More softball, six flags, county fair, and yes more softball

We have been staying really busy this summer! The time is just flying by. I need to get this all down before our upcoming trips.

Softball tournaments pretty much take up our weekends every single week. Between the two girls someone is always playing. Grace played in a fun tournament that had all turf fields. It was a bit strange playing on the fake fields. They did, however, enjoy sliding on the slick surfaces. We hit up the Black Bear Diner afterwards for a late dinner. It was a big hit with the kids.

We had some coupons for "bring a friend for free" to Six Flags, so I let the girls each invite someone to spend the day with us. It was a bit ambitious on my part, since I was the only adult going. It was me and 5 kids. Thankfully everyone was very well behaved and we had an amazing day! I ended up taking Claire's friend on the big roller coaster cause she chickened out. Other than that we saw lots of animals, rode the Joker, and had plenty of treats all day. 

 That same week, I decided to be a super fun mom and take the kids to the county fair. We went on a day where we could bring canned food and get in for free. It was a pretty hot day, but we had low expectations. My kids knew that we weren't going for the rides. We had just done Six Flags, so I wasn't going to spring for the $30+ ride bracelets. We explored the exhibits, animals, and science areas. We watched the racing pigs and even saw a cool Motor cross show. My kids really liked seeing the guys do crazy tricks on the motorcycles. It was pretty cool. We had a giant ice cream cone and left after a couple of hours. Kinda perfect.

As if that wasn't enough fun for one week...the very next weekend was the fourth of July weekend. Saturday was Claire's actual birthday. She is now officially 12. How am I old enough to have a 12 year old? It's crazy. I love it though! She is such a responsible young lady and reminds me so much of myself at that age. I rely on her for so much. Her future is definitely bright. 

We of course spent the day watching softball. After a team lunch we took the kids to Despicable Me 3. Then we headed home for presents and then had Lazy Dog for dinner. I think she had a good day.

Monday was July 3rd and we met up with two other families at Six Flags. We had a blast going around the park with all our friends! It was so nice to have more adults to go on the super scary rides with. We went on the new Wonder Woman ride, and wow! It was fantastic! Soooo scary, but also so fun. I loved it. I''m glad that my kids didn't give it a try. I'm fairly confident that they would have hated it. 

Neil finally decided that he wanted a cape like the girls had. He chose a blue Superman one. It was fun to see how excited he was to wear it.

The park put on their own fireworks show at the end of the night. We watched it from the back of our van in the parking lot. We had a perfect view. It was a great day!

Our 4th of July was spent relaxing at home before heading to a friend's house for dinner. We had a delicious BBQ dinner and then climbed up onto their roof to watch the city set off fireworks. It was a bit different here than I am used to. All fireworks are illegal here. The ones you do see are usually the really big ones up in the air. We had a really nice time hanging with our friends.

This last weekend was Claire's tournament near Santa Cruz. The fields were just a couple of miles from the beach at Capitola. It was beautiful there! It was about 100 degrees at our house, so the nice 80's at the coast felt amazing. 

We had a hotel for the Saturday night and this was the view from our porch. It was the central swimming area. After our 3 games (where we won 2), most of the team all headed back to the pool area for the evening. It was so nice to let the kids all swim while the adults all chatted and ordered food. It was very relaxing!

Because we played so well on Saturday, our Sunday game wasn't until 3pm. We were able to sleep in, have breakfast, check out the hotel's Koi pond, and then head to the beach for a few hours.

When we first arrived on the beach at Capitola, it was still overcast and a bit cool with the breeze. By about noon though the clouds had burned off and it heated up fast.

I loved getting to spend time relaxing in the sand. We saw seals swimming and lots of sailboats. Only Neil was brave enough to wade into the ocean. After our playtime we headed to one of the beachfront restaurants for lunch. It was so fun to sit outside on the beach and have clam chowder. I really liked Capitola. We'll have to go back sometime.

Then it was time for more softball. We played our hearts out but lost the game on Sunday. The girls had a great weekend overall, and especially Claire. She did so so so good! We are very proud of her effort. She had a double, a few singles, and some great defensive plays. I'm so glad that we both got to watch her play.

After the game we hit up Dairy Queen, because why not? Then headed home to rest.

The next day was Neil's birthday. This cute kid is now 7! I can't believe it's been that long. He's getting smarter by the day. He loves Minecraft and watching silly youtube videos. For his birthday he got a new watch, a few shirts, minecraft toys and some books. He was very happy with his loot. We are having his party tomorrow at the bowling alley with his friends. 

I think that pretty much sums up the last few weeks. Stay tuned for more summer excitement coming soon.

First away tournament, lazy summer days, sleepover, and Father's day

Here we go again...another catch up. This summer is cruising right along.

