I love our family outings.

We never have a clear planned out itinerary but we always end up in fun places and create lasting memories. Today was one of those days. We headed out to UCLA for the Literary Festival (totally random I know). We were told they had a lot of stuff for kids (they did) and that is was free. Why not?! Well the highlights of that little adventure were the snow cone

and Ashlyn terrorizing me while riding on my shoulders.

Before everyone totally lost it we hurried to the car hungry, tired and very hot. We decided we needed the ocean. So we jumped on PCH and ended up at Duke's in Malibu.

Our kids made a HUGE mess and we received tons of sympathy laughs from our server. The kids were not even that bad so I don't know why she kept laughing at us but apparently we are quite a sight. We then found a little beach perfect for the kids and we spent the last couple hours of daylight having a blast.

Andy and Ashlyn totally overcame their fear and dislike of the water. They kept running into the waves even after getting knocked over. Tyler and I are not so sure this new found bravery is a very good thing.

Taylor totally in her element. When we left the beach she said, "I am so happy!"

I think it is safe to say that our kids love the beach as much as we do.

It is moments like these that make life sweet.