Girls Camp in California

My favorite thing is being with my kids and I’m so lucky I was able to go to girls camp again with Emma. We headed to the mountains east of San Diego. The girls had the best time and bonded all week. I loved seeing them build relationships and grow closer. Bonus was it was over the Fourth of July so everything was America themed! 

We did a paint by number where 200 + kids each painted a tiny square of a blob, but when they put it all together it was a picture of Christ. I loved watching everyone place their cards and the spirit how we are each different and important and loved. 

The camp had so many fun activities: ax throwing (which I rocked on the first throw so left my record there) haha, rifle shooting, bow and arrows, multiple obstacle courses, giant inflatable balls and a swimming pool. Watching people get in the balls and battle had us in tears laughing so hard. The last night we had the girls all play a game and as they got out they got on a list for chores that needed to be done. So last one left got the first pick/ easiest chore. It was a blast watching the girls get so into it. 

We even had visits from blue lizards and snakes. One of the boys even got bit by the snake! From sunrise hikes to late night dance parties to chore dance offs we had the best time. It was so hot and humid, but our cabin had AC so it was the cool place to hang out. The leaders I was with were the best and we laughed and talked, I had the best time making new friends too. A great youth camp for the year. 

My kids at home were just Navy and Noah and they were so spoiled by Madi, Charlotte and Melissa. Their aunties loved on them while I was gone. It was our first fourth apart which was a bummer, but they had a fun time at Jeff and Melissa’s swimming, bbq, zip line and fireworks. 
 

Benjamin brought the Bronze

Benjamin got to head to Florida with his team to play in Nationals. They worked so hard for five days. Volleyball all day, but their hard work paid off and they came back with some hardware! They won Bronze and got medals and a trophy. 

 

June

I started a job in May. I work at a pool cleaning company in the office. It’s part time and I’m loving it. Staying busy and it’s so hard navigating working in an office, doing hair, being a mom and house stuff, but the people I work with are just the best! Here are some photos from a work swimming party, such a fun night. 

For Father’s Day I had to get this shirt as soon as I saw it. How amazing all of our faces on it hahah. Benjamin also got his learners permit. He is growing up so fast and I love him and his giant self. Benjamin also did a BYU volleyball camp and that mixed with practice he was playing volleyball from 8 am to 9 pm all week. The kids got to see inside out with cousins and then a swim party after. Noah and cash also got their sleep over these two have begged all summer and we were finally able to make it happen. Side not I spent June and part of July in a big boot. I broke the bone on top of my foot. I got it caught on a kickstand and the kickstand went right between those two bones and did some damage. Finally getting a little less painful two months later. 

The boys decided to have a buzz night. It was 10 pm and we pulled out the clippers to buzz and bleach. They both look so good and were so happy. Benjamin even went purple right before he left for nationals. 

We had a party at our park with tacos and free snow cones. The Zerkle’s came over to join in on the fun. The kids played games, got balloons and face painting. I don’t even know how many snow cones they went through. 

We met up with our besties Hailey and Melissa for lunch and some shopping. They make us laugh and we have so much fun. Hailey said her and Emma are rice and tacos for their Asian and Puerto Rican blood. Seriously love them. 

 

15 years

  Jake surprised me and planned a day trip to St. George for our 15th year anniversary. He did great, and we had such a good day. We woke up early and left. First stop was the St. George temple. We walked around and loved looking at all the details. Next was a spa and we did a couples massage. It was Jake’s first massage and he is hooked. Next Madi recommended this pizza place that was one of the best pizzas we have had. A small brick oven pizza shop that everything was delicious. We are already craving Reggatti’s again. Then we were off to the Red Cliffs temple. Neither of us have been before and it was beautiful. It is a pink sand color that blends so well with all the natural rocks around. The inside was green and purple my favorite colors, absolutely stunning. 

After we were done we went and got some soda and off to do some shopping. Found some stuff for the kids lol, love those babies! Our last stop of the day was dinner at Cliffside Diner. The restaurant sits on the edge of the cliff where you can look out over the whole valley. I loved just watching out the windows during all of dinner. It was a very peaceful place. The food was great too. I had the four cheese and pear pasta and loved it! Also a passion fruit raspberry cheese cake that was divine. 

Thank you Jake for planning such a fun and peaceful day. Here’s to 15 years!

Happy birthday Emma

 Happy 14th birthday Emma! She woke up and said she wanted to go shopping so off we went. We found her shoes and clothes, she wanted in and out (plus a shirt) lol. Then off we went to grandmas to lay out. We ended the night and the drive in seeing the new inside out. 

Charlotte took Emma out to get a drink and her requested dessert of dip in dots. I love that they get to hang out and are such good friends. One of Emma’s presents was her boyfriend blanket of Damon, I’ve loved watching Vampire Diaries together this summer. 

Emma got spoiled for her day and got to go on a shopping trip with Grandma DeeDee and found more shoes and got her favorite canes and Starbucks. They had a great day together. 

Emma had her birthday party at my parents. The kids all had the best time and wanted to stay later. I loved seeing all her friends. They swam and laughed all night. Even got in a cake fight. Love these kids. 

We all loved celebrating Emma. She is so kind and my favorite. We watched Gilmore girls together last summer and this summer we are watching vampire diaries together and she loves it. I love sharing some of my favs with her. We have the best time together. Emma is quiet, but is so much fun when she wants to open up. She loves soccer and shopping. This girl can shop too! She is picking up on grandmas shopping and looking for those deals. Emma is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I’m so proud of her and I say it all the time, but she just keeps being amazing!