August was a month filled with road trips, celebrations, and transitions for our family. Here’s a look back at everything that made this month so memorable:
Continuing Our California Road Trip
We kicked off August by continuing our family road trip to San Jose for Aiden’s final box lacrosse tournament of the summer. On August 1st, we took a scenic drive up the coast, stopping at the Elephant Seal habitat near Piedras Blancas in San Simeon. Watching the massive seals lazing on the beach was a unique experience for all of us.
We made another stop in Paso Robles, where Josh and I enjoyed a wine tasting at Alpha Omega, a sister winery of our wine club. Meanwhile, Madilyn and Aiden explored Downtown Paso, shopping and indulging in some local eats. We ended the day in Santa Cruz at the Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park, enjoying rides, games, and a lively coastal atmosphere.
A Challenging Camping Experience
On August 2nd, we ventured to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for what was supposed to be a night of camping and hiking. The day started off well with a hike through the majestic redwoods, but things quickly took a turn. During dinner prep, both Madilyn and I were stung by bees as a swarm descended on our campsite. To top it off, Aiden narrowly avoided chopping off his thumb while cutting firewood.
With everyone except Josh injured or shaken, we decided to abandon camping for the night. Josh heroically dismantled the campsite alone while the rest of us nervously waited in the car. We made it to San Jose a night early and, using our trusty camp stove, finally had our planned dinner of grilled cheese and tomato soup in the comfort of a hotel room.
Exploring San Jose and Lacrosse Nationals
On Thursday, August 3rd, we explored The Tech Interactive Museum in San Jose. The hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences captivated all of us. Later, we spent the afternoon skateboarding around town, seeking out milkshakes and dinner.
Aiden’s Arizona Outlaw Lacrosse team began competing in the USBOXLA Nationals on Friday, August 4th. Over the three-day tournament, the team played fiercely and earned third place in their division. We couldn’t be prouder of Aiden and his teammates!
Back to School
The tournament concluded on Sunday, August 6th, and we endured a long drive home to get ready for the first day of school on Monday, August 7th. This year, both kids started at Mountain Sky Junior High—Madilyn as an 8th grader and Aiden as a 7th grader. It’s hard to believe how quickly they’re growing up.
Celebrating Aiden’s 12th Birthday
Aiden turned 12 on August 11th! We celebrated with the Raetz family, sharing a special Shabbat dinner in his honor. It was a simple yet meaningful way to mark this milestone.
Family Celebrations and House Progress
The month also included some big family events. With Lynsey and Mina visiting Arizona, we celebrated my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. We gathered at Valle Luna for a festive dinner, complete with bundt cake and balloons—a fitting tribute to their incredible milestone.
The house remodel continued, with significant progress on framing and extending the kids’ rooms. Each step brings us closer to our vision for the perfect family home.
Judah’s Bar Mitzvah
On August 18th, we hit the road again, this time to Calabasas, California, to celebrate Judah’s Bar Mitzvah. The whole family came together for the weekend, making it a joyous and memorable occasion. Being surrounded by loved ones was the perfect way to wrap up our summer adventures.
Reflecting on August
From road trips and lacrosse tournaments to school transitions and family celebrations, August was a month that highlighted the joy of being together through life’s ups and downs. Here’s to cherishing these moments and looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring!
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