California

So after a busy week in Utah / Wyoming we flew down to Arizona on Saturday. My brother Michael had just returned home from a 2 year mission in upstate New York! We weren't able to meet him at the airport but got there just 2 days later!

Michael and Steven at the airport

Dropping him off 2 years ago!

He served a great mission but was excited and ready to come home! When he left Jackson was our two month old, and now we have Abbie our new two month old so it's pretty crazy how much he's missed of Jackson's life.


We didn't take any pictures those first couple days home in Arizona - I honestly enjoyed just hanging out with my family at home and not having to travel for 48 hours.

Because Monday morning we were off to the beach! We had a week where my family could all be together and rather than spend it in 110 degree Arizona we headed to Newport to enjoy the beach and nice 70 degree weather.

Steven and Jackson on the road, and the iPad proving its worth every penny!

 We stayed at the Marriott Newport Coast Villas and it was great! The weather wasn't ideal for the beach most mornings so luckily this place had lots to do -tennis, mini golf, basketball, ping pong, pools, etc. Sadly I never took pictures of the events at the hotel, but we did enjoy a few days at the beach too :)

The view from our room

While most of us relax, Michael plays in the sand with Jackson - he's got to make up for lost time!

Michael (or Mike as Jackson calls him) made a tunnel - Jackson was so impressed!

Abbie was such a good girl at the beach and slept most of the time in the baby bjorn.

Grammy playing with Jackson

Paige teaching Jackson how to play catch with a glove.

The whole family! And no, you wouldn't realize Paige is 5 months pregnant :)

Love these guys!

Proof that Abbie was awake at the beach!

Jackson always wanted to be in the middle

Steven tried to take him in the water but this Florida boy is used to much warmer oceans!

His classic Say CHEESE face..

Steven won* the "name that tune" game at the hotel and got movie passes! *with a little help from his siblings of course

We spent most of our nights at Fashion Island :)

The boys with their fav. penguin store.

Siblings in our stripes - i forgot the memo to wear rainbow sandals I'm just now noticing!

After eating dinner one night he was ready to be out of his high chair and run around!

Abbie turned two months old at the beach and we got these pics of the little beauty that day...