July: Where in the world are the Dilles?

After sorting through the 577 pictures we took this past month as we traveled around California, Oregon, Idaho and Arizona, I am exhausted! :) Actually, I am thrilled to have recorded so many memories and only wish I had the patience to break them up into smaller slide shows for the blog. However, I do not... Therefore, the slideshow above includes 284 pictures - all the best from our month of travels. Check 'em out if you want, or just read below for a synopsis...

In order to complete his Masters in Coaching and Athletic Administration by early Fall, Aaron enrolled in three one-week long intensive classes through his program at Concordia University in Irvine. So as not to lose out on time with him for the whole month, we planned a pretty crazy trip that allowed the girls and I to tag along. Thank heavens for student loans!

Anyway, departing Denver on the 4th of July, we first checked in to a hotel in Orange County for Week 1 of our adventure. Aaron attended class all day each day Mon-Fri and the girls and I went exploring. Unfortunately, I was not prepared for the cold and drizzly weather we had that first week. We ended up making a couple of trips to Goodwill and WalMart for cheap pants & hoodies for the girls. Among other things, we visited Fashion Island, Newport & Huntington Beaches and the South Coast Plaza and Irvine Spectrum Center malls. It was also during this week that we discovered the special edition MLB Mickey Mouse statues around town. Carter was able to pose with 6 of them before we left for our next stop.

Week 2 had Aaron back in Deer Trail for some football commitments and the girls and me in Portland! We had an absolutely wonderful time with all of my family and even worked in several playdates for the girls! I just love that they are forming great friendships with kids all over!

From Portland, we flew to SLC where Aaron met us and we all drove to Shoshone, ID for the Dille family reunion. This event takes place every July and is a gathering of Mark's 6 siblings and their extended families. To give you an idea of how big it can get, Colby is the 58th great grandchild! As always, the girls had a blast with all of their aunties, uncles & cousins.

For week 3 of July, we were back in Cali, but not OC. This particular week, Aaron's class was at a satellite campus East of East LA... yeah, not the best area to stay, but we made the best of it. The girls and I explored Santa Monica, the Hollywood walk and sign, the LA Zoo and more. We also worked in a playdate with a XO sister of mine and her little boy, Joshua.

As soon as that class ended, we packed up and headed back to the OC for our final week. We also enjoyed a whole weekend with Aaron (practice, class and pretty much work-free)! With much nicer weather this time, we were actually able to play at the beach and get a little sun :) We also met up with another XO sister of mine, Jennifer, and her two little girls who are almost the same age as Carter & Colby. What a blast!

While we were scheduled to come home the Friday of that final week, some pleading by our good friend Colin and a great airfare deal led us to detour a bit and make a stop in AZ on the way home. What a whirlwind! In those final 3 days, we had a picnic/playdate at Desert Breeze Park in Chandler with the Bennetts and McKinnons, spent 3 nights in Tucson with Colin and Erica and I even got to have lunch with Debbie, Mayda and Tracy back in Phoenix. Plus, another XO sister, Laura, made a quick stop at the mall with her son Joshua so we could catch-up and introduce our little ones. Whew! It was definitely a crazy month, but lots of fun too.