Summer 2016 - part THREE

Every summer is a little different for us. The boys are able to do more and more, and go places without naps (Asher hasn't napped in about 2 years), or a schedule (they can stay up later without being cranky). They go with the flow. It makes everything so much easier. Staying close to home this summer as Scarlett gets a little older has been nice. We can go where ever ... whenever. Love it! I'm actually a little sad school is starting, because I've enjoyed our lazy mornings together. Scarlett is getting bigger, and getting on a great schedule that is making things easier. Living in So Cal we don't have to travel far for a vacation lifestyle. The beach is only 3 miles away from our house.  

We still have another week left, so we have a few more adventures planned. Next week Jake starts Kindergarten, and turns 6! The week after Asher is starting TK! This is Asher's last year at his preschool. Jake is starting Friday Night Lights (flag football), and Asher is going to play baseball! My boys are getting so big. Love them so! 

It's going to be Miss Scarlett and I at home, and doing things together while the boys are at school. I'll enjoy having this special time with her as well. 

So... here are a few more pics of our summer.

Breakie with my babes.

Scarlett's first time on a swing. Asher was pushing her.

Nature walk with friends.

Atlantis Splash pad and park.

Ya Ya's visit!

My mom and little brother came into town last week for 10 days. It's always nice having family in town for so many reasons. One of the biggest is because the boys can't wait to see them. Uncle D is everything to Jake. He just adores him. I miss them so much. I look forward to every trip. And before everyone leaves... we plan our next trip. It makes it easier to say good bye when we have another date to look forward to. 

Here is a pic of my mom and Dylan saying good night to Scarlett. They were delayed 5 hours... so, by the time they arrived, it was her bedtime. Thankfully she stayed up to at least get hugs and kisses.

The next day, Grant was in the Dwight Crum pier to pier swim. 2.2 mile ocean swim. It goes from Redondo Beach pier to Manhattan Beach pier. My mom stayed with the kiddos, while my little bro and I went to cheer Grant on.

We parked by this cool shop... with a cool name! ;)

Dylan and I got one of his favorite coffee drinks (he likes to go to Coffee Bean when he's in town), and a chocolate croissant.

Then we greeted Grant right after the race. I of course was screaming so loud the moment I saw him appear out of the ocean. So proud of him.

Another day we had lunch in Seal Beach. We love to spend time walking around main street, and getting shells from the beach.

My mom will kill me if she sees this photo. But, how sweet is this? I walked in from working out one morning and saw this. love love love.

Scarlett is VERY particular with who she loves on. She loved her time with her ya ya.

Scarlett and her uncle D. I think Scarlett looks a little like him.

The last night my family was in town we went to my aunt and uncle's house for a birthday party. Great way to end the trip! 

My silly boys jumped behind the bar and pretended to be bartenders. Nice try little's.

The very last day we had brunch after church, and a little ice cream. It's always so sad saying goodbye. And now it's even harder for Jake. I had to wipe his little tears for two days. ugh. But, we will hopefully see them at Scarlett's first birthday, and Christmas! Until then!

My guys.

Summer 2016 - part TWO

This blog is two of three... so, I'll just make this one a picture post with maybe a caption. :)

Fun with the best neighbors ever.

VBS at our church. So thrilled my kids can attend such an incredible church, with a great kids ministry. This is Jake and Asher's second VBS with our church. They already can't wait until next year.

Kids donating. Raising money for the upcoming school year, and donations for new backpacks to children in need.

Bros.

 Bay days...

 More swim lesson fun!

Playdates with friends and their babies.  #levenstone

 More bay days...

The boys catching a ride on some girls paddle boards.

VBS at the kids preschool. This is Jake's third year at this VBS.

 My aunt and uncle set up a suite at the Staples Center for the Circus on Ice.

Blog number three up next!

Fourth of July 2016

Since Scarlett is so young, we decided to stick around this year and not travel too far. This included staying around for the Fourth of July.

Our neighborhood has a parade, chili cook off, and block party at one of our parks, so we decided to stay home. THIS WAS A GREAT DECISION. The entire day was fun, and it ended in our backyard watching a very cool firework show. We live down the street from a country club and they have a huge show. We put Scarlett to bed, and then the rest of us put on our PJ's and sat outside and watched the show.

What a great day. Here are some pictures of our Fourth.

Scarlett with her bestie Ana.

Then cousin Amanda and Ryan came over the day before the Fourth. It was so good seeing them both. I love her dearly! 

Scarlett styled by cousin Mandy!

Summer 2016 - Part ONE

This has been a great year for us. Jake started at his elementary school (TK), and will head to Kindergarten in the fall. Asher finished up another year of preschool, and will be back for his final year before he will head to elementary school as well. Next fall the boys will be in first and kinder. WOW. It feels like time went slow when I had a 17 month old and a newborn. Then all of a sudden once Jake turned 3, and started preschool, the time started flying by. People think I'm crazy when I say I miss the times both my babies were at home with me. With NO plans unless we made them. No obligations. Just babies and mommy time. I'm lucky I have this time with Scarlett now. But, I'm missing my baby boys. Good thing they still snuggle on their mommy and daddy. Sweet boys! It's also so incredible seeing them turn into little boys. I sometimes look at them, and can't believe I made these little people. They have the silliest conversations, and actually have so much to say... about EVERYTHING! They both are SO different, and bring so much joy. Adding Scarlett to our family was the icing on the cake. She is so sweet and sassy. She is already the boss of the boys. The boys just adore her, and the feeling is mutual. Nothing but craziness and love at the Stone house. ;) 

Here is the beginning of our summer, starting off with Asher's spring/summer play. They were able to wear their PJ's and they sang the most adorable songs. Asher of course took it very serious. It was hilarious and super cute. 

Asher and his teacher. We love her so.

Family.

Jake finished up his first year of elementary school. He had a great year meeting new friends, and had an outstanding teacher. It was great having Jake go into TK, before kinder. We got to see how the school operates, meet new kids (and parents), and get accustomed to how the next phase in our life with school will go. Its going to be hard saying good bye to the preschool, but we are excited for our children's future. 

Here are the kids saying good bye on the last day of school. Such good buddies. We called these buddies, the "TK crew".

We've been to the movies...

Birthday parties...

SWIM CAMP! This was so awesome. TK crew had a fun week of swimming, crafts, and all around fun!

They even let Asher join in on the fun! Asher was stoked! Ash is 4 going on 13.

Happy hour playdate at the Stone house.

Swim lessons with Ms. Jill (more pics to follow on a different blog). This was Scarlett's first swim lesson. She was NOT a fan. We'll try again next year.

Summer part 2 coming next!