Mini Hike~

I wanted the kids to be able to run around after being so good for our babysitter and staying inside! We stopped off at a park in Roseville near some pretty trees. Spencer soon realized the swings there were only for infants and began exploring elsewhere. We decided to make the small Trek through the woods to another park adjacent to us. Joseph had on wheelies that he doesn't quite have the hang of yet, so i pulled him across the bridge and on the path. We had fun, but it was hot so we stayed a little while at the playground(Spencer got to swing) then we headed back to the trees. After being in San Fransisco weather I thought I would melt out there. Thank goodness for AC and Ice water.:)

Weekend Escape~

The Opera House, Yeah I aimed too High with my phone camera hehe~

Respite is worth its weight in gold when an opportunity to meet Brian in San Fransisco for work arises. :) Judy was willing and able to come watch the kids so I could go and spend time with Brian. We were able to find a great restaurant on the bay front called Zandolins, it was really nice with a beautiful view and yummy food! We were floored we had the restaurant to ourselves, they said they just switched from catering only to restaurant status, it was a great find, especially for a Friday night. Brian had a whole lot of seafood and I tried some of his calamari, shrimp, and even Oysters, but I Couldn't tried the Muscles, Eww! We visited Golden Gate Park, (a must see in my opinion). King Tut's Sarcophagus is currently on view in a museum there, which looked so interesting to see, but a little crowded for our tastes. I love the plant life and memorial statues and great buildings there, it is so beautiful. We walked on the beach, but the fog literally floated in front of us, rolled in and things got cold! After 100 degree weather in Sacramento I didn't think to bring a jacket, but I should have! Highlights of the area were passing the San Fransisco Opera house, seeing all the greenery and my favorite pine trees that only seem to grow in the bay area all misshapen and dark green!, getting stuck in traffic on the bay bridge on the way onto town, the view was surreal and I was amazed at the sailboats moving, it looked fake, and of course the beautiful view of the bay and palm trees from our Hotel.

Old Town Sacramento

I enjoy living near the American river and having so much history here in California with the railroads and gold rush. Its great to see so many monuments and to go down main street and be brought back into the olden days. There was shop just for kites. We all enjoy reminiscing of younger years and playful days outside with kites and spending time with family. I'm grateful for my friends and family and the fun and enjoyable time we have together. Our first stop off when we got there was the candy store! So the kids were having fun from the start.

We found a cute little alley that had the coolest brick wall and pillars like ruins and greenery about. We decided it would be a great picture spot! I want to come back here and take pictures of Emelie for her Junior high promotion. It was a photography lesson from Dawn too! Fun times.

This picture reminded me of the picture Emelie, Spencer, & I took in front of the horse monument in Jackson Hole Wyoming. My how they've grown. I'm glad to have them to visit fun places with!

Shopping in my favorite store in Old town Sacramento.It has been so great to have time with just Emelie this summer. Mommy & Daughter Time.~

Mommy & Me time

It seems like July has been a very busy month already and its has barely begun! I've had a great time with Dawn in town visiting. Brian has been visiting over a Rah Rah's a lot lately and each kid is enjoying taking their turns to go visit the cousins. Joseph had Twilight camp for the cub scouts, then Emmy went to girl scout camp for five days, and between summer school and appointments for this and that and the other, we've hardly been home together. I did however get to spend some nice quality time with Celia recently. After shopping with Dawn and Taylor we stopped by a new store in the neighborhood that had a bouncy house! There was only one other boy there who was timid so Celia got to bounce to her hearts content. I loved spoiling her and giving her one on one attention. She is my baby and I realized my other kids would be too old to go in the bounce house if it was crowded. Its for younger kiddos and it made me feel grateful for having Celia. She has been such a blessing to our family and a great Joy!

Water Guns~

Our Sweet Celia~

She can water the roses while staging a full attack on the backyard and all its persons therein.

I stopped by Stupid Prices the other day, which is a store we always seem to find fantastic deals at. I bought two squirt guns for the kids to play with. Despite her feminine exterior, our little Celia loves to play with swords and guns!

Celebrating Independence!

Pledge of Allegiance~

The Salute~

Unfolding the Flag~

The Color Guard~

I was so excited to have Joseph participate in the Flag raising ceremony. It was a beautiful morning. There was music celebrating America and the boys took their jobs very seriously. Some neighbors from the court came out to see as well. There was even a bugle song afterwards by the Cummins, father and son. I was glad to see these young boys participate and show reverence to our flag. It was touching. WE were so fortunate to celebrate for two days with evening fireworks at Rah Rah's on Friday night with yummy chocolate cake and a block party with the neighbors for about 6 hours on Saturday. I loved singing God bless America and America the beautiful!

Fun Finds~

I had a ton of fun shopping with Dawn today! We saw so many great deals. We are going to have to go back another day to see everything. Its so nice to shop with her and we seem to find what is perfect for one another and on super sale! I plan to take Brian back too for browsing and approval on purchases hehe. I found a cute black shirt that Dawn insisted I needed in white as well -and I got brown too!. I also got a bracelet! Its so fun to get out with the girls and enjoy kid less time. Its a rejuvenator!