August Recap

School is back in session and I have been reminiscing about the few weeks preceding 

this annual event. I already long for summer 2016.

Sophia & Addy

I just love how these two pick-up right where they leave off.

Different schools...not a problem.

A precious moment of girl talk bonding.

Me and my munchkins!

Not so munchkins, I guess, huh?

While daddy was doing this:

We did this:

Shopping trip!

Cooling off at Menchies

Enjoying Dad's catch:

More beach time!

Why I love SB:

Glamping at El Capitan Canyon

(Way different from last summer)

 Pretty sure this "cute" livestock was the source of David's poison oak.

I won't share those photos. Your'e welcome.

 Just me and my shadow.

Makes me think of this old post.

Missing my Jeannine's breakfast buddy:

So cheers to summer 2015.

Now hurry up school and be done already!

Vacation like days

Sometimes I forget people actually come to Santa Barbara for a vacation. It's a good reminder when I am thinking of places we should be venturing off to for a summer break. I mean, really...

Why am I trying to escape this?

Sand digging fun with cousin Eric.

A little massage from some cuties.

I am pretty sure my kids will never outgrown the carousel.

 My fave pic

 Kalista is such the goof!

Not a bad place to call home, huh?

My kid runs faster than...Me!

THIS GIRL . . . IS AMAZING!

We had our annual jogathon a couple weeks ago. Sophia was determined to earn a medal like she did last year. She did not disappoint!

And thanks to official chip timers, the results came in quickly! Thirty minutes at an 8:19 pace yielded her 3.6 miles. Sophia finished at the top of all first grade (tying one boy), but she was the 3rd overall girl in the whole school; coming behind two 5th graders. Let's just say, LOWER SCHOOL ROCKS!

And now my admission to not only bragging about Sophia's mad skills but she is officially faster than me. In general, I am not sure I can keep an 8:19 pace; maybe as the distance became greater since I like distance, but let's just say I tried to break her pace a few days ago and I couldn't. In my defense, the hills are what caught me, but excuses are for the weak. hahaha

Our school has a prize room for all the joagathon participants who raise at least $150.00. The students get to enter the room in order of donation amounts. Sophia was lucky #7. She knew there was going to be a couple of American Girl Dolls in the room, but I told her not to get her hopes too high since there were 5 girls ahead of her. Boy was she overjoyed to find Grace Thomas (AG Doll of The Year - 2015) sparkling in front of her. Sophia was tickled even more knowing they share the same name (her middle name).

Welcome to the family Grace!

Since you've been gone . . .

Dear Daddy,

Another Father's Day is on the horizon. I could praise you until my dying day, but thought I would let you know what a great father you still are by sharing a few things made possible because of the strength & lessons you have given me throughout my years.

Since you've been gone . . .
I have learned it's okay to start living life without you.
I have learned it's okay to smile and feel happiness without feeling guilt.
I have learned it's okay to look forward to the future.
I have learned it's okay to look back on the past.
I have learned in times of despair, it's better to say something than nothing at all.
I have learned to accept your passing.
I have learned to start healing.

Thank you for still teaching me at my young age of 42. Looks like I will always be the student. And that is perfectly fine by me.

I love you.

Your Little Girl Forever

Sophia's First Jogathon

Sophia had her first of many Jogathons last Friday. The collecting of sponsors prior to Jogathon was a little confusing at first (Sophia thought she was going to keep the money), but when we explained the money she raised would help her school keep extra classes, like art, she was ready to run her little heart out!

Day before the Jogathon, sporting her tee shirt.
An upper grade student won the contest for the honors
of having his work on our tee shirts.
How cool!

A BIG THANK YOU to Dr.'s Hall & Bienstock 

for being a sponsor!

A little jumping jack warm-up

 Oh my . . .

She looks so mature!

 And they're off!

 Much needed water break

 Perfect form :)

 So determined. I think she looks like

David in this picture.

30 minutes of running = 36 laps!

First place in her class, first place out of all the kindergarten girls, 

and second overall kindergartener (there was a boy who beat her by 3 laps).

Sophia, we are so PROUD of you! Think you might have found your sport!

TEA-cher Appreciation

Kalista and I were out the other day and I saw these cute mugs at Anthropologie:

These monogrammed beauties were the perfect discovery to help show 

our appreciation for the wonderful TEA-chers in our lives.

Starting to make sense?

So cute, right?

So don't forget . . . May 6th! 

Let the teachers in your life and/or your children's lives know how much you appreciate all they do!