Summer Fun was in full effect! We worked overtime to enjoy every single minute.
Lots of days were spent at the beach having fun in the sun with family and friends. We were grateful to have some of our favorite people come to San Diego to spend time with us.
When we weren't at the beach we spent time swimming, going to Sea World or the water park at Aquatica (we also began phase one of the major construction and remodel at our house and had to find ways to survive away from home during work hours).
The week of my birthday was no different. We started off at Sea World with some rides on the Electric Eel. Macie and I were feeling extra "sistery" and dressed as twins- mom reveled in the moment knowing it wouldn't last long (both the kindness and Macie being "fancy").
That following morning we drove up to Los Angeles to pick up my friend Cari who was going to be staying with us for the week! It was the best birthday surprise ever! Once we arrived back in San Diego Dad took the 3 of us out for a fun evening at the Padre game.
In the morning I woke up an 11 year old. Despite what Mom had been saying, it felt great to finally be a tween! After an awesome pancake and bacon breakfast we spent the day at Aquatica and had a great time.
In the early evening we had a small birthday dinner at home followed by a mochi cake (my request) and a few presents from my family.
Macie, Presley, and Nixon all picked out special gifts on their own, just for me. They were so excited to watch me open them.
I loved all my gifts, but have to admit that Mom and Dad's gift was my FAVORITE!
At night we went to Sea World for a few hours to see the light shows and enjoy some snacks.
Sea World at night is full of music, lights, and entertainment. Macie could't help but get involved and tear up the dance floor with her moves.
The next day we spent the entire day back at Sea World with Cari and our neighbor Anthony.
Believe it or not we still had energy that night to go ice skating.
Mom and Dad were impressed that we all rallied so hard, but were not at all surprised when we hit the wall that night and practically begged to go to bed.
A few days after Cari left my friend Gigi flew in from Las Vegas to stay with us for a week.
After spending a few hours at the beach we cleaned up and went to Sea World.
We filled her week with trips around town to all of our favorite places.
The week was amazing, but one of my favorite experiences was when Gigi, a Starbucks regular, ordered me a Frappuccino while we were browsing the aisles at Barnes and Nobel. It was AMAZING!
On her last night in San Diego we roasted marshmallows and made smores before enjoying a relaxing movie night at home. I am so grateful that two of my Las Vegas friends were able to come spend time with me in my new home!
With only a few days left of summer we rushed to fit in a few more activities. Seeing Hotel Transylvania with friends was one of our favorites.
Before school began Presley got to tour her new kindergarten class and meet her teacher. Because we had a full day of beach fun planned we showed up to "Meet your Teacher" dressed in full beach garb. Presley still managed to look super cute in her wet suit.
She loved seeing her new classroom and couldn't wait to start school with Macie and I.
We arrived at the beach that day and spent hours building castles, riding waves, and collecting shells.
I helped Presley catch a few waves.
She had so much fun that she insisted on trying it herself. One solid ride in and she was hooked!
Macie is always full of excitement in the water and was able to encourage Nixon to take a ride.
It was an amazing day at the beach!
The weekend before school began our family spent time at home preparing for the week ahead. When, thanks to the 90 degree weather, fatigue set in we all went for a swim in the pool. Mom couldn't help but giggle as she watched Presley swim. She is always so genuinely happy; she even smiles while swimming. We aren't sure how she doesn't swallow water but she never stopped smiling under the water. I was able to catch it on film...
During one of our swim sessions Nixon decided he'd had enough of his floatie and decided to ditch it. In that moment Mom knew that her lazy days at the pool were over for a couple summers now that he won't be wearing a float. We were all proud of him and his quick progress.
By Sunday afternoon he was swimming across the pool. He is still struggling to figure out how to come up for air and take a breath, but man are we impressed by his determination.
It's hard to be excited to go back to school when summer is so awesome, but we are looking forward to seeing friends and being at school with Presley. Check back soon to see how our first week went...
