Summer in a nutshell, or a clamshell, or a blog post.

So as to not make you jealous of all the fabulous things we did this summer or bore you with them in multiple blog posts, whichever way you see it, I will just post a few pics and add a couple notes.

Abby tested for her conditional black belt. Part of the qualifier was running a 5K after which they had an 8 hour workout.

Running the 5K



After the 5K. She ran in it under 30 mins. Not too bad for a girl who probably hadn't ran more than down the street at one time.



She passed! On stage at the Black Belt Extravaganza with Master Preston.



With Mr. Cooper and Miss Lauren



We spent 6 weeks in lovely, cool weathered Utah. We drove up in time to celebrate Sofia's 3rd birthday. Shelley and Jim had a just because party and generously included Sofia's birthday amongst the celebration.

Sofia with her Farm Cake. Suzanne used her talent to create this cute cake and cupcakes for Sofia.





Sofia asked for a pink scooter and a kitchen.



Suzanne, Shobi, and Grandma got her a kitchen and Grandma made her cute apron.



We ate cake and had a cow pinata at Shelley and Jim's party. Suzanne made Sofia's cute dress.





Sofia got her first haircut!



She also gave herself a haircut!



We went to Tia's baptism.



Went hiking, camping, and spent time in the mountains with friends and family. (not all of which I took pictures of)









Never seen such specific rules at a park before.









Went to the Balloon Fest.





Abby brought her book.



Brandi, Dan, Lukas, and Blair & Jim and Shelley came for a BBQ on the Fourth of July.





Sofia threw fits.






We spent time with Juan before he headed up to Canada.







Took some sweet pics of the kids.








And of Daisy




Enjoyed some beautiful scenery.








Suzanne taught Sofia how to bake cookies and Grandma taught her to make zucchini bread.




So, now that you have spent half your day reading our ridiculously long post, I will end by saying thank you to all our friends and family in Utah. We had a wonderful time with you all. I apologize if we didn't cover our time with you in the blog or document it with pictures. It will be documented in our memories.

Daisy's Fashion Show

So Daisy has an owie that looks like this...



So she wears a stylish new outfit that looks like this...




(I know I haven't caught up on this summer and from being gone so long, but I'm waiting on pics that Juan has on his camera.)

Kino Bay

So, last weekend Juan's nephew, Yin, had his first communion down in Hermosillo. We decided to make a vacation out of it and rented a house on the beach at Kino Bay.

The kids spent most of the time in the water - about 7 hours one day!





Sofia loved the sand and being buried in it.





Picture with Dad.



Picture with Mom.



View from our rental.



The house we rented. Wish we could afford to own one ourselves. It's on our "someday...." list.



Oh, and a picture of the communion.....



Spent most of it in the truck with a very grumpy, tired, waterlogged 2 yr. old!

Backyard Swimming

Silly Fia

Sofia helped Abby pack for Girl's Camp.



I suppose it was hot out. Sofia having a foot and butt bath.

7th Grade Here Abby Comes!

Abby had her 6th grade graduation today! They had a nice little ceremony complete with the whole stage walking, shaking the principals hand, etc. Pictures of the actual stage walking didn't turn out too well. So, I just included a couple with her plaque and friends. We are very proud of Abby and wish her luck and happiness in 7th grade.

Abby with Chrissy & Sadie



We absolutely love Mrs. Hendrickson. She is the kind of teacher every child needs.



7th grade here Abby comes!!!!

Pink Potty Cake!

A couple of weeks ago Sofia decided she was done with diapers. She wanted to be "BIG"! She has been doing really well, but I realized she needed an extra incentive to keep it up. So I printed out a little potty chart and told her that when it was complete with stickers, she could get a surprise. Sofia wanted a pink cake. Easy enough! So, today we put a sticker in the final box and made a pink potty cake. She was very excited to help me make a pink cake and put the food coloring in and sprinkles on top. She didn't want me to cut it, so she ate it whole. I figure she deserves it.



It shouldn't matter that she had an "accident" while eating it, right?