Best Costco purchase!

I bought these tubs thinking they'd be great for holding drinks and toys...little did I know the girls would want to bathe in them everyday!

San Francisco

School is out and we started our summer off with a trip to the Bay Area. Unfortunately the trip was prompted by the passing of Will's grandmother. But fortunatley we were able to spend time with family that we don't have the opportunity to visit with that often. The girls had a great time playing with their cousins. I wish we were able to see eachother more often. Getting there was great, the kids were awesome travelers! We stayed near Fisherman's Warf so there was plenty to keep us entertained. I wish we could have stayed longer than the weekend.

We passed this shop every morning when we left our hotel. The girls got a kick out of this Indian guy.

There are tons on interesting people in the city, including silver man, gold man, glitter man...and tree man. I had to post this picture just for the books. Will said this guy has been in the same spot hiding behind these branches and scaring people for 30 years!

It pretty interesting how so many people just stop and stare at these seals for hours! Our kids were intrigued for a while.

Caylin and Anika were checking out the water below the cracks...this reminded Will of doing the same thing as a kid.

The Barley Clan

Anika was pooped!

Dad and his girls. We spent Father's Day traveling back home.

Major Milestones

and kind of a catch up post. First, my niece turned 5 this month! I can't believe she will be starting kindergarten in the fall! She had a super fun party with a little table that had nail polish and lip gloss. It was cute to overhear the little girls telling Kaila "This is the best party ever" as they covered their nails in polish. Caylin probably spent about an hour at this table and ended up with about 15 coats of nail polish. The girls also had a blast in the jumper!

Second, Anika is now a year and a half! She loves cars and coloring. She's super active. Loves running, climbing, and jumping. She is a lot like Aiana was at this age. Caylin at this age was so much calmer and just happy with her baby dolls or a book. Anika, like Aiana was, is into everything! She also loves playing with her little people.

The other big change with Anika is that we are finished nursing. It was a bittersweet moment for me since she is the last baby I will ever nurse. But it felt good to clear out all bottles & breast pumps. Plus the feeling of freedom! Anika did great with the transition and is growing out of her picky eating habits.

Third, Aiana is officially a teen now! I am more comfortable now with the fact that she is a young woman, and accepting all the changes that come with the teen years. I do find myself gritting my teeth at times. She is really enjoying her dance class and if contemplating returning to soccer in the Fall or putting more focus into dance and singing. For her birthday she invited a few friends to the near by water park. Unfortunately, the day of her party it was raining! But the girls still wanted to go. They lasted only a couple hours, then were ready to come back home. The rest of the day they just hung out here, played games, ate, and swung on the swing (in which they are required to wear a helmet). They were spinning each other so fast on the swing I thought for sure someone was going to puke! I almost did just watching them. It was a great day!

When Anika wants something...

She says...

Why did you eat her lip?

This is what Caylin asked daddy this morning as he kissed mamma goodbye. :)

Partners in crime

Anika and Caylin are beginning to play so nicely together. They do still have their moments of hitting and fighting, but for the most part they love playing with eachother.

A girl and her baby

Caylin has loved her baby dolls ever since she turned 1 year old. She still loves them just the same.