Although I never met them, I have learned that Mildred was a published poet, accomplished quilter, and devoted member of her church. Edward was a World War II veteran and an avid fan of all sports at Abington Heights High School for the past 20 years. 
Mildred and Edward Archabald
Geri and Matt at the church
The Archabald Home in Pennsylvania
Little Olivia is precious. She has such petite features- nose, lips, ears and eyelashes. Her coloring was perfect and her skin was so soft. The nurse made the cute little bow in her otherwise standard hospital cap. Too cute!
Lisa can't nurse yet due to some tests she had today, but it was sweet watching Olivia drink formula from an eye dropper. Amazing she could fill up on just 2 droppers of formula. Grandma enjoyed the bonding time too!
Hopefully Lisa will get to come home on Saturday. My girls can't wait to get their hands on that sweet little girl!
It has been a week of sand and sun. It seems silly to take pictures of every beach trip, but it has truly been our home away from home this summer. In the last week, the kids have been there 4 days and plan to go again tomorrow. Our favorite beach is Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, but we have found Oceanside a little more convenient during the week. The girls know the routine when it comes to packing for our beach day. The list is the same every time:
Once we arrive, they sunscreen and head right for the waves. Most of their time is spent diving under the waves, boogie boarding on top of the waves or lounging in the sand as the waves crash into them. They take a break to dig for sand crabs or bury each other, but they can't get enough of the water. I even ventured in a few times and caught a few waves on the boogie board! When Matt joins us, he loves the water too and loves helping the kids create sculptures in the sand. 
It is the ultimate family day and I hate to see summer come to an end. The beach has been our great escape from the heat and a great spot to hang out with family and friends. We will do our best to fit in a few more days before August 17th.
Tanner and Allison chill out in the waterfall
Yesterday, we packed up the car for a day in San Diego. Our 1st stop was a tour of SDSU where Matt, Dave and I all went to school. Dave hadn't seen the campus for a while and he was amazed by all of the changes. Not only did we miss out on the new Love Library and Student Activity Center, they have also added an incredible Aquatic Center and Tennis Pavilion. All of my old nutrition buildings have been torn down and replaced by beautiful architecture and our old cafeteria is now filled with many of the chain restaurants that we eat at today. Sure isn't the same meal plan I was used to!
Then it was off to the USS Midway docked in San Diego Harbor. Our family has done this tour before, but enjoyed it for a 2nd time.
I couldn't get over the tight sleeping quarters. 9 men slept in a room no bigger than my walk in closet. The ceilings were so low and walkways were so narrow, but the enormity of the ship was quite amazing. We struggled through the interior part of the ship because the ventilation is horrible and it was a very hot day. We were glowing, sticky messes by the time we made it to the flight deck.
Taylor gave us a thumbs up from the cockpit.
Dave got us these great seats in outfield. We were hoping a left handed batter would shoot a home run right to us. There were 3 homeruns, but none of them made it to our section.
Mitchell, Marley, Taylor, Cooper, Zoe & Allison
Allison's group
Marley, Zoe and Allison test the chilly water
Abby, Allison and Cooper
As soon as we arrived, I noticed two holes in the butt of Taylor's very old suit. I chose not to say anything knowing it would put her into a panic. We made it through the 1st few hours without anyone saying anything, but then sweet Abby said, "Do you know you have holes in your bathing suit?" That was the end of that. Taylor spent the rest of the day sidelined with her coverup on but she continued to play with Carson in the sand and was surprisingly calm. We will be bathing suit shopping tomorrow!
I did get a few eye roles from her when I wouldn't let her walk on the pier with some of her friends. There were way too many people and it was too far away, but she was feeling very left out and frustrated with me. It is a tough thing explaining that I trust her, but don't trust the motives of others on the beach and that it is my job to protect her even if it means upsetting her. Matt helped me get the point across over dinner and I think she somewhat understands. It wasn't the 1st time and certainly won't be the last. 
Kelly, Felicia, Emily, Taylor, Allison & Dominic
The girls loved getting flipped in the inner tube
Mason contently watched all of the big kids swim
Demi so sweetly slept on Teresa's lap while we soaked in the pool
Kids vs. Dads water fight
Lisa and Leslie
After dinner, we packed up our cars and headed to Paul and Laura's for our traditional viewing of the fireworks. They have a great view from their driveway and we can also avoid the crazy traffic situation. The kids all swam some more and munched on festive desserts while we waited for 9:00 to arrive. At 8:58 the girls loaded in the back of Matt's truck for the best view . Most of the kids thought the show was boring, but we were impressed by some of the new fireworks and the finale. 
