Happy Birthday Nathan!

Today is Nathan's golden Birthday (turning 14 on the 14th). It's been so long since Nathan has spent a birthday at home.  He's usually with grandparents during the summer, but not this year!  We started the day by taking Nathan out for breakfast, and ended with friends, pizza, cake, ice cream and a little local concert in the park.

Nathan has been great this last year, he is always helping out when he can and loves being a big brother.  Less arguing at chore time and a little improvement on keeping his room clean.  Still struggling in school, but not because school is too difficult, but because he's not finishing homework.  He really needs to step up going into 8th grade.  He is starting to like reading though which is great!  He will take turns with me reading to the kids at night, very cute, the kids love having Nathan read to them!

Backyard Camp Out

The kids really wanted to have a camp out!  Matt had this week off so it was a good time to set up the tent, start a camp fire and have a family backyard camp night.  We made s'mores,  looked for bats, watched for shooting stars, and slept snuggled up all together in the tent.  So much better than real camping!

Alivia's on two wheels

I knew Alivia wouldn't be too far behind.  She finally decided she wanted to ride her bike like a big kid, and not too much longer she was up and riding.

Cherries and more Cherries

Finally after 3 years we have cherries on our trees!  Overall I think we picked about 40 lbs. of cherries.

Father's Day at the Beach

It's been a while since we've been to the ocean, so down to Dana Point we went.  We like to go to Doheny State Beach.  It was a nice warm day, although pretty windy.  The kids of course loved it.  They all wanted to try to boogie board.  Nathan went out for a little while, but I think he was too cold.  Baylee spent most of the time playing in the sand, and my water baby Alivia spent most the time in the waves.  Aaron was happy curled up in the chair with a snack.