work for the party during the week, so the night before I wouldn't be doing everything like I normally do things. I thought I was ready until 4:00 pm the day before, Kate tells me she doesn't want to wear what we had already picked out for her. She wanted to wear more pink. I should've known. I had originally had this adorable vintage gown with a 1920's hat to go with it, but there was no pink to be found on the outfit. So, of course, I could not dress her for her own party in something she didn't want to wear. The night before I had to make a skirt to match the colors of her party with pink plus finish food preps and cleaning house. Although I didn't get to bed until 1:30 am and was exhausted, it was ALL worth it because she had a blast. It's amazing the things we do just to put a constant smile on our little ones faces.

Lobster Season Begins

Jake and Andrew went lobster diving last night in Laguna Beach. The diving conditions were far from good but Jake still managed to get one. The kids were so excited, but did not want to hold it. Jake has a blast diving at night hunting for those bugs, but I get pretty nervous knowing he's at the bottom of the ocean in the dark with sea creatures:) It's worth the gamble; we look forward to having lobster feasts as the season continues.

Where did the summer go?

Time is flying by too fast. Fortunately, we enjoyed this summer as much as we could. We were able to get some camping trips to Mammoth, San Clemente, and El Capitan. We also took a trip up to Monterey. The kids had a blast. We are realizing each day that life is too short, so we need to make the best of it. Being together as a family and with family is what gives us joy.