Beach Bums

There's something about the beach that always makes me smile. We met Tim & Colleen down at San Onofre last week where they were camping. Colin enjoyed the the waves and visit with his cousins. Love the beach and visiting with family. Tim, Colleen: Next year, we're camping with you! :)

Lake Tahoe 2011

We're home, and I think we're finally recovered. The trip was absolutely wonderful! We couldn't have asked for things to go more smoothly. Even the car ride wasn't nearly as bad as we expected. We came home exhausted and completely content. So many happy memories wrapped up in the is trip (with the exception of the rock hitting Alyssa's head...more on that later!) Like all Lake Tahoe trips, there was lots of swimming, eating, playing, and fun quality family time.

Swimming

Colin loved hanging out in his "bee" pool,

but he could still play with and

eat the sand. Yum!

Even though the water was freezing, he loved going out with his dad and getting dunked to his shoulders.

My little beach bum.

Eating

We (my parents, the Callisons and us) took turns cooking dinners. We ate lots of yummy food and dessert each night.

Colin's Nana and Papa Gaebel were constantly "sneaking" him all kinds of yummy treats: ice cream, cookies, chips. He was spoiled and ate tons of junk...I guess that's what you do on vacation.

Playing

After dinner, my mom and dad would take Colin on a walk to the playground, so he would drink his milk. He loved swinging on the swing and going down the slide.

One day we took the boat over to the celebrity golf tournament being held in Tahoe. We eventually got kicked out for not buying a ticket, but not before seeing Michael Jordan, AJ Hawk, John Elway, Mike Modano, and many more.

Do you think Colin liked the boat? :) He screamed and clawed at his life jacket most of the way there. On the way back, my mom fed this potato chips and grapes...he was much happier.

Great Family Time

My Great Uncle Herb came with us again this year. He's so much fun, and I love that we get to vacation together.

Enjoying the view of Lake Tahoe from our cabin decks is a favorite pass time.

The gang: The Gaebels and the Whalens

Side Note: The low point of the trip was Alyssa getting hurt....We were sitting on the beach, and Kevin noticed the three/four-year old (with obvious developmental challenges) standing behind us had picked up a softball size rock. His arm was chocked and he was ready to throw. Kevin yelled "watch out," which prompted Alyssa to sit forward in her chair....probably to turn around and see what the fuss was about. The rock hit Alyssa smack on the top of her head and bounced (yes literally bounced) three feet away. Like a whale with a blow hole, she then started squirting blood out of the top of her head. It was nasty and awful! The bleeding stopped after a few minutes. Two staples and a huge headache later she was home with tales of her hot doctor and ready to go out drinking. As perviously planned, we still went out to Chevy's that night where she got a huge margarita. I think she earned it! We felt so sad for her! We love you, Aunt Issa!

Don't Be Fooled...

He may look "happy" now, but he HATES the carseat. Hates it...It's the only time he ever cries uncontrollably. His tolerance is about twenty minutes. After which he'll fuss for five and then move onto crying. We're forced to feed him pretzel sticks and cheerios non-stop or play peek-a-boo for the zilionth time.

Tomorrow, we're leaving on a NINE HOUR car trip to Lake Tahoe. I'm having nightmares and anxiety attacks. Kevin has already given me the pep talk....He's going to cry and that's OK. Seriously?!? I can't stand hearing him cry and not being able to do anything about it. I become a wreck, I snap at Kevin for not "doing something" and then we're all miserable. I love Lake Tahoe, so it will be worth it, it will be worth, it will be worth it....I have been chanting this non-stop. Wish us luck! (We're going to need LOTS of it!)

Happy Birthday America!

Thanks AZ Whalens for my cute shirt!

We celebrated Fourth of July by visiting my parents and Aunt Issa in Orange County. Alyssa just had her tonsils out, and it's been a horrible recovery. We thought she could use a little pick-me-up. Ashleigh and Grant are out of town, so we brought cousin Carter with us for the night. I am sure she was happy to see us come and even more happy to see us leave. :) My parents have the best views of the fireworks from their house. One year, we counted thirteen firework displays. While, I "enjoyed" the fireworks displays this year, I held my breath after each and every bang hoping Colin stayed asleep. Luckily, he did, which made the shows even more enjoyable...after the fact.

Earlier that afternoon, we went over to a family friend's house for a BBQ. And Colin had his first kiss! Oh man, I am so bummed I didn't get a picture of this four-year old little girl, but she was adorable. Brown ringlets and so sugary sweet. She was in love with Colin. She put both hands on his little cheeks and brought her lips to his. Colin's face was priceless. He was so in love! Colin is starting to walk, and I had been encouraging him to show his Nana. He wanted nothing to do with it. Oh, but did he walk after this little girl and snuggle his face into her ruffled patriotic dress. It was totally adorable!

Summer Fun

First up...Swimming at Crystal's House

Colin got to go swimming for the first time! Crystal invited everyone over for margaritas by the pool...win/ win. Colin loved the water, but didn't enjoy his raft float. He definitely wanted to held at all times. I happily obliged. On these hot summer days, I really, Really, REALLY want a pool. Hopefully one day...

Next...Open Gym

From 11-12:00 on Fridays, this gymnastics center opens its doors to toddlers for free play time. Colin had a great time crawling around. He is a bit young for most of the activities, but I got to relive a bit of my youth, so I had a good time. I even snuck in a quick back flip on the trampoline before I was politely told that mommy's weren't allowed to use the equipment. Oops! :)

Then...The Padres Game

A few months back we went to a Padres game with friends. We learned that the Padres played one mid-week, day game and we thought it would be fun to take Colin assuming there would be less traffic, people, etc. Well we were proved wrong in that regard. We circled downtown for a half hour trying to find parking and grass seats were "sold out" by the time we arrived. We were told we could pay double for regular seats, but still sit on the grass. I smell conspiracy. :) Regardless, we did just that. Fun summer outing, and the Padres even won! (However, as a Dodger fan, that's not really a good thing!)

And Everyday...Is a Water Table Day

Colin received two water tables for his birthday...One for his Aunt Issa and another from us. Great minds think alike because he loves his diaper time in the backyard splashing around in his water table.