Kyle Allan Erickson

On July 23rd, 2014 I lost my Brother. I will write lots more about this later when I feel stronger. His funeral was ugly and beautiful all at the same time. 

TX Friends

The Foulgers were in town visiting the Nixons for the day so we all met up at the beach to catch up. It was so much fun to see them. I wish we could transplant all our TX friends here. 

 Amy and I had fun watching these two angel babies play together. Amy was my saving grace when Carter was born.

Beautiful Day

Holy cow today was such a fun day. The boys and I packed up the car with our bikes and beach gear to head down to Newport. We rode our bikes down to the Elementary school and had lunch and played on the beach. I can't get over the fact that this schools "playground" is litterally on the beach. Pretty crazy! I love spending my days with my boys and days like today are some of my favorites. 

 I kept thinking all day "I can't believe I live here!" Then I would remember how dang expensive it is and that it feels like we will never be home owners again and I was reminded that it isn't all beaches, sailboats, and Disneyland. 

 After we picked up snow cones on the pier and they were a yummy mess. 

 These boys could ride up and down the coast all day long! Carter doesn't mind being stuck in the trailer with all the gear either. 

….and finally mini vans are the best!

Hiking with the Thurston's

This morning we went on a hike with the Thurston clan. Melissa was my first friend when we moved here and they are leaving us for Utah in a couple weeks. I am SO sad!

 These two were being pretty cute on the way back to the car. We kept saying how they could pass for twins. It might have something to do with the fact that Melissa and I always get mistaken for the other person. 

They spent a lot of time collecting snail shells which now decorate our garden. I'm going to miss these little buddies hanging out. 

Girls Camp

I just got back from a week at girls camp with the Young Women from church. We camped up my Big Bear at a Camp Metoche. The theme for the week was "Connect with Christ" With this crazy social media driven generation we talked a lot about how there is so much nasty stuff out there, but there is also so much good. We talked about ways we can become closer to Christ with our devices and on social media. I love working with these girls and are so proud of them. It is an ugly world out they and they fight hard to be good and different. 

 We spent one afternoon at the lake and O my it was beautiful!

I had such a great cabin! The girls all got along great and really enjoyed being together. Besides a little run in with a bear everything went really smooth. 

Goodbye Garn Family and G&G Wilson

The Garns are leaving today and G&G Wilson in the morning so we just had to get a pic of the cousins before church. Pretty cute bunch of kids if you ask me. 

Newport Beach with the Garns

Today for our last full day with the Garns we headed down to Newport Beach. It was so much fun! There were crazy strong Rip tides that made the water a little scary. It didn't slow the kids down at all so we had to keep a pretty close watch on them all day. The life guards were busy today. I couldn't believe how many experienced surfers they were rescuing! 

 I tried to get jumping pics of all the kids. Boston never got off the ground and Tyler was glued to the water so it didn't really happen, but hey at least I tried and at least Nicole's is darling!

Angles Game

We weren't sure what we wanted to do on the fourth, but we knew we wanted to avoid crazy crowds and traffic. When we found out the Angels were playing at home we decided that it doesn't get more American than baseball for the 4th of July. I of course couldn't let us leave without getting pics of everyone in their Red, White, and Blue getup. Grandma brought the darling flag glasses which were the perfect accessory for my pics. 

 Cutest cousins. 

 Those kids are SO lucky to have such great Grandparents. 

 I sure love this family of mine. 

 I just love this family so much!

 The game started off really hot! Once the sun went down we were able to really enjoy it. Mike Trout hit a homerun to win the game so that was fun. After they put on an incredible firework show. It was such a great day! We are so blessed to live in this beautiful country. 

4th of July BBQ

This morning we headed over to the pool to swim for a couple hours and BBQ. The kids had so much fun swimming together and having Uncle Kevin throw them around in the pool. 

 Carter was just a tad bit cranky so he didn't last too long before he headed home for a nap. 

 He was adamant about wearing those floaties even though he wont step foot in the pool with them on. For some reason he is terrified of things that can be blown up and possibly pop and floaties fall in that category. 

I sure love being with the Garns. We always have such a good time together and the kids play together great! Trav was there too he just spent most the time behind the grill cooking the rest of us some yummy food.