California's Central Coast...

It's amazing how much of a difference in temperature just 100 miles makes. We left Lemoore and it was 101 degrees. When we arrived in San Simeon it was only 65. California's central coast is truly gorgeous. There's not much to do in San Simeon other than enjoy the scenery and take pictures.

Logan checking out the view...

Carsyn loving the sea...

Mommy and the girls in San Simeon...

The girls were done with that in about an hour. Luckily the Cubs were on WGN--and what a game, they beat the "Dirty Birds"! We went to the Hearst Castle, but did not go on the tour. We'd like to go back when we have more time though. It was very neat. From there we drove up PCH about 70 miles to Monterey. The drive was breath taking. It was amazing to see, but I don't think I could do it again--talk about scary.

Maren at a restaurant off PCH

We enjoyed a very relaxing and fun long weekend at Chad and Jill's. The girls always have so much fun there. Logan, Carsyn, and Maren enjoy playing with Evan and Madison. Logan and Carsyn used to "fight" over which one would marry Evan. Now Maren seems to really like him as well! We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and checked out the Mission in Carmel. We also drove to Gilroy for their famous Garlic festival. It was very hot and crowded, but the food was sure good. The kids had a blast riding the rides and making crafts.

Logan at the Carmel Mission...

Carsyn...

Evan and Logan at the Gilroy Garlic Festival...

Fun rides...

At the Aquarium...

On the way home we stopped at another mission in Soledad. It was smaller than the rest, but still very pretty. Overall, it was a great little trip!

Logan at the Mission in Soledad

Ventura Beach...

Well, the outlet mall in Camarillo was enormous. It was overwhelming. We didn't end up staying long. For one, Logan didn't feel well, and for two, there weren't many good deals. Ventura was really nice though. I really wish you would have been stationed there in Port Hueneme. It's gorgeous, the weather is awesome, it's right on the ocean, and it's so much closer to L.A. Oh well. We stayed on Ventura Beach. The girls had a blast playing in the sand and water.

See how pretty it is...

Maren likes the sand...

We also went to the San Beunaventura Mission. It was very pretty. However, we were out in front of the mission taking pictures of the girls and some crazy, homeless lady started yelling at me. It was a little scary. She kept telling me not to take her picture. Um, I wasn't! Thankfully a cop was driving by and I asked him to make sure she stayed away from us. Then we left. What an experience.

In front of the mission, before the "incident"...

American Girl Place...

After four fun-filled days at Disneyland, we headed over to Beverly Hills for a day. We stayed at the same hotel as last time. For their birthdays, we took Logan and Carsyn (and Maren too) over to the Grove to the American Girl Place. That was their big birthday gift--dinner at AGP and AG dolls. They had so much fun. It was really neat.

Make a wish...

Logan and her new doll, "Catherine" (Cathy for short)

Carsyn feeding "Patty"

Maren's getting so big...

Unfortunately, no celebrity sightings this time. Tomorrow we're headed to Camarillo because there is a huge outlet mall there. And then we're going to Ventura Beach! Love you!

Disneyland Birthday Vacation...

At the birthday party...

Well, we finally did it. We bought anual passes to Disneyland! And, we couldn't have had more fun--unless you were there with us. The girls had such a blast. It wasn't too crowded, so we were able to go on most of our favorite rides. However, we did not go on Peter Pan or the Tea Cups--the girls wanted to save that for when you get home and can take them since those are your favorites. We also weren't able to go on the new Nemo Submarine ride...the line was over two hours long. The girls did great decorating their cakes at their birthday party with Minnie and Mickey too. Carsyn made a huge mess--as usual. Maren absolutely loved going on the carousel. It was her favorite ride. She was so excited, bouncing up and down. She screamed and threw fits everytime it was over because she didn't want to get off. Logan thought the Haunted Mansion was much scarier this time. But, we got to see the High School Musical pep rally which was fun. We can't wait to go back with you! Love you.

Happy 5th Birthday, Logan!

Wow! Can you believe we have a five-year-old? That's so crazy. The girls have had pretty good birthdays. They opened their presents and posed for pictures with their cakes. Their big present, though, is going to Disneyland and having a birthday dinner at the American Girl Cafe. They are going to have so much fun. We just really wish you were here with us. It would be even more fun with you. This will be the third year in a row that they've gone to Disneyland for their birthdays--incidentally it's also the third year in a row that you haven't gone with us. That stinks! We can't wait 'til you're home for good. Love you!

Logan at her birthday party at Color Me Mine

Happy 3rd Birthday, Carsyn!

Carsyn is three years old today! Hopefully she got the memo that the "terrible two's" are over! The girls are opening half their presents today, and the rest they'll open tomorrow. We'll probably have Carsyn's cake today, though. We wish you were here.

Happy Fourth of July!

You know we're not really into the Fourth of July--it's not Christmas or anything. But, we actually had a pretty fun day this year. (Of course it stinks that this is the third year in a row that you've been gone!) We went for a walk early and then the girls had Grace over to play. We went to the Khaki pool around 3:30 and were the only family there for almost an hour. There was never more than 14 people there the whole time we were there. It was quite nice. We decided to go to the Tachi Palace for the Chubby Checker concert and fireworks--it was FREE! We had a really good time. I wish you could have seen the girls dancing and having so much fun. They looked so cute too in their matching dresses. It was very hot, but overall it was a pretty nice day. We love you.

Carsyn taking a break from her sidewalk art...

Grace and Logan hard at work...

Maren tried to eat the chalk...

Ready to swim...

At the pool...

What a cutie!

Matching...

Watching Chubby Checker...

C'mon Baby, Let's do the Twist...