Who needs an ocean view at lunch...

...when you've got this view!








I love summertime lunches!

So far, summertime has brought....

lots of trampoline time... sometimes with hostages.



goggle wearing... she would have slept with these on if I let her.


a trip to Toys R Us for a water table... we got our money's worth in a day.


Stay tuned for more summertime fun!

cousin hugs and an apple muffin.

It was during a safety break at the water park and all that was said was, "Hey, Beau, can you give Avery a hug?"


Avery leans in with anticipation. This is how she "hugs" right now.

Beau stretches his arms and walks toward her. I'm pretty sure he was sneaking in a kiss, too.


I love how close in age these two are. It is so sweet to watch their "cousin relationship" blossom. They are learning together how the world works.

the ocean, a bbq and lots of dads...

That's what our Father's Day was all about.

We started the day off with a venti caramel macchiato while daddy opened up his gifts.

After a low key morning and a recharged toddler, we headed to Laguna Beach where Sean's brother and family live.

We walked down to Victoria Beach for some fun in the sand.



Avery LOVED the waves. I wish I had a video of her squeals and laughter. It made us all smile!

We walked back to a house full of delicious food and great company.




It's so special that all the dads in both of our families can all be together on Father's Day.

Thanks Mike, Jill, Tierney and Dane for opening your home to all of us!!

Things that can happen when...

... you rear your child with a dog.

1. Two for one entertainment.


2. Learning toughness and patience- when you get knocked down by a happy dog or whipped in the face by a happy tail.


3. Mommy gets commanded like the dog does, "Come, mommy."

4. More frequent trips to the park, so the dog can let off steam


5. Vocabulary building-
"Enough"
"I know, I know"
"To your bed"
"Good boy"
"Excuse me, please"
"Sit"
"Release"
"Move, please."

6. Ball throwing skills

7. Knowing how to pant and lap her water (not sure if this is good)


8. Learning to love every animal

9. Helping mommy at meal time

10. Building immunity




Thank you, Stanley for helping to make Avery a well-rounded little girl!

Mother's Day- Part 1

We had a beautiful Mother's Day celebrating my mom. Sean was working, so the focus was MY mom. We started the morning with Sunday service at my parent's church. Then, we headed to Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano for a light breakfast and coffee at the Hidden House Cafe and strolled down the historic street.






It was a fun morning. I love you, Mom!

our mommy: celebrated and in action.

The mommy in our family was celebrated on Monday with a delicious lunch at the Beachcomber and nice walk on Crystal Cove beach watching the waves go "up and down" as Avery would say.




We spent the rest of the day relaxing- no errands, no appointments. Then, Sean made a delicious Peruvian dinner. It was a beautiful day!

The next day, we took a drive down to San Diego and enjoyed a delightful "4x4" breakfast sandwich of egg, pastrami and cheese at my dad's restaurant, Tommy Pastrami. On the way back up, we stopped off in La Jolla to check out the seals. Avery was very excited to see them. She also loved the chipmunks on the bluffs.



That afternoon, Sean and Avery were bouncing on her new trampoline.




After one particular bounce, she buckled. I could've sworn I heard a pop. She started crying and had trouble putting pressure on her foot for the next few hours and wanted to be held, so off to the ER we went for some x-rays. She was such a good girl WAITING to be called back, lying on the table while the x-rays were taken, WAITING for the doctor, WAITING for the x-rays, WAITING for the results, then WAITING for the discharge paperwork.



The doctor reported there was no break, just a sprain. We are very thankful for this!!

Happy Mother's Day!