July 2025

Skylar went to the Del Mar Fair with friends.

Skylar got to visit with her friend Isabelle who came back from Ireland for a visit.

 

YoungLife Camp 2025

When Skylar got her phone back after four days at camp, I couldn’t wait to hear from her. I texted, “How was it?” and without missing a beat, she replied: “Best week of my life.”

That one line said it all.

I was beyond thrilled that Skylar got to go back to YoungLife camp this summer—especially with all her closest friends. She’d been the only one to go back in middle school, so she was the veteran camper of the group, the only one who truly knew the kind of magic they were about to experience. And from the moment they arrived, it didn’t disappoint.

The days were packed with the kind of fun that feels rare these days—no phones, no scrolling, no distractions. Just pure, real-life connection. They played games until they were breathless, swam, soaked up the sun, dressed up for theme nights, danced under the stars, and laughed until their faces hurt. Without screens, they actually talked—like, really talked—and made the kinds of memories that stick forever.

One of the unexpected highlights? Meeting new friends from all over, especially a group of boys from Point Loma who instantly became part of their crew.

By the time we picked them up, they were already planning next summer’s trip—same place, same friends, and hopefully the same magic. Honestly, after hearing Skylar’s “Best week of my life” review… I think it’s safe to say they’ll be counting down the days.

 

Kauai 2025

This summer’s family vacation looked a little different than usual. Last-minute changes to Madden’s football schedule meant we had to split our trip. Jake and Madden headed out a few days early, and later Skylar, her best friend Anna, and I joined them. We spent two wonderful days together soaking up the ocean, playing beach volleyball, snorkeling, and indulging in the best shaved ice around.

After Jake and Madden left, we headed to Poipu Beach, where the whole Ernest/Austin clan joined us. We stayed at the Kiahuna Plantation — a place I had stayed at as a kid — so it was especially nice to go back and see it again. We had such a great time with the whole family. Everyone loved the beautiful Poipu Beach, spending endless hours in the water and soaking up the sun. One day, we went on a fun family hike that ended with all of us swimming in a waterfall — a definite highlight of the trip. We also enjoyed a traditional luau, which came with incredible food, lively music, and plenty of laughs.