Summer?

Summertime was not my favorite time, in reference to the weather. We spent all winter and a lot of spring in the snow, I was ready for sunshine. For some reason southern California decided to hide the sun for awhile. It would come out now and again, but it was pretty much a game of peek-a-boo. Here are pictures from the days when we would yell, "found you!"

Four

Our little Jillian turned four. I cannot believe how fast time has gone by. It has gone fast and yet I can't remember life without her. I never knew I could learn so much from a little girl. Jillian's personality reminds me so much of my own as a child, but she is 10 times the person I was. So much kinder and more patient. Always looking out for others and creating a gift for someone. Her heart is too big for her little body. Her spirit must be older and wiser.

The day started out with a fairy princess party. We happened to have a fairy living in our yard at the time. Jillian was very intrigued by the fairy's beautiful abode. We all enjoyed brunch along with cupcakes and wishes. Let's not forget about the presents! After the little party Kyle painted some fingernails and took the birthday princess surfing.  To say he adores Jillian wouldn't do it justice. Kyle definitely melts around her.

We love you Jillian. Stay four as long as possible!

Summer Road Trip

During the summer Uncle Matt and I took the kids on a little road trip up to Utah. It was really nice to be able to see all the family, especially my grandma. She is getting up there and I take advantage of all the time I can spend with her. I can feel it in my heart that soon she will leave us. Being my only living grandparent, it makes my heart ache to know she will be gone. I just have to remind myself that she will never really leave. I know she will always be with me. When the day comes for her to move on, I will not be angry. I will miss her but will be overjoyed knowing she is exactly where she wants to be. My grandmother is always telling her stories of her family. I have been so blessed to have been able to hear so many of them and learn from her life experiences. I am grateful she has taken such good care of her body and made it this long. My other grandparents were all smokers and in very poor health. Hope to see you very soon Grandma!

Sammy had puppies! They were little rollie pollies! Manny loved them, Jillian not so much...

Fair

On July 1st I surprised Kyle with a trip to the fair. We both had been, but never together. Also, neither of us had been seen since before we had been married. Needless to say, it had been way. too. long. Kyle and I meet on the 1st of July so I thought it would be a great way to surprise him and celebrate something that had more than likely not crossed his mind, but was still a very important time.

We had such a blast. We both love the rides and I was thrilled to see that we have the same level of tolerance for the most part. Does that make sense? You know what I mean. Anyways, it was memorable, fun, and romantic.

Love and Marriage

My childhood friend got married over the summer. She went from Alicia Quaco to Alicia Hainebach. Oh the memories of us being crazy in our youth. We each went our separate ways, but I will forever cherish those memories we had and appreciate the friendship we have shared. Congratulations to her and the wonderful man she married!

New Neighbors

I don't know how we always get blessed with such awesome next door neighbors. At Poinsettia Station we had Heidi and Jesse next door with their little boy just three months younger than Jillian. In Utah we had Courtney and Jordan, an awesome young couple who welcome us with open arms and adored our overgrown pup. Now we have a cool family with two boys, three dogs, and an awesome fishing boat. Gabriel brought us over some fish he had caught and made into a delicious dish. I would have paid BIG bucks for this. Kyle and I both wanted it all to ourselves, good thing we are good at sharing!