There was twin day for the last themed day Friday morning gymnastics practices before more summer fun came this last month. Afterward we went on our way to camping at Dog Wood with most of our camping crew. The first evening we got the great news of Cobi and Bri's engagement who were joining us the next day. After their arrival we spent time on the inflatables and water slides at Lake Gregory which unfortunately didn't have nearly enough water to be considered a lake. We all had fun playing many games, taking nature guided and non guided nature hikes, and making up plays on the nearby stage.
The following week was one of the hottest and of course was the girls AYSO soccer camp. They didn't once complain about the heat and just enjoyed playing soccer with the great coaches and friends that they met. After soccer camp on Friday they joined in on their gymnastics team beach day at Seal Beach. All the girls had so much fun getting to hang with their teammates and just play in the water. Daddy took the girls to practice the next day since Mommy had to do a U12 soccer coach clinic to ensure being able to coach both girls soccer teams this year.
Acting Out camp came next. The girls had been talking about this camp since last summer and it surely didn't disappoint this year! Their was a smaller group and one included the main teachers niece from out of town. They made great friends and worked really hard to put on an amazing show for all the parents at the end of the week.
Meanwhile we were preparing for a quick trip to Mammoth for Bluesapalooza. Most of the Netters and Bakx were already there, then Daddy left on Thursday evening with Roman and Mike Netter to see TajMo Friday evening. Mommy and the girls left after their Acting Out performance on Friday. We all stayed at the Ferrario/Bakx fantastic cabin. While the adults were having a blast at the festival, the girls stayed with the teenagers at the cabin and had fun going to the movies, eating ice cream, and playing many games. On the way home we all had a great lunch together then headed our separate ways to prepare for the upcoming week.
Monday night after gymnastics was movie night. All the gymnasts and family watched "Full Out" until about 10 pm (very late after a big weekend in Mammoth). The next day was the girls first soccer practice of the season. Luckily we got to make practice times for both teams back to back and on the same field since Mommy is coaching with Mac again. Then we got to pick up a couple of special guests to stay with us for a few days. Ashley and her friend Sydney flew in by themselves to see Dan and Phil (??? youtubers) at the Staples Center. They came just in time for Parent Night (a.k.a Make fun of your Dad night) at gymnastics. Each kid brings parents to participate in two hours of gymnastics practice where they are the coach. Ashley and Sydney will confirm that it is pretty awesome. Thursday the Natal's were headed for The Great Wolf Lodge at the end of their vacation and dropped off Buster and Lou while the girls were at Y camp. After Mommy picked up the girls from camp we headed back to soccer practice while Daddy brought Ashley and Sydney to the "concert". He picked them up after when we were all in bed. They said that they had a magnificent time! We had a little time to play on Friday morning before we took them back to the airport to say goodbye. After gymnastics practice on Friday the Natal's came back to pick up the pups and we got to hang out for a while before they too headed back home. That evening Mommy volunteered to stay with the girls for the annual sleep over at the gym. About 45 girls ranging from 7 to 15 in a gymnastics center. Not much sleep happening their after a big week. But they certainly had some good times and memories!
That Saturday we had the pleasure of joining the Dunbar's vacation when we met up with the them for dinner at Bubba Gumps in Downtown Disney. We had a lot of laughs and enjoyed catching up. On Sunday the girls got to have a play date with their previous teacher, Ms. Ahrens. We had won an auction at the school carnival that gave them the opportunity to go to Paint and Glaze, followed by a Pizza lunch. She then of course continued to spoil them by following up with frozen yogurt. They all had such a fun afternoon! Then we picked our multitude of tomatoes, onions, and peppers and made some pasta sauce as well as two large containers of both mild and hot salsa. They all came out delicious!
As if they don't get enough, gymnastics camp came the next week. It's pretty busy when you have gymnastics all day then either gymnastics or soccer practice to follow each evening. You'd think they'd get tired out, but it must be nice being so adaptive because they didn't complain once. Only exciting stories and proud moments of their accomplishments. Also during that week we got to have Lula as a house guest which was as wonderful as always. Next guest to arrive at the end of the month was Uncle Joe. We had a busy fun-filled day even if the girls didn't succeed on getting him on the trampoline.
We also got to go to the Ferrario wild animal park while they were off backpacking to take care of the plants, finch, chickens, raccoon, squirrel, coy fish, cats, and dogs which is pretty cool to do. Unfortunately we did have to say goodbye to one of their dogs, Kona. She was peaceful in her bed when we arrived so we took care to keep her safe until they came back home. She was a great dog and we will miss her. We were told previous to our visit that this may be coming. She had such a great life with a great family!
Less than two weeks before school starts. Let's make the most of that time and everything that is to come.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/4Sovy2nNJb3YqipS8
