Finally, some fun times in SD

We've been spending a lot of time up in Irvine taking care of my uncle but we do get back down to SD for fun here are there. Here is Tatum having fun in the backyard...

We visited the Gordy's and the Orliczky's in Ocean Beach where they rented a beach house for a few days...
The Jazayeri's came down to stay with us for some fun in SD...
After a crazy day, who doesn't enjoy to watch a little Sesame Street!
We went to a free concert in the park where we enjoyed a country rock band and yummy snacks...
And Tatum enjoyed the playground...
We met some friends down at the beach in Encinitas and got nice and sandy...
Tatum preferred to stay on the towel away from the sand and water with Ali...
After a lot of coaxing, she finally got her hands and feet wet with her friend Kayla...
San Diego is so beautiful and full of fun things to do, we're so lucky to live here!

Happy Birthday Gamma!

July 23rd was Gamma's birthday so we took her out to a delicious meal at Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ, so good! And we sang her happy birthday when they brought her this delicious dessert.

But the birthday began with a trip to Knott's Berry Farm, what fun! First we had a ride on the train...

Then the cars, that one was pretty scary...

Then the hot air balloon, not too bad...

And we finished the day with a fun ride on the merry-go-round. Actually, the birthday girl requested this ride, I think she likes it more than Tatum. :)

And this is what happens after a hard day at an amusement park. Tatum wanted a snack as soon as we got into the car and before she could even finish her cracker, she was out. I guess this means she had a fun filled day. :)

Fun with the Beaston Family and friends

Shauna and family stayed for a week in Newport Beach. We were so excited to see them for an extended period of time! Also, the Hendrickson's, our new friends from Utah, were visiting for a week and here is Kimberly, their four year old, holding Tatum. Tatum and Kimberly became very close and enjoyed time at the park where Kimberly held Tatum's hand, shared floaties at the pool, and even fed each other. So cute!

Tatum's first time wearing floaties, she loved it!

Tatum got a hold of Katie's hat and decided she looked so cute that she couldn't take it off. :)

Thanks Beaston's and Hendrickson's, we had a wonderful time with you all and wish to do it again soon!

Love where we live

When I woke up this morning, I had planned to spend the day cleaning, doing laundry and working around the house while Tatum played inside and out. WRONG! Tatum completely disagreed and when she disagrees, it's very loud and hard to handle. So since I wasn't getting any work done anyway, we decided to walk along the bay down in PB and then stop to play at the park. The view from the swing set is amazing and the breeze is refreshing on a hot day.

So much for getting any cleaning done but this face makes it all worth while. :)

More Irvine fun

We were in Irvine for another weekend seeing friends in between chores. Friday night Jenny and Mattie came over for dinner and the girls enjoyed sharing sippy cups, struggling with sharing toys and then riding on the tricycle together. Of course Tatum had to be in the front since it's her tricycle . (I have a feeling that we have two very head strong girls here) :)

The next day we had another garage sale at Uncle Tom's and Tatum enjoyed sitting in his car.

She really liked to steer the wheel and say "Vroom, Vroom"

Later that day we met some friends at the Woodbridge lagoon where we got to wade in the water, slide down a rock slide, and just hang with our friends.

"Is that a Burberry suit you're wearing Mattie?"

After all the fun at the lagoon, we had dinner at Ruby's and then finished off the night playing on the froggies. Look at these BFFs, so cute!

"Nice hat Daddy!"

Fun with BFF Ellie

Tatum and Ellie had two fun days in a row together last week. The fun started at Playtown, one of their favorite hangouts. They enjoyed riding cars, playing house, riding a roller coaster and playing with lots of other kids...

Here's Tatum being the Teacher that she is and telling the boys to stop running, No No No! :)

They finished the day with a nutritious meal and were so nice to share with one another.

The next day they met at the pool and hung out with their other friend Ramey. They all enjoyed the kiddie pool with a scary water fall and lots of fun toys. They even made it over to the big pool to practice their dives (that would be feet first of course) and have fun with the pool noodles.

Over the fun filled two days, Tatum decided to strike nap time, which left Mom a bit worn out. And here's Tatum at 5:30 pm on the second day, looks like she was worn out too. :) Maybe we need to keep nap time a bit longer.

The 4th of July

The 4th was an action packed day. It started with a patriotic parade through Greentree led by a firetruck. Many neighbors, families and pets participated and decorated their bikes, trikes, big wheels and strollers. Even Harley got into it!

The fun continued in the backyard with Daddy giving Tatum a spin on her tricycle.

And then guests came over for a little 4th of July BBQ in Grandma's backyard. Tatum has already become one of the ladies! (I later found out that she sat so nicely because Grandma was occasionally giving her chips)

Mattie also came over to enjoy the festivities and showed Tatum how to properly wave the flag. Before this Tatum was a little apprehensive about twirling the flag...

But soon apprehension was taken over by a patriotic march...

Which led to a heart felt song of God Bless America! (OK, the words weren't there but she was really feeling it!)

The night ended with a fireworks show in the park. Tatum loved it and kept pointing at the fireworks and saying "Oooo!" and "Pop, pop, pop", so cute!