After a fantastic 7 weeks in Utah, we headed to San Diego for 8 days for our "Romney Reunion," that quickly became CAMP COUSINS... a week full of fun, themes and activities. It was so great to all be together.
Beach Day
Who can be in San Diego without lots of trips to the beach? The kids all loved the times we spent in the sand and waves. Finding millions of sand crabs was definitely a highlight and Jace even started boogie boarding and loved it. Nothing quite compares to the ocean.
Besides the beach, my kids cannot be in San Diego without eating S'mores. Instead of taking the sticky mess to the crowded summer beaches, we decided to make them over the BBQ. Perfect solution for everyone!
Music Day
We are all so proud of Mimi....she finished her Master's Degree training in music! She is really amazing and passionate about teaching music and the kids loved it as she put them all to work with her fun, new teaching techniques and tools. All of the kids were obsessed with playing with all her cool instruments, drums and guitars and they gave us a very impressive concert at the end of the week. Must have good genes and a great teacher!
Books
Leave it to Marci to think of everything...at the end of each themed day, the kids had books to read and a movie to watch that went with the theme of the day. It was so sweet to watch them all calm down for a few minutes and read and hang out together.
Garden Day
We would have never expected all the kids to love "Garden Day" so much, but it was a huge hit. We visited Olivewood Gardens in National City where they gave us a first class tour of the gardens and let us into their organic kitchen where they taught the kids to cook healthy items right from the garden and they all pledged to always try everything! It was a hot but fantastic day.
Here they are searching in a pile of compost for living things. My boys were in heaven finding worms!
In the garden we found 2 old friends, Dot and Gibby, the chickens who used to live at Mimi and Papa's house. The kids were thrilled!
The kids all went on a scavenger hunt through the garden where they learned about all kinds of plants, flowers and weeds. They especially enjoyed trying all the edible herbs. James is a big fan of fennel. Who knew?
Again, bugs were the highlight. These caterpillars on milkweeds were some of the most exciting moments. James and Shaina even hid a caterpillar or two in their pocket to take home.
The other highlight? RASPBERRIES!
Here they are in the kitchen, making veggie hashbrowns and fresh orange soda. They all took the pledge to try at least "one bite " of every new food. My kids are still honoring the pledge!
Marine Day
For marine day, we visited the aquarium in La Jolla. The kids and adults had a fantastic time exploring the sea life and tide pools.
To extend the theme, each of the kids got a snorkel set and got to dive for hours in pool. Everyone understood and has loved using the equipment. For all of the kids, one of the most favorite moments of the week were the million they spent in the pool and hot tub, sometimes as early as 7:30 am.
Cowboy Day
All the kids love horses, so Mimi and Papa figured out a way for everyone to enjoy a little time in the wild west. Everyone was so good with the horses and enjoyed their time on them so much. Don't they all look so cute?
Movie Day
One of the most exciting things about the week was the notebooks each of the kids kept with notes about what we did and the good deeds they had done. For each activity, they earned "money" to spend at the concession stand during movie night. The kids love watching an outdoor movie and getting to choose their candy, and the adults like it too :). Guess who was the biggest fan of buying his own candy? Yep, James!!
Sports Day
So glad to have Mike and Rick around. With 3 pregnant ladies and 2 missing husbands for most of the week, they were total troopers in helping execute Mimi's plans. They were both totally available and fun the entire week, full of energy for all the kids who somehow never need a break. On sports day, they (and Mimi) took the kids to play baseball, kick ball, tennis and other games while the preggos stayed home. They all came home hot and sweaty and ready for the pool. After a good swim, they helped Mimi make very cool baseball brownies to deliver to the veterans. Great day!
Adults Only!
After so many days dedicated to the kids, the adults needed some time out. The girls started with an impromptu baby shower where Marci took us to an awesome baby store and bought us some very generous gifts for these new additions. Then, that night, everyone came together for a gorgeous, quiet and delicious dinner. We loved being together and having some kid-free time to talk, joke and laugh. So grateful for fun in-laws!
Look at these bellies! Me, due in 7 weeks, Cassy, due in 11 weeks, and Jenni due in 3 weeks. Can't wait to see all these cousins together!
Spiritual Day
On Sunday we went to church, then exhausted after a week of non-stop fun, headed out to the Mormon Battalion museum in Old Town, San Diego. It was so worth it! If you have not been, you should go. The church has done an incredbile job with the rennovation and it was so interesting and exciting for kids and adults. Definitely a must see!
It was such a fun week, it was tough to leave. The kids all had the best time playing together non-stop and we loved watching the love they have for each other. I'm so grateful for incredible and supportive parents-in-law and fantastically fun brothers and sisters-in-law. Missed you Bryce and Lora! We are so blessed. Thank you all (espeically Mimi) for making Camp Cousins so great! Can't wait to do it again. Love you all lots and lots.
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