A couple of weekends ago Grace's team played a tournament in Elk Grove, CA which is about an hour and fifteen minute drive away. Not crazy far, but with a game scheduled for 8am on Sunday morning, we opted to book a hotel for the night. The tournament itself was really fun. The fields were great, the competition was tough, and the girls all played really well. Grace hit a couple of solid doubles and had a single too. She also played some great defense as a third baseman.

After our last game on Saturday, we all headed over to the hotel. Thankfully it had an outdoor swimming pool. We had a great time socializing with the team and playing in the water. We ordered pizzas and chatted the evening away. After our pool time, I headed home with Neil and Claire, while the other 2 stayed the night. I wish we could have stayed because day 2 was pretty fun apparently.

The next week the younger two started swim lessons everyday. The first day was only in the mid 60's so it was a bit cold to be at the outdoor pool. Each day it warmed up though, and they have been having a blast. By the end of the week it was in the 90's so the kids convinced me to take them back to the pool for the afternoon to play. It was a perfect day for swimming. They even talked me into the water. I usually just sit by the side and watch. It was fun playing with them.

On Friday night, Claire had an early birthday slumber party with her friends. She invited three of her friends to spend the night. It's really the first time that I've allowed such a party. It turned out really well. Everyone came over and we BBQ'd some dinner. Then they all went outside to play tag. Afterwards we built a fire and they all sat outside by the fire. We ended up doing cake and ice cream outside. Then the girls decided to relax in the hot tub. They were out there for a good long time before coming in to settle down with Beauty and the Beast. They chatted and probably stayed up til around 1am. Then they were up bright and early around 6. I didn't hear them until 7. It was wayyy tooo early for me! I got up and made them a pancake breakfast. Claire was really happy with how it all went. I'd say it was a big success! I can't believe that she is about to turn 12! Yikes!

Once the girls all went home we had a fun day out together. We tried out a new restaurant for lunch and then we went to see Cars 3. Everyone really enjoyed the movie. The next day was Father's day. It was one of the most fun days ever! The girls both had practice, and Grace's team did a fun daddy/daughter scrimmage. The adults all batted lefty and it kept things interesting. Despite the crazy hotness of the day, (like 106+), it was so much fun! After the game we all headed to a pool for a lazy afternoon of food and friends. We are having a great time with the families from Grace's team. So glad we are playing summer ball with them.

Last couple days of school

The last week of school was jam packed with activities. It seemed as though there was a party happening every single day.

On the second to last day, I accompanied Grace's class to the bowling alley. With the entire third grade bowling, it was insanely loud! She had a great time.

The last day I spent going to the morning assembly where Grace was recognized for her work on the student council. Afterwards I helped in Neil's class. They got to draw on their desks with shaving cream and then we all walked to Rite Aid to purchase ice cream cones. Then it was off to the field to enjoy pizza and fruit followed by recess.  Basically one giant party. He had a great time and it was nice to have one last hurrah with his classmates.

Here is the morning picture on the last day of school. They are so happy to be photographed.

All done with 1st, 3rd, and 6th grades. Where has all the time gone?

So much catch up...

Here's just a dump of lots of things that have happened over the last month or so.

Mother's day...was a really nice relaxing day. The kids and Chris made me delicious french toast with orange juice and eggs. Unfortunately, Grace was pretty sick that day with a fever. We mostly stayed home and relaxed. It was a nice break.

Claire and her softball team had their end of the season party at one of the girls's house. It was a backyard pool party along with BBQ. The kids were in heaven as it was a 94+ degree day. We really had a fun season on Top Gun.

Neil "graduated" from occupational therapy at school. His teacher presented him with an award and a small stuffed Beaver. He named it Maxwell.

Grace's class went on a walking field trip tour of downtown Livermore. I went along as a chaperone. It was pretty interesting to hear all the fun facts about our town's history. I think the kids all had a really good time.

Our summer softball season has officially started. The girls both played in their first tournament over the Memorial Day weekend. We were lucky enough to have Grandma and Grandpa Phillips in town to help cheer them on. We also had Aunt Katie, Uncle Mark, Savannah, and new baby Owen. It was a short and busy weekend, but it was fun to see everyone.

We went out on the town for dinner with the family after the games. Yum Cravings pizza!

Grace's team did a garage sale fundraiser and they decided our house would be a good location. Yay garage sale. It was a lot of work, but it was also fun to hang out with our friends from the team.

I had to leave the garage sale for a couple of hours to run Neil over to his closing ceremonies for baseball. He was so happy to get his trophy, yearbook, and t-shirt.

The next day we headed over to his team's party at the bowling alley. He had a blast bowling with his teammates and eating pizza of course.

Yesterday was the elementary school's annual hoedown. Each grade prepared their own line/square dance and performed it for everyone. The kids always enjoy dressing up in their western wear. Neil was kinda going for the farmer look.

Other than that we've had service crews at our house over the last 2 days installing new AC's and furnaces. They just finished, so yay! Now I'm ready for the summer. Bring on the heat. Tomorrow is our last day of school. Everyone is beyond ready.