Our June was incredibly busy. With two VBS programs to attend, a two week long violin camp for Emma, a week of swim and horseback riding lessons, and the events of the culmination of another school year, we had our hands full.
The minute these events were over, my sweet mini-van was gassed up and rearing to get out of town. So we did. The kids and I, along with my mom, dad and sister (part of the time) spent the first two weeks of July in a small mountain town just over the hill, about an hour's drive from our house. We had the most wonderful time, with the primary goal of kicking back. In case you're wondering, we successfully attained our goal!
The following montage of pictures provides a glimpse into our first summer vacation, to the mountains!
The twin are all about their Strider bikes. No pedals, no problem! They can already balance and glide, so they are both now just one step away from riding a bike. Gigi is riding J.D.'s bike in this photo, so yes, a fight ensued after this picture. Hers is a bright pink number that all three girls like to ride around the house.
Our wonderful friend Luke, and his nieces came up to visit us the day before the 4th of July. Eight kids and counting, we had a blast! His four nieces and our four kids got along so well! Not a single moment of bickering, arguing, or disagreement. It was awesome.
Cubby lost her third tooth! (She lost her first two bottom front teeth earlier in the summer.) She lost the other front tooth a week ago, so she's got the full on kindergarten smile now. She couldn't possibly look cuter.
My two big girls have matching smiles!
Three year old Gigi is enjoying her Aunt Ayron's homemade ice cream on the 4th of July.
Danny, Emma and Cubby led us in the Star Spangled Banner. I think Emma may have felt a bit miffed that she didn't get to perform a solo that day. That girl is such a diva!
Grandma Donna loves hanging out with her two most recent Grandma-obsessed-grandchildren.
Ellie's grandpa took patriotism and made it into a stylish statement.
Emma and Gigi kick back in the hammock.
J.D. gets some love from Aunt Bette.
We were lucky enough to watch an amazing thunderstorm pass through one afternoon. The kids were pretty scared by the lightening and thunder, but once the rain started pouring, they enjoyed seeing the weather!
The girls, mom, and I drank tea and ate crumpets at the local teahouse one afternoon.
We had a lovely time. Big girl Emma really enjoyed pouring tea for everyone.
Her tea hat, a loner from Cubby, was quite a hit at the tea shop!
Basically the girls had tea with their sugar, but mom and I refrained from multiple scoops of the sweet stuff!
We had a great time drinking tea and cucumber sandwiches. My girls are so incredibly girly and love getting dressed up and pretending to be little ladies.
So that basically shows the highlights of our little trip to the mountains. Our next trip was to Carlsbad.....pictures to follow!
