July

July was the best. We had a lot of home time, spent an awesome week in Lake Tahoe with my family (which will merit its own post), and had a lot of time with Aunt Katy!

We began July 4th with the Northgate pancake breakfast. We picked up Grandma Joyce and Katy on our way over. Grandma had found Great Grandpa Harry's boots and hat and asked Katy to wear them. 

Two Joyces

We made in hoem in time for the Woodlands 4th of July parade! It was really cute-the whole neighborhood turned out and we loved collecting candy from the fancy cars and floats.

My own scooter brigade.

We spent the afternoon at the Leiningers having a slip-n-slide party but made it home just in time to climb Big Momma to watch fireworks. I thought we'd be the only ones willing to climb that far but there were several other small groups of viewers as well, which made me feel safer:) We had a great view of at least three fireworks shows.

When it wasn't too hot we loved hiking in our hills. Can't wait until they're green again!

Family date to Inside Out! We looked forward to this movie and were not disappointed! Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa Steve came with us and afterward we went to Lazy Dog for a fun lunch.

Purses from Grandpa:)

These two are so fun and funny lately. They know I melt when they are super affectionate with each other so they've taken to walking with their arms around each other and calling out "Mom! Look how cute we are!". Problem is they ARE freakishly cute.

We had so much fun with Katy.

We made a summer plan that involved watching lots of old movies and making several varieties of ice cream.  For a few weeks there we made a new ice cream flavor almost every day!It helped that Katy and I joined the same gym in June and saw each other every day for that too.

On Friday we went to Chabot Space and Science Center. We loved exploring together.

After Chabot we went to the zoo. While in Oakland may as well right?! We saw our favorite animals and enjoyed a few rides.

One Saturday Danny wanted to go to Muir Woods. We got a late start and by the time we got there people were parking on the street three miles away just to walk in. Disheartened we kept driving and followed the signs to Muir Beach. We got super lucky and their was a parking spot waiting for us. We went on a fun walk in the hills and spent some time on the beach.

We weren't prepared for the beach so we pushed up pants and told the kids they could play in the water up to their knees but not to get too wet. I'm not sure why we bothered!

We went to Brentwood to pick peaches with mom and Katy on the nicest day!
 The girls loved picking and eating the ones with holes in them. Jack was happy in his stroller with a peach and probably ate three or four highhandedly.

We picked 50 pounds of peaches! We got busy canning them as soon as we got home.

Another Friday we hit up the Academy of Sciences. We go about once a year (when I can get library tickets) and it is so fun.

This year on Dress Like a Cow day I decided to be a fun mom and participate.  Our love of Chik-fil-A has really developed this summer and I was all about the free food. I had a cute little gang of cows at my table.