One last jaunt

       We have been leading quite the “hobo” life this summer traveling here, there and everywhere. We decided to take one last jaunt before reality kicks in along with schedules, school, soccer, homework, football..... so we headed off for New Hampshire with the ENTIRE family- including our sweet little Lola. 

I am so glad that we did! It was 2 days filled with family togetherness and FUN! Not one argument, ill word spoken or complaint. (Which is quite the contrast to last week when A & A bickered the whole week!)

First stop the Basin in Franconia Notch State Park. We went there earlier in the summer without Paul and the kids loved showing him around. We had such a nice afternoon climbing and exploring.

The next day we went to Monkey Trunks. A FANTASTIC place where the entire family had fun together. Even though I am not in any of the pictures I did it too- which is quite the feat since heights are not my favorite thing. We traversed, climbed, ziplined, swinged and played for 2 hours and were completely exhausted after all the fun.

 Paul dangling on the ropes as Alyssa and Xander watch below.

On the way home we took the scenic route along the Kancamagus highway. We stopped for a while and let the kids and dog play in the water. 

Okay time to go home...Paul's done with nature!

A delightful weekend we will all remember for a very long time!

Just keepin' it real

Dog barfed up a huge chunk of crap- cleaned that mess up. Went outside to see if any crap left uneaten. Came back in - decided to treat myself to a skinny cow ice cream. Sit down at the computer to check email while I eat the ice cream - smell poop. Wash Lola's mouth out only to discover that it was on my flip flop. Mop most of the floor- clean my flip flops. Clean area by computer and chair only to discover my half melted ice cream -finished it with very little satisfaction. Really? All I wanted was a little reading break and a treat! Oh and I kicked my toe really hard on the slider on one of my trips in and out with crappy trash! Okay I'm done now! Thanks for listening!

Every night I crack up as I shut the kids bedroom doors. 

One of the many differences-

between boys

and girls!

Zip lining

Yesterday we went to Ecotarium and did something totally new and fun! We went on the tree canopy walk and then zip lined to the bottom. What a fun time! Enjoy the show...

Last day in CA

On our last day in Ca we were able to spend the morning, once again, with my dear grandmother. We stayed at her home and it was so nice to see her and hug her every day and night! She is amazing! She makes the most wonderful popovers, custard and french toast.  Did I mention she is 97 years young?! She still drives, swims for her daily exercise, cooks, gardens and amazes me! Here is the part where I have to admit that I totally stink (suck) as a granddaughter because I failed to get a single picture with her! Really what was I thinking? So here is a picture of us from 2 summers ago. 

She looks the same! I want to be just like her when I grow up!

Then we were off to visit my dear friend Julie and her family! 

Seriously you know you have a wonderful friendship when you can spend 10 hours at their house and still not want to go home! I think Xander said it best when he said, "Mom Julie is not a friend she's FAMILY!"

Her adorable 2 year old, Kaitlyn, kept following Alyssa and Xander around calling them KIDS. If they went out of the room she would run after them calling Kidzzzzzzzz! She was so cute and she loved having the older kids play with her. Alyssa and K enjoyed reading books together. 

Ashley is an adorable happy go lucky little love! 6 months has got to be my favorite age- happy, interactive  and yet still stay put. We all enjoyed getting a chance to hold her. 

What a wonderful day! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends!

California days 5 & 6

On Tuesday we celebrated our 19 year anniversary at Six Flags. Nothing like keeping the FUN in marriage! We met up with great friends we've had since high school and their cute kids.

Unfortunately after 2 rides I was done for a few hours. It really stinks getting old and not being able to ride all the rides without feeling ill. After a while I was good to go again as long as I paced myself. 

The kids had a blast and were so excited that they could ride any ride they wanted!

 It was a great day catching up on each others lives! I love being able to get together after a few years and being able to pick up where we left off. 

Wedneday was another reunion with my friend Missy and my cousin Jill and her adorable kids. We visited, swam and enjoyed one another's company. Not many pictures these days too much visiting!!

The boys seeing how many grapes they can fit into their mouths.

California days 3 & 4

Next stop Escondido to pick up Grandma Barbara and head off toward our hotel 

across the street from the beach in Carlsbad.  

We had such a nice time walking along the boardwalk and playing in the ocean in San Diego.

 It was such a treat to eat REAL Mexican food. Mmmm!

The next day the kids were dying to get into the water! Paul was such a hit when he surprised them with these boogie boards! They were overjoyed! 

RIGHT after breakfast we walked to the beach. 

and the kids had a great time boogie boarding. 

We loved walking and sitting on the beach and enjoying the beautiful views

That afternoon we made our way back to San Diego to take a stroll in Balboa Park. They had cute little shops, neat buildings and beautiful grounds to explore.