I have just finished unpacking and sorting school books for three kids. As I was putting away both modeling clay and an algebra book, I started thinking back to the fun summer we have had. We have three more days until summer is over in the Blades family. I started with this picture, because no matter how old these kids get, I will always treasure my times with them over these past seven summers that we have made our annual trip to Cayucos.
Dylan will be starting sixth grade in a few days, and I get teary-eyed thinking about how blessed I have been to watch him grow into a loving, energetic, happy kid.
The first monday we were there, Chris suggested we go take a hike through Montana de Oro. This is one my many favorite things to do. This year, Gracie made the hike with us and loved taking pictures of God's beautiful central coast.
I happened to catch Bill smiling without realizing I was taking his picture. This is his real smile, the one when he is truly relaxed and happy.
One of Gracie's beautiful pictures of the coast.
We can make a sport out of a stick and some stones!
Gracie found so many beautiful rocks that her bag was filled to the max.
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| While the older kids went on a trip to see the Lighthouse up above San Simeon, Molly and I took the smaller kids to the park near Morro Bay. We took a walk down to the beach and had a snack. Although I knew if we got anywhere near the water, Luke would want to take off his shoes, get in the water, and then not want to walk back to the car. I'm a mind reader in my spare time. |
Having a snack near the big rock.
The weather was unusually cool this summer, with it only reaching 70 one or two times during the whole two weeks. This meant the kids didn't want to play in the water very much. They made up for it by playing in the sand. One day the kids spent hours running in and out of a big hole that someone left behind. Of course, the Blades are always competitive: the next day, Bob and Bill dug an even bigger hole than the one before. He worked so hard, he fell asleep inside the hole, while we were throwing the frisbee.
One of the nice ladies that attends the Los Osos Church of Christ suggested that we try "The Tea Cozy" in Cambria during our time. We indulged getting the complete royal tea service. What a treat to share with Madison, Emi, Lori, Shirley, Mom and Gracie.
We had two of these trays to share at the table.
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| We had no trouble finishing them! We enjoyed strawberry mango, pomegranate, and the "eye of the tiger" chocolate tea (can you guess who wanted to order that one?) |
Emi and Gracie
More playing in the sand... Time for everyone to take their turns getting buried. Although I have never seen Gracie let them do this to her! This year the kids enjoyed getting to bury John for the first time. We reminisced about all of the people that have suffered through this crazy tradition, Bill, Chris, Matt, Bob, Wyatt, and now John!
Bill and I ran in the "Rock to the Pier" fun run again this summer. I was happy to improve my time by almost five minutes.
Later that same day, we celebrated Caleb's third birthday! He had been talking about his birthday for the past month, and after he blew out the candles, we said, "How old are you Caleb?" and he said, "SIX!" He will still say that if you ask him today.
Another fun part of the trip was seeing Mom embrace new technology and get her own Ipad! She took to it rather quickly getting lots of help from all of us, even the kids, who talked her into downloading "angry birds" right away! She joined Facebook and wouldn't believe us when we said that people would ask to be her friend. Right away, she started getting lots of requests!
When the older kids went on a hike through Harmony, Mom and I took the younger kids to the Avila Farm. Nestled in the hills near Avila Beach is a beautiful little farm with animals to feed, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. We took a picnic lunch and then treated ourselves to icecream and blackberry cobbler. The weather was spectacular, and the kids were too. One of my favorite days of the whole trip.
Caleb, Luke and Emi running through the fields.
As the second week comes to an end we usually spend most of our time at the beach. The cooler weather keeps the beaches empty and gives us plenty of space to throw the frisbee, fly kites, and of course, eat snacks. We love the Brown Butter cookies the best.
Caleb would think he needed a snack as soon as we set down all of the chairs and bags on the beach. Here he is with a very messy but yummy piece of watermelon. Nothing says summer like sun, sand, and a messy face!
