Lompoc, We're Back!

When we left Lompoc over a year ago, I wasn't sure we would ever get back there, to the birthplace of my youngest.

A few weeks ago, Shay was asked to come and work in Lompoc for a couple weeks. It was very last minute, but you bet your butts I was going to tag along on that business trip!

Although Shay had to work, it still felt like a total vacation! We got to see so many people we care about in Lompoc. I know I've said it before, but Lompoc has some of the most amazing people I've ever met.

Are you ready for the highlight real?

Erika and Grayson's Birthday Party

Solee & Birthday Boy

Embrie Smacking the Pinata

 

 

Halloween Party with The Lompoc Ward

Primary Kids Dancing The Monster Mash

Solee & Sanea

 

Embrie, Cayben, & Sakai

Sanea, Solee, & Braden

Decorating Pumpkins

"Solee! Look at me and say, 'Cheese'."

Finally...kinda

Avila Beach

Me & Solee

Followed by a worn out baby!

 La Purisima Mission

Erika, Cayben, & Reagan

Cayben

Reagan

Beautiful Lompoc Sunset

This Jack Ass Bites!

Grayson

Many Hours Spent Swimming

Embrie & Cayben

Shay & Solee

Arcade Fun

Solee

Embrie & Reagan

We also enjoyed a pizza-pool party and a park play date with our faves, The Cheneys and The Keisers, and had many enjoyable dinners with, The Cheneys.

It was so much fun to go back to a place I love! I'm crossing my fingers that Shay gets more business trips to Lompoc!

What We Love to Do Most

We recently had plans to travel to the Bay Area to attend the Oakland Temple with my niece, Bailee. (She's getting married in November!)

Plans changed, so that didn't happen. What did happen was a bunch of awesome, chill family time. Shay still had the time off, so we made the most of it!

On Monday we headed up Dog Valley, it's just outside of Reno, to go camping for Family Home Evening. I guess it was more of a Family Out Evening, but who's keeping track.

We had a wonderful time. I had a FHE lesson planned about tithing that I found HERE. (You should check it out. It involves Skittles and was a total hit.) We did lots of singing and dancing. Mostly we just enjoyed each other in the beautiful outdoors.

Cayben & Embrie

Solee

Embrie Giving Me a Big Squish!

Puppies, Parties, & Puke

Solee turned two, woo-hoo!

I had planned a puppy themed party and had invited a few family friends over to celebrate with us, but the kids had other plans for the party day. They woke up vomiting.

We called all the invitees and cancelled the party because, you know, I'm not a big fan of sharing the pukies.

 I still wanted it to be a special day for the sick two-year-old so we had a little family party.

Embrie

Cayben & Solee

Homeschool Shenanigans

As it turns out, Reno is a great place for homeschooling families. There are all sorts of support groups, co-ops, and other resources. Score!

When we moved here we joined a group called Kids Life. We've done park playdates, trips to surrounding areas, and field trips with this group.

This summer my kids joined their first ever co-op through this same group. They take a couple classes every Thursday and love it.

Today we went on a field trip to tour Kimmie Candy Company. I loved it! Have I ever mentioned I love sugar? I'm sure I have. But are you aware that I also have a love of factories? Yep. That's right. I love factories. I once worked at a jam and syrup factory in Portland, OR for a few short months.

Goodbye Yoga

Today was our last yoga class. Our yoga teacher is moving. We have enjoyed this class so much, and it has been so nice to have an activity all three of my littles can participate in together. Things come and go though, so goodbye yoga.

Bailee's Graduation

My niece, Bailee, graduated high school. Yay Bailee! We traveled to Santa Rosa to celebrate her awesomeness with her. We spent May 29 to June 2 partying it up with family. It was fantastic!

Embrie & Bailee

Aunt Heather, Embrie, Solee, & Grandma

 
 

Tahoe Getaway

I recently discovered Travelzoo, which is a website that has great deals on travel. It gets the worst of me. I can't pass up a good deal EVER! I feel like I'm missing some great opportunity if I do.

Anyway, we found a great deal on a nearby resort. So this past weekend we went on a little mini vacation to South Lake Tahoe. It was fantastic! I love that area of the country, and I love to get away from home, even if it's just one night.

We hot-tubbed and hiked.

My Girls

My Boys

On Top of the World Selfie

California-Nevada State Line

We drove down to the lake, but didn't get out of the car because the weather turned crappy. We had a fabulous time though. Check out the videos below to get the added disgusting details.

DAY 1

DAY 2

Mother's Day Gift

Shay and my kids surprised me with a wonderful Mother's Day surprise!

Embrie is BRUTAL! But cute, so she gets away with it!

Davis Creek Hike

We went on a beautiful hike today at Davis Creek Regional Park. It was perfect.