USS Midway with Grandpa TJ

We went on a tour of the USS Midway today with Grandpa, Uncle Derek, Aunt Shelly, and Dean. This was special because grandpa flew F-8s off two different aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War. He was on the USS Bonne Homme Richard (the 'Bonnie-Dick'), and the Hancock. It is very interesting to hear all the first-hand details about the carrier and all the planes...

 Here we are all posing in front of an F-8, just like the ones dad flew.

 We got a chance to sit in a trainer jet. This was the first plane that dad flew right out of school!

 After the Midway we had a quick bite in Seaport Village. Kaylee really enjoyed sitting with grandpa...and Kendall and Dean had a blast chasing the pigeons around at top-speed!

Happy Birthday/Father's Day, Dad! We love you.

Surf Camp 2012!!! Highlights from our week in "paradise"

This place may be my favorite in all of San Diego...Brandon had surf camp in Pacific Beach last week at "Pacific Surf School." Each day we drove down to PB and watched him surf and walked around the area. One day we rented a bike with a trailer and I rode the girls around.

 This didn't last too long as Kendall was afraid that I was going too fast (I was literally going as slow as possible without falling over) and Kaylee wouldn't keep her helmet on!

 But the kids just had a blast down by the water...

 And Brandon really got some good surf lessons. He caught on quite well, I think.

 Here he is riding a wave with one of the instructors, Alex.

 We walked all over the area and stopped for little picnics whenever we felt like it.

 On Friday grandma, Uncle Derek, Aunt Shelly, and Cousin Dean came down to watch Brandon surf and enjoy the glorious San Diego weather.

 Group shot of the surf campers and their teachers. My favorite quote from the week was Brandon, "Mom, does your voice change when you start surfing? Because I hear all the surfers say, 'yeah, man.'"

We will definitely be back- thanks grandma for a great summer experience!

Today the girls and I were excited to go watch Brandon graduate 5th grade. It was a beautiful day~

 "the Walk"

 Brandon had a great spot in front.

 ...and was the first one in the whole group to graduate!

 Best friends...

 The coolest dudes in the 5th grade!

 Mrs. Becker, Brandon's beloved 5th (and 3rd!) grade teacher.

 Proud Mom and sisters.

 My baby!

 Good-bye Dingeman! We have so many wonderful memories from our time at this school. The teachers were top-notch and we have met so many wonderful friends. Next year Brandon will be onto new vistas in Middle School.

Happy 11th Birthday, Sweet Brandon!

We celebrated Brandon's 11th birthday this year with a laser tag birthday party with friends and a nice family dinner.

 I have to admit that playing laser tag is fun...