August 2013

August started with getting on a plane for crisp, cool, California.  What a trip!  My parents came along with us for extra hands as well as some babysitting time.  We all had a blast!  We stayed in Doheny Beach, just a stones throw from Dana Point, where we stayed two years ago, and Capistrano Beach. 

Levi getting his backpack and Disney fanny pack ready the night before we left.  Why don't I have the kids wear their fanny packs every time I leave the house?

Flight was great.  Individual backpacks, which we haven't traveled with before (suitcases divided amongst the crazies), was so much easier.  We drove to get a good burger, right in Laguna Beach.  We looked across the road at the ocean and saw a blue whale blowing water, just a little ways from the beach.  So sweet of the LORD to show off for us!

Getting our exercise after a day of traveling

We drove up to a gated community and drove the 1.5 mile, 15 mph, drive to the end of the nook to our place.  We loved it!  And then realized how close we were to a part of town we frequented a lot two years ago.  So fun!  We made it to Stacks Pancakes House, where we gobbled up new-to-the-menu gluten free pancakes.  This place was my favorite two years ago.  We asked why we loved the pancakes so much, and it was because they used high gluten flour!  Ha!  How times have changed...

I also found a fresh juice place that I frequented daily.  Super excited to find this for a nice daily snack!

We walked around Dana Point Harbor and last minute decided to go on a whale sighting tour.  We saw lots of playful dolphins.

Thankfully we had brought layers!

Dad enjoying the view

This was the coolest fish.  We saw five of them.  Called a sun fish, laying on it's side, to get thermal heat to stay properly heated.  Strangest thing I ever saw~!  Shaped like a star with five points.

Then we started stumbling upon two whales.  We were all squealing!

Huge!

Love the blue print the whales leave on the water when they plunge down to eat.  We went a little long and we all loved seeing God's creation.  I feel so close to the LORD when I am at the ocean, and when I see His amazing creations!

Driving back we saw some seals

We went back to play in the sand.  Always a little cool with some cloudiness in the mornings and then the sun and its warmth come out a little later.  Great reprieve from the heat in Houston in August!!!

Rocks were all along the shore.  Which made for a different sound as the waves would pull back towards the sea.

The water was exceptionally chilly for that time of year, so this momma would just look, not swim.  Kids were not fazed.

Lots of boogy board action

Lots of crashes as well from the strong waves

Bubby, as he is called by his siblings

Bubba, as Lexi has always called him

Even Little Miss tried it

Levi could catch some serious waves and ride them all the way in

Derek attempting paddle boarding

Our house had a little nook that allowed the kids to play underneath

Putting the paddle board away for the day.  Tricky being so tall

That night we went out for dessert while Mom and Dad watched the kids.  We had these organic carrot cakes...yum!

Playing makeup

Monday morning brought our first day of Disneyland!  We only stayed at Magic Kingdom that day. We used a company to plan out every detail of our time there.  Would have been free had we stayed at a Disney hotel on site, but still, we needed this.  We took Justin two years ago for one day and didn't really LOVE it.  I wanted at least 3 of us to LOVE it. Turns out we all did!

Anyways, they told us to take photos of what our kids we wearing each day in case they got lost.  Check.

Get our 1st time visit button.  Check.

Run to the Star Wars 3D exhibit before the line gets too long.  Check.

See characters.  Check.  Take a small notebook and sharpie for each one to sign.  Great idea!  Check.

Seeing the Nemo aquarium ride

Carousel girl.  The boys were off at Space Mountain (been there, done that two years ago).  The girls went to calmer seas.

Trying not to get queasy on the Mad Potter Tea Cup ride

Driving

We had reservations at Minnie & Friends Breakfast at the Plaza Inn on Main Street.  Score!  Best meal and lots of characters.  never would have done it on our own.  And the buffet was great.

Eeyore

Pooh

I have a picture of me with the chipmunks at age 5 or 6.  Love this!

Mickey waffles.

Derek getting a playful person (who is this again?)

Could have scanned this, but took a photo with my phone instead. 

Another phone photo - can't figure out how to change it!

And Minnie herself showed up.  Lexi was infatuated with her lashes.

