Tuesday, August 13, 2013

What We Did This Summer….

I can’t believe Summer is almost coming to an end, well, almost!  We still have less than 2 weeks left before school starts.  Of course, we’ll continue to make the most out of it.  So far, we had a blast, a little drama, a few tears, an E.R. visit, lots of laughter, lots of food, and lots of fun.  A picture is worth a thousand words.  So, I’ll show you some pictures and less talking in this post.  Please excuse the quality of the pictures as most of them were taken with my Android phone.   

The Kids took a swimming class this summer.  It’s offered by the local YMCA.  Let’s just say, there are still a lot to learn and practice!

You Jump, I Jump...we all jump into the Pool!

We visit the library and the parks quite often, both the regular parks, and theme parks.  This is my Baby Girl with Duffy at Disney's California Advanture.  Aren’t they both adorable?  So cuddly!  But I feel bad for that guy in that furry outfit when it’s 90+ degree F outside!

Baby Girl with Duffy

We went to the Orange County Fair, it was fun but the tickets for the rides were quite expensive.  We started off visiting the barn and farm animals.  Picture below is my Little Boy with the Moo Moo Cow.

Moo Moo Cow

This picture below was taken from the top of the Ferris Wheel Ride at the Fair.

OC View from Farris Wheel

I used to love crazy rides like this one (see picture below), key words here are “used to”.  Guess I’m getting old and can’t bear too much excitement from these crazy rides anymore.  Do you love crazy rides like this?  I feel dizzy just by looking at it now.

Crazy Ride at OC Fair

Of course, you’ve got to enjoy some 'Fair-Food' when you are there!  What’s your favorite 'Fair-food' to have?  Funnel cake is definitely on top of my list. 

Fair Food

If you follow me on Instagram here, you might remember this picture below with the “Sea of Turkey Legs”!  What a magnificent sight!

Ocean of Turkey Legs

We also went to the Orange City Night Out Event organized by the City’s Polices Department.  It was pretty fun.  We enjoyed some free food, some games for the Kids, talent show, and I even won a free dinner at a local restaurant from the drawing!

Orange City Night Out Event

The highlight of the event would be the K-9 performance.  They are super smart!

K-9:  I do bite!

Unfortunately, we also visited the E.R.  Fortunately, we didn’t have to stay long before we were discharged.  It was more of a precaution than anything else.  Don’t worry, we are all fine now.  It was just a minor accident at the playground.  But I have to say, this is a top notch hospital, from equipment to customer service!  The Kids were even offered Lego, coloring pages, stickers, and so on while we waited.  I felt like I was in a 5-star hotel more so than in an E.R.!

E.R.

Still remember my cherry tomato plants?  There are so many tomatoes now.  But somehow, they were taking so long to ripen this year.  Did that happen to you too?  Or is it just me, again? They stay green and orange for the longest time, I swear!

Cherry Tomatoes


The good thing is, they are worth the wait!

Little Harvest

These Cherry Tomatoes are super juicy and super sweet.  We've been harvesting 5 to 10 tomatoes a day.  Most of them went to my Baby’s Girl’s tummy as these are her favorites.  I’ll share a recipe using these tomatoes if I get enough of them in a day.

Little Harvest

Last but not least, we've been out so often that we dine out more often too.  This little dumpling house is my Kids’ favorite.  We dine there so often.  But then, I realized I haven’t do a review for this restaurant yet.  So, stay tuned for the review.  I promise, I’ll show you lots of good food. 

I hope you’re enjoying your summer so far.  Any activities or event that you want to share?  I would love to hear what you did this summer too. 

Ding Tai Fung Dumpling House

87 comments:

  1. It was a full summer, wasn't it? Here in Greece schools start on the 11th of September so we still have about a month!

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    1. Yes, it was such a fun summer, in deed. How nice the summer is extra long in Greece! :) I would be super happy to get even just a week extra!

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  2. Cute cute kidlets!

    You are having a similar summer to my daughters and their children..except for the ER..
    Thank goodness all is well..
    I went to a swimming lesson..So CUTE:)They went to the ocean.. little day trips..the beach..playdates..parties..
    My tomatoes are just like yours..
    I know I want them to ripen faster..How fun are they to watch ?:)

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    1. Good to know your daughters and her kids are having a good summer too. :)

      Finally, the tomatoes are ripen up faster than last month. They are so good!

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  3. What a fun summer you're having!!! I'm so jealous :)

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    1. Thank you, Amy. I know! It was so much fun...except the ER part. :P

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  4. I too feel some sadness that Summer is fleeting so quick. Looks like you and your family having a great summer so far. Tomatoes in our garden are still green except cherry tomatoes...beautiful pics of tomatoes I envy.

