Between the business of dentist appointments and car services we are still trying to squeeze every last minute of fresh air and sunshine out of our summer.

We threw food in a bag, grabbed a blanket and bikes for a quick drive over the bridge to Cabrillo Aquarium.

Another place with plenty of space and awesome views.

We were even able to make a stop by Long Beach Creamery for ice cream (yum = local + handmade).

Dear Summer, I wish you knew how much good you do for my soul. Thank you, I could not survive without you. Sincerely, the girl who hates heat but loves sunshine and cool breezes by the ocean.

The boys were in “full swing”

trying hard to “sock some dingers”

while we sat on the sidelines.
This might be their new hang out.

Joe’s choice for dinner: Indian food (Henry snapped this)

and a cheesecake for dessert.

Happy Birthday Mr. Joseph Sullivan. We love you!

“King for a Day” is what we like to think of as today.

We gave Joe cards and gifts in bed. Homemade with love.

He wanted to go see the Minion movie.

Maybe later a haircut? batting cages? When Olivine wakes up, anything is possible.

These were snapped in a random booth outside the theater. We love photo booths!

This was a free event for members and so of course we signed up.

The aquarium was open for three hours in the evening. We saw some animals sleeping, others were more active because it was dark.

 They offered “check ups” on stuffed animals. Funny enough, Henry did not like this idea. He thought it was silly and so opted out.
It was like a kid take over.
This was an event perfect for all their ages

and when leaving the stars were out.

There aren’t enough places for the kids to ride bikes.
We have found one spot where the kids can let loose.

The hills and wild landscape make for a great adventure.

We spent all morning there which was perfect, before it got too hot.
We saw hawks overhead and warning signs about rattle snakes.Love these days. After lunch, long naps for everyone.

Olivine has loved reading aloud lately to her dolls or to herself. We realized she is imitating the teachers she hears and the tapes she listens to.
This was her explanation of a paper movie, when we asked so curiously about this.

It is a movie they put in a machine and it reads the book (Translation: a cd is put in a cd player) while the teacher holds the book and turns the pages. This is similar to books on tape but she is right, it is like watching a movie also, since each student doesn’t have a copy of the book.
I told her that I love paper movies too.
I am fascinated with the sometimes clear, practical, and rational explanations children have.

This is one of those recipes I have always wanted to make but get intimidated easily.
I am in a huge phase of experimenting with recipes. I want to eat more vegetables, with more variety, but I also want my family on board. Plus, I have a little more free time (I officially resigned from my job as a second grade teacher and they are back in session).
It helps when little fingers want to help.
I skipped the jalapeños and had thumbs up around the table.
Have I mentioned we love condiments and meals in a bowl? It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and I even have left overs.

We feel lucky to have had the same swim coach these past two summers.Fingers crossed, she’ll be back next year after graduation from Pepperdine.Her ability to push each of them to learn a little more required trust and consistency.Now they can float, swim, jump in, and the boys are getting good at freestyle swimming.

I want them to have confidence, but also be safe in the water.

As part of our final class today, they each jumped in and swam to the edge.

Even little miss O, all her determination and handwork at swimming and taking breaths paid off.

Some days after practice, she found time to fall in love with the kitty.I am grateful for the four weeks of lessons, spread out over the last couple months.

Another sign, that summer is dwindling down.

She loves the dizzy feeling and laughs wildly.

This girl has the confidence combined with the kind of joy I need.

Thank you God for a daughter.