July 2014 Continued: Family Reunion in California

Our California vacation was so much fun, and was just what we needed. All the Marsdens and Christensens met us in Las Vegas, and after spending the night together, and a quick breakfast with our ward we were off. Dad created a fun game with his annual summer CD . We all had to guess the reason each song was included, and the person who earned the most points won ten dollars, so it was a great ten dollars earned (by me). 

We spent three full days on the beach soaking in the sun, boogie boarding, swimming, and building sand castles. The girls were absolutely in heaven. 

We also went to Disneyland and California Adventure. It was such a blast! My parents had never been to California Adventure, so it was fun to introduce them to some of our favorite spots. 

Hannah's actual birthday fell on our vacation. The hotel staff got her a birthday cake and sang to her. We went to an overlook for a picnic and then played at a nearby park. We capped off her birthday with a bonfire on the beach and s'mores! What a way to turn five! 

July 2014

I keep getting behind, and the best way to catch up is to summarize through pictures 

 Since Sam joined our family we get a kick out of the small things in life. Like kisses, trips to the mailbox, puzzles, and haircuts.

We had a fantastic Fourth of July. It started with a hike at Spring Mountain Ranch with some friends from the ward. Then we spent a couple hours at the water park. Finally, it was off to Red Rock casino for a fireworks show, which almost got cancelled due to crazy rain! 

That weekend we took a field trip to Shark Reef. The first time we went, we were a family of three, but we've grown to a family of five! When I realized that we were going to be taking our last weekend trip to Shark Reef as a family, my heart broke a little. We are entering into a new phase of life in our family. Sure, Adam will still be able to take our kids by himself, but things are shifting. Hannah will be heading off to kindergarten, Paige is starting preschool, and Sam adds a whole new dynamic to our family. Our family of three too quickly became a family of five, and I feel that I can't blink because I'm in danger of missing something vital. 

A few randoms, some library trips, chalk art, and sick Sam...he developed a cough during week three that continued to week nine. I was worried it was pertussis but it wasn't. 

Hannah graduated from her Pre-K class and is now ready for kindergarten! It was a really fun year, and Hannah loved being in Mrs. Ferrall's class! 

We went on a really fun bowling field trip! It took TWO HOURS to play ONE GAME!!! So we ended up not even finishing the second game that came with our deal (two games plus lunch for 10$).

 Awesome big sister! 

 A special letter from Forbuss! Her kinder info! 

 Learning ballet for free. Because free. 

 Day out with Mommy to Barns and Noble 

 Our Sam getting bigger

 After Barns and Noble we went to the park! 

Matching ties. 

I cannot believe Hannah is five! She had a Frozen themed birthday party and invited several girls from the ward etc. We played pin the nose on Olaf, made snow globes, and had a real snowball fight. It was pretty awesome if I do say so myself. July was an incredible month!