Spring Break, Rincon Style...

We all had last week off for spring break, well the boys did, including Brian who took the whole week off of work, and I worked my regular hours (about 6 in total).  We decided to do some camping while we were off and it was truly the best week ever!  I know I went on and on (and on and on) about how amazing our Mexico vacation was, but if I had to choose between the two I think I'd go for the trailer on the beach with my three favorite guys every time!

We headed up Tuesday morning and got settled in by 10:30.  I ran out to the grocery store (it takes about 4 minutes to get to ventura from the beach we were camping at...perfect!) and came back to find the boys already down at the water having a blast.  The first day stayed over cast almost the entire day, but that didn't slow us down.

Mimi and Papa stopped by for a visit that evening which included a nice long beach walk!

After a quick outdoor shower these two were ready for jams and some sitting by the fire.

After the fire was going the marine layer decided to burn off and it was roasting.  So much for a cozy campfire.

Wine definitely tastes best while camping...

We changed out of our warm jams to go back down to the beach to enjoy the last few hours of sun.

 The next morning Owen and I were up early so we decided to head into town for some Palermo, including a tea latte for mom, kiddo hot chocolates and a chocolate croissant for daddy.  Best breakfast EVER.

The big guys were up when we got back just in time for some scrambled eggs and sausages.  Camp breakfast - the best!!!! 

Then a quick beach run for me...perfect start to the day!

We were also lucky enough to do some whale watching right from the beach:

Can't see them too well in pictures but there were at least 3, it was pretty spectacular.  We watched them head up the coast for at least half an hour.

More wild life...

Did I mention that Charlie joined us on our campout?  He was in heaven!

It burned off much early on Wednesday and the boys were able to hit the waves before noon.

A lovely shot of our little trailer from the beach.

Probably my 30th trip up and down that morning for snacks, changes of clothes, sunscreen, snacks, toys or snacks....glad Brian was able to get a picture as opposed to coming to get the stuff out of my hands ; )

Ok, I swear we sunscreen our kids, although you wouldn't know it based on their tans.  If you knew either Brian or me as a kid you would understand.

A little before lunch Mimi and Papa came up with Parker J.  And these cousins had a BLAST.  I don't think they got out of the water all day.

Except when we forced them to come eat lunch.

Charlie, meanwhile, was soaking up as much ocean time as he could handle.

Then the seaweed:

And sandcastles...

These two goobers.  I love that I have this same picture of them at the beach since before they were one.

Cousins <3 p="">

Buddies

And of course, OF COURSE, there was sword fighting.

Fierce pirates:

Hilary came to pick Parker J up at the beach and the two of them decided to join me and the boys for dinner (Brian had to go home for his M/W class...BOO!)  On the menu: nekkid spaghetti.

Because why would you get spaghetti all over your clothes, especially when you are eating on the warm beach.

While we were eating we spotted this amazing sand castle made by our neighbors.  They invited the boys over to "help" after we ate.  Scott and parker wasted no time engaging the beautiful Italian woman in deep conversation/flirting.

Beach Magic:

We spent another night and then headed home Thursday in time for me to go to work.  It was the most amazing time and we are already planning our next trip!  Love our happy little campers!!!

And for my own reference we were in site 58 which was perfect so shoot for that in the future +/- 5.

Family pictures

Back on Owen's birthday we spent the morning have family pictures taken.  We hadn't really done any since the boys were little and those were just done by a friend.  I was nervous about spending a lot of money up front and then not getting any good shots, or the boys not cooperating or what have you.  Then I came across a Conejo Valley Deal for a local photographer that a few friends have used so I figured we try and if we got nothing we were only out 50 bucks.  

That morning we got all showered and dressed and headed over to a local park.  Jennings met us there and I knew right away that she was going to be great.  She has two kids of her own (one of them a four year old boy....so she gets us!) and just knew how to have fun with kiddos.

A couple weeks later I went to her house to see what we got.  She warned me over the phone to be prepared to cry because they were so cute.  I was thinking "yeah sure".  Sure enough she started a little slide show set to the perfect little soundtrack and I was done.  Totally tearing up when I saw such amazing shots of my growing up boys.

I ended up getting a great package of prints and I can't wait to pick them up.   She gave me all the thumbnails and permission to post them where I liked....so here they are.   The shot above I like but felt that with Owen looking down that he wasn't really participating in the picture so I didn't buy any of that one.

Then this one:

I just die over these boys' relationship.

This family picture I got a big one of for over our bed or our couch (the possibilities are virtually endless because almost all of our walls are still blank.)

Another favorite of the boys:

These two shots of the boys individually just kill me.  Scott looks so grown up and so charming.  Hands in his pockets....I can't.

And this sweet face.  Such a perfect shot of my little O.

I cannot wait to pick up my order and see them all printed.  I am so happy we did this and so thankful to Jennings for such a wonderful experience.