Oak Creek Canyon

We took our final summer trip this week up to the Butterfly Garden Inn on Oak Creek. It was sooooo nice. Fishing, relaxing, hiking, rock hopping, swimming and just spending time with each other without distractions. It was such a great place to be, we'll go back for sure!

Laguna Beach

On Memorial Day we packed up the car and headed to Laguna Beach. The traffic was a little rough in Indio but Koko was happy & the older two were watching movies.

When we go there Memorial Day was in full swing on the beach!

Koko was happy to be out of the car. The first 20 minutes at the beach she was a little scared and then she LOVED it!

Kali and Kai are total beach babies so they were right in the water & looking for shells.

 

 Fran and I were pretty darn excited too. I think the beach is just so alive and it just makes me so darn happy. I love how we all get instantly calmer, happier and playful on the beach.

 We played on the beach for a few hours and then went back to the hotel. We stayed at the Best Western Las Brisas which is just across the street from the beach which works out perfect.

We went to eat at Big Fish. It's actually the only place we have dinner in Laguna because it's SOOO good! We had lobster fondue, macadamia nut crusted tilapia, lemon risotto and scallops. YUM! Koko loved all of it & was being so funny the entire night just chowing down and laughing. The restaurant also has a great view.

The next day we got up, had breakfast and headed straight to the beach. It was perfect weather & the Memorial crowd was gone so it was just us and a few other families.

 We were even lucky enough to see some dolphins swimming by.

 Kora was happy as a clam playing in the sand with all of her toys.

 Kai brought his treasure map.

 

By the tide pools.

 Kai's treasure hunt led him to some caves

 I LOVED this man!! Francis is so helpful and carried Koko into the ocean & she loved it. She wanted to jump right in and kick.

Then it was time to pack up and go back to the hotel.

Was it sad to leave the beach? A little. BUT we were leaving to meet Yaya & Granddad at the Disneyland Hotel!! 

Lazy Oaks Cabin in Lakeside

We went to Lakeside with my Mom and Aunt Minnie. We stayed in some cozy little cabins and got to enjoy some nice, chilly weather. It rained and even hailed on us the first day we got there.

 Look sweatpants!

 The boys fished

 Kali fished

 She was a little nervous at first but then was excited to catch a fish.

Look at this sweet little fisherman!

 Here is Francis fishing on the little dock. It was very slippery from the rain and Francis slipped on it and cut his hand. Luckily Daddy is a tough guy :)

 Kora liked the rain but was scared of the hail.

 

She was SOOOO excited to put her little boots on and walk around on her own.

 Throwing rocks and eating mud were her favorite things.

 

 Francis and Kai took the motor boat out for some fishing.

 My cousins and Uncle Burry & Aunt Vina came up to meet us for lunch. It was soooo yummy and the best company! The kids had a great time playing with cousins.

 The big boys at the horseshoe pit.

 Kora walking around in the grass.

 It started pouring rain and it was time to retreat to the cabins.

after the rain stopped it was bow & arrow time

 and more fishing

 We really loved staying at Lazy Oaks

 If you're ever planning a trip to Pinetop/Lakeside it's a great place to stay.