How can it be...

...the first day of school already when I haven't even had a chance to post anything about last year's last day of school. Summers have a way of getting away from us and this one really took off. As I was downloading these pictures I also downloaded hundreds of other pictures I had taken throughout the summer. While I'm not thrilled that I am so behind I did enjoy the quick recap as the pictures flickered across the screen. They only confirmed for me something I already knew: It was a great summer. My kids are at a good age to enjoy things together. We didn't have anyone who was "too old for that" or any little babies to hold us back and that made it great.

Despite the greatness of the summer, by last week both boys were feeling pretty ready for school to start---especially Max.

Reed was the first to leave me last week. He started a few days before Max and for him it seemed to just be business as usual. He didn't show any signs of nerves, just pure excitement. He begged me to let him get up before before 6:00 a.m. (we agreed on 5:59) and then tried to get into the car without eating breakfast. Yeah...he was a little excited.


Even with all his eagerness to get to school he knew I was going to make him stop and pose for me. He was happy to oblige for a few, but then he wanted to get going.


Two long days later (trust me, they were long...just ask Max) Max joined him for his first day of school. I feel like Max has been waiting for this moment his whole life. Don't let this sheepish look fool you, he was ready for his big day.


This captures his level confidence a little better. He was pretty excited about his Ninja lunch box too.


He loved his first day of school photo shoot too. He's been waiting for his moment in the spotlight. He knew just what he wanted, too. "OK Mom...now one with my lunchbox and then we'll do the backpack next."


This is so Max too. Calm as a cucumber one moment, crazy ninja boy ready to attack the next.


My two school boys. Reed was almost as excited for Max as Max was.


Ruby was so pleased to be invited to be in this picture. She's been talking all summer about how she is five and will be going to kindergarten with Max.


This is the best I could do at getting them all off the ground at the same time.


I love that they really love each other.


When it was time for the drop off, I was barely able to slow the car down before Max wanted to jump out. The school strongly urged parents to just drop students off and not walk them to their classroom so even though it nearly killed me, I dropped him off. I had met his teacher, seen his classroom and watched as the principal walked him down the hall to his room, but none of that stopped me from choking up a little as he confidently turned away from me with only a quick goodbye. I had been dreading his departure, but it was hard to stay sad for too long when he was so thrilled and by all accounts appeared to be ready for the experience.

I wasn't the only one who was dreading Max's departure. After a whole summer of insisting that she was going with Max to kindergarten, she let him out of the car without too much of a fight. She was sad as we drove away, but once we were home she happily commandeered the coveted Halloween costume magazine that my children have been pouring over for a week and relished in her complete control over it. (I think they have costumes picked out for the next 5 years now.)


A week into this, we still miss them like crazy, but it's starting to become our new normal. At least I still have all of our summer photos to reminisce and write about. I guess sometimes procrastination does pay.

Next stop...Oildale

I don't care what anyone says about Oildale...I think it's beautiful. True, it is not the picture of lush paradise or even a piece of manicured suburbia, but to me there's really something to the dry fields dotted with hard-working oil pumps alongside the occasional tumble weed. If we had had even a few more minutes there I would have made Sam stop and let me take pictures of the beautiful symmetry of the pumps working away in the fields. I also realize that much of the beauty I find in the place has less to do with what I see as a wanna-be photographer and much more with the fact that this landscape is intrinsically tied to so many wonderful childhood memories I have from visits with my grandparents there. Those sweet memories and relationships are the reason we took a detour on our way home from Santa Barbara after the Dickson vacation to visit Oildale.

With no time to stop, this was the only picture I took. I have vowed to capture the true beauty of the scene next time Oildale and I cross paths.

We were only able to visit with my grandparents for the afternoon, so we headed straight for the Kern River. Floating down the river is such a tradition in my Dad's family that it would be impossible count the number of trips they have made there. It was always one of my favorite outings when we visited, and I'm so glad that my own kids got to experience it for themselves.

Sam trying to swim against the current.


I love that at the age of 92, my Grandpa can still enjoy the river that I know he loves. Floating down the river is nothing for him. A few days later, Reed and my dad returned to the Kern River to accompany him on a white water rafting trip. I hope that's what my 90s look like.


Ruby didn't waste any time getting to know and bonding with my grandparents. She can be such a lover and it's one of the things I love most about her.

After a few runs down the river we headed back for an early backyard dinner. Eating in the backyard surrounded by my Grandpa's bountiful garden is something else that was always a part of our visits.


I'm so glad we took the time to stop and visit. Even a quick trip is so valuable. I do love Oildale because I love these people who love me...and now love my kids too.


Our detour certainly made for a long day but also provided a nice quiet ride to Long Beach.

The Beach

A big (and maybe best) part of our time at El Capitan was spent at the beach.












Ruby trying her hand at baton twirling. Possibly following in the footsteps of her mother??


We played ball.




Skipped Rocks.


Played in the waves.



Took tons of pictures. The beach might be my very favorite place to take pictures.

(Thanks for the picture, Lindsey)








When Ruby saw this picture she said, "You left me all by myself at the beach! That's why I'm crying." I guess she misread her open mouth expression of joy for a shout of lonely sorrow. She was very cute with her insistent interpretation that I left her alone at the beach.


This is for you Ruby. See I was there.



Maybe our favorite beach activity of all was "Angry Dicksons". First, we split up into teams and built the tallest and strongest sand structure we could in 10 minutes.


One competitive bunch.


Then, using water balloon launchers, we did our best to destroy our opponents' castle.











I really don't know who won, but I do know everyone had fun.