July 1st and 4th

So, with both a Canadian and Americans in our household, we usually celebrate both Canada Day and Independence day. I hadn't really planned anything for July 1st since we were away from home, but thanks to some awesome friends out here in Cali, we were still able to celebrate with a huge breakfast and bbq later that night. And of course, we had to get in some fireworks to celebrate too. :o)
Jack and Tyler showing us all how it's done.
The kids weren't actually that pleased with the fireworks and got pretty scared of the sparklers.
...that's why the sad faces...
We also went to the beach for the July holiday weekend. Unfortunately, it was a little bit colder right off the beach then we anticipated, so we didn't stay too long. But I'm glad we still got a beach trip in. :o)
Jack introduced Mailee to the ocean for the first time.
Jaxon loved playing in the sand.
And last but not least, we celebrated the fourth with family in Glendora. We went to a parade in the morning...but it was not as entertaining as we might have hoped, so we left pretty quick and went swimming for the rest of the day.
I can't believe we didn't get a family picture of all of us in our red, white, and blue.
We are so grateful to live in a free country and we had fun celebrating our independence!

Holy Moly Road Trip!!

Well, we made it! All the way from Ohio to California, and we're all still intact, alive, and well. The kids did AMAZING and we were able to get to Utah in 2 days and spend some time with the Utah family for a couple days before heading out to California.
We got down to fun right away in Utah. It was so nice to have some of the nieces and nephews staying at grandma's with us so the kids got to play with their cousins. Ashley was such a good helper with all the kiddos.
Lincoln was showing Jaxon how to run through the sprinklers.
We all enjoyed some downtime outside in the sun.
Sometimes I just can't believe I get to be mom to these cute kiddos. I am so blessed!!
This next picture was thanks to Jaxon. :o)
Another day drive and we were in sunny California. We have been staying with Jack's fabulous aunt and uncle and are so grateful for them for putting up with our whole family. We've discovered that the kids are total fish in the water. Both of them are swimming all over the pool from deep end to shallow with nothing more then swim wings.

My kids have such crazy hair! Mailee especially since we spray her head with sunscreen since she's got so little hair.
Here's Jaxon's shark hair.
I love this action shot of Jaxon spraying Mailee!
We have been loving our time here in California and loving spending time with Jack's extended family. We'll have more pictures to post soon! :o)