Summer comes to an end....

Since we didn't have a blog before summer began, I thought that I would recap some of the fun times we shared together as a family.

In the middle of May we decided to take a little vacation to San Diego. We knew that the beach would still be a little cold, but the rooms were cheaper and we got to stay right on Pacific Beach. The kids enjoyed jumping over the waves and playing in the sand. It was a very nice and relaxing vacation.

Over Memorial Day we went with a group of friends up to Payson, Arizona to go camping. The kids had so much fun playing in the dirt, eating lots of junk food, and exploring their surroundings. I wasn't sure how they would like it, but they ended up loving it. The nights were a little rough and naps consisted of Jason driving us around for a couple of hours so the kids could sleep in the car. We can't wait to try it again next year.

Hagen with dirt smeared on his face 

Over July 24th we went up to Utah for our annual trip. We wanted to make it to Logan, Utah so that we could join in the small town 24th celebration. The parade was a big hit with Hagen, he thought that the more he stood out in the street and waved the more candy would get thrown at him. He stood out in the street waving his little heart and ended up with a huge bag that didn't even get eaten. Later we were able to go to see some fireworks. Our kids had never seen fireworks because it is always too late and hot in Arizona. I thought that the loud sounds would scare them, but they didn't.

Hagen & Ainsley waiting for candy

Dad & kids at the fireworks

Following the 24th we made our way up to Island Park for the Esplin's annual camping trip. Since I won't stay in a tent for seven days with no shower, bathroom, etc. we ended up renting a cozy cabin that we shared with Jason's sister. The kids had a good time with their cousins. The weather was perfect and the scenery beautiful.

Canoe ride

Fun Times

We had a little cool down on Wednesday and decided to go to the Desert Ridge splash pad. Hagen and Ainsley both enjoyed running through the water with their friends. Another fun thing we did this past week was going to Imagination Avenue. It is a great place that the kids can run and play in different themed rooms. Ainsley wouldn't sit still long enough for me to take any pictures of her, but I got a great one of Hagen posing in his fireman outfit. 

Hagen, Kade, and Ainsley 

Hagen as a Fireman 

Hagen's 1st Open House

Hagen had his 1st open house at his preschool and was very excited to show the whole family what he has been working on the past month. He especially wanted to show us his sea turtle and star fish. After visiting the classroom we got to go eat ice cream and participate in a cake walk. We had a great time visiting the school and look forward to doing it again next year.

Hagen showing us his sea turtle and star fish

Hagen, Ainsley & mom participating in the cake walk 

Labor Day - San Diego

Since nothing was going on over Labor Day weekend and it is way TOO hot to go outside, we decided to go to San Diego last minute. We found a hotel room and packed the car in minutes and away we went for our seven hour car ride. It shouldn't take seven hours, but Hagen kept drinking a lot of water the whole way so we had to stop for bathroom breaks every hour. 

The next day few days were spent enjoying the beach and Sea World. It was a much needed mini-vacation before "Suzie" is born in November. 

Dad and kids enjoying burying their feet in the sand

Hagen enjoying the ocean.

Ainsley soaking up the sun 

1st Day of Preschool

Hagen's 1st day of school was harder on me and Ainsley than on Hagen. He was ready to go with his backpack in tow. I had to keep my sunglasses on to keep Hagen from seeing me cry. He loves school and his teachers and is doing very well. Every day after we drop Hagen off, Ainsley keeps asking for Hagen and is lost without him. These two are inseparable and I hope they stay that way.

First attempt

Since all of our family lives out-of-state and many of our good friends are moving away, we have decided to put together a blog so that we can stay connected. I don't know what I am doing, but I am sure with a little practice I will get the hang of this.