A day in the sun

 I spent a week in Ventura with my Mom and the kids.  During the day we walked around together seeing all that the Beach and the fair had to offer.  At night while the kids slept Mom and I sewed.  It was heaven for me.  I rarely ever have time to sew.  There always seems to be something more pressing to do.  I stare lovingly at my machine as I walk by it everyday and as I lay my head down at night I think to myself, "Tomorrow is the day for sewing." So far "tomorrow" hasn't come.  Maybe someone has a tip?....Saturday morning we went out to breakfast.

 We went to the Farmer's Market and then back home to lay Afton down for a nap (after her bike ride).  Then while the kids hung out Cory and I rode the bikes around Main street.

 We came back and went straight to the beach.  A man on the beach caught a few really cool things... including a guitar fish,  He let Caleb throw it back in the water.

 A leopard shark...and a little later a sting ray!

 I love the Sun!

 Can't you just feel the warm sand?

 Happy Hannah

 The sting ray!

 Caleb getting ready to "boogie."

 A sweet smooch

 Hannah is a free spirit.  This is Hannah!

 Just before Caleb and Cory launch the kayaks into the water.  They went far out and saw some kelp beds and in the kelp a huge starfish and crabs. 

The Randall men coming back in.  Caleb flipped over and out, but couldn't be happier.

Swimming and a Date

 We spent a day with Grandma and the Luke's.  I can honestly say that I have never seen this before!   Brian is great.  He played with Caleb and that's the kind of thing "Mom's" notice. 

 Afton decided she loved the pool but I think Hannah loved it the most.  This girl has no fear!

 After our swim we left the kids with Grandma and used one of our remaining Wedding gift cards to eat out at Frugatti's.  I thought it would be fun to do a trip around the world dinner night.  We ate at Dewar's (first of course!) had a George's Special - with Ice milk (our personal favorite) and then onto little Italy.  But that's as far as we got because when we got to Frugatti's  we started talking and ended up being literally the last couple in the restaurant before it closed. I couldn't believe it.  I guess when we've got free babysitting we aren't worried about the time...

Baseball

 It's Baseball season and we did the logical thing: put Caleb on a team.

 Hannah and I take a break from cheering Caleb to snap a silly photo.

 Afton happy just to be there with her Daddy.

 Water break

 The wind up

The team.

Camp Fire

 Caleb had a great idea... make a fire! In the backyard! to roast Smores!  BUT we didn't know how to build a fire.  Caleb found his Boy Scout handbook read it and together we found everything we needed, including extra water, and cups and a table (made from water jugs and a piece of wood), plates and napkins....  Caleb never does anything half way!

 Good job buddy!

Mt. Hood, Oregon

 Two days after we got home from Utah, Cory (on a business trip) flew to Portland Oregon and then enjoyed a scenic drive to Mt. Hood.  His boss has a home close by and several ranches of blueberry, cherry and pear.

 Cory found out that he was in the Windsurfing capitol of the world!  Can you see the wind surfers?

One of the many windsurfing shops.

Isn't this so darn much fun?

 We went to St. George and then later on to Provo to spend time with our family for 4th of July.  Cory and I sat down at the beginning of the week and decided what we would  do each day.  We came up with a great fun list and here's what we did.  We spent time with Wendy (Cory's Aunt) at her pool. 
Another family tradition is to take a pizza to the Church across the street from the St. George Temple, lay out a blanket and have a picnic.  After dinner we walk around the Temple and talk.

 Of course Sara's old "Jefferey" bear had to come along

 Here's Caleb and Cory walking together

 Another day was spent at the REC center in St. George.  Ummm... it was deliciously fun

 Even Afton thought so,

 Until she fell asleep.

 Another day we went to Zion National Park.  We left St. George early to beat the heat and the crowd.  We hiked the Emerald Pool trail. 

 During the wet season, this ledge is pouring over with water, but during July it was just a trickle.

 We saw some tadpoles ...

 Afton put her feet in the cool water.

 We found the Emerald pools!

 Provo 4th of July Parade!

 All the young cousins taking a short break from playing and laughing and hugging (well except for Hannah and Henry) for a picture.

 Just before the fireworks began at Doug and Helen's house.. HI HEATHER!

 We went out to dinner, Afton surprised the lady behind her by selecting her own meal.

 Home Again, Home again. 

It was a quiet ride.

We had a fabulous time. Thank you Gene Orton's!

Summer is here

 Afton is a joy to have.  She is loving and happy and darling and ....

 pretty darn cute!

 Hannah getting on the swing

 In the tub.  It's almost too small

 Caleb enjoys being in the backyard and making up stories. 

 3 Saturdays ago, while Cory and I were working in the front yard together, we heard Oreo (our cat) get hit by a car.  His back end was hit but he was able to run to our grass.  We ran to him and sat beside him stroking his fur and watched him suffer.  Cory and I said a prayer asking Heavenly Father to please take him quickly.  He did.  Oreo died in our front yard.  After a few minutes we called the children to us and told them the terrible news.  They sobbed and sobbed.  We buried him under a eucalyptus tree.  We spoke about Heaven and how there is no sadness there and no pain there.  The children were glad to be reminded of this.  Even still I think about Oreo from time to time.  He was a wonderful and special cat.  We are glad we had him for a time.  

The following Saturday Hannah and I went out and adopted a cat.  She is all black (pictured above) and after almost a week of being nameless she will now and forever be known as Kasha,

If we loved a cat this much and hope to have him with us after we die, how much more will we mourn the loss and hope for the presence of our children, parents, spouses, siblings and friends in Heaven.  I want all of them with me and I want to be with all of them.

 Slip and Slide (with soap of course)

Luke teaching Caleb multiplication.