Summer wrap up

Once again I have let blogging escape me. Apparently I am very good at taking hiatus's when things get busy.
Last time I left off we were kick starting summer (finally)and had Van baptized. Shortly after the baptism Joey, Van my Mom and I left for a 2 week vacation to California/Nevada.
What was supposed to be a 13 hour road trip turned into a two (full)day car ride to Lake Tahoe. Obviously traveling with a 10 month old would warrant some stops, but it seemed that we had stopped so much to comfort, nurse or stretch the little ones limbs. Somewhere near Roseburg, Oregon we rearranged the car so that one of the adults could sit in the backseat with the boys. Thankfully my Mazda 5 has three rows!

Once arriving in Lake Tahoe we spent about a week there relaxing in the timeshare, playing at the beach, touring the shops and of course visiting Virginia City.
After almost a week we packed the car to head down to Manteca, California to visit my Mom's cousin Pat (my Godmother) and her family. I personally hadn't seen them since I was a young girl, but before I knew it we were all caught up and reacquainted.

The last leg of our trip included a few day stay in San Jose. We dined with our extended family, rode all the rides at the Boardwalk, and spent more time with close friends and family.


I realize this is a very condensed version of a very long vacation, but it's nothing a little picture montage can't take care of.

The rest of the summer was spent relaxing at home with Daddy. He took some time off and it was nice to just play outside and make the most of it until Joey started school in September.

Summer Summer Summer Time!

Here comes the Sun!

Did I just mix Will Smith with the Beatles? =)

Well, Summer is here in full force. Well except today. Today is cold and stormy. But the last couple of weeks have been hot and sunny and we can't get enough if it. With a miserable cold and rainy June, everyone was asking, "where's summer?" and July answered with a resounding, "HERE I AM!".

We have taken full advantage of the beautiful weather and have welcomed in an unofficial break until Joey enters Kindergarten in the fall.
Between the end of preschool and Fall Joey is going to a three week summer kindergarten that Woodland Elementary is offering. So far he likes it!

Other than working in the yard, we have sorted out the garage, enjoyed the firepit, and lounged on the grass.

I love both of these pictures (top and bottom). It's rare to get a normal picture of Joey these days and I don't have nearly enough of Van outside!

The firepit turned out really awesome and it's so fun to go out to the backyard after dinner and enjoy a fire and cook some smores.

The other day we roasted hot dogs in the fire and enjoyed some homemade pretzel hot dog buns that Josh made. DELICIOUS!

We even made a front yard "water park" that may have rivaled Wild Waves. OK, maybe not that cool, but 4 kids agreed, that what Josh and I set up was the bee's knees.
Last Sunday, we watched my friends 3 kids (all under 5). Mix that with Joey and Van and five car seats, dare I say we felt a little Brady Bunch(ish)?

It has been nice barbequing and eating dinner on the patio in the evening. We forget how much we enjoy a nice bbq meal.

Whenever they get the chance, Daddy and Joey sneak away to work on projects such as rebuilding the carburetor on the old lawn mower or doing yard work in the backyard.

And not to be outdone by the outside work I spent some time making a Summer mantel. I was tempted to keep up the Independence Day decor but figured that I had enough yellow and other bright colors to work with that summer decor was in order. I love having a mantel to decorate on!

Vegas

For Christmas, Grandma and Grandpa Callon bought us hotel and airfare to Las Vegas. Yay!

For four days we gambled, browsed and hung out Viva La Vegas style. Well maybe not style, since the boys were with us.
Josh browsed around during the day while I enjoyed more of the nightlife. Joey had a blast too and Van just kind of took it all in.


On the first night we took the Monorail over to the MGM and went to our favorite eatery there....McDonald's. Don't diss it, for some reason that McDonald's is the most delicious one ever!


Joey was so amazed by the view from our hotel room.


On the second day Joey, Van and I toured the strip with Grandma and Aunta Deb. I made them go to Yolo's at Planet Hollywood to partake in the most freshest and delicious guacamole ever!


That night we enjoyed a big family dinner at Rain Forest Cafe at the MGM. What a typical family picture!


Seeing that this was more of a family vacation we headed over to Circus Circus to check out the Adventure Dome. Uncle Robb took Joey on so many rides. I don't know who had more fun though. I definitely caught Robb running from ride to ride.


Water ride!


Uncle Zack and Joey playing games.


Andrea and Joey posing with the pirate.


They had the most awesome pool at our hotel!


Guess who was tired after a long day at Circus Circus and the pool?


On the day we had to go home, Joey came down with some sort of illness that kept him in bed or near the toilet most of the day until we had to catch our flight.


But even battling the "sickies" Joey still got the chance to sit in the cock pit while boarding our flight home.

All in all it really was an amazing vacation. Normally when Josh and I go to Vegas it is adults only. Making it work with the boys was a challenge, but to see the excitement on Joey's face and the fact that he always talks about going back to Vegas means he loved it as well!