Newport 2009

Last week we were able to go to Newport for our annual family vacation with the entire Spiker clan. I was so thrilled to be reunited with my family. I miss them so much when I'm in Utah. When my dad picked me up we went to my favorite, El Ranchito, for guacamole and tasty Mexican treats, and we stopped by Balboa to play.

All the little boys did the harness trampoline and were flung sooooo high. It was hilarious to watch. Usually the people running these things are pretty cautious...these guys were not. They were taking people by the ankles and running backward to catapult them. It was pretty awesome. When they were getting the boys all settled in their harnesses I couldn't help but think of the Mike Meyers hyperactive/hyperglycemic SNL skit.

The next morning we were off to the Carlsbad lagoon where the boys did some of this:

This is the face that both Patrick and Josh make, it drives me absolutely nuts and but they both continue to do it. The first time Josh made this face, I wasn't sure I could marry him.

They also got their trash kicked on this monster tube. I must admit, I couldn't wait for the wipe out every time they got on. It was funny every time it happened.

We enjoyed a few breakfasts at our favorite place, Pacific Whey. I highly recommend the huevos rancheros.

When Josh arrived we spent a day at the beach eating yummy mango salsa,

and talking about UFC.

Brighton and Ryder spent the day digging for sand crabs.

The big boys buried the little ones.

They probably spent most of their time doing this though:

Cute McKenna

Some Bacci Ball was played.

And my grandma's husband spent the day like this:

I closed my eyes for a few pictures.

The boys played in the water.

We took a little trot up to the shake shack and downed some chocolate milkshakes.

I cut the boys hair this night. They all needed it.

We took a little boat around the harbor. It's a tradition and we look forward to it every year.

Captain Steve

Our last day was spent at the pool. We loved spending time with my cute Aunt Pam and Uncle Steve.

Nick-knack Patty-wack

Two of my boys,

and the beautiful resort we reside in for the week.

It was a perfect few days.

Designer Consigner

Calling all fashionistas! My friend Hailey and I have started a business, Designer Consigner. We both got sick of buying expensive designer clothes, wearing them once or twice and then letting them sit in our closets for ever. We thought of this and it is the perfect solution for both the girl who has too much of everything, and for the girl who want designer duds at great prices.

We are hosting seasonal boutiques where people can sell their gently used designer clothing. The best part of our business is that you get 70% of what the item sells for. Usually consignment stores only give you 30% of what your item sells for. You also get paid for the items that sell within five days of the close of the event.

We have some of the best brands available to buy. We will have Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Dolce and Gabana, Hudson, Seven for All Mankind, True Religion, Bebe, Free People, and so many more brands to choose from. We will carry everything from jeans and dresses to purses and sunglasses. Our first event will be held in Salt Lake City, September 4 &5.

If you are interested in buying or selling with us check out our site for more info.
thedesignerconsigner.blogspot.com

Camp Dahlstrom

We arrived at "Camp Dahlstrom" on Thursday night just in time for a dinner feast. It was wet out and oh-so-beautiful. I was instantly in love. Brooke's great-great-grandpa built this cabin years and years ago. Only what has absolutely needed to be updated has been updated since. It is charmingly rustic and we hope one day to have a place half as cool as this to call our own.

There were dozens of Humming Birds right outside of the cabin day and night.

We had a smokey campfire and enjoyed lovely conversation all evening long.

Because I am immature, I think this one is funny:

Just one of the many cozy rooms in this abode. That cougar is there to chase away any scary dreams you might have while sleeping in this bed.

One day I will have a stove like this. It doesn't work anymore but how beautiful is it?

And my favorite chair.

After Copper woke us up the next morn, Dustin and Carly had to leave and Joe and Tori surprised us by showing up We had a delicious waffle and fruit parfait breakfast and hurried our little buns off to the lake for a morning run. The weather could not have been better.

A little later on, too many people had the same idea we did and the water got a little too crowded. We headed back to camp for a picnic and a nap.

I was in Heaven on this rope swing. Word to the wise, wear pants when doing this.

These=FUN!!!

We floated down the river in the backyard for about 20 minutes. I had never done this before and L-O-V-E-D it.

In the evening we headed back to the lake for another board run. The boys are extremely talented and did not disappoint.

Matt's tantrum:

A little air:

Josh's back roll:

And Brooke, the true champion of the trip:

Thank you Matt and Brooke for such a fun night away. This was the best and happiest weekend we have had all year. We had more fun than we could have imagined. You guys are the best!