Friday Favorites 7/28

I'm not sure how we are nearly in August but we've been trying to pack in as much fun as possible into our summer.  Only 2 more weeks of Summer for my girls:(  My mom, the girls and I have an annual trip to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk but this year we decided to stay in Monterey and just drive over to S.C. one day.  Is it just me or is there NO WHERE to stay in and around Santa Cruz. We've stayed at several places and are always disappointed.  I hear the Dream Inn is great but its way too expensive.  Anyways, our decision was fabulous because we loved staying at the Hyatt in Monterey.  It's a resort on the golf course and had the best family friendly amenities.  The staff was also extremely friendly and went above and beyond to make out stay fabulous.  We particularly liked the fire pit for s'mores and the pool area complete with games like corn-hole and life size Connect 4.

Our first day we went to Dennis the Menace Park and the beach.  The park is one of the best I've ever been to and the girls had so much fun.  It was just barely cool at the beach with the sun peaking in and out.  The girls were able to wade in the water and I was able to wear shorts.  As someone who is always cold if I can wear shorts its quite warm.

On day 2 we drove around the bay to the boardwalk where we spent the whole day having so much fun!  Both girls are major thrill seekers and only love the big rides.  Madi was tall enough this year for several of the rides and I loved hearing her giggles.  The weather started off a bit cool but the sun came out and we had the most gorgeous day.  Luckily it was warm enough for Logger's Revenge where we got pretty soaked.

The rest of our trip we spent relaxing, swimming and exploring.  Madi was a bit of HUGE pill which made some moments of our trip difficult but overall we had the best time and it's one of my favorite things we do all year.  

I've been a part of a local non-profit, PINC since 2009 which raises money for other local non-profit organizations.  We specifically choose beneficiaries that serve woman and children.  This year we selected Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch that works with special needs children and those who suffer from PTSD.  Our event was in June but just recently we presented the check to the organization.  It was such an emotional event seeing the people they serve and delivering a check for $75,000.  I'm so proud of PINC and to think how this money will change lives.  If you'd like to learn more about PINC check out the website.

Emily has been doing gymnastics for several months at Gymnastics Beat.  Recently, Emily had a showcase where we got to see her use some of her new skills.  My mom takes Emily to all of her lessons so it was such a treat to go and see her perform.  She really enjoys her classes and exhibits so much strength.  

This is how I celebrate National Ice Cream Day... two flavors of ice cream between two homemade chocolate chip cookies!

For the first time this year we did an evening boat trip on the lake.  The weather in the evening is perfect and the no one is at the lake.  We had dinner on the boat, swam a little bit, and took an evening cruise.  It was lots of fun and I think we'll have to do it again soon.

Boy give me Summer Days all year long.  You sure can't swim all day and eat popsicles in the pool during Winter!  Madi and I had the best day hanging out with friends this last weekend while daddy and Emily went camping.

Emily and Daddy had the best time camping and Em caught her first fish.  They came home with the biggest smiles and the dirtiest feet.

Emily lost her second tooth but the first died from a fall and the dentist had to pull it.  So this was the first one that got loose and daddy got to pull.