End of Summer

Nothing signals the end of summer like the last swim lesson. The boys enjoy one last session together before enjoying a family, poolside vacation in Cabo.

Cole Trippin'

That face is good from any angle.

Cruisin' for Chicks

Cole hit the preschool scene in style. He quickly and confidently got in the groove of school. I guess all those days that he came with me to volunteer helped. He already knew half of the kids on the playground. Go Coley Go!

Class Project

One of Cole's first preschool projects was to bring in a family picture to put on the bulletin board. Looking through our picture library, I realized that the last family picture we had showed Cole as a chubby toddler. Jeff quickly came to the rescue with his iphone and a camera timer. Not bad for a single take.

Teacher's Helper

Grayson was so happy when his teacher picked him as attendance helper on the first week of school. A MOMS Club friend of mine happened to be in the office as he carried out his very important task.

Kindergarten Here I Come!

Here is our big boy riding off to his first day of school.

He was sporting his new Quicksilver outfit and looking sharp.

We were all there to see him off.He gave his little brother one last hug and headed into class.

Luckily the OC Register was able to get a picture of Grayson and his classmates getting to know their new teacher. He loves school and all his new classmates.
I am sure he will have a great year.

Underwater Brother

The boy's swim teacher, Jeremy, took this cool underwater picture during their swim lesson.

Beach Gear

Dad added an army shovel to our beach gear, giving the boys hours of fun building giant sea forts and playing bury the brother.

Beach Babe

It was Emily's turn to visit Leo Carrillo. We had fun afternoons battling the cold waves together.

We also enjoyed relaxing mornings exploring sea caves and watching the waves from the cliffs.

Beach Camping

This weekend we discovered the wonders of beach camping at Leo Carrillo State Park. We spent each day playing in the sand and surf and then we walked back to our campsite to eat, shower and rest.
Grayson spent hours constructing tunneled villages and sea walls, and then laughed gleefully as he watched the ocean reclaim his creations.


At night we walked along the cliffs admiring the waves and the sunset.
That is what I call time well spent.

Hiking

While the boys were at school, Emily and I had a chance to explore Irvine Park. We took our bikes and headed towards the back trails.


After climbing some rocks, we found some beautiful views.


We both agreed that we need to do it again soon.


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Beach Boys

The boys enjoying our first beach trip of the summer.


We were joined by our good friends Becky and Liam.



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Cole at School

Here is Cole on his first day at preschool. He has been coming to the school with me when I volunteer each week, so he is pretty much thinks he owns the playground. The first day was all smiles and fun with his teacher Mrs. Hodges.

Men in Mustaches

I walked into the boys room and found this rather sinister looking group of men in mustaches. They would not reveal their identities, but that little one certainly had a familiar giggle.

Grayson's Karate Show

For the last session of Grayson's karate class at The Little Gym, the kids put on a show for the parents to demonstrate all that they learned.

Little Gym Graduation

Surrounded by bubbles and applause, Cole graduated from his Mom and me class at The Little Gym.


He has been with this same group of boys since he was a baby.


He ended the class with a proud "ta-da!".


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Back to Julian

Another beautiful camping trip to Julian.
This time we visited William Heise Park in San Diego.
We were fortunate to have wonderful, mild weather and a big, open campsite.
Cole went on his first hike and did a great job.
We even encountered two rattlesnakes on the trail.
The boys enjoyed seeing deer, rabbits and lots of wild turkey.
On the way home, we visited animals of a different kind. Dad surprised the boys with a trip to the San Diego Safari Park.

Grayson Without Training Wheels

Grayson asked Dad to remove the training wheels from his bike. After only two days, he was looking pretty confident.

Salon Day

Emily has been asking to have her hair lightened to it's summer blonde. We finally relented and she had her first hair salon day.

She was very pleased with the results. We think she always looks beautiful.

Daddy's Little Rocker

Grayson and Dad were "just going to the bank". They came back with a mini Les Paul guitar. I guess that's what happens when cool dudes hang out.


Rock on Grayson!

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