Summer 2018 in SoCal- Adventures with Chloe & House-sitting

For our first "go" at worldschooling, we began a "test trial period" of summer school work by prepping with a literature theme- Fairy tales for both T and J's reading levels.  This was tied to morals, themes of friendship, courage, character, and problem-solving that boys actually journaled about.  We were supposed to have a Disney day so we could tie in the Disney stories they read about but we ran out of time, and it was the busiest/ hottest times of the year for a Disney excursion so we passed on this.  Throughout our weeks of Utah, Vegas, and Cali travel and adventures, we discussed lots of weather, climate, geographical comparisons, and the transition/ moving to CA. Once in CA, the boys participated in art and Lego camps. We were always outdoors with lots of swimming, beach time, and checking out different areas of SoCal to visualize our next chapter. What I learned the most is how to designate specific times of day for reading/ teaching, and because it was summer vacation, the boys were quite testy and stubborn, challenging me every way they could.  I learned how to be flexible and teach them to realize that world school was doing school at any point, time, day, location, wherever we found downtime and could sit and reflect.  The boys needed motivators and somewhat of a work completion behavior chart that I developed right when we got back to Bemus.  I learned I needed to tweek and fine tune certain aspects to our schooling so we could get the most accomplished when we were home between our travels. 


One of the first things we do when we get to the OC (besides picking up or swapping rental cars) is visiting our old beachside neighborhood of Corona del Mar.  My, how things are constantly changing! We always grab a bite at our beloved Thai Del Mar, and enjoy our local beach: Little Corona Beach We have SO many memories here.... this is the first place we lived together as husband and wife, and where we brought our babies home from the hospital.  I love showing the boys their first home, its a very special place!

We stayed with Teta and Uncle B, relishing so much family time and special memories with Chloe.  Chloe became our sidekick in our summer SoCal road trips.  The first one was exploring North Sand Diego- beach towns of Del Mar and Encinitas.  (also a little real estate research too).

Encinitas 

Then, we planned an LA day trip.  Our first stop was in Santa Monica- at Candytopia - a traveling visual exhibit of candy art.

We hit up the Santa Monica pier with all of its carnival rides, and also met up with my long time friend Kristen, who lives in LA.

Beach front lunch dining with my other long-time friend- from my Spain Abroad college program- Virginia and her sweet son George.

Our last stop before heading home to OC was Venice Beach and boardwalk.  We loved the art, the street music and performances, and that stunning sunset!

LA fun with the kiddos and good friends! I love LA - its craziness and quirks! Its a truly a place where you can let your individuality shine!

Jax reading one of his books for our "fairy tale" unit at Lantern Park, in Dana Point.

Beach day and boogie boarding at Salt Creek Beach with Charisse and her Sisi and Kona! Watch out for the stingrays!

Watching Chloe swim at her weekly trainings!

RSM outdoor family movie night with the Fetters!

Celebrating the last year of my 30's (my 39th bday weekend) with my LA gal pals.  They treated me to a fabulous girls dinner in DTLA!

The boys got a lot of bonding time with their Teta and Uncle B in their cool inflatable pool!

Another birthday event my sister invited me to...… Laguna Beach's Pageant of the Masters!

We dined in the lovely al fresco restaurant and indulged in the living art show.  Such a treat to immerse ourselves in creative arts!

The morning of mama's birthday- a surprise yummy pancake breakfast from Chloe!

A surprise bouquet from daddy Brad that delivered with a balloon and chocolates.

Pool time in Coto De Caza

Family birthday dinner! SO grateful to my sister for making my birthday extra special!

Our house sitting adventure week!  The first home was in Del Mar, at my friend Stephanie's house.

quick sunset stop at La Jolla Beach

Breakfast in Solana Beach

Solana beach day!

House sitting in Dana Point, at Charisse's beach bungalow.  We gave Chloe, my sister, and Bryan a much-needed break from us, LOL.  It was nice to have our own home away from home for the 3 nights we were at Charisse's.  We loved taking care of their doggy- Panda.

Strands Beach day with just mama and boys

Chronic Tacos to go! We loved getting to know the area and restaurants of Dana Point!

Sunday UCLA Jaja and Chloe time! Chloe really wanted to tour the campus and I was so happy to go back to my alma mater and show her around.  Oh, the memories! Loved going to UCLA for my undergrad!

I'm a Bruin forever!

my old dorm! Sproul Hall.

While Chloe and I had some fun in LA, the boys hung out and were spoiled by their Teta and Uncle B.

Managed to squeeze in a quick visit to Newport- to see work friend Michelle and her kiddos!

Panda!

exploring DP harbor, Baby Beach, and the Ocean Institute.

Taj's Lego summer camp the week we were homesitting/ doggy sitting in Dana Point.

While Taj enjoyed his Lego time, Jax and I did a lot of different art together.  Color Me Mine ceramic painting - Jax painted a cool serpent jewelry box for Chloe.

Donuts!

Mama and Jax beach time at Baby Beach

Beaching some more in Laguna Beach

Mission Viejo Mall painting class

Taj's Lego camp

Downtown Laguna with our Czech friends Dianka and Ella! This has been our tradition ever since Diane and I began having babies!  This was always our meet-up spot!

Trolley to the Sawdust Festival

Showing the boys where mommy and daddy had their wedding! Seven-degrees art gallery

At the Sawdust Festival, boys and Chloe were able to make some pottery.  They spun ceramic bowls using the pottery wheel.  What a cool experience!

My sister, Amy, and I even got toe rings put on!

My Pageant of the Masters sweatshirt

Newport Pool time with Laura and her girls

last dinner night out with the Fetters

On our last day, just as the boys and I headed to the airport to drop off the rental car and wait for our flight to NY, we had a bit of a scare with the Canyon fire in Trabuco Canyon that ignited minutes before we departed.  You could see the sky fill with smoke, and fortunately the fire was contained later that day but super scary for my sister.

Goodbye to our SoCal Summer rental car! Had lots of advenures and day trips with this one during our 3 week stay.

A quick pizza with our buddy Blake before hopping on our flight

It was a LOOONG red-eye flight and long layover in Atlanta.... poor Jax could not keep his eyes open and I don't blame him!  Always tiring travel when flying from West to East! We were so happy and grateful to be reunited with daddy though, we missed home but kept California dreamin' upon our return!