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Activities for Kids, Aptos, California, Cher Joy, Family, Felton, parenthood, Phoenix, Santa Cruz

The Summer To Do list

At the start of summer we decided to plan out a monster to-do list for our little family, filled with new and old things we like to do. But looking back a lot of time was spent at our little rental house here in the Cruz, playing on the patio, making pillow forts, having balloon parties, picking blackberries on our street and riding bikes in the neighborhood. Continue Reading

Activities for Kids, Family, Lake Tahoe

Sand harbor at Lake Tahoe

Since coming back to California we’ve been dying to go back to Tahoe with the boys.  So, the week before I was due back to work, we packed up my beachy mom van and drove up to King’s Beach for 4 days. We originally only booked 2 nights at our favorite AirBnB but it was available another night so we went for it. Tahoe is our happy place. We could probably stay at either end of the lake but in the summer we always find ourselves closer to North shore so we can go to Sand Harbor. It’s by far the most beautiful beach on the lake, and recommended by locals as well. It’s also great for kids, with its shallow and crystal clear banks. Traveling or even taking a “vacation” with kids isn’t really a vacation though, it’s a lot of work. The moments where we weren’t changing a poopy diaper, or cutting up fruit for little mouths or swaddling, breastfeeding, soothing, applying sunblock on sandy skin, carrying butt loads of stuff or having to play a zone defense so no one kid would run in the street or fall off the porch, we’re far from in between but still cherished. If anything, our hearts soared when we saw how excited Jace was to be in “Tahoe”, his adventures looking for black bears, Walker’s obsessions with bird calls and sand buckets and shovels. Even Mr. Callen with his still newborn needs was able to nap a couple times on the beach, and stay content. It was a long 4 days but gosh, was the weather beautiful. We had it all too – thunderstorms, lightning, hail, rain, sunshine, wind and cold and warm. But it gave us more reason to cuddle in our cabin and dip into the hot tub. A trip we’ll definitely remember, regardless of the unexpected fevers and late nights up soothing babies. Nothing a couple Moscow mules can’t mend we say!

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Family, Friends, Giving Joy, Projects

Paint party baby shower at The Art House

Well, hi world! Long time no talk, hahaha. Yeah. 3 kids is CRAY. But I wanted to get these memories up of my sister’s baby shower! I was so excited to plan my sister’s baby shower. My sister’s BABY SHOWER! Oh, to shower her meant so much. I’ve secretly prayed that she would experience pregnancy and birth and motherhood. And now she is! She’s found a great man and was blessed with a healthy pregnancy. And since normal baby showers are so boring usually, with all the games and pastel colors, I decided to do something a little different. Something with a pop of color you could say! ;) A friend actually gave me the idea, and it was seriously perfect. We planned a painting party baby shower at the Art House in Gilbert, Arizona. Instead of going with a water color or other canvas, I opted for the succulent planter party and it was a total hit. We’re all adult women, desperately wanting more time to socialize, so it was the best place for the occasion. We catered Pita Jungle, my sister’s favorite, made her favorite fruit cookies, had “mom”-osas, and saved time at the end for gifts. My friend Kristin designed the invitation (thank you!!!). I saw the clear balloons on Pinterest and had fun with the other girls getting them painted before everyone arrived. You could say I went all out with the paint theme, ha. My sister looked so happy. I know she was a little nervous about being the center of attention, but it went great and she truly looked like she was in her happy place, surrounded by all her friends. So much love and conversation and lots of pictures, if you can’t tell. Congratulations my beautiful sister. I’m so ridiculously excited for you and Kevin. I love you so much. I hope you enjoyed your baby shower as much as me <3

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Family, Holidays

Easter shenanigans

What can I say, Easter was wonderful this year. It’s a very special day to celebrate indeed, that he has risen! And what’s even more special is listening to Jace tell the story about Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the grave after. Before we went to service at our church, the boys looked for their Easter buckets and quickly went to town on all the toys and goodies. Walker especially loved his mini basketball hoop! Continue Reading