The day has come

The crib is no longer.

Once upon a time in a hot, dry desert, I buckled up the little ones and journeyed to the Mecca of motherhood otherwise known as Targé (or Target if you prefer) to escape the melting of the world outside as many mothers do round here. It had been a long few days (months). Gunnar had discovered an escape route from his crib and sleep was already minimal with regular midnight baby feedings. As I perused the shelves, my eyes caught glimpse of a red sticker. The kind of red sticker I had only dreamt of. This one had numbers on it and an "80% off" right next to it. It was a bed. Not just any bed, but a BIG BOY bed! I couldn't believe me eyes or the numbers in front of me and snatched that thing up before anyone could stop me. With all the busyness of vacations and visitors the box was set aside until another day when there might be a mattress to go with it. Then one fateful day, our family trip to Costco turned into a life changer for our little 2 year old. There in front of us was none other than a "big boy bed" mattress. And just like that Gunnar was on cloud 9 and the nightly bedroom escapes disappeared. And our entire family slept happily ever after.

SUCCESS!

Cousins!

While we were visiting my fam, Erin and Steve came over for a little get away and we played together swam together and ate together. 

marshmallows are toddler gold

Fourth

After our adventures in Big Bear we finished off our getaway at my parents how to celebrate the week of our independence the only American true way: at the beach, at the lagoon, at the pool and lots of time with daddy. Here is a plethora of pictures from all of our fun having.

keeping the Bruxie tradition going...

... and the Donut Star tradition as well!

Big Bear

Last week was the official start of the hot hot summer that I dread every year, all year. There is something about not being able to breathe just from walking outside that really makes me miss the ocean air during these months. For the rest of the year I mostly like where we live but the summer time makes me long for salty skin and sandy hair. That is the only true way to spend a summer. As my day began the kids and I headed to our great heat escape Target to pack for our trip in a few days to celebrate the fourth with my parents when I got a phone call from Tan. His words were music to my ears.

Tan: "So, we booked a cabin in Big Bear tonight. How soon can we leave?"

Me: "... ummm Yes."

And just like that our weekend get away for the 4th turned into a week long trip of great weather.

The cabin that we rented with our friends was awesome. It was in a great spot and we had a blast with our kids! One day we WILL have a cabin or mountain home and I cannot wait! I love the pines, the smell, the dirt and lakes! It reminds me of  my other true love, Family Camp.

We had our hopes set on a delicious breakfast at a cute little restaurant but by the time we all loaded up and made it to the shack on the side of the road, the wait was out the door and then some. We decided to try another stop up the street. When we walked in we realized that we were the only other people in the joint besides a few firemen. Having our choice of tables and being with two little boys we obviously sat right next to them. We chatted with them for a while and learned they tried the same tactic for breakfast that we did with the same outcome. When they were done eating they asked the boys if they wanted to come play in their truck. 

Me: "... ummm Yes."

... and just like that the boys were besides themselves.

Have you ever seen a fire truck as sweet as this?!

The rest of the trip we spent at the alpine slide, playing in the lake, trying to talk Gunnar into napping (unsuccessfully), exploring, getting eaten by bears and hiking. Just what my heart needed to escape this blasted heat.

blessed

Tanner was able to give Paige the most beautiful blessing in our home over the weekend. I'm so grateful for him and the example that he is to me and our children. How blessed we are to have him with us forever! It was a great day for all of us. One that I will never forget.

in my own blessing dress

She brought tears to PopPop's eyes. They have a sweet bond.