Tigger

And the beloved Captain Hook

Lexi kept asking if their teeth were real

This just makes me laugh

We ran into the evil queen of Snow White, a movie we hadn't seen (or fast forwarded through).  Lexi asked for a photo, and this lady was in true form.  Told her real quick, but she had to run.  Told Lexi she could follow if she wished, and marched off in stiffness.  Hilarious, and Lexi followed with her hand on her hip as well for awhile.  My mom and I were laughing.

In front of the castle

Dumbo

Rare ice cream treat, all with Mickey ears

That night, about to fall asleep from skipping naps, all in their fun PJs from Wendi and crew! 

The next morning eating breakfast with a view.  We had a lazy morning and then a late night at Disney after early naps.

Birdie made hot chocolate

This place was amazing.  The kitchen was huge

Every room had a view

Our room on the second floor.  We would sometimes sleep with the windows open and listen to the waves.

Brilliant - bathroom in the house that had access to the outside.  The kids would walk in all sandy form the beach and march in this shower and get clean.  With the automatic flushing urinal when needed.  What??

Derek would hang out by the fire pit every night.  There were speakers outside so he would listen to his classical music by the fire.  My man was happy.

This house had an extra lot they used for their green space. 

Another fire place

They had surf school several mornings.  Fun to watch.

Lots of beach creations from this little one

Levi trying to surf standing up

Love this - hilarious!

Well then of course Justin had to try it

Papa giving some tips

Just like little bro

Bathing beauties

Hard to see but Levi, a boogy board, and Derek are all in this massive wave

Birdie and Lexi going to see a heron that was about to die, laying on the beach.

JT on a big wave

Levi on one as well

Justin caught three waves all the way in on this turn

Levi is my fearless adventurer.  Love to live it through his smile!

Derek attempting paddle boarding again

He would always try in the afternoon, when the surf was rougher than the glassiness of the morning.

Almost had it

So sweet when I stumbled upon this

Brothers watching the ocean together

Lunch on the deck in the sun

Another fun shirt from Wendi that made it's appearance for evening at Disneyland.

We arrived around 4pm, right before the California Adventures parade.  This was a day where we only stayed at California Adventures, getting the lay of the land for the next full day.  Papa being silly.

Star Wars shirts day for the boys

And sassy

Lots more character sightings

Loved what his tag said - return to Mickey if found!

Learning who Sophia the First was

Waiting for the parade

And then it was time

First up was Monsters, Inc, or Monsters University (which my easily frightened crew won't see anytime soon).

Then the Incredibles

Nemo

Bugs LIfe

Toy Story

This parade was awesome, and the music on the speakers made me want to get up and dance!

Ending with Mater

Which led us to Carsland and riding the tractors

Hilarious how they made it just like the movie

We walked into a street dance party

Lexi of course jumped right in

Papa encouraging Justin to join

I told each child I would buy ONE souvenir.  Lexi finally decided on the mickey ears bride.

With monogram to match

Levi, at dinner, lost tooth number two!  Yay - and he did it himself!  Perseverance pays off.

I tried on a hat with fake braid for fun.  Matched my outfit!

Went on the Little Mermaid ride a few times.  Easy to watch and no lines.

Justin, Derek, & Papa were on ride #1 of FIVE times they rode California Screamin'.  The first time I walked up on it I literally screamed as it took off.  And I never rode it!

Faker.  This momma was so nervous and they were playing me.  Levi wanted to but was too short.  Next trip, buddy!

Cars Land at night.  We couldn't wait to jump on that on our third and final day of Disney!

Papa & Bride Birdie waiting for the California Adventures World of Color light/water show.  It was amazing!

A little out of order...the fireworks at Magic Kingdom as we left

Bride Birdie on the tram to get the car

The ferris wheel at DCA before the light show

Music, video on top of the light, all your favorite Disney songs...what more could you want?

We all slept in the next day....psyche!  The fellas went golfing.

It was a beautiful day

The girls hung out at the house

After lunch my mom went to the marina at Dana Point to do paddle boarding

She did a great job!

Rented it for an hour and went all over the place

This is a part of the master toilet.  Sat an a heated toilet seat for a week.  Brutal coming back to reality when we returned!  And no, didn't try any of the buttons...

That night Derek and I went on a date to the art festival we went to two years before.  This was a cute rainbow done by a local student.

