California Dreamin'

I'm the biggest procrastinater when it comes to posting blogs. I wanted to do this vacation justice, so I kept putting it off. Well, I'm just going to throw the pictures up ( a bajillion of them) and call it good!

My dad rented an awesome home with panoramic ocean views, it was a great surprise! It was nice to live in luxury for once. We stayed in Dana Point. It's in Southern Orange County, in between Disneyland and Seaworld.

The mahogany staircases, so gorgeous!

The ocean view rocked, it was so relaxing to sit out on the balcony.

We spent our first play day at Strands Beach, it was perfect weather!

The homes going up behind the beach were pretty amazing

Our first day in Disneyland, oh the excitement!

rides

Uncle Brandon bought chloe some minnie ears

The pixar play parade

Yummy lunch at the Carnation Cafe

Dinner at the Orleans Cafe (the next day)

Day 4 was spent at California Adventure

Seaworld rounded out our trip to California

Cute family picture of Blake's family

We went to late show of "Shamu Rocks." It did rock.

This vacation was such a blast, Definitely one of my top three! It was so much fun visiting these places, but honestly, it was the most fun just spending time with family. Unfortunately Rebekah and her family were not able to go, but we still had a fantastic time. Thanks mom and dad!

40 years and still going strong!

July 11 was my parents 40th Anniversary. What amazing parents I have, still together after all these years. The kids wanted to do something special to celebrate so we decided to make them dinner in their home. We brought steaks to grill, salad, cake & ice cream, etc. My great Uncle Gloyd and Aunt Betty were in town so they joined us as well. We had a nice dinner chatting, and chatting.

Then we brought out the gift. The kids went in on a Cruise voucher, which allows them to choose just about any cruise on any cruise line under the sun. We also threw in round trip airfare and some spending money for excursions or souvenirs. My parents were delighted and a little disgusted (I think). I'm sure they thought we shouldn't have spent all the money, but they have spent so much on us kids, while ignoring their own needs (like updating their house). They have taken us to Europe, Washington D.C., Arizona trips a couple of times, and now thinking of Disneyland in August. They deserve to have someone flip the bill for once. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

They were a little more excited than this picture shows

Bingham Power Activate

We had our Bingham Family Reunion this past weekend at the Young's beautiful cabin in Morgan. This was a totally, awesomely planned reunion. Activities galore! I'm not sure if the Johnston's or the Shumway's were in charge but it was great! Here are a few pictures of the fun. There were crafts for the kids and adults (seashell frames - such a cute and fun idea!) We were late of course so the kids had all finished their frames

Golf for the guys. I didn't golf or watch the guys golf - this was the closest picture though. You can't beat a private golf course in your backyard.

The Bingham power at work - Yummy food, a lot of food.

A lot of hanging out in the sun, hot tubbing

More hot tubbing

More food

Tubing down the stream. Thanks Blake for filling in for Scott.

Did I mention food or eating? O.k. I'll stop

kickin' around with the cousins.

A game of Volley Ball

AAARRRRGGGHHH, a Treasure Hunt!

Looking for clues

The prize for each kid - a snake and some pirate tatoos

We ended the night with a talent show. Some very cute dancing, singing and goofing around. How did we fit this all into one day? I had a lot of fun especially only running on 2 hours of sleep. It's always fun to get together with family and see those who we haven't seen in a while. I am so thankful we are a close, extended family! Thankyou to the Johnston's, Shumway's and Young's, or whoever planned this reunion - it was totally awesome!

Schooooool's out Fo-EVer!!!!

I have not been able to get that song out of my head ever since I made Chloe's teacher a card. It's unfortunate that I only know 2 lines: school's out for summer; school's out forever!

Public school is out forever for Chloe, until she gets tired and bored of me homeschooling her. I am sad that she will miss those great experiences had by all in public school, but I know we will make our own new experiences. This is something Chloe has begged me to do all year long. It's not that she hates school at all - it's that she wants to be with me and learn from me. No worries, she will still get plenty of social interaction with the rest of the homeschooling community - which is fairly large in our neighborhood alone. So on to the next phase of my life. It's nice to mix things up a little bit to help you get a renewed sense of purpose. This is something to look forward to, we'll see how it goes!

WHILE YOU WERE SCHOOLING......

While Chloe was in school this past year she has:

grown 7 inches

gained 7 pounds

stayed the same shoe size (13)

had her hair cut only twice (tender head)

lost 2 teeth

Where does the time go!

FAMILY at HOME in the EVENING

We had family home evening tonight (yes, on Tuesday). We first talked about Ammon and King Lamoni, watched a video on them and then had snow cones for our treat. Well, Chloe suggested that for our "fun" activity we should all draw pictures of Jesus. This is what happened.


This is Chloe's beautiful picture of Jesus

This is mine
This is Scott's = WHAT THE HECK!!!!

I know Scott was not trying to be sacreligious, but doesn't it look closer to His brother, you know?

EASTER FUN!

The Easter Bunny hides our Easter baskets every year. This year Chloe found them in the bathroom downstairs that we are remodeling. It took her a while to find them (thinking he would not bother to hide them in unfinished places). She even asked if perhaps the Easter Bunny didn't leave her one because she was not good enough this year. But of course the Easter Bunny never fails us!
She received many fun little gifts and too much candy! Scott and I did not fare as well. We received a combined basket, not as much candy, and one movie each. I guess we need to be a bit better for next year.

After finding and enjoying our baskets a little bit we got ready for church. We took a few pictures of Chloe in her new dress (one she chose out herself).

After Church we planned a little Easter egg hunt for Chloe and her two cousins. We hid 164 plastic eggs filled the candy and notes that could be redeemed for prizes.

The back yard was for the eggs to find in the daylight, The front yard was filled with eggs that glowed in the dark. They donned their flashlights and took off in the dark. They had so much fun!

The spoils of war, and it was war with the other two older kids! Happy Easter everyone!