More from SLO (or how much is too much tri-tip?)

Ian and Ken were in SLO for the first time so we took them downtown to see some of the sights. Gumball alley, just as gross as it was the last time. 

We also had to take them to Firestone for tri-tip sandwiches. Tri-tip is a thing in SLO.  

Waiting is boring, for those without technology. 

Downtown SLO is fun to explore. This could be the tallest palm tree ever. It is far more impressive in person. 

Oceano sand dunes are no joke. 

That is the ocean in the distance. This is a great place to get tired

and sandy.

Afterward, we went for more bbq because there can't possibly be anything wrong with eating tri-tip three days in a row. SUPPORT THE BEEF INDUSTRY!!

Avila beach--too cold for swimming! 

We drove and parked on Port San Luis Pier. 

The sea lions are close! 

Another fun trip, we can't wait to go back again. 

4th Of July Fun

Once again we spent the 4th of July at the Harris Ranch in SLO. We love it here. This year the cousins worked shifts at the Edna Valley Store. Zack was especially diligent. 

 There was slipping and sliding, 

 hula hooping,

    dance move busting,

 magic trick performing, 

 wiffle balling, 

 slack lining & 

 general celebrating. 

The day was an absolute success except for one mishap: 

 Thankfully the fire department was able to contain it relatively quickly. 

Summertime....and the livin's easy

No trips, no schedule, no plans....welcome summer! 

End of School Business

This is the post where I brag about my kids. 

Ben had a great fifth grade year. His big accomplishment was becoming a Great American. To receive the awards he had to: 1)write the Pledge of Allegiance 2)recite the Preamble to the Constitution 3)write the Star Spangled Banner 4)recite the states and capitals in alphabetical order 5)list the Presidents in order and 6)recite the Gettysburg address.  That's no joke.

Ben wanted to celebrate his big achievement at Famous Dave's. The kid loves ribs!

Ben also earned the Presidential Silver medal for his academic accomplishments. 

If it existed, he would have earned an award for celebrating awards. He talked us in to taking him to the Cheesecake Factory so that he could order a non-cheesecake dessert. 

This is the first year Zack was able to earn school awards. He made straight A honor roll.  

 Zack loves school. On the last day, he walked in the door and immediately went into his room and started crying. I was worried that something happened to him, but he was just sad that school was over. As for Noah, he couldn't wait for 8th grade to end. He is already totally over school. 

What Happens in Vegas

Mom and Lacey snuck away for visit over Mother's Day weekend. Sometimes we try to see a show, but this time we just wanted to relax. 

Lacey was on the hunt for a pair of Vigoss jeans which are sold at Macy's and Nordstrom. None of us expected our little trip to the Fashion Show mall to be such an adventure, for us anyway. 

While riding up the escalator we were invited to "an exclusive" party with a celebrity. I was skeptical but when she walked us over to a tent in the middle of the sales floor, we realized that it might actually be kind of fun. Lacey and I realized it anyway, Mom was just stuck with us. Wearing our VIP bracelets we were able to enter a swanky little party. 

We were served snacks and declined drinks while we awaited the arrival of the celebrity. 

At this point we were feeling really out of our comfort zone and trying to figure out if there was an easy way to leave (there wasn't.) Then I realized who the celebrity was--Camile Alves. Sadly, I read enough magazines to know she's Matthew McConaughy's wife. The whole thing became funny to us and we really felt out of place, and kind of frumpy until we saw the lady in crocs with socks. At least we were better than that.

We eventually met and chatted with Ms. Alves who was very nice. I knew we would be filled with regret if we didn't get our picture taken with her. Now I am filled with different regrets....like that ponytail.  

Later our trusty VIP wrist bands got us front row seats for the fashion show of her clothing line at Macy's. This was definitely not a typical day for us, but we had so much fun. I don't think I have laughed so hard in a long time at the ridiculousness of it all. It's fun & funny to be fancy every once in awhile. 

Palm Springs--#YOLO

We were long overdue for another girls trip. This time, our destination was sunny Palm Springs. I've never been and it was a fun spot to relax and hang out with some of my favorite girls. 

The rental house was perfect for movie watching,

 snacking,

 and multi-tasking. 

When we weren't lounging

or hot tubbing,

we enjoyed some local restaurants

  

and pampering.

 

 Good times...as always.