is where we spent five hours today
after donating school supplies and getting in for free.
We did a ton of walking and riding.
This time we bought the boys wrist bands so they could go on unlimited rides together.
Which meant they could play two games and Henry won a cupcake toy.
They loved the cars, vans, monster trucks, and motorcycle rides that went in a circle .
Paul tackled this giant slide all by himself which impressed me, because this was the slide I always wanted to go on as a kid, but could never find the courage to climb those steps.
I rode one ride- spinning dinosaur eggs- Can you tell who didn’t like the spinning?
He got over it (I promise).
Of course we took a break to hug cotton candy
and eat cotton candy
or as Henry calls it “rotten candy” (but he still loves it).
Olivine likes the taste but not necessarily being sticky.
I ate a deep friend klondike bar and Joe had nachos with fried pickles. Yum!
Olivine was awesome at hanging out
or calling to her brothers.
She loved all the sights and sounds.
We found the crazy bug exhibit
the huge sand sculpture
and for some reason the boys split up to ride the mini roller coaster.
This was Paul’s first roller coaster.
We even squeezed into a photo booth
before heading home
to put little ones to bed.
Orange County Fair
Morning
spent drawing
around the table
usually starting with Paul
because the others insist on doing like him.
But eventually they grow impatient and while he draws multiple ninja turtles they abandon the table for play out back………………………
Until the new refrigerator arrives
and there are friendly workers who let the boys keep the box.
They use it to hide from Olivine.
Their giggling gives away their hiding spot
and she climbs in to join them.
Snacks for everyone!
Big Bear
an easy drive up on Friday
napping and stopping halfway for lunch.
A chance to get out of town
with big skies
and fresh water lake swimming
trees lining the horizon
and time to unplug from our life.
The hardest part is sleeping in a different place
but they managed
even at nap time
and Henry can boast he has now survived his first wasp sting (two in a row).
We had fun with our friends
and we look forward to next year.
A week-end away does wonders for the soul.
{this moment}
A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 
Easy
to focus on the best part of our day.
to pack lightly for our time at the Bay.
to forget about the waking up to find a broken refrigerator and scrambling around town with children in tow to find a new one.
to celebrate the newly fixed parts of our car, rather than focus on the price tag.
to see the many days stretching ahead, even as we get ready to change our calendar to a new month.
to look forward to the upcoming weekend.
to be spontaneous and forgiving with three little ones.
Evening
We made food and went to visit friends with a newborn. Paul was in love with baby Penny. This is the boy who consistently points out that we need one more baby (just one) because of the empty seat in the car.
After dinner they borrowed squirt guns
and played chase out front
in perfect summery sunset weather
getting each other wet
and making me realize how easy it is to be in the moment.
Peanut Butter & Jelly
She eats it right up
and makes a mess
but I don’t mind cleaning these cheeks.
Would you?
Hello
to the whales overhead.
to the divers.
to the sea otters.
to the mini moon jellies.
to the bigger moon jellies.
to the giant stingrays.
to the sea turtle.
to the many fish.
to the papa who holds little ones during a dive show.
to the thumb sucking (meaning almost nap time).
to the morning spent out.
{this moment}
A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
Plenty
of play time with Olivine while her brothers were out at the movies.
of laughing with her wearing a chef hat.
of excitement over our produce box, delivered while sleeping.
of reading to relate.
of fresh fruits and vegetables.
of attention on the boy wearing a super hero costume.
of fun with friends for most of the day.
of big brother love.
to be grateful for including a new job teaching reading (part time) at Long Beach City College.
family notebook 