Cali-for-ni-a

Family Reunion time again. Although things went much different than originally planned. Instead of the whole family going, I drove with the 3 youngest....yes you read right...ALL BY MYSELF. Haydn was at Scout Camp and Emilee had mandatory dance rehearsals, so Delon had to stay.  Getting there wasn't too bad, but coming home was an experience I have been slowly trying to erase from my memory.

Anyhow, it was a good trip and it's always so much fun to be with my family.

We left a day early and spent time with our long-time friend Robin. Thanks again to Mark and Robin for hosting...it's always a good time and good food!

Friday we started things off in Gilroy with lunch at the park, then swimming later at the hotel. That night we had dinner with everyone and then dessert with the Bozzo's! It's always good to catch up with these guys.

Saturday morning we headed over the hill to Santa Cruz Boardwalk. I loved being by the ocean...but of course the kids were more interested in the rides. The weather was great at first, but then it rained a little and got cold and windy.  I actually enjoyed getting out of the heat , so it didn't bother me much.
Things weren't exactly how I planned, people tend to stay a little separated in places like this, so there wasn't  much visiting time :(

As we were headed back later that day, we were stuck on the hill for about 20-30 minutes because of a fallen tree. This actually gave me the perfect opportunity to get out and take some pics of the wooded areas. It was beautiful....reminded me of Washington. Once the tree was removed we were on our way back for dinner. Dinner had to be thrown together at the last minute because what was planned fell through. We were late picking up our order and the place had closed. Just my luck. I was partially responsible for planning this reunion and felt a little disappointed with some of what happened, but you just do what you can and I was grateful for those who came. I love my family more than anything and know that that's what really matters.

I always love going back "home" to  California. Thank you G&G Hillesheim, we love you!!

 Water fights

 Diana's little fish....Raegan

 "What!?"

 Mark and Robin...she never lets me take her picture.

 Jake

 Pool party

 We spent all day by the pool...

 First try...

 Second try....this totally explains everything.

 3rd times a charm...unless you have no make-up on and weren't looking at the camera.

 Gilroy Park

Giddyup 

 G & G  and Paula :)

 Jake and Jessie...buddies

Sister pic

 Gracie

 Hmmm, I wonder who took this picture?....nice, guys

Swing time

 My arms are tired

 Lookin' good Isabelle

 Ramsi, Lily and Gracie

 The Three Amigos

 This is where the old people mingled ;)

 Lyla

 Raegan

 Jake in his bi-plane

 Jake and Jesse  a.k.a.  "Maverick and Goose"

 Mom and Dad ....aren't they too old for this?

 Nothing like a greasy corndog....mmmmm

 Boardwalk view

 Testing the waters

 Beach boys...

 Love this view

 Racing the tide

 Time for rides

 Train ride for Riley , Zach and Jake

 Bumper cars

 Gracie and Riley on the coaster...last ride of the day.

 Jake and Zach

 View out my window through the hills to Santa Cruz

Beautiful

 Massive trees

Fallen tree....traffic was backed up for miles.

Ensign Peak and Cheesecake

We decided to stick close to home this summer and get things done around the house and "tend to business." So we spent a few weekends here and there just taking off for a day or two to get the kids out of the house. We decided we could head to Salt Lake, hike Ensign Peak, see the much talked about City Creek Mall, pop in at the Planetarium and finish with the Cheesecake Factory...yes we saved the best for last :)

 Salt Lake City

 Photo opp

 Emilee's favorite photo face

 Checking out the view

 Still climbing

 Enjoying the view

 Hanging out with mom

 The only kid who didn't complain about the hike.

 Hanging out

 Pit stop on Mars

 Chillin' on the moon

 Space "rocks"

 Polar Bear movie....Delon slept through all but 5 minutes.

 Chowin' down at the Cheesecake Factory

 It's THAT good!

Yummy!

The kids really enjoyed the hike even though it was pretty steep and hot, but good times nonetheless. And of course the view was amazing...wouldn't want to live in Salt Lake, but I definitely LOVE to visit.

Piano

 Piano students...little Maddie is also the teacher's daughter. Emilee babysits for her, such a cute little family.

The infamous "Miss Love"

At the end of May, Emilee had her last piano recital with Kinsey Love. I'm so sad to have to try and find another teacher. "Miss Love" was pretty great!  Emilee has really done well this last year and I'm hoping that will continue. I'm so proud of all she has done and can't wait to see what comes next. Love you Emilee :)

Preschool Graduation

I can't believe Jake is going to Kindergarten...not because he doesn't seem old enough or because it doesn't feel like it's time...but because I DON"T feel old enough. It will be different to have my baby off to school and riding the bus, but I know he is ready and I'm excited for him.

 Graduation time at the park...

Best buddies....Daxton and Jake

 Jake's preschool teacher was Lindsay Wright, who also happens to be a member of our ward. I had heard many good things about her so I'm glad we got Jake in. He grew so much and has totally surpassed my expectations, both socially and intellectually. Lindsay was amazing...she literally let them try everything. She has got to be the most patient and creative person I know. Jake loved it and made lots of good friends, one of which is Daxton Hall....these two are so much alike it's a little scary. They have so much fun together...silly boys!

Gracie's End of School program

Sadly, the new school year starts in 2 weeks and I'm just now posting this. It's a little indication of how busy our summer has been and how completely "too - tired" I've been to keep up.  My goal is to do better in the summers....

 Gracie was up in the very back...she kept peeking out to make sure I could see her.

 Jump roping on stage...she loves it and is very good.

Seasons song...she's a little "ham"

Gracie had a little end of school program in which they sang, did a little skit, danced and even jump roped. It was quite the variety show and it's amazing what these kids remember. It was pretty evident how much fun they were having....and it doesn't hurt to have one of the best teachers EVER!... Mrs. Swainston...we loved her and Gracie did so well this year in her class. She LOVES school and her teachers never have any complaints, only praise.

Haydn's 12th Birthday / Ordination

This birthday marks an important step in Haydn's life. I'm so grateful for who he is and wanting to do what's right. It was pretty great to be there when he received the Priesthood, and since that day I have seen little changes in his attitude and countenance.

His birthday was simple....cake and gifts. And at his request, The Avengers movie with the boys.

 Homemade b-day cake

 We're a goofy bunch around here...

 Crazy kids

 He needed a little help this time

 Lots of clothes and jerseys ....

 New "kicks"

 B-day boy with Mom and Dad

 He looks so handsome and grown up.

 G&G Hillesheim

 Grandpa Mortimer

The boys...Riley had already changed out of his church clothes, hence Delon's jacket and Riley's "flasher" look.

G&G Hillesheim and Grandpa Mortimer (grandma wasn't feeling well) came for Haydn's ordination. It was a great day for everyone. I'm glad Haydn was able to have his grandparents there and I'm grateful for the experience and for the Priesthood in our lives and hope that as Haydn grows older he will remember what a wonderful gift and duty it is. We love you Haydn :)

May Dance Review

 Gracie getting ready back stage

 After the show...she did so good!

 Backstage...

 Great job Emilee :)

With cousins Ramsi and Raegan

May is the busiest time of year for dance. Since both Emilee and Gracie did dance this year, it was a little crazy at times, but the girls really enjoyed it...and Emilee made the performance group! Thanks to G&G Hillesheim and Diana's family who came and joined us that evening. Emilee had worked extra hard this year and it really paid off. Gracie has loved dance ever since I can remember...it showed on stage. I love to watch my kids do the things they really enjoy. Until next year...which is sounding very familiar to an episode of Dance Mom's...wish me luck.