First Day of School

We survived the first day of school! New school, new uniforms and new early start time for these kiddos - I do like the uniforms, makes things a bit easier each morning but this new schedule is going to be tough!

Visit to SeaQuest

We had a fun day at the new interactive aquarium - we went on a day that the other kids in town had school (since our school opened a week late) so we had the place practically to ourselves. I think if it had been crowded it wouldn't have been half as enjoyable. The kids got to feed several animals and you could touch just about every animal.

Kid Quotes

Penelope bit Miles, which is not something she usually does.  I told her that the only time she is allowed to bite is if she is trying to get away from a bad guy who is stealing her away. She said yes and if they put you in a sack you should have a knife or a scissors on you so you can get out.  Future concealed carry permit holder here...

Henry says the sounds for animals instead of their actual animal names and for some reason when he asks for more "bak bak!"at dinner, instead of chicken, it kind of grosses me out.

Penelope says from the back of the van, while sipping her water that she had hoped would be soda, "This is why I don't like water. 1- it doesn't have a taste. 2- it's healthy."

Penelope drew a photo of our family pets included an electric eel. I said, "Aren't those dangerous?" She said, "Yes they can shock you and kill you! I said, "Then how do you feed it? She thought for a second and said, "You throw its food in there and then run away really fast so it doesn't kill you!" Sounds like the perfect pet.

Penelope used her own money to buy a Twighlight sweatshirt (my little pony). Amazon delivered it on a 105 degree day and she promptly put it on. It has a mane and wings and she loves it! She pointed at herself with her thumb and said, "THIS girl is never taking THIS off!"

Here she is in her sweatshirt at the San Juan Bautista mission - the profile view is the best :)

Miles's Birthday Celebrations

We went to Wet N Wild water park for his actual birthday - Miles got to bring one friend and he took Talon. Then he chose to eat dinner at McDonalds... as predicted.

Pokemon party at Memas - she had a doughnut cake and fun Pokemon games for the kids to play. I guess what's old is new again - I feel like Pokemon keeps coming back with new fans. Miles just got interested in it and now has some great cards to play with.

Miles's Eighth Birthday Questionnaire

It's great to be eight!

1. What is your favorite color? Blue and green

2. What is your favorite toy? Nerf guns

3. What is your favorite fruit? Kiwi

4. What is your favorite TV show? Amazing World of Gumball

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Cheeseburger from McDonalds

6. What is your favorite thing to wear? My Pokemon shirt

7. What is your favorite game? Hide and Go Seek

8. What is your favorite snack? CheezIts

9. What is your favorite animal? Chameleon

Drawing by Miles, age 7.9

10. What is your favorite song? On Top of the World (Imagine Dragons)

11. What is your favorite book? Diary of a Wimpy Kids

12. Who is your best friend? Talon, AJ, and Austin

13. What is your favorite sport? Soccer

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Ride my bike

15. What is your favorite drink? Dr. Pepper

16. What is your favorite holiday? My Birthday

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? My soft blanket

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? McDonalds

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A computer designer or scientist 

21. What is your favorite candy? Warheads, but don't eat a lot of them because they make your mouth hurt

Visit to Placerville, Porter

The last part of our trip was in Placerville - with a detour to Fair Oaks to see Megan and the cousins. It is always good to see our kids playing together and having so much fun! We drove four hours from Monterey on our last morning and only had about 4-5 hours to hang out. It was worth it :)

Part of our visit wasn't so fun - we said goodbye to Porter, who has cancer. He was breathing quick shallow breaths and his eyes were very tired. He was a good dog - a good hunting companion.

San Juan Bautista Mission

Small detour to the San Juan Bautista mission on our way to my parent's campsite - we stumbled upon the most beautiful magenta field. I wish I knew what kind of plant it was, growing out behind the mission. People were taking engagement photos there and I can see why - it was stunning!

The mission itself was closed but we walked the grounds for a bit and explored the gardens.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Not quite the visit I had in my head, with plenty of time to see the exhibits and a handful of visitors... oh no, it was very crowded and busy. But we still got to see some pretty amazing animals and breathe in that ocean air.