Beach Paparazzi

 We had to let our guests cruise to the beach in style.
Alexander was rather worried that they were going to wreck his "future vehicle."
Not because Rebecca is a bad driver.
But that there was so much kissing going on.
The kids would tattle on them every time they saw a smooch.

Wes' first time in the Pacific Ocean!

Mom, they're kissing AGAIN!

What?  It's the beach.

It's romantic.

Not the best beach for surfing.

Awesome for exploring.

Courtney has become an expert little rock climber at Little Corona!

 Isn't my sister absolutely beautiful?!?
I smile every time I look at this picture.
Can't help it!


This is the "Pirate Beach," according to Alexander.
He brings his sword every time we come.

Lots of kissing, lots of dancing.

I think we have a case of true love on our hands.

The spontaneous dancing was brought on by these guys.

These two hippies were banging on a drum and chanting to the universe.

Good times.

Newport, Not Hawaii

It was a little blustery at the beach today. 

{I stole these pics from Mom's camera}

Every few years, the Rooses enjoy their timeshare in Hawaii.  Apparently California beaches don't compare after you've been to Hawaii. :)

We had a fun day searching for shells, warding off seagulls & reading.  Mom has a Kindle--jealous!

Crown of the Sea

That's the translation of Corona Del Mar, one of our favorite indulgences here in California.

 This charming cove, nicknamed "Little Corona," is home to a marine preserve.

 It is protected land, so although there are tons of cool things to see, you aren't supposed to touch or take anything from this area.

Darren took the kids exploring & they found some cool caves & rocks to climb.

{Doesn't that rock out there look so pirate-y?}

 The kids saw crabs, sea anemone, barnacles, sea urchins, snails & such in the tide pools.

 Courtney was in hea-ven!  She told Darren, I wish we could live this day over and over!

 My boy's hair is getting a little sun bleached:)

 Little Corona is a little rocky for boogie boarding, so after a few hours, we headed up the road to Newport so the boys could catch a few waves.

 We LOVE LOVE LOVE this beautiful lady!

Real men sparkle.  Seriously, they do.  How HOT is that?!?

1st Boy Scout Campout

Bug spray, hiking boots, first aid kit, flint & steel, pocket knife, compass.

That's what we thought you bring on a rough outdoor excursion in the wilderness. Apparently not in Orange County.

The list changes to wetsuit, surfboard, swim trunks, beach towel, sunscreen.

Early morning--hot chocolate in a water bottle.

Xander had a wonderful time.

Carlsbad

Sheri's Mom & Dad have a home in Carlsbad, so after our visit, they headed down there. We were happy to meet them for a few more beach days!
Isn't Cole's surfboard cool? Speaking of cool, it was overcast and a little chilly!
Xander really enjoys boogie boarding.
{all except getting a layer of skin sanded off his belly}

There's a lot of rocks @ this beach for the kids to create with.
Loved this. Only in California...
Our little Miss loves to collect, show & tell at the beach.

Jacob--I can't believe how much these kids have grown in a matter of months!

Two peas in a pod, these two!

Thanks for the fun visit, Trimmer family!

My Sister Came!

Rebecca came to celebrate her birthday weekend with us. Hooray! How adoooorable is she?!?

{with her stolen flower from a nearby plant}

On Saturday, we met her friend Mindy @ the Newport Beach temple.
The moment I walked in the front doors, I was overpowered by the feeling that I'd finally come home.
It is breathtakingly beautiful and the spirit is indescribable.

After, we went to In 'N' Out--Rebecca has been going into Animal Fry withdrawals since moving to Utah.

That afternoon, we went to Newport Beach and met up with Rebecca's friend Kristen. Love their sandcastle!
I went boogie boarding for the first time in 6 years.
I could feel my age.
Bruises and sand in every place imaginable.

Xanderman's pit. Did I mention I did not take a single picture with my camera the whole time Rebecca was here? I just borrowed her pics she posted on FB.
I am a rotten sister.

To end the day, the girls went
{in our post-beach loveliness}
to have some lettuce wraps @ Pei Wei and frozen yogurt @ Pinkberry. Mmmm!

Huntington Beach Fireworks

At this point, I put my camera away, snuggled on the blanket with my family, and watched in awe.

Sand, Surf & Sunshine

On the agenda every few days is a beach day.
We love it. A lot.

I rarely bring my camera because I'm too busy... lounging in my comfy chair, breathing in salt air, and devouring a good book.

I know. I'm a bum.