Summer

Ahh...summer.  What a great break summer has been for us.  For the most part summer has been pretty devoid of any crazy activity.  When I asked the kids what they wanted to do this summer, they said "swim", so in our spare time, we have swum and they have loved it.  Even Dayton enjoys the water and can handle several hours.  We did a session of swim lessons.  I'm never really sure how helpful they are in actually teaching my kids to swim, but they give us a set time to be in the water and it is usually my kids favorite two weeks of the summer, so we keep doing them every year.  Dayton still continues therapy, so that has filled up our time.  I have a friend who has watched Madde and Hunter every Thursday while I take Dayton to Hippotherapy.  She has kids exactly my kids ages and they love it, so we've even managed some friend time.

We celebrated Dayton's birthday early June.  The Daddy/Daughter campout was the same day and knowing that Brad would be short on time when he got home from work, we decided to open presents before he left.  Dayton was a little dazed and confused for present opening, but seemed to enjoy playing with them once he fully woke up.  It's hard to believe my sweet baby is already 3.  He has definitely come with his challenges, but he has brought so much happiness too, we feel blessed to have him in our family.

 Isn't he the cutest kid in that hat?

 Doesn't look too thrilled to be opening presents.

On the other had, we love cupcakes. 

Our big trip this summer was to Hawaii with Brad's family.  It turned out to be an adventure just getting there, but we our sure glad we got to go.  We barely made the flight from ABQ to LAX.  Everything just took 5 extra minutes, but with enough delays, we were running on the plane as they were closing the gates.  Because of mechanical problems our flight from LAX to Hawaii was delayed 9 hours, which meant we ended up with a 11 hour layover in LA.  We now feel fairly knowledgeable concerning terminal 3 and the location of everything there after spending hours walking Dayton all around.  Hunter finally gave up and fell asleep right in front of the gate check-in.  We survived and ended up with a plane less than half full.  It meant that Madde and Hunter got a whole row each to lay out and sleep the whole flight.  Not too bad.

We had so much fun in Hawaii.  The beach took up a huge portion of our time, but we still managed to do several hikes, snorkel, a glass bottom boat ride, check out the sugar cane museum, shaved ice several days, and play lots with cousins.  Madde even attempted surfing.

This is the view from our lanai (porch).  It was so great being so close to the beach.  It allowed so much flexibility with the kids since Hunter and Dayton tired so much faster than Madde, we could divide and conquer.

It's funny how some activities are so much better documented than others.  I have tons of pictures of this Ioa Needle hike and none of the boat ride. Oh well.  For the most part Dayton loves being in his backpack and I couldn't help but snapping a few of him and Brad.

Hunter refused to be in pictures.  So here's the family, sans Hunter.  I had to sneak one of him later.

 Dayton cracks me up.  He'd been trying to eat Brad's hat since he put it on.

 He finally got it.

Madde and Etta.  Madde loves that Etta's getting older so shes "not the only girl".  I hear that a lot and apparently babies don't count (sorry Olive).  I love Etta'a hat.  She always wore it as far down as it would go and then she would have to tilt her head up to look at you.  I miss that girl.

We did attempt a family picture.  Madde was bored (I personally like the one of her playing with her tooth - its loose), Hunter wouldn't look at the camera, and Dayton was just ticked.  While there's not one single good one, maybe together they give the flavor of our family.

 More hiking, aren't those kids just cute. 

 Those adorable "girl cousins".

 I think they set up an obstacle course.  I just love that they get along so well and love playing together.

My favorite part of family vacations is seeing everyone we rarely get to see (Carly and Troy - you were missed).  I'm so glad we got to see everyone and miss them already.

Coming home was another fun adventure.  Our flight was delayed 2 hours from Hawaii to LAX.  We got back so late we stayed the night at Grandma's house (that was planned).  We were able to have one more day with the SoCal cousins.  Our flight from LAX to ABQ took three attempts to land and the pilot was threatening to take us to Tucson because the winds were so bad.  Three approaches in turbulent weather, I was about to cry I was so airsick.  Lots of pleas to God and the plane was able to land their final attempt.  Needless to say, I might never get in another airplane again (atleast until we recover from this trip).  Well, we are back, caught up on our blog, and preparing for school to start in a few short weeks.