1st Of 1st

I Have a 1st Grader!!

Say what?! How can this be?

My lil bean is so big and in 1st grade!

She is an official "grader" (as she calls it)

If we still lived in Utah she would just be starting Kindergarten this year, but Cali cut off days are different, so off to 1st she goes.....

It was bittersweet watching her walk into her new class, She missed her Kindergarten teacher and wanted her same classmates. But great news, ALL of her besties are in Mrs. Caron class with her! After she saw familiar faces, it was all smiles from there. Tugged at my heartstrings a little when I hugged her goodbye, she whispered in my ear "I'll miss you mom" I could die...so sweet.

Last year

This year

Why do they have to grow up so fast?! :(
(and yes, apparently dogs with bows + cheetah print = good luck for both 1st days of school...lol!)

After, we celebrated the new school year over cupcakes

Happy 1st grade to you lil Bean!!

Can Everyday Be Labor Day?!

How to spend the day free from Labor?

Go to the beach, but of course.

It gets HOT here in San Diego during Aug. through Oct.

(great time to come and visit. hint. hint.)

The beaches aren't as crowded, since school is usually back in session.

It was the perfect beach weather to relax with friends on Coronado Island.

 The Ladies

 The Fellas

Oliver sure likes to cruz around while holding onto your fingers...but hasn't had the courage yet to take a step alone.

 Ahh to be a kid again, strolling the boardwalk in your swimsuit
without a care in the world.

The after beach crash, best naps ever.

Greatest Show On Earth

Lions, Tigers, and Elephants...oh my!

I haven't seen Ringling Bros and Barnum and Baileys Circus since I was a kid. I remember Loving the lion and tigers (which is still my favorite part....I would love to spoon cuddle a lion, if only they wouldn't kill me in the process) Ollie and the Bean were very entertained the whole show.....

....Well, Ollie was pointing and ooh-ing and ahh-ing the 1st half that is, until he fell asleep.... totally out cold. It was so crazy! One minute he was laughing and coo-ing the next...lights out. Funny since it was super LOUD during the entire show, and this lil tike wont ever fall asleep during Church, which is really really quite. crazy I tell ya.

Ella's favorite part was the "Ella"phants :) seemed fitting.

We had a great family day. Perfect way to end summer break.

(please excuse the poor quality pics....it was dark and I only had my iphone) :)