Two wheels...

The kids decided they wanted to try to ride their bikes without training wheels today. While I do appreciate them being the cautious types, it would be nice it they'd take enough of a risk to ride a bike with 2 wheels! ;) Both tried for a little bit...Luke actually rode on his own for a short amount of time...but quickly decided it was too much. Good grief.

Camping...

This week we went camping! About 10 families from our church got together to spend 2 nights at Lake Casitas in Ventura. Our group consisted of 25 kids under 12, a handful of teenagers, 3 dogs, and 24 adults! So fun! Since it was my first time ever "really" camping, I started researching and packing about a week before. I can't believe the amount of stuff one needs to bring when roughing it. =) The campground, while completely dirt, was perfect as it was set apart from the rest of the campgrounds so totally private to our group. Lake Casitas also has a great little water park that was within easy walking distance of our camp. I could have done without the flies but such is life when living outdoors. I'm a fan of camping and can't wait to plan our next trip. Any suggestions??

We left home after church and lunch on Sunday afternoon and after hitting a good amount of traffic and needing to stop at Target because a certain someone, who shall remain nameless forgot her little pink flip flops, we made it in time to set up camp and make dinner. 

The Cases brought along a projector and screen so the kids enjoyed a movie with s'mores before an extremely late bedtime. 

The kids thought it was fantastic to be on vacation with so many of their church friends. The boys were, of course, in heaven just playing in the dirt- I can't tell you how many times I said, "Luke! Stop kicking the dirt!" as a dust ball would go running by. Kate kept most of the girls entertained with her plethora of lip-glosses, giving makeovers at our tent. =)

But don't think for a minute that the girls didn't keep up with boys in the contest of who can get most dirty. Layla did a pretty good job! 

 We spent most of Monday at the water park and the kids had a great time playing on the playground structure that sat in a shallow pool with waterfalls, slides, and jet sprays. We all loved spending time floating in inner tubes down the 1,200 foot long, winding lazy river.

On Tuesday we packed up and took our dirty selves home. It was a great couple of days and, needless to say, everyone was exhausted! A huge thank you to Josh & Nicole Case for initiating and organizing such a fun trip!

Here at our house...

We've really been enjoying our summer! Since John's promotion and schedule change- to graveyards (9pm-7am)- we've had him home every evening and morning! As tired as he is and as tough as it is to keep the house quiet during the day so he can sleep, the benefit of enjoying breakfast, dinner, and our bedtime routine with him has been nice. The kids love having him home to read stories and cuddle when they go to bed. =)

I've enjoyed making different, yummy breakfasts for my honey before he goes to bed. ;) This egg, cheese, and bacon "McMuffin" was a hit....

 Last week, Kate got to join Sarah, Reagan, and Nonie Shirley at the Broadway show Mary Poppins in Orange County!! She had a fantastic time having lunch and watching an amazing show. Thank you Ireland girls!

Clearly Kate also enjoyed the chocolate cookie (as seen on her teeth) during the show. ;)

While the big sisters were gone, Paige came and hung out with me and Luke. After we picked her up from school, we stopped by the park to feed the ducks for a while and see LOTS of turtles! Then we came home for a picnic lunch in the backyard and play time at the park. Luke loved having some alone time with his pal, Paigie! =) 

Cell phone memories...

I was recently going through my cell phone pics and thought I should do a blog post with all the moments I've caught thanks to my cell phone camera. I've been REALLY bad about bringing my camera along on our outings this summer but thankfully the phone is always there in a pinch. Of course, the quality leaves something to be desired but even with blurs and bad color, each one represents a memory and so is worthy of posting. So here are some of my favorites from the last several months (and be forewarned, there are a lot)...

Kate at Rebekah's birthday lunch at the American Girl cafe

Dinner in style

Nola & Luke on Dumbo

Visiting the Goddard's at their new house

Luke's first dentist trip...the hygienist said he did better than any other child ever has in her chair!

Easter in the Park- HB

This little girl got stuck in our yard after getting accidentally let out of hers...it took us a few hours but we finally found her owners.

Heading out to the Seal Beach car show 

We love looking at beautiful classic cars

The Princess

"Wake up, Uncle John!" Palm Springs - May 

Messing up Auntie's tan ;)

Such a big girl!

Nana & Grampa's avocado tree

Feeding the Ostermann's tortoise at Haley's birthday

Dylan taking a good nap for Auntie

Disneyland

 Kindergarten Firestation Field trip

KB

Brooklyn's dance recital 

Jumping off the waterfall at Grammie & Pop Pop's

Shopping at Costco
I know it's gross but they never touched tongues and I definitely plan on showing them this when they are older. ;)

Story time at the library

Picnic lunch in the park after story time

The squirrel that terrorized us during lunch - I'm not kidding...it had NO fear of us. Kate was freaking out, Luke kept trying to chase it away, and I was secretly very nervous. We didn't stay long. ;)

Getting sprayed by the lifeguard boat at the bay

Sleeping in the tent in Kate's room

3-legged race at ShoreLife's Annual Freedom Fest

My 4th of July "Death by Chocolate" trifle...and a baby one for Johnny, who had to work that day.

One of our many bay days

Making Nana's strawberry jam...teaching a 4th generation how to make an Ostermann family favorite.