Then we stayed for the Live Art Show, Festival of the Arts

The next day was California Adventures day as well as our princess makeover.  Lexi in the stroller as we waited in the line for CA to open so we could grab a Cars Land Fats pass. 

We ended up with the Fast Pass and even rode the ride as well.  Lexi bawled during the rider so we let the boys have our passes, giving them three rides in one hour's time.  Score!

Pretty fast at one point.  Pretty awesome.

Derek, Justin, & Papa about to ride California Screaming...again..

Then the ladies had to get to Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique.  Lexi was so excited.  Our sweet girl that helped was having a tender moment in her life, so it was sweet I got to pray for her in her time of need.

I learned, finally, how those moms get perfect buns.  Lots. of. product!

Gel moster

I think Lexi's eyebrows were permanently pulled up the rest of the day.

Poor thing looked like she had a headache.  That was work to pull all that hair back!  Too short to pull it all up, but no worries.  Still got our makeup and nails done.

And got to bring the palette of colors home.  Lovely.

Jewels added by the eyes

Last wish. 

Nice touch.  I mean they thought of everything.  And I still feel like my jaw drops as Lexi loves all of it...something I never cared about at her age.

Dolled up for the day as Tangled Bride, or Tangled Married, as she called herself

We went to Bugs Land after that.  Gotta love a ride that shows my favorite winter side dish!

I think Flik for some reason was one of her faves.  She always brings him up

The boys were stunned when they saw their sister

I mean Levi got really white this summer on top of that head!

Phineas and Ferb Dance party

Of course she joined in

The boys eventually joined in

Then it was time for Ariel's Grotto for a late lunch.  She had been talking about her fave, Ariel, all week.  Now was the time to mete her.  In shock.

Not sure how to act with such royalty

The boys were grumpy before coming, but man when they saw the princesses they flipped out as much as Lexi did.

Cinderelly

Snow White

Belle

Aurora

Celebrating Levi's birthday

Attempting a rest time

Ran into The Toy Story gang

Then the boys and I went to the Lego store.

So glad we didn't make the trek to Legoland.  This was plenty and a much shorter drive.  :-)

Derek and I kept looking at each other while at Disneyland as we both enjoyed ourselves so much more than we thought we would.  But the weather...never broke a sweat, longest line we ever waited in was 30 minutes (thanks to our itinerary as well as the crowds not so bad), and got to go back to beautiful beaches.  Derek asked me if I had any urge to do DisneyWorld, to which we both agreed absolutely not.  California or bust.  If I had been in muggy Florida then my mood would have been quite different.  And taking my parents to have extra sets of hands and trade off as kids wanted to go in different directions was priceless.  So thankful for all the help!  No regrets and thankful for the experience!

Last day in Cali we were beach bums.

And like that, it was over.  So thankful for my parents who helped watch the kids, clean, cook, and so pleasant to vacation with.  Love that we can bring them along!


Now back to hotter, humid skies...Lexi's outfit to go to the grocery store with Daddy.

Derek using his moms onion goggles (that really work!)

Shannon and Payton came in town to see the Junods and we got to have some girl time

The Levi turns 6! 

We opened a few cards and gifts

I let JT and Lex pick out their own gifts.  Stud finder = happy boy

From G.G. & G-pa

Breakfast of choice...donuts.  Hurt my stomach to look. 

Donut hole Happy Birthday song

That day we went to Monkey Business

Bigger lefty golf clubs for my boy

Duck call from Grammy & Grandpa

Grandma came in town to take care of the kids while I had co-teacher training for school.  So thankful she was there to watch them all week!

Saw this on the flight back from California just days before.  A good replacement for Levi's too-big skateboard he brought from his old family.

Grammy, as the kids started calling Grandma that week, brought the car.

Lost tooth #8!

This picture...say a lot of things.  I got ALL the stuffed animals in the house and declared a cleaning out of sorts.  The kids throw them around, don't clean them up, and these things (which for the record I had TONS of myself growing up) drive me crazy.  So Derek said Justin could have 3, Levi 4, and Lexi 5.  Well the wailing wall began, with hysterical children and cries of injustice.  Derek and I were stunned into a jaw dropped silence.  We then decided 5 each, and the rest would be offered to cousin Daniel (whose mother politely declined) and then given to others.  I have to admit, I kept a few for nostalgia sake upstairs.  But the rest I don't miss at all, and our house is less cluttery.  At least for now.

Roxy afraid she was going to get left behind as we packed for a trip.

Trying on mommy's shoes before church

Making necklaces

My fisherman

Shane & Lindsay were coming over for dinner, and the kids made welcome signs for him

The welcome crew

My nurturing daughter taking care of her lot

The babysitter

Um, my dentist had this to kids after they brushed their teeth.  I definitely let them know my shock and horror (and cow's milk at that...wink wink) of having sweets to offer kids right after their cleanings.  Apparently someone donated it.  Hmph.

And meet the teacher night at Trinity Classical School.  L & L were so pumped to be at Justin's school!  Forgot the camera...theme these days.  So saw a parent pull out the phone which made me aware to do the same.

Mrs. French with Levi

Justin & Mr. Alvarez

Lexi & Mrs. Anderson

The boys birthday party.  Join party between their actual birthdays.  Went back to Noak's Ark as Levi had always wanted a party like Justin.  Rented both the big and small pools, and everyone had a great time.  My parents and Aaron and Daniel drove up the day of.  Watching the boys open gifts from Aaron & Elise.

Playing with the dodgeball shield

And attaching the muffler to make it sound like a motorcycle

The party.  This momma did a POOOOR job of documenting, but I also think I just was part of the moment, which is kind of my deal these days.

Shark cookie cake - never seen so much icing

Favors - shark's teeth necklaces from the Philippines

The Vaughn boys playing basketball

Everyone loved the alligator

Uncle Shane was a constant source of enjoyment

All enjoyed the slide

Cake time

Shane with the ladies - Campbell, Lexi, & Georgia

Daniel had the time of his life

We said no gifts, and I am still so glad we decided it.  One of our best friends whose love language is gifts couldn't resist, and the boys had their fill with family gifts.  Less is more, especially with a double birthday party!

Cheerleader

Green cousin pick (unplanned on the color)

All were sad to see "baby" Daniel leave.  Now he has a baby with brother Joshua!

First day of school - my little uniform kiddos.  Makes life so easy getting dressed with our tow or three combos we can choose from.

My kindergartner!  I think I cried the most as he walked back to his room after morning assembly.  How did he get so old??

Justin - my 1st grader!

Lexi - my preK girl!  SO big girl at school all day wiht her brothers on Mondays and Wednesday.

Doing a hand toast after school that first day.

Justin's birthday.  7 years old.  We celebrated the day before because Derek and I were leaving for a weekend away...during his birthday.  Winner parents, but he got to go to a Baylor football game, so he didn't miss us a bit.

Lego mania

Another pogo stick but more weight bearing

No longer need the knees pads

Using the pitching machine

What I am loving

My new nephew! Can't wait to see those sweet cheeks again!

Bethel Music The Loft Sessions - new fave CD on repeat.  One Thing Remains, Come to Me, This is What you Do.

Shane and Shane & Piper video of Though You Slay Me.  Wonderful.  Listen to it.  Then listen to it again.  Piper comes in around minute 3 of the video.  Great reminder of how ALL affliction is meaningful.

Slugs and Bugs

Cd by Andrew Peterson (his Behold the Lamb of God is one of my favorites at Christmas) and Randall Goodgame.  My kids LOVE these CDs - both Lullabies and Under Where.  Ninja, Mexican Rhapsody, Under Where, Chicken Wiggle, Piggy Toes.

My cousin Ginger's book - a must read!  She has been working on this baby for years, and now it has come to fruition.  And check out her blog.  Has a gift for using her bumps in life to display His Glory.  Amen!

Piper's new book.  

Get a free download or buy it cheap.  Answering and affirming so many things I have been walking through, and so gracious for those that aren't.  Love his wisdom and displaying the scripture and allowing Your Spirit to lead you from there.  The dissonance of election and scripture stating He wants all to come to know Him.   Easy, quick, short read.  Very worshipful.

Life is full.  Coming up on one year from our adoption being finalized.  My heart is full.  My armor is heavy.  My heart is hopeful in what He continues to do.  Refine me, Father and sanctify my mess, so that all may look to You.