Summer Vacation Part 2- Arkansas

I know, most people hear we go to Arkansas and ask "Why are you going there?" Let me explain... my mom grew up in northern Arkansas and I still have a lot of family out there. We grew up coming out here every summer for almost a month and I love this place! All the green, the lakes, the fireflies, the thunderstorms, the people and so much more. Many of my favorite memories as a child were here and there really is no place like it. This was Matt's third time and Crew's second time out and we had a fantastic week! Getting out there is a beast! Over 4 hours of airplanes (not including layovers) then a three and a half hour drive. But once we get there it is awesome. We traveled Saturday so our first full day there was Sunday. After church, we went down by the White River so my cousin Aaron could take some pictures with his darling fiance for their wedding announcement. I love this spot!

Mom and Maren at work with the happy couple!

Cooling down with popsicles on Great Grandma's back porch

Stay tuned... LOTS more

Summer Break- Part One

Matt has had the past couple of weeks off and sadly returns to the real world tomorrow... how did that go so fast? We did make the most of his time off and although we don't have pictures to show for all of it, it was a great summer break. One of the highlights, Matt and Crew went camping with our friends Tom and Jake. They kind of decided the night before but once they found a campsite the rest of the trip went great! Crew here is doing a little dancing while he eats his fire-roasted hot dog. A shot of their campsite.

What goes better with camping than kite flying?

Crew and Jake

Another highlight of the week was going to Temecula. We all went to our friend Dr. Walker for some teeth cleanings and then met up with Maren and the boys for lunch. The boys were polite and feed the ducks lunch first.

Crazy boys

Thursday we walked/ scootered to the Farmer's Market. Here is Crew riding his scooter down one of Matt's favorite ally ways.

And just because he isn't pictured at all in the rest of this post, my sweet, little, chunky one!

We loved having Matt around and are so sad he goes back tomorrow. However, Matt has totally taken over in Crew's world so maybe it will be nice for him to leave so I am cool again! We did just get back from a week in Arkansas so stay tuned for that as well.

Catching up...

Well, I am way past due for a post so here are some of highlights from the last couple weeks. First, Crew learned how to ride his bike with no training wheels! We have been meaning to do this for months, but three weeks ago he and Matt took them off and he was off and riding in no time! We were so proud of this big guy and you better believe he is too!
Last Saturday we took some friends back to El Matador Beach. Just like before, a fantastic beach day but made better with some friends. Crew and his buddy Jake.

Jake, Crew and Abby

The beach is a whole new experience now that Graham is mobile. Seriously, sand everywhere but he loves it.

We also got to go to the Surfing U.S. Open in Huntington beach. So fun to watch so many famous surfers! The pier was a hit too.

Abby, Crew and Jake at the pier

Um.. hello chunky face!!! Graham is now pulling up on everything and is getting pretty good at it too. Very proud of himself.

Last night we went to Mormon night at Dodger Stadium. It was a blast! We had about 40 people from our ward all go and sit together. About 25 of us took the train over which was a hit with all the kids. Here they are waiting for the train.

The other angle

On the train

Lovin Dad

Brothers

I love the look of determination in Graham's face here

So there you go. My boys are growing up way too fast but are so much fun. And as usual around here, we are playing way too much. Got to soak it all in while we can!

Coronado

My dad had some meetings in Coronado a couple weeks ago so the boys and I went down for a day to play. Mom found these robe towels. Aren't they hilarious! They were pretty cute walking around the pool.

We hit the pool first while Grandpa was still in meetings


Grandpa met us as we were getting out of the pool. Maren, mom and I took the little ones back to the room for a nap while my dad took the big boys exploring. Ten minutes later we hear a "Hoo hoo" outside and hear is what we found. Grandpa is so much fun.That evening we took a ski boat out in the harbor. Don't let the look on my children's face fool you... it really was hit!

The background isn't the best but isn't the sunset amazing?

And we finished the night with books and and sleep over. What a fun day!

Seven Months

This sweet guy turned 7 months yesterday. How did this happen so fast? He loves his new found freedom in crawling and it has become a fun little game to find where he disappears to. He always has a big smile on his face when we find him. His two teeth on bottom are about to be joined by four on top which may account for why we have had so many rough nights lately. Graham is so precious and we wish he would stop growing up so fast! Love him!

San Diego- Part 2: The Allens!!!

It was so much fun to have all of the Allens together for a few days over the 4th. Unfortunately the weather was a little on the cool side but we still had a great time!

The annual handstand contest

The annual winner- (Matt's mom walks just as well on her hands as she does on her feet!)

Waiting for the fireworks

Love this guy!

Love all these guys!

It was a little chilly out so poor Graham has a bit of a red nose. Still sweet though

Crazy cousins

Crew and Gunner

Hello Graham

Story time with Grandma

Matt's siblings and spouses

I love this picture of Remy and Sammy

All the grand kids

All the siblings

The whole gang

We loved being with you all and thanks for a great little trip!