summer in a square

Texas summer is ON.

And my fancy camera has been taking a nap. 

So trusty iPhone (and Instagram) have been doing all the work, capturing our Groundhog Day summer at various pools in the city,

where Clara enjoys the festivities both in and out of the water.

and our summer adventures from Texas to California, and back again.

 

We made a countdown chain 3 days before leaving (nice planning) so each kid got to take off two chains a day, morning and night. They loved it.

We drove out on a warm Texas sunrise and drove in to a 67-degree California coastline.

We played with sand, lived in sand, built with sand, and found some army men that other beach bums left behind.  So they guarded our castle from the high tide. 

Yea.
The tide won. 
So we played in it instead.

We ate at all our favorite spots.

 We celebrated the 4th.

We soaked up family time with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, and good friends.  Oh and I went kayaking with me sister Meredith. Isn't she the cutest there with Owen? (and below with her buff arms)

In the words of Tupac, California knows how to party. 
And we tried to as much as possible.

 (pausing briefly to recharge)

 And a few weeks later we were back in TX enjoying the same sunshine....just 20 degrees warmer.

 Hooray for summer! And shaved ice and pretty Toy Story clouds!

Moving away from California 4 years ago has had pluses and minuses.  So I'm thankful we still get to enjoy a little of both worlds.  Happy summer in a square!
(you can follow more daily photos on Instagram @danamadeit)