This time last year we were soaking up some serious southern California sun and having such an adventure as a family! We flew out to photograph this amazing wedding, and then had a great week of vacation with Uncle Jason. Our dear friend and babysitter (a senior we photographed BACK in the day) also came to help with the kids, and we all had such a blast! We rented the most adorable 1940’s bungalow in Santa Monica, and took a stroll down to the beach almost daily. We got to see so many old friends that we haven’t seen in years, and made some new ones as well. We visited museums, beaches, and tried new fantastic restaurants. One of Jason’s dear friends set us up with a dinner that absolutely blew our minds–the best meal we’ve ever had (a couple courses shown below)!

I’m not sure how I skipped blogging these for so long, but going through them a year later I find myself so thankful for the times I pulled out the big camera, and kicking myself for the times we only used the iphone. In 2013, I’ve been working much harder to make sure I use the handy iphone less, and instead pull out the “big dog”. The quality is incomparable, and I know I will be so thankful 5 or 10 years from now. (Repeating this to myself daily.)

Having said that (ahem), this post begins with some shots from the iphone, and then moves on to the real deal.  ;)

And these are all from the big ol’ camera…

Can we go back, now?!

Not only is this my birth month, but it also my two sisters, my sis-in-law, my mother-in-law, a few aunts and cousins, and two of my sons! It is officially birthday crazy town here! We kicked off this packed month with a fun 4th of July party in our backyard, where we always have a great view of the local fireworks. Such a fun perk to living up on a hill!

Our kids never drink soda, so Gabe thought he was ridiculously cool with his bottle of Coke.

If you follow me on instagram, you know I was repainting the living room. I am SO loving the color. And my house was clean, so a pic was in order. ;)

My beautiful friend Lindsay with her doll baby, Ruthie…

The night ended with girls singing around the piano.

We had dear friends spend the night from out of town, and woke up to them making us mango mint french toast! Win!

For Adin’s birthday we went out on a date, just the two of us. We got treats, went to Smashburger, shopping at Target, and later we went go-carting.

Since we ate so much junk throughout the day we decided on a lasagna cake that night.  :) And no he’s not two. He’s eleven. Get it?

We ALSO went on a double date with my parents to a fantastic Red’s game, and then had another birthday dinner with Adin’s Grandma last night. First week of July, you were jam-packed, but awesome!