Food Truck Fun!

Joe had passed some signs last week for a Food Truck Festival at Bates Nut Farm, so we decided to head out there for a fun Saturday evening.

 It was a beautiful, but warm night. We had a great time checking out all of the different food trucks available. There was Polish, BBQ, organic, Thai, burgers, sweets, and more.

 We each settled on different things so we could try each others. Everything was great, although Cooper thought his burger was just "ok."

 The kids took a few trips up the rock climbing wall...

and then we cruised around for desserts. The kids settled on different flavors of brownies.

 I shared this s'more sandwich!

 There was a band playing and lots of vendors set up selling various products.

 It was a nice way to spend a Saturday, and enjoy some good food too!

Visits with Family and Friends

Joe's sister Lisa, and her boyfriend Frank, decided to head down from Reno for a quick visit. We haven't seen them in years, so we were all looking forward to seeing them! We only had one free day, so we made the most of it. They wanted to check out Pechanga Casino so Joe took them there for a bit. After lunch, we all headed to Old Town to walk around.

We stopped in some antique shops, the root beer shoppe, and did a little wine tasting. It was a beautiful afternoon. We finished the day in the pool and spa, cooked on the BBQ, and finished the night with s'mores. It was a quick visit, but so nice to get to have them here.

On Monday, I was able to visit with Christy, who was visiting family before moving to Connecticut. Kim too was able to meet us at Pala where they were staying, so we had a relaxing couple of hours eating, relaxing by the resort pool, and catching up. Somehow I didn't manage to get any pictures, but it was great to be together!
After picking up the kids, and getting them settled, I met back up with Christy and her family at Pechanga for a fun night of Bingo!

Although we all walked away empty handed, we had a fun night out and it was great to spend a little more time together before she leaves.

Show Time!!

The summer Dunamix Dance Project production took place Friday and Saturday. In the past, the annual recitals were in June, but they decided to move them to the end of the summer this year. Zoe wasn't planning to be in the show much since she missed most of the summer, but Nicole wanted her to be a part of it, so after getting back from New York, she jumped right back in to the studio for many hours of rehearsals.  Dress rehearsal took place right after school on Thursday until 9:30pm, then they did one show Friday night, and two shows on Saturday.

Mimi, Gramps, and Jax came to the Saturday afternoon show.

 Zoe loves her Gramps...

Cooper is glad to have Jax's company during the show!

 I worked backstage for the other 2 shows. It makes for some very long days and nights, but I love being back there and getting to see the dancers get ready, prepare, worship and pray, and of course, dance!

 Hair and make-up must get done. Olivia created beautiful hair for Zoe!

Miss Nicole provides an incredible environment for these dancers. She is loving, supportive, prayerful, and strong for them. I am so thankful for her!

 Zoe was in 5 numbers, beginning with Beloved, the opening dance. I'm so happy that my friend Sheldon, the photographer for the shows, sent me a sneak peak of Zoe!

The rest I'll have to wait for. I could only get a few decent ones with my camera, so I can't wait to see more of the professional shots.

 Love these girls!!

 Lunch break outside...

The final show ended about 9pm, and after cleaning up we headed to a pizza place for the cast party! I must've been pretty tired, since I didn't get a single picture. We closed the place down at midnight and headed home. I'm so grateful Zoe got to be a part of this show!

Off to Middle School we go!

I'm am happy that both of my kids will be at the same school this year and will have the same schedule! They were both up early and got ready to go.

 8th grade and 6th grade!

 No more backpacks for Zoe...just an over-sized purse to hold the essentials.

 Cooper wasn't nervous about today, and was looking forward to meeting up with his friends.

No more walking to school...so I drove them both. I got teared up watching them go. I really can't believe my "baby" is a middle schooler!

 

 It was neat to watch them walk together though. I am excited for them both, and wishing them a fantastic year ahead.

Last Day of Summer!

We were all trying to get into back to school mode today, but it wasn't easy. We wanted to enjoy our last day of summer break...it just feels so early to be heading back to school. Also, since we didn't have a "traditional" summer this year, we are all feeling a little odd about getting back to the grind.
Zoe woke up with a cold, so we figured we would lay low most of the day. After picking out first day outfits, and getting bags and backpacks packed, we played our new New York City Monopoly game that Mimi had surprised us with.

 Zoe was perking up a bit in the afternoon, so we headed out for a slurpee for her...

 and frozen yogurt for Coop...

 We enjoyed a nice family dinner outside...

 followed by some fun family pool time. I feel like we didn't get to do this nearly enough this summer, so it was fun to all be together!

 We finished off our last summer night with some delicious s'mores for dessert.

Why can't summer last until after Labor Day???!!!

Beach Time!

Our summer is winding down and we wanted to get some more beach time in. Cooper wanted to spend a few more days with Jax, so we drove up to Newport. We had the perfect day at the beach and got to take their annual beach picture.

 They sure are growing up...I love to see how they've grown and changed each year.

 They spent the day boogie boarding...

 skim boarding...

 and body surfing...

 The waves were great and the weather was perfect! They spent time warming up in the sand...

 and climbed the rocks and got some spray...

Zoe and I headed home to spend the rest of the weekend with Joe. Cooper stayed with Mimi and practiced his surfing skills with Jax and Gramps very early Sunday morning.

 He's still learning and working on his balance, but is doing great. Jax is giving him pointers and he's getting better every time.

 On Monday, Zoe and I headed back to get Cooper. Mimi was going to bring him home to us, but due to a broken dryer and having to wait for the repairman, we decided to go there, and got one more beach day out of it! It was another gorgeous day.

 The kids decided to wear their wetsuits today...

 and hit the water to boogie board...

 Cooper was a good brother and decided to share a fin with his sister...

 They rode, and then body surfed, and spent some more time on the rocks. Unfortunately, our day got cut a bit shorter than planned. Zoe got a text that she needed to be at the studio for an extra rehearsal tonight. Ugh! So we packed up, showered back at Mimi's, and hit the road (just in time for traffic!). We made it just in time though. It was a long day, but glad we were able to get in one more day at the beach!