A Family Reunion

I'm in the midst of an extended family reunion. I don't know if I've made this clear before, but I LOVE family and I LOVE family time. I have 6 nieces and nephews and anytime I can be with all of them at once, it's corny, I know, but it's truly bliss for me. They are all so cute and sweet in their individual ways. This Summer I get to spend time with an extra cute and sweet kid - my cousin Tristan. He's here with his mom, also my cousin, Teri, and our Grandma Artie.

Tristan and the kids are really hitting it off. Sarah loves hanging out with him - they enjoy a lot of the same things and she's enjoying getting to know someone who shares those interests (for example Greek Gods, she loves that stuff).

I've been taking some photos and not getting a whole lot of work done, but we've been eating pretty well. My brother made 3 differently marinated smoked tri tips last night. I can begin to explain how incredible they were. I have got to get a smoker.

In other news, I have a weekend trip planned. Next weekend I am going to see a man. Out of town. Without my kids. A grown up getaway. Yeah, I'm shocked, too.

Bliss at the Beach

How is your Summer going so far? Lots of fun around here. Max started Summer school, the weather has warmed up a bit, although still oddly cool for this time of year.

My sister's kids have been visiting this week. We are at the tale end of their visit - my sister arrives tomorrow and they are heading home at 5am on Sunday.

While they were here we did some really fun things - creek floating (my favorite), a visit to the National Yoyo Museum, a visit to the Bee and Honey exhibit at the local Chico Museum (not sure official name), a picnic at Wildwood Park, a walk through the California State University Chico campus, and lots and lots of time at the pool. Tonight the kids went with Grandma and Aunt Shawna to the Observatory.

When the kids are here, I usually get to see my brother's kids, too. The other day, I sat at the creek, surrounded by little people that I love. It was truly a moment of bliss. :)

A Midday Float With Polliwogs

We had Ashlee over for a sleepover. We took a midday break and headed over to the creek for a picnic, a float, and some polliwogging. See the polliwogs above. That is one big one in each container. They were HUGE.

Here's the floating part of the day..........

Bay used the time to catch up on phone calls.

The cousins had fun. Sarah walked all over holding Ashlee's hand because the rocks were slippery.

It was nice at the park, but it was full of camp kids, so a little loud. When we walked up and saw them, I could see Bailey visibly stiffen. Teenagers are not fans of large groups of unruly kids. One little boy, named August, kept getting the numbers. As in, "August, I'm going to count to 5. 1, 2, 3, 4, ....4.5, ......4.75....." I explained to the girls that nobody wants to get to 5.

Time to head for home. I said, "Girls, hurry! We have to be back in time for Max's bus!" And they kept struggling, trying to paddle their way over to me. I said, "Stand up," and this was right after that. Very shallow. You don't need a lot of water to get a good float.