Spencer's in a BIG BOY bed, kids trip with Grandparents

 So my kids left for their grandparents on July 18th. they were gone until the 16th. The first 24 hours was an adjustment after that was smooth sailing. I spent 3 days cleaning. I cleaned out every room even the garage. The next 7 days I had all to myself, and Spencer. We went out a lot, Steve would get home from work and instead of being wiped out we would run errands. We went shopping one night. We went out with friends, went to a concert. I tell you we were living large. The morning they left, Steve pulled out Eliza's other tooth. Now she has a big gap in the front. Dallin got his spacers put on the day before they left. Phase one of braces, I guess there is 3, keep working Steve.

 To bad the kids missed this, one night at dinner we walked out to eat a saw this rainbow. It ends right in front of us, we put dinner away and went looking for the pot of gold. Never found.

 We switched Spencer into his big boy bed, since he started climbing out not to long ago. Here he is at bedtime.

 Big surprise he wasn't in his bed when we went in to check on him.

 There he is, Dallin's bed. He climbed into Dallin's bed every night he was gone.

We went to the Chris Izaak concert and had the most fun. My girlfriend Gretchen and I danced the night away.

The kids came home on Sat. afternoon, I was so happy to have them back. I realized how much I missed them :).  Eliza has promised to never leave me again. The week after they got home we spent every day at the pool, and just hanging out. On the 22nd i got knee surgery. They took out the rest of my meniscus. I guess I shredded it and split it in two. On my way to recovery. My kids have taken excellent care of me. 

4th of July

 Happy 4th of July

We got home from Cal, on July the 3rd. So there was no time to plan anything major. We bbq with the neighbors down a few houses they have boys my kids ages, and a few other families came over. The kids got to decorate their bikes for a parade later that night.

 Plenty of good food.

 There was a silly string war, they shot bows and arrows, fished and fireworks. That's right fireworks, even though they are illegal.

 The bike parade.



San Diego and Southern Cal

 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Every time I go here I remember why I LOVE CALI.

The trip there was an experience. The GPS took us on every back road. Then about 10 min. from Uncle Clark and Kathleen's home, I hit something huge in the freeway. It flew out of the back of some one's truck and landed right in front of my car. Popped out my front fender and light. I was, "really mad." The first 3 days we spent in Carlsbad, San Diego. We stayed with My Aunt and Uncle Wardle. We spent a lot of time with Uncle Erik. We had such a fun time. The first day we went to the beach, I forgot my camera. The next day we went to Lego land and The Sea Life Aquarium.

 Sea Life Aquarium, they got to hold star fish,

 build a sand castle out of lego's, 

 check out sharks and sting rays,

 and touch sea enemies.

 Steve wasn't around so I hooked up with Indie. He keeps calling but I had to break it to him that I am happily married it was just a Lego land hook up.

 They road roller coasters, and road every ride.

 They flew chopper's,

 and drove cars.

 This was kind of fun. There was no track for the kids to follow they got to drive actual cars. So yes, they think they can drive.

 There was a water park area. I wish I had pictures of the pirate boat ride, but Eliza was lost and I was more worried about finding her. She got back on the ride and Dallin forgot to tell me. Even though he sat and watched me run all over like a crazy lady looking for her.

 MINI LAND

Mini land was amazing. They just opened Star Wars Land about a month ago. Just in time for us.

 NEW ORLEANS

 NEW YORK

 WASHINGTON DC

 SAN FRANSISCO

 We were so lucky Uncle Erik got to come with us. It was fun to spend time with him.

 More roller coasters

 This was there favorite game. Eliza's job was to run around and gather ammo, load the gun. Dallin's job was to shot people.

 Dallin on the boat ride at lego land.

 Hermosa Beach, after 3 days in San Diego, we headed to Aunt Lucy's in Rolling Hills Estates, for four days.

 We spent every day at the beach or swimming.

 We went to Venice, to Muscle Beach.

 He was standing there for a while flexed, finally I realized he wanted me to take his picture.

 I told Steve if I die, he should go to Venice and find this lovely lady to marry. At least we know she cares about her body.

 Aunt Lucy, my partner in crime. We had so much fun together. SO MUCH!

 Future Body Builders

 Yes we went out on the town and had a blast. We went to a movie documentary private showing, we went to some parties, and some clubs. It was fun but I was happy to come home. The simple life is a good life.