Use the Force!

We were back at the beach today.  The kids were so funny, they were trying to use the force to keep the tide from coming in.  Haha!


Ethan exclaimed that they had found a dinosaur bone and that they were famous because they were the youngest people ever to find one.  They worked so hard to dig it up but unfortunately their force was just not strong enough to keep the tide out and their "bone" was once again buried.

Ethan gave boogie boarding a second chance but ended up taking a little beating in the waves and came in.  Then Austin insisted on going out in the ocean so armed with his life vest and a boogie board he went out to play with Dave.  With daddy's help he caught a wave and rode it all the way in before being tossed at the very end.  Whoops!

We also had fun playing with Ali in the sand.  She was so cute just exploring how the sand felt between her fingers and toes and in her mouth...Yikes!  I looked away for one minute.

We ended the day by going to see Pets and eating dinner at Denny's.  Their pancakes are delicious!

San Clemente!

I just love coming to San Clemente!  I love spending time with family.  Going to the beach.  Going to the pool.  Walking up the street to go get yogurt/ice cream or visit Rocket Fizz. 

Today we hit the beach and had a blast!  The kids played in the sand and in the surf.  Ethan and Lincoln both gave Boogie Boarding a shot and did great.  The waves turned out to be a bit more powerful than they were comfortable with so they each did a few runs and were done.

They also spent about an hour just screaming at the waves coming in.  Hilarious.

Oh and another exciting thing...Payton spotted dolphins just off the coast.  Really cool!

Peaches

Yesterday we got a bunch of peaches from my grandma.  Dave LOVES these peaches and looks forward to them each year.  I think he eats 2 or 3 every day.

This time I thought it would be fun to make some jam with them.  Today my mom came down to help.  

What an adventure!  We ended up having to find a recipe that did not use pectin because after visiting several stores we could not find any.  We ended up using every pot I own.  And I burnt the palm of my hand grabbing a pot handle, oh boy that hurt and still is hurting.

When all was said and done we ended up with 2 pint size jars and 3 half pint.  I sure hope it tastes good.  😆

Other news for the day...I took Payton in to the doctor for a lingering cough and it turns out she has Bronchitis and possibly a touch of pneumonia.  Oh man, I am so glad I took her in and that she is now on medication to help her get better.  Thank goodness for that!

A Lunch Date in Santa Nella

Today we had plans to meet up with Grandma Vella for lunch at McDonald's in Santa Nella.  Grandma was making a special delivery of peaches from her tree. 😀

Before we got to Santa Nella, Grandma called and asked if we wanted to meet her at the San Louis Resevoir.  The kids had a great time exploring and learning that the lines around the Resevoir show how high the water levels used to be.

Austin is so stinking cute!  Haha!

These two are good for a laugh as well.  😀

Payton was also VERY interested in getting a 4 generation picture.  She got so irritated with the boys jumping into the pictures.

Austin's version of the picture...

We continued on with our lunch at McDonald's.  I always remember going to McDonald's with Grandma and LOVING it.  Making memories with the next generation.  Haha!

The Rainbow Looms have returned!

The kids have recently pulled out their rainbow looms again and have been going to town making bracelets, rings, and even competing on who can make the longest rubberband rope.

Today we went to Michael's for replacement bands and found the FingerLoom party pack.  It came with 9 finger looms and we found a bunch of game ideas to use with it.  The kids have pretty much been using their fingers to make their projects recently and I thought these would make it easier for them to set down their projects and then pick them up again later.  They were so excited to use them and HAD to try them out before bed tonight.

Now to figure out the different kinds of bracelets we came make on them!