camping fun

The weekend after returning home from our vacation, we packed up once again and headed out to Lake Casitas for some camping with friends. It was said to be a "scorcher" that weekend, so we were prepared for the worst, but it ended up being a really fun time for us all. I mean, what's a little sweat when you're already covered in dirt and roasted marshmallow, right? ;)

Our view

They didn't actually allow swimming in the lake (what a tease!), but did offer this water park. 

The kids had a blast!!

rest & relaxation... sorta :)

Our family vacation this year was sort of a mash-up of events. We decided to head up to Monterey for a few days before heading to the Bass Lake/Oakhurst area. We all had a great time, overall, and loved seeing every bit of God's creation! Here are a few, ok a lot, of pics from our wonderful time!!

Monterey Bay Aquarium & Cannery Row

Tide Pools and Pebble Beach

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel Mission 

"Dennis the Menace Park" in Monterey & more Tide Pools...

 Cami found a little friend :)

Yosemite!

Bass Lake with the fam

...and last, but not least, sushi-making with Auntie Thelma! :)

another preview...

Here's a peek at our time in Bass Lake/ Yosemite. We had a great time- more pics to follow when we get home!! :)

a little vacay

a little preview of the beginning of our vacation... this is Monterey and Carmel

Celebrating Life & Love

Today we celebrated Matt's parents' 40th Wedding Anniversary AND 60th Birthdays.

We (the brothers and SILs) put together a celebration brunch in Newport Beach (their favorite place) and it turned out fabulous! They were surprised and everything came together perfectly.

What a wonderful day to celebrate a wonderful couple!!

Happy 40th Anniversary 

& 60th Birthdays

Dave & Linda

We love you!

Let the Games Begin!

There's something magical... inspiring... fascinating... about the Olympics.  

In our house, it's an all-out affair every couple of years.

So why not kick it off right?

We thought we'd start off our homeschooling year with a little Unit Study on... what else?

The Olympics!!

Here's a little peek of our "party" we had for the Opening Ceremonies the other night 

with some of our homeschooling friends.

We all had a blast coming up with with fun Olympic-themed activities!

Let the games begin!!!

ChAnGe.

This pretty much sums up our year so far. 

LOTS of change for this family.  Lots of GOOD change I might add.  

We are SO excited for the new year ahead.

New home.

Debt freedom.

Stay-at-home mommyhood.

HOMESCHOOL.

Yes, you read right.

We are homeschooling!!

Not because we're weirdos.  Or hippies.  Or anti-social.

Because we LOVE our kids and want to be with them, and teach them, and be their example.

God has had His hand on this every step of the way for us.

Please support us, pray for us, and follow us in this journey!

(And please, only positive comments;)

You will see our updates on our blog from now on (not too much on Facebook...).

Hugs to all!!! :)