Post 33- Summertime Fun

I'm sitting here in the middle of this beautiful Idaho scenery feeling very blessed. There's truly nothing that compares to making memories with family.

I've had so many opportunities this month to spend time with those who mean the most to me. We started the month by flying out to Southern California with my parents. 

Back when my little family consisted of just three of us, we lived in San Diego for a short while. I always say it was my long vacation. It never really felt like home, since we had no extended family around, but the weather and beaches were paradise for me.

There are a ton of theme parks we could have dumped our money at, but our destination was the beach. It was the one place I thought both teenagers and a  toddler would have fun. 

I think I got it right. What do you think?

Highlights from our trip (beside the beach):

Staying at the beautiful Loews Coronado Resort and jet skiing and kayaking in the ocean. 

Eating at our favorite restaurant in Coronado. Mmmm...love the tacos!

Seeing the San Diego temple. It's so beautiful! 

Visiting the Long Beach Aquarium.

Whale watching tour. I didn't get a picture, but a whale actually surprised us and came up alongside the boat for a breath of air. It was quick but amazing!

We ended the trip at Newport Beach. The waves were out of control. It made for the best boogie boarding but it was dangerous enough to take the life of a lifeguard that day. It was a sad ending to our fun vacation.

After a few days at home we headed to Idaho for two family reunions. 

I grew up in Idaho, and while I have no desire to suffer through the cold Idaho winters again, I do love the beautiful Idaho summers. I have wonderful memories of camping and four-wheeling my summers away as a child or spending time at my grandparents home in the tiny town of Shelley, Idaho. So many fun memories!

And that's what I hope we are creating for our kids- Fun Memories!

The family flag my son designed and grandma sewed.

Swinging on the front porch of the cabin.

Eating bugs and dust on the four-wheelers.

The main cabin.

Our little cabin.

I love this pic of Mia helping Grandma do dishes!

More water fun! It's cold, but you either get used to it or get numb!

I had to put this pic in for good measure. Everyone plays Grandmas games (whether they like it or not)!

July has been busy but filled with so much fun! Before we know it summer will be over and these will all be distant memories! Memories that we will all look back on with fondness.