Newport Beach... Round 1

This Summer has been way more fun than we deserve, although we have not been the best at documenting these memories for our posterity. So since there is exactly 1 week remaining before the kids go back to school, we thought we would post what's been going on.

June kicked off with a week long beach trip to Newport Beach, CA. We stayed in a house right on the beach with the entire Freestone clan. The beach house was amazing and big enough for all 26 of us. And best of all, we literally walked out the back door onto the sand.
The drive there wasn't too bad, but we decided we needed a little rest stop in San Diego. We stopped at the San Diego Temple and enjoyed those beautiful grounds. So so pretty.

We kind of think Katie is cute (translation: we're a little obsessed with her!)



Parker was such a good sport for the entire ride. Such a buddy!

Amy and Parker chillin' on the grass.

Chase was... Chase. We had to run and stop him from walking right into the temple several times. He's so uninhibited.

Handsome Parker

This was supposed to be Dad with all the kids, but I think Chase was holding onto some random lady's leg at the time...

I'm hoping all the trouble to get this picture with all the screaming kids will be worth it in the long run. Grandma and Grandpa Freestone with all 16 grandkids, oldest to youngest:

Connor, Kelsey, Porter, Caleb, Amy, Julianne, Macey, Hallee, Allison, Parker, Taylor, Gage, Tyler, Chase, Kiera, and Katie

Parker was pretty ticked.

Chase was even more ticked!

Went to church Sunday at the chapel next door to the Newport Beach Temple. AMAZING temple grounds, and such an elegant temple!

Gage was kind of being a stinker and wasn't really into the temple. However, something in his nose was very captivating.

Fun cousins! Really. There's nothing like having fun with your cousins, is there?

Grandpa and his "Sweet little Parker", as Chase calls him.

So each night we had a family activity that one of the families put on. It was loads of fun. Our night was a talent... er, um, I mean, VARIETY show. We did a lip sync/dance (we're totally 80's) to "Win the Race", an old EFY song. Needless to say, it was incredible. And yes, Chase is wearing a pink tutu. It's fine.

Katie got a little stage fright on her solo part.

The rest of the week we pretty much just played and relaxed on the beach. We dug holes.

Read books.

Boogie boarded.

Dug holes.

Did I mention we dug holes?

And our camera died by Wednesday.

So this was the last picture we got. Chase being forced to get a picture with Grandma.

The week was so much fun! We made some great memories and had such a great time just being together and strengthening our family bonds. We are so grateful for the family we've been blessed with and for Mom and Dad for making it possible. Let's do this again!!!