July 2023

This July was a whirlwind of activity, adventure, and cherished moments for our family. Here’s a look back at all the highlights:

Aiden’s Lacrosse Journey

The month kicked off with Aiden’s World Lacrosse Festival Tournament in San Diego. On Saturday, July 1st, we joined him and his teammates to watch the Men’s World Lacrosse Championship game at Snapdragon Stadium. The excitement in the stadium was electric as the United States faced off against Canada, clinching a 10-7 victory. Aiden’s favorite moment? Picking up a new defensive long pole at the game—its colorful design reminded us all of cotton candy.

Hot Sauce played their final game of the youth tournament on July 2nd. Although they didn’t place, Aiden’s growth on the field was undeniable. His lacrosse IQ and skills continue to develop, and we’re so proud of his progress.

Moon Valley Fireworks Celebration

On July 3rd, we celebrated the 4th of July a day early at Moon Valley Country Club. This year, we co-hosted a suite with Locality Homes (Jackie and Richard). It was a fantastic evening filled with friends, delicious snacks, and a fully stocked bar. The fireworks display after sunset was a stunning way to kick off the holiday festivities.

Madilyn Heads to Camp Stein

On July 5th, Madilyn left for her month-long adventure at Camp Stein. She looks forward to reconnecting with her camp friends each year, and this summer was no exception. Aiden opted out this year to focus on lacrosse, but Madilyn’s letters home were filled with stories of laughter and unforgettable memories with her camp crew.

House Remodel Progress

The house remodel was in full swing this month. We filled in the sunken living room with concrete, selected faucet fixtures and sinks, and transformed the living room fireplace into a sleek linear design. The reframing work made significant progress, including straightening out the stairs, adding a new bathroom, and swapping the master bedroom and bathroom locations. We can’t wait to see the final results!

Oregon Adventures

July was a month of lacrosse and exploration for Aiden and the family. On July 9th, we dropped Aiden off at Oregon State University in Corvallis for a 4.5-day Nike Lacrosse Camp. While he honed his skills, Josh and I enjoyed some much-needed time together at the Coho Oceanfront Lodge in Lincoln City.

We spent our days hiking and soaking in the natural beauty of Oregon. Highlights included the stunning Drift Creek Falls, the breathtaking views at Cascade Head, and the serene Rainforest Trail. Josh surprised me with a reservation at Antica Terra Winery, where we experienced one of the most unique wine tastings ever. To wrap up our Oregon getaway, we stayed at The Setting Inn and picked up Aiden the next day.

Before heading back to the coast, we explored the Oregon State University campus on electric scooters—a fun way to end Aiden’s camp experience. Along the drive back, we visited Devil’s Churn and stayed at the Inn at Nye Beach.

On July 14th, we visited Devil’s Punchbowl and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Saturday was spent at the Oregon Coast Aquarium with my coworker Elizabeth, her wife Ann, and their daughter Quinn. Afterward, we enjoyed lunch and beer at Rogue Brewery—a perfect way to end our time on the coast.

Wrapping Up with Lacrosse and Family Time

The month concluded with a box lacrosse tournament in San Diego on July 29th and 30th. Aiden played with the Arizona Outlaws, who teamed up with CaliLax Lacrosse to place second in the competition. After the tournament, we reunited with Madilyn at the San Diego airport—her first solo flight!

A California Coast Road Trip

Our family embarked on a weeklong road trip up the California coast. On July 31st, we stopped in Thousand Oaks to have lunch with Selma (GG) and Dione. That evening, we arrived in Pismo Beach, our family’s happy place, where we took a moment to relax and sink our feet into the sand.

Reflecting on July

This July was packed with milestones, adventures, and memories that we’ll treasure forever. From Aiden’s growth in lacrosse to Madilyn’s camp experiences and our family’s time in Oregon and California, each moment added to the tapestry of our family story. Here’s to many more months like this one!