Independence Day 2015

Ella and I spent this 4th of July in Ridgefield at our friends' new house. Jeff has been working in Maryland the past few months and we missed him a lot this holiday. We enjoyed a bar-be-que, fireworks, and meeting new friends. We left Ridgefield at 10:00 p.m. because we had a long drive ahead of us and we saw beautiful fireworks the whole way home! It was like our own private light show guiding us in the night. When we arrived home, one of our neighbors purchased a lot of fireworks and we watched some more before heading to bed. Happy 239th birthday, America!

Swim Lessons

Ella started her second summer of swim lessons. She's learning so much and has progressed another level at the end of the second week. She's starting to feel more comfortable in the water and doesn't freak out about getting her face and head wet anymore, thank goodness! The best part of swim lessons was that her two preschool buddies, Quinten & Dash, were in her class as well. 

Annabella Turns Six

 Ella's bestie, Bella, turned six a few days ago and had a water themed party in her back yard.

Ella had a great time!

Schmid-Brown Wedding

Mid June we attended my cousin, Kayla's wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and setting for a country wedding. We had a blast!

Kennewick Vacation

 Last weekend Ella and I drove three hours to visit our friends, the Harkins Family, in the Tri-Cities. We had the best weekend ever! The four kiddos got along wonderfully and we spent the majority of our time in the water to beat the 110 degree temperature. 

We arrived with water play gifts: water balloons, squirt guns, and bubbles. The kids got right into the pool and started playing. 

The sunset that evening from the Harkins deck was absolutely stunning!

I was cracking up at Rod sitting in the teeny tiny recliner!

We tried to beat the heat Saturday afternoon with a trip to the movie theatre to see Pixar's new release, Inside Out. Everyone loved it!

Aubree and Ella loved playing dress-up with costumes and make-up.

 Catie and I got to go paddle boarding twice while we were there. We went for the first time (for both of us) on Saturday morning with some of her co-workers, but we didn't get any photos of that time. The next morning, we decided to take the kids and go again. Ella was a trooper and loved sitting on the front of the board while I paddled. 

Catie and Aubree

After we finished paddle boarding, we were all very parched, so shaved ice hit the spot!

Sunday evening we got all dressed up for dinner and mass at St. Joesph's Parish. Aubree let Ella borrow a pretty necklace. Aubree is like a big sister to Ella. Ella looks up to her and loves her so much.

Catie and I loved relaxing pool side together...but not for very long...it was too hot to be out of the water! We spent most of the days inside the pool floating or swimming with the kids. 

 On our last day there, the kids spent the whole day trying new moves as they jumped off the diving board. I love Ella's huge grin as she spun around in a circle. 

Jumping into the shallow end. 1-2-3, go!

On our last evening, we went bowling and played arcade games. The kids loved it! Hank's score was higher than all of the kids AND the adults! He's a natural athlete.

Ella showing Hank some lovin' after a strike. 

Looking forward to our beach trip together next weekend, Harkins family of five!

California Vacay

We officially kicked off summer with a trip to Long Beach, California to visit the Yeomans family. It was a wonderful trip filled with sand, sunshine, and fun! Ella and I loved spending time with one of our favorite families and we enjoyed exploring all that California has to offer. 

Our first stop was dinner at In & Out Burger immediately after our plane landed. Ella thought it was delicious. 

I love this woman more than words can convey. She's one of my oldest and dearest friends and to be able to spend several days in her presence was much-needed therapy for me with all the changes we've experienced as a family these past few months. I love her. 

Keith took Henry and Ella on a wilderness exploration one morning after breakfast.

One morning Lyndsey had a newborn photo shoot, so Keith and I took the three kids to the local aquarium. They all enjoyed looking at the different kinds of fish and sea creatures. 

Lyndsey: "I think I will just take a nap right here."

Henry: "Nooooo, mommy! You can't sleep on me!"

One morning Ben and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. He is always full of smiles and giggles. I adore him. 

Keith was so sweet to let Lynds and I have a Moms-Night-Out one evening after the kids were asleep. We enjoyed a yummy dinner, drinks, and wonderful conversation. 

My talented friend worked her magic on my hair before our night out.

Sunday morning Ella and I went to mass at St. Bartholomew's the local Catholic Church in Long Beach. The mass was beautiful and we felt very blessed to be there. 

 The majority of our trip was spent at the beach. I think we went there nearly every day we were in California. These photos were from an impromptu visit, we just stripped the kids of their clothes and let them splash away. 

Can you tell how much she loves it?!

Walking to another beach

Silly girls

Henry showing off for his buddy

Awe, they do love each other!

On Sunday afternoon we went to Knott's Berry Farm. It was the first trip for both Ella and I and we loved it! There was so much to see and do with no lines at all.

On the plane ride home Ella couldn't keep her eyes open. After several fun-filled, busy days with our friends, a couple hours of sleep was just what the doctor ordered. 

Until we meet again, California!