California Dreamin

Beginning of July the whole Walker clan headed to Oceanside, CA.

It was fabulous to say the least.

The beach, Sea World, Baseball games, BBQ with Mike's cousins, running along the beach, watching dolphins, eating delicious food...ahhhh it was heavenly.

Charlotte loved the water. It was almost scary how much she loved the water. She would have run as far into the ocean as I would let her. She didn't want me to hold her hand, she just wanted to run free and go wild in the water.

(One of the rare moments she would let me hold her hand)

Best family picture of the trip, and of course our lovey is too busy to look at the camera.

Charlotte was so entertained by the animals at Sea World.

But I think her favorite part of Sea World was seeing the Sesame Street characters.

Oh man, that girl loved the Sesame Street characters.

The last night of our vacation we went to a baseball game in downtown San Diego. My mother in-law Carol watched Charlotte so we were baby free for the night. Carol, such a gem and I know Charlotte loved having Grandma Carol all to herself that night.

Having Mike with us, playing with cousins nonstop, warm weather, no agenda or schedule, being with my wonderful, wonderful in-laws; we couldn't have asked for a better vacation.

The week ended all too soon. Take me back.

Thanks Walkers for a piece of heaven for a week!

America's birthday

The 4th of July is easily one of my favorite holidays. It's the ultimate summer holiday and I look forward to it every year. Even though Mike worked all night the night before the 4th, we were still able to do some fun things and celebrate America's birthday!

My mom and I started off the day with a 5k. Although it was a little humid, it was such a fun race. The course was scenic and well organized. If you're looking for a good 5k to either PR or run for the first time, you should check this one out.

My mom is such a champ. Love being able to race with her.

Once I got home from my race we packed up and headed over to Mike's parents' house to swim. Was it overcast and raining? Yup.

It didn't stop us.

Regardless of the weather, Charlotte was in heaven.

I can't tell you enough how much I love seeing Mike and Charlotte together.

Makes my heart melt.

Love this girl.

After afternoon naps, that evening Mike went to a BBQ for work, while I hung out at my parents (yeah, I'm cool, I choose to hang out with the rents). Then once it was dark, and after Mike came home and we put Charlotte to bed, we sat on our front lawn, watched fireworks and made smores on the grill with a few family members.

What could be better for a summer night?

Not much if you ask me.

Although it was low key, it was another great fourth of July!

Kinda sad we won't be in SL next Fourth of July....

but I hear Cincinnati has lots of fun options to celebrate.

Happy birthday America!

Love this

Wow. I really need to do a serious update on this blog. Since the beginning of July it's been go, go go between girl's camp, holidays, heading to California, having family in town and then leaving again to Glacier National Park with my entire extended family. I'm still wiped out from the month. But I'm determined to get updated on this blog. Soon enough. Until then I had to share this quote with you.

"God does not give us overcoming life, he gives us life as we overcome. The strain is the strength. If there is no strain, there is no strength. Are you asking God to give you liberty and joy? He cannot, unless you accept the strain. Immediately you face the strain, you will get the strength."

Oswald Chambers

Don't you love it? So perfect. So true.

I read this on my girl's Kristin Armstrong's blog. You know how I feel about her writing. I simply love her, her perspective, her honesty, her humor, her way of saying exactly how I feel at times. If you would like to read her whole blog post, go HERE. Go ahead, read it. It's so worth your time.

I'll be back with a real update soon!