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    1. Thank you, Dear. Yes, it's was a wonderful summer. :) Finally, my tomatoes are catching up and turning red faster than a few weeks ago! My Baby Girl is the happiest as she love picking her own tomatoes in the garden.

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  5. I'm a terrible chicken when it comes to fair rides. Those turkey legs look great--a bit 'healthier' on the spectrum of things than deep-fried Oreos, I guess!

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    1. I agree...I can't ride those fair rides anymore! So sad. I have yet tried the deep-fried Oreos or candy bars! Sounds too scary, more so than the rides. Cos there's a chance that I won't be able to stop at just one!

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  6. Hi Amy, what a fun time you had and your kids are just beautiful , you are making some wonderful memories so enjoy , my kids love the fair , it comes here 10/ 17/ 13 and like you I do no rides . But the Turkey Legs is yummy :) .

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    1. Thank you, Nee. Oh....Have fun in the fair! :) I'm sure you and your kids are going to have lots of fun.

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  7. Amy your summer looks absolutely awesome :D
    So much fun, thank you for sharing!

    Cheers
    CCU

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    1. Thank you, CCU. Yes, it was a blast! Really look forward to our next vacation and time off with the kids. :)

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  8. Wonderful pictures, Amy! Brings back fond memories of summers when my boys were younger and we enjoyed many of these same fun experiences. Joy & hugs, T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Tina. Glad my pictures bring back those fun and warm memories for you. :)

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  9. I can't believe summer is almost over either! This one went by faster than ever :(

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    1. I agree. Where did the time go? I can definitely use another 2 months of summer! :P

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    2. I know...where did summer go? Can't believe it's already the Labor Day Weekend! :) Wish you a good one. Take care.

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  10. You guys had an awesome Summer! What fun events! Sorry about the ER, but glad everything else turned out well.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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    1. Thank you, Kim. Yes, it was a fun summer. The trip to ER was scary, but very thankful it turned out well in the end. :) Wish you a beautiful rest of the week.

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  11. Beautiful photos, enjoyed looking over them. looks like you were all having loads of fun despite the minor accident:)

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    1. Thank you, Jeannie. Glad you enjoyed the photos. :) Have a wonderful week ahead.

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  12. This is so random from a girl from Denver, but for some reason we always land up visiting our relatives during the OC Fair and have been there several times as recently as last year. We love it. I was so disappointed to find our that the artichoke vendor is no longer there. That was mine and my daughter's favorite fair food ever. I am so glad you are having such a great summer. My favorite time of year.

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    1. Thank you. Yes,it was a great summer. I know, it's so much fun at the OC fair. Oh bummer, I've never tried the artichoke vendor before! What am I missing out! I hope they do go to other fairs or events.

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  13. Considering you took the pictures with your Android phone, they came out pretty good! Our cousin's kid, who is 9, also paid a visit to the ER this summer. Guess it's part of growing up.

    Our garden is bursting with tomatoes, okra, Japanese eggplants and several different kinds of peppers. My Martha Stewart neighbors are canning peaches, peppers, tomatoes, salsa, you name it. (all in my latest posting).

    Enjoy the rest of the summer! School in TN started this week.

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    1. I know. I guess the camera in the cell phone these days are pretty good in quality. :)

      Oh my...you have quite many goodies growing in your garden! :) Hehe...I love the name your gave your neighbor, Martha! LOL.

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  14. Sounds like a fantastic summer Amy, except the ER visit. But yes this summer sure flew by! Have a great week.

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    1. I know...don't really know where summer went. :) But as you said, we had a fantastic one (if we minus the ER visit). I'm thankful that everything turned out fine.

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  15. Looks like a fantastic summer (minus the trip to ER of course). The end of summer for you means summer for me! So excited.

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    1. :) I know...it was a great summer. I feel excited for you too. Wish you a beautiful and fantastic summer ahead.

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  16. You sure had a busy and fun summer. I come from a coastal city and less than 10 mins walk distance to the sea, and I still can't swim.

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    1. Yeah, it was a full and fun summer for us. Well, the "can't swim" part makes the 2 of us. :P

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  17. What an amazingly busy summer! Plenty still to look forward to though.

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    1. Yeah, it was so much fun. :) I really look forward to the summers ahead of is.

      Wish you a fantastic rest of the week.

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  18. Wow you and your family sure had lots of fun activities this summer (excluding the ER visit of course). Here, we have summer all year round so nothing much to highlight.

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    1. Wow, summer all year round? :) But then, I'm sure you have special holidays to celebrate throughout the year.

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  19. What a fun summer! Fair food is THE BEST!!

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    1. Oh yeah...we had lots of fun this summer. Love most of the fair food. :) After all, it's not something that we eat often, that's why it's "special". hehehe....

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  20. Hi Amy!

    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog:) It sure looks like you and your family are having a fun filled summer. I can't believe how chilly it was this morning. I hope it isn't yet.

    I don't enjoy rides as much as I use to but I sure love watching others. Your children are adorable. I'm sure this was a summer to remember:)

    The tomatoes in Pennsylvania, where I live, are slowly ripening this year. I'm not sure why they are taking so long. Good to know though they will come around. Yours look mighty good!

    Thank you so much for sharing...enjoy the rest of your Summer...

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    1. Thank you, Louise. I know. It was a fun packed summer. I sure will miss the time with the kids. :) The homegrown tomatoes are so good. They sure were worth the wait. They are ripen up a lot faster this week. Hope you're getting some good crops too.

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  21. Wow, your sure had a fun summer, except for the ER...enjoy the pictures Amy.
    Have a lovely week ahead :D

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    1. Thank you, Juliana. Yes, it was a fun summer. At least, the ER visit turned out alright. I'm just thankful for that. Wish you a wonderful rest of the week.

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  22. Sounds like you have a wonderful summer! Some of the schools in our area have already started (most next week, or the week after that). Sorry about the ER, but glad it wasn't anything serious. Great pictures - thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you. Yes, it was such a fun summer for us. I'm just thankful that nothing major with that ER visit. Thank you so much and glad you enjoy the pictures. Have a wonderful rest of the week.

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  23. I have had to take both of my kids to the ER more than once, so don't feel bad :) Also my tomatoes took longer than normal to ripen also. I'm guessing it's from all the crazy weather we had in June and July.

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    1. Ouch...hope your kids are alright. Yeah, I guess those ER visits are really part of growing up. :P

      I know, the weather is really off this year. We have not to hot in the last 2 months, until this week. The heat is quite unbearable. Hope you had a wonderful summer and stay cool. Have a great weekend ahead.

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  24. Looks like you had a great summer except for the ER..so glad everyone's fine. The tomatoes look so beautiful
    the furry guys, poor thing, but your little one is so adorable. California Adventure, isn't it fun. We were there too, and boys went 6 times on Cali Screamin and I got a headache going just once...
    I hear ya, trying to make the most of next couple of weeks. Enjoy the rest..xx

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    1. Thank you, Asha. hehe...I can't get on those crazy rides anymore! :P I used to love them when I was young. :) Sounds like your family is having a great time as well.
      Can't believe it's the Labor Day weekend already! Wish you and your family a wonderful weekend. take care.

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  25. I love fairs and carnivals. But most of all I love the petting zoo. and I miss having kids to go with me. Thank you!

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    1. I know...it's lots of fun to see the kids getting so excited to meet and pet the animals. :)

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  26. I seriously cannot believe summer is almost over! But it looks like you guys crammed a lot into it!!

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    1. Thank you, Joanne. Hehe...yes, it was a fully packed summer! Really loved it.

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  27. Your pictures do speak a thousand words :)
    So sorry bout the ER trip - but the rest looks like it was a blast! I am with you on the rides - I used to love em but now, I can do the crazy rides in the dark, but not when its sunny - wierd huh?!
    Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com

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    1. Thank you, Shashi. Glad you like my pictures. :) Oh well, I'm worse, no rides for me at all, no matter in the dark or under the sun! hahaha....

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  28. I can't believe summer is nearly over, but I don't really want it to be over. Only two more weeks. I'll be heading to Spain this weekend, hopefully it will be a long summer! Aw, your daughter is sooooo cute with Duffy! Very adorable! I'm glad you guys are okay, after reading your E.R. part. Aren't cherry tomatoes delish? I love roasting them with garlic, rosemary and plenty of good olive oil.

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    1. Thank you so much. Glad you like my pictures. Hm....your roasted tomato with garlic and rosemary sounds wonderful. Hope you're enjoying your trip in Spain! :) Have fun.

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  29. I haven't had my summer holidays yet :-( Your cherry tomatoes look beautiful! I once grew them on my balcony and remember they were the best tomatoes in my life! Nothing tastes better than the produce we grow on our own.

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    1. Not having your holiday yet? Well, hope you'll have a blast when it starts! ;) And so true, homegrown veggies and herbs are the best.

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  30. What beautiful children. Thank you for sharing your summer!

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    1. Thank you so much. Glad you enjoy my pictures.

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  31. Hi Amy, thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures. Look like you had a lots of fun with your kids. :))
    Love your fresh tomatoes.... it definitely worth to wait even thou it took a long time to ripe. Happy gardening.

    Have a nice weekend.

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    1. Thank you, Amelia. Yes, we had a super fun summer. Yup...those tomatoes are the best. So glad they are finally ready for picking.

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  32. Looks like you had a fun summer! Glad the ER visit turned out okay. Enjoy the remaining days of summer before school begins:)

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    1. Thank you, Sue. Yes, it was a fun filled summer. I'm glad the ER visit turned out to be okay too. :)

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  33. Your little girl posed well. Have a great week end.

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    1. Thank you. hehehe...yes, she's a natural in posting pictures.

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  34. I can't believe it's almost Labor Day and the kiddos will be back in school soon! It's been such a busy but fun one here too. What fun activities you've done with your little ones (except for the ER visit, I'm sure)! I remember we used to take our girls to Great America a few times during the summer and my husband was always the ride 'guinea pig'. He'd go on first and tell us if we would like it :) My favorite food was a Lemon Chill on a hot day followed by a funnel cake, of course.

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    1. How nice you've got a guinea pig for rides. :) I used to be that pig! hahaha....too bad I can't get on those rides any more. yum! Love Frozen lemonade and funnel cake.

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  35. Envying your "fruitful" cherry tomatoes ....they just need more heat to ripen, I think. We also tried growing cherry tomatoes for the first time this year but it is not bearing many fruits despite getting "out-of-hand" taller and taller. :( We have since switched to growing bushy-type Roma tomato plants. I still prefer cherry tomatoes for its flavor though.

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    1. You're totally correct about the heat. It's been really hot lately and the tomatoes are ripen at a much faster speed. :) Yes, the cheery tomatoes are super sweet. I've never plant roma tomatoes though. But I usually cook more with them. The cherry tomatoes are more like snacks for us. :)

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  36. It looks like you guys had a great summer. Sorry for the ER trip, but good to know you guys are fine. Your cherry tomatoes look so red and ripe. I bet they must be very sweet. My husband and I love to go to Din Tai Fung too. Who can resist those steaming hot and juicy dumplings? :)

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    1. It's was such a packed summer. :) hehe...I might have bump into you at Din Tai Fung if I recognize you. :P We were there so often this summer.

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  37. It sounds like you had a great summer - other than the hospital visit, which I am glad to hear was brief!

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    1. Thank you, Kari. Yes, I'm definitely thankful that everything turned out alright for the ER visit. Guess that's part of growing up! :P

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  38. Lovely photos.
    Beautiful children! Xxx
    Have a good (rest) of the summer, dear.

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    1. Than you so much. Glad you like my pictures. It sure was one fun summer.

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  39. My kids' school starts next Tuesday... Back to reality! I'm so not ready, while I'm happy that I don't have to figure out things to do for them. Sounds like you had a awesome summer holiday! Your kids areo so cute! xo

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    1. "Back to reality" is the perfect phrase for it! hahaha...I can't believe summer is over so quickly. :P I'm already looking forward to the next holiday!

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  40. that is fun outing.. i will love to be there too

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    1. Thank you. Glad you love my summer activities.

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  41. It just really hit me that summer really is nearing an end. :/ can't we keep it going for a while longer :) ? Your kids are darling! -M

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    1. Thank you! I know...can't believe summer is gone already. I really look forward to the next vacation with the kiddos. :)

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  42. Your kids are so adorable!! Looks like it was a fun filled summer this year :)

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    1. Thank you so much! Oh yeah, it was a fully packed and fun summer for us. :)

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  43. Loved your summer recap and the photos! Looks like lots of fun (well, not the E.R. trip!) Sweet, precious children. As far as crazy rides, I would rather be the "designated bag, and stuff holder" while everyone else does the rides. I can do something like the "lazy river" or maybe a ferris wheel, if I am holding tight to my hubby! (Yes, kind of a wimp, even though on my "bucket list" I would actually like to try a zip line, hot air balloon, parasail and a helicopter ride...my hubby flew helicopters for the army, but I had never had a chance to ride in one).

    Blessings & Aloha!

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    1. hehe....I think I just upgrated myself to the "designated bag, and stuff holder"....over the years, which is not bad. Just long as I don't have to deal with the dizzy and light headed feelings after a ride. :) So, we're on the same boat! hahaha....

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