Oh! The places we go...

Since the kids are going to private school this year, one of our financial sacrifices was our Summer vacation. Thankfully, we all love to camp so it wasn't too much of a disappointment. Especially when we get to go with friends!

We have done several local camping trips this Summer and then the last weekend in July, we went a little further. Ok... a lot further! Sequoia National Forest. Our lovely children were so patient on the 7 hour drive. (no sarcasm, actually!)We hiked, some of us left the path to splash,with and without kids,and we ate (can't ever forget the s'mores!),
and relaxed and watched the sunset at 7500 feet elevation.Sam was just relaxing in the forest area behind our campsite when I snapped this picture. The sun was setting and he just turned to me and smiled a content sort of smile. He is so handsome! (even though he was filthy dirty!) One day we went hiking at "The Trail of 100 Giants." This is an easy trail in a forest of the Giant Sequioa trees. It is a pretty cool thing to go inside of a tree that is more than 1500 years old!Climbing on them is pretty cool too!I really hope the kids remember all these adventures we go on together. I will for sure! Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers,
Christy

Summer loves

I have so many Summer loves but here are a few recent ones:

Visits from family:
Sports:And extra time for me and my crafts:Oh please, Summer, stay a while longer!

Summer Fun

There were times when every afternoon, I had silence while little ones napped. I scrapbooked, crafted, read a book in the hammock, and cleaned the house. That does not happen anymore. Max still naps but my afternoons are FAR from quiet! Now, we are busy with swim lessons, basketball, trips to the zoo, camping, the beach, the fair and everything else to do in "America's Finest City." I confess that much of the go-go atmosphere is caused by me trying to experience life through the children's eyes. But I do not regret the memories we are making so far this Summer.

Here are some photos from the San Diego County Fair. Some of us were having a great time (Sam).Some others were not (Brentt).I love the fair for the variety it has. The kids loved feeding the animals.and they even got to ride an elephant! Such a unique experience for them!
They did a "tractor" raceWhile "Little Boy Blue" played in the corn.But our favorite part of the fair is always the "Turkey Stampede." A race where the turkeys chase a remote control truck filled with treats. Sounds weird but it is HILARIUOS!Because of all this fun, my own hobbies get tossed to the way side. Sigh... But I have been working on some fun stuff. I'll share soon.

Thanks for checking in on our crazy, busy, happy, sometimes bizarre life!
Cheers,
Christy

Happy 4th of July, Everyone!

Cheers,
Christy

Super Cute Craft

I thought I would try to make this cute, easy craft for the 4th of July. (Click here). If I don't have time, I thought I'd at least share it with the world. ;) So fun!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
Cheers,
Christy

Really great Carnitas!

I simply love Mexican food! When I find an easy, cheap, recipe that everyone likes, it becomes a regular in our house. And, of course, I want to tell the whole world about it!

Here it is.... Carnitas in the Crockpot!
I was skeptical about this recipe at first but it is tasty, tender, and uses a rather inexpensive cut of pork. With 3 kids home for the summer, the crockpot and I have become good friends. I've made it a few times and it is consistently good. It is flavorful but not spicy. After it is done, I shred it and divide out a few portions for the kids and then I add or Pilarcitas (or hot sauce) to the remainder for Brentt and I.

Spread this on some tortillas, top with coleslaw, and enjoy your easy Summer meal. It is great for a build-your-own buffet when company comes too.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-carnitas/detail.aspx

I hope you love it as much as we do.
Cheers!
Christy

A good laugh

Max LOVES to eat! He is a big boy and this is his main reason. Thankfully, fruits and veggies are his favorite. (I know... you think I got lucky. But the truth is, he just hasn't gotten to taste too many sweets yet.)

When we sat down for dinner a few nights ago, Max plowed through this ear of corn like one of those cartoon pigs. He was really going at it! I wished I had it on video but by the time I finished taking a few photos, the corn was gone. No kidding! He ate this ear of corn in about a minute. It gave us all a good laugh and he was delighted to entertain us all!

Have a great day!
Cheers,
Christy

Max-Love

I don't have much to say about these pictures. I am so in love with Max. (I think God plans it this way before they hit the terrible 2's)
He is just so sweet, charming, and a little silly. Pictures say a thousand words, right?Thanks for checking in!
Cheers,
Christy

Summertime

Summer time is so sweet but I feel like we've waited forever for it to get here. We all went to Rancho Mirage (Palm Springs) for Memorial Day and got to feel the hot, desert weather. We stayed at the Mission Hills Westin in a suite with a full kitchen. We've stayed here before and it is just gorgeous!Chasing ducks was the highlight of Max's trip.
While we were in Rancho Mirage we swam and loved just hanging out together.

Sam even went golfing for the first time on a real course (twilight rates, of course!) He was so happy to be able to pal around with his Daddy on the golf course.Thanks for checking in. Enjoy the early Summer!
Christy