Jordan's Wedding - Colorado

Enjoying a kiss from Auntie Jordan before the ceremony

The kids getting ready to make their debut down the aisle

Kaleb walked nana down the aisle

Olivia the flower girl

Aunt Jessica, JJ, Grandpa, Aunt Jordan, Cameron, Nana and Aunt Jillian

Olivia and Kaleb were in Auntie Jordan's wedding in a farm called Pastures of Plenty in Colorado.  Olivia was the Flower Girl and Kaleb was the Junior Groomsmen.  The kids really enjoyed being a part of her special day.  The ceremony was beautiful.  You could feel the love that Cameron and Jordan share in their vows and special touches that were a part of their wedding.  It was quite a privilege to enjoy such a beautiful celebration and to spend time with family.  

Last Day of Summer - Family Swim

To commemorate the end of summer and Kaleb returning to school we went to the YMCA for some family swim time.  The kids had a blast with both mom and dad in the pool.  We even let Nathaniel enjoy some swim time - a rare occurrence because of the feeding tube and his lack of insulation (fat).  Nathaniel giggled as he splashed around in the water. He truly believed he could swim and would try to let go of me and set free in the water.  It was great to see his confidence in the water but a bit scary for me.  The kids raced, tumbled in the water and played catch.  We had so much fun playing together.  After we swam we had dinner at Islands and enjoyed a nice tribute to summer.  We talked about all the fun activities that we enjoyed together during the glorious lazy days of summer.  

  

Water Play - Baths Outside

So the rules at our house change a little bit during the summer.  We become a little more relaxed about schedules, dinners, bed time and even where we take baths.  
Saturday was a perfectly warm summer morning and the children had been plenty dirty from Friday.  But because we got to bed really late we'd skipped out on baths.  So, what's a mom to do but bathe her kids in the morning however kids are already outside drenched in water.  So my best option was enjoy the sun and get the shampoo and soap and get tan while bathing the little ones.  As a mom you gotta be flexible and go with the flow. 

Breakfast at Moonlight Beach

Today was Kaleb's last official weekday before school starts as well as his last day of Junior Lifeguards.  We dropped him off at Moonlight Beach and found our own perfect little oasis  close enough to watch him and his group and close to the water.  We enjoy pancakes, bananas and orange juice for breakfast while watching the waves crash before our eyes.  It was so relaxing and beautiful.  After breakfast we brought out our sand toys and built castles and dug deep holes in the sand.  Once our skin got nice and hot we frolicked in the surf, splashed in the waves and enjoyed the cool ocean water.  We all had such a great time but the cutest part of it all was the amusement that Nathaniel got each time a wave would crash on his legs.  He first would giggle and then let out a huge belly laugh. Olivia also was adorable, she was very protective of Nathaniel making sure he held her hand and jumped as the wave came close.  It was a perfect day to delighted in the warm summer sun, cool water and sand between our toes.  

Hullabaloo Summer Concert

The Quail Botanical Garden in Encinitas hosted Hullabaloo in concert in their Seeds of Wonder Childrens Garden.  We love being entertained by this organic kid folk group.  Their music is simple and very interactive.  The kids danced and sang along.  We had so much fun!  After the concert we went to the dinosaur play area and Nathaniel and Olivia transformed themselves into dinosaurs. It was a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon!   

Junior Lifeguards

Today Kaleb started a two week Junior Lifeguards program through the city of Encinitas. It's a program where kids between 9-17 learn ocean rescue techniques, and communication and work on their physical fitness by running, doing calisthenics, and ocean swimming.  Kaleb was a bit apprehensive about doing the program because he refers to himself as more of a land animal (hence the skateboarding vs. surfing) however he chose to challenge himself and had a fantastic time.  He swam out further than he ever has, ran and worked out with enthusiasm.  He loved learning about rescue techniques and enjoyed making new friendships.  When I picked him up he was so enthusiastic about sharing all that he did and learned.  He said he wished the program was longer and couldn't wait to come back tomorrow for more.  When we got home he showed me all the exercises they worked on and I was so impressed because his technique had improved so much.  He finally was doing jumping jacks, push ups and sit ups correctly.  I'd been trying to show him during the various times he's worked out with me but it just seemed like he didn't get it but all it took were lifeguards to get him to learn the correct form.  I'm so proud of him for going outside of his comfort zone and trying something different and having him feel good about it.   

Day 1 Junior Lifeguards

Day 10 Junior Lifeguards
Morning warm ups and stretches

Free swim 

 Water rescue techniques aka mock rescues

Awards 

Today August 26th it was the last day of Junior Lifeguards and I had the privilege of watching the full program while hanging out at the beach with the kids.  I watched their morning stretches, stairs and run, free swim and mock rescues.  I was so impressed with the program especially the discipline that is instilled in the kids both physical and mental.  After two weeks Kaleb is so much more confident in the water, is in better physical shape and is more willing to take on a challenge.  I'm so glad that he did the program.  He is sad the program is over but is excited about signing up next summer.  


At pick up Kaleb was really excited that he received recognition at the awards ceremony for most inspirational junior lifeguard.  When I asked Kaleb why he received this award he told me that he was acknowledged because he was always kept a positive attitude, and cheered his teammates on during the activities.  I was so pleased to hear that Kaleb has such a kind heart.  

Day 10 Junior Lifeguards