End of an Era

I grew up listening to Michael Jackson and watching his videos on MTV. I was saddened to hear that he left this world on Thursday, June 25. Thinking about the world of dance, music and my own little world, I finally understand what a huge part his music played in that world. We're still seeing his influence in dance and music and I believe we always will. The full length version of the Thriller video was one of the best videos ever.

I finally understand how people felt when Elvis and John Lennon died. I hope and pray that his children are protected and well taken care of and that Michael has found peace in the afterlife.

We've Got Berries!

This week we came across a few berry deals, and since I've wanted raspberries longer than I've wanted the garden, well we now have berry bushes up in the garden. We've got Raspberries, Bluberries and Blackberries. The Blackberries look like they will even give up fruit this year! I don't know when or how, genetics I guess, but I love the garden.

I was able to get some starts from some of the plants growing in my mom and dad's yard before they moved too, so far the ones in the ground are taking to my backyard very well. Now we have to see how the plants in the water and mason jars will do. It's so exciting to finally have a backyard that we use on a daily basis.

I also planted some melons and herbs this year. I know, either crazy or ambitious. Actually it's probably a bit of both. The mint looks great and so do the cantaloupe. Doc ate the leaves on my honeydew, the little stinker, but the roots and stems are still there, so we'll wait and see!

Our Mini Va-Ca, Totally Out of Order!

The whole fam at the Lone Cypress on The 17 Mile Drive between Monterey and Carmel

The Lone Cypress

(Isn't is amazing?)

Taylor, Lylee and Cassie. It's been such a blessing to have her her with us this summer, for all of us!

Me and the kids along the shore. By the end of the day, they both loved the beach and the ocean.
I think it's self explanatory, but it's also a really fun park.

There are no words. I wish we could go every day.

The Dennis the Menace Playground.

Kid size rock wall.

Swervy slides.

Holy fast! This is a super fun roller slide. I fell flat on my booty laughing! Twice!

Lylee getting her feet wet. She was terrified at first, but once she actually got her feet in the water she fell in love with the beach and the ocean and wants to know when we're going back. I think we're going to have to take a day trip to Muir Beach one day soon.

Monterey

Taylor at the freshwater otter exhibit at the aquarium.

Seahorses

Twiggy Seahorse, they actually look like plants. They are very, very cool.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish

Fun in the splash zone

Look where Daddy found us!

The Nemo tank

Monterey

T and Ly at the Nemo tank finding Nemo and his friends

Taylor watching the sea otters

The birthday twins

Wonder what he's looking for? It's Ghiradelli's where we had amazing ice cream treats! The only food that we actually bought during the trip, everything else we needed was in the cooler!

Goin' to the Optometrist

Yesterday, Cassie and I took the kids to the eye doctor for their first visit and they both did AWESOME!!! Thier sight is right on track, so that's the really good news. They wanted their pictures in their glasses and they totally posed on their own (Taylor posed, Lylee copied). I've never known anyone that thought that the glasses that you get after your get dialated, but my kids thought they were hot stuff!

Our Little Farm Girl

Lylee and her "little pony", Pinkie.

Lylee and Taylor both got John Deere boots (T's are brown and green) when one of the local kid's stores went out of business. I found the John Deere fabric at JoAnn's Memorial Day sale. Easiest dress I ever made and so cute! She